CECE’S SEMINAL QUALITIES SHINE
Though rumors have
persisted of a BeBe & CeCe Winans reunion, the latter of the powerful pair
remains in solo ranks (at least for the time being).
Thy Kingdom Come marks the vocal diva’s first new collection in
three years, though the time off seems to only have refined her already
sterling pipes. Within seconds of the lead track. “Holy Father God,” it’s apparent why Winans
is such a seminal force within the R&B and gospel communities, which not
only stems from her ability to flawlessly interpret timeless messages of truth,
but to also soothe with her soul radiant charisma. The lively “Forever”
continues in that tradition, combing her stunning voice with several spoken
word segments, all wrapped around an exuberant choir.
Advertisement
As the disc continues, CeCe shifts
seamlessly between vibrant congregational moments (“The Coast is Clear,”
“Waging War”) and personal moments of prayer (the title track, “Bless His Holy
Name”). However, she’s equally capable of meeting non-believers wherever they
may be, oftentimes bearing resemblance to her dear friend Whitney Houston
throughout the Waiting To Exhale-worthy
ballad “The Test of Time” to the joyous urban pop of “A Million Miles”—songs
that reinforce her already reputable reach.
-- Andy Argyrakis