Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Eclecticism doesn't often work on record, but MARi Burelle from Queens, New York pulls it off on this effervescent smorgasbord of styles and influences. Whether she's offering a slice of careering salsa complete with a reggaton rapper ("Estoy Bien"), a full on club groove ("Everybody's Dancing"), a surprisingly authentic slice of reggae ("Ooh You Love Me") or a building pop ballad ("I Believe In Jesus"), such is the joyful squeal of her vocals Ms Burelle batters down opposition. The singer's lyrics are hardly profound ("You gotta feel my love/As hot and as bright as the sun") but are direct enough to speak to the youth at which MARi's music is clearly pitched. Nashville's Elevate Entertainment have picked up an act with bags of potential and the singer's core message that "God can take all the junk of our past and shape into something that brings him crazy glory" is delivered in abundance.

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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