R&B over the decades has borrowed its strongest elements from Gospel. From the harmonies and melodies of various songs right down to the actual singers, Urban Gospel music laid a solid foundation not only for R&B but also pop music in general. Raishein’s debut Gospel album Believe shows all who listen that gospel  music is coming full circle. With solid R&B underpinnings, Believe proves that solid Gospel music can be just as accessible as R&B that bombards our today’s youth.

The range of notes this Houston, TX, singer/songwriter is able to achieve with her voice reminds me of Cheryl “Coko” Clemons, the gospel singer formerly of the platinum selling R&B group SWV.  Raishein’s alto is powerful and angelic. Her soprano notes are enchanting to the point you can feel the intensity of her emotions.

The 11 songs on the Pre-Release Version of the Believe album is full of laid back R&B jams reminiscent of the late 90s and early 00s (minus the bump and grind). Raishein’s lyrical abilities shine on every track drawing her listeners to celebrate joy and praise God. There are a few songs that stand out, such as I’ve Got Joy, Help Me, Trust and Choose.

• Choose is musically different to what orthodox Gospel listeners may think Gospel music should sound like. I liked the use of drums and the bass to drive the rhythm. Raishein’s lyrics speak of truth and hold everything together like glue.
• Raishein makes a great connection with her listeners on Trust. I suggest anyone going through  tough times, enemies and despair to let this song seep into their soul.  This song is truly inspiring.
• Help Me is a powerful ballad that makes great use of a piano to showcase Raishein’s vocal presence. Raishein truly pours her soul with lyrics of love, life and loyalty to the Lord. This song gives listeners a chance to really hear what Raishein has as a singer.
• I’ve Got Joy demands you to jump out of your seat and stomp your feet. From the first note this song is funky and defiant. You’ll feel like shouting from the first note. Since it’s one of the faster cuts on the CD, you’ll probably be sweating by the time the next song starts. This is the perfect song to play when Satan attempts to steal your happiness and falls flat on his face…

As the Princess of Gospel Pop Music, Raishein gives to you her musical testimony to God. Believe is the perfect CD for the lover of Christ that also loves the vibes of soft R&B.

http://www.myspace.com/raishein
http://music.blackplanet.com/raisheinsings/
http://shoutlife.com/raishein

P.S. Join the Joey Reviews Newsletter at http://joeypinkney.com/joey-reviews-newsletter.html

P.S.S. If you want to be feature in a 5 Minutes, 5 Questions With… series, email me at joey.pinkney@gmail.com or myspace.com/joeyreviews

This Post is Sponsored by:

Advertise with JoeyPinkney.com for just $20 (click here).