Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Texas-based gospel singer Andrea Helms has released her second album since appearing on BET's Sunday Best talent search show and, as with her 2012 debut, it's her voice that steals the show. Most definitely in the Whitney Houston mould, Helms' accomplished vocals shine through whatever the setting and the singer is able to switch between powerful performances and quieter moments with ease as she seeks to offer up praise to God. Whilst the musical backdrop does the job perfectly, the decision to alternate between live recordings and studio material does make this album feel somewhat disjointed and it might have been better to stick to one or the other - especially given that Helms' overall sound is markedly different in either environment. In addition, the inclusion of a shouty preacher-style emcee in several of the songs is distracting and wholly unnecessary and gives the impression that Helms is still a talent show entrant as opposed to being an artist in her own right - and she is most certainly the latter.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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