Reviewed by Tony Cummings

With some well publicised emotional problems and a distinctly underwhelming previous album, 2011's 'Free', Kierra had quite a lot to prove with this release. From my perspective, though she hasn't yet returned to the heights which made 'I Owe You' such a stunning debut she has at least made a pretty strong album. Her brother J Drew Sheard II handles production here with the siblings writing the bulk of the songs. I'm not quite sure why they included a song from non-Christian Diane Warren, particularly as "Flaws" isn't particularly memorable but I'll let that pass. The best track by some way here is "2nd Win" which with its bass-driven groove and clipped girl chorus has the same kind of infectious quality which made "You Don't Know" so invigorating all those years back. Another cut which will get attention from modern R&B followers is "Repin' My God" which features Canton Jones and plenty of space monster effects on the vocals though it seems a tad slow and disjointed. Elsewhere there's "Moving Forward", a militant declaration of spiritual intent while the interludes "You Don't Like What You See" and "Balm" reference her proud gospel heritage by sampling fragments of the Clark Sisters' "He Will Turn Your Scars Into Stars" and "Balm In Gilead". I'd have preferred a couple of faster tracks on this set but there's no doubting that Kierra is still a formidable vocalist.

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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