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Everlasting Love

© Carol Allen

CeCe Winans first found fame with her brother, BeBe, with whom she developed a style of pop-Gospel. Their efforts were not in vain: the duo experienced monumental success on the R&B charts, earning multiple Grammys and becoming a household name. On her sophomore album, EVERLASTING LOVE, CeCe displays all the conviction of a gospel belter, while employing the vocal acrobatics of a true soul diva. EVERLASTING LOVE was nominated for a 1999 Grammy for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.

Vocalist CeCe Winans has spearheaded a quiet revolution in the world of contemporary urban pop, gospel music for the past 10 years. As a member of Grammy Award-winning duo BeBe & CeCe, her fresh blend of soulful vocals, positive lyrics and gospel swing beats opened up a musical window that let in the likes of Sounds of Blackness and Kirk Franklin. Her God -given message of love, hope and faith has transcended categorization; as Cece noted, "Everything we sing touches our emotions, and hopefully, the emotions of those who listen. Our songs let people know who we are and what we believe in. They are a chance to share with people what we feel."

A wondrous melange of uplifting lyrics, and rapturous vocals, Everlasting Love is an enthralling journey through the heart and soul of one of this world's greatest artists. To achieve this stunning result, CeCe enlisted the top-drawer producing/songwriting talent's of Tony Rich ("Nobody Knows"), Keith Crouch (Tony Braxton, Boys II Men, Brandy), Daryl Simmons (Aretha Franklin, Vanessa Williams), Cedric Caldwell (Alone in His Presence), and Lauryn Hill of the Fugees. "I've never worked with so many producers before," Winans says. "I think the key to a quality album is recording songs that convey a certain amount of versatility. This was the first time I've listened to so many outside songs. The selection of material was incredible. The few that I selected really impacted me and lifted me. Everlasting Love is a mixture of the CeCe material that my current listeners are familiar with, as well as material that is tailored for a more broad-based appeal. wrote I wanted the single to be the type of track that would capture people's attention right away."

The music of Everlasting Love is not only a breath of sweet air, it's a natural progression for an artist who is always expanding her talents. "Everything I do has always been a timing thing," says CeCe. "It was clear and comfortable for me to add a new dimension to the album's direction. I wanted this to be an album that would reach the world. Everything I say, I believe in; everything is a reflection of that." This is no idle boast- CeCe Winans and the songs of Everlasting Love rank way up there with the best that pop music has to offer. The proof is in the listening.

The copyright of the article Everlasting Love in Christian Music - Gospel is owned by Carol Allen. Permission to republish Everlasting Love in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.