Reviewed by Allan Clare

Melody Barnes is a gospel singer from Largo, Maryland and this is her album debut. The opening "Christ Reigns" is a bit of a mish mash of gospel and salsa piano. It sounds rather chaotic with jagged beats and Melody's full-on vocals. That's followed by the more traditional gospel "Holy Ghost Filled". Melody does have an excellent voice for trad gospel, but then the style suddenly changes with catchy Destiny's Child-tinged pop R&B grooves on "Complete Me" and "They Don't Know" which perfectly suit the often strident vocals. Finally, on "I Lift My Hands" things calm down a bit and it's on this praise ballad that Melody really shows what a fine vocalist she is. I'm unsure whether the mix of traditional and contemporary songs works as well as it should. However, 'The Reason' is a well produced, solid and varied set.

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