CeCe Winans “More Than This” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Lord and Friend, Be Still and Know, In a Little While

Overall Grade: 4.5/5

Many Gospel music albums thrive on being "led by the Spirit," such that they tend to rely more on riffs and ad-libs than well-thought-out melodic structures. Winans' latest release. "More Than This" is an exception. The record is packed with well-written worship songs, and in terms of quality, it ranks high up there with her 2021 album "Believe for It." Take a listen at the album opener, "Lord and Friend," and you can't help but join in the worship as the song progresses. With an earworm of a melody and lyrics that speak of the sovereignty and intimacy of Jesus, one wouldn't be surprised when worship leaders start including it in their worship song set.

"Be Still and Know" borrows from the pop grooves of the 80s; the song teaches us how to respond to the chaos of life. This isn't just a groovy song; it offers Godly and practical advice for survival. Listening to how Winans builds the song "Too Late Too Soon" to its glorious crescendo is itself a highlight. "Worthy" is a worthy follow-up to Winans' big hit "Believe for It." In both songs, she shows how the different shades of vocal intensities can bring out the ballads' meaning.

Winans' versatility is showcased in her covers on this record. Her rendition of the classic worship chorus "Sanctuary" is a standout. Winans graciously stepped back to let her live audience take the lead. Her cover of Chris Tomlin/Bethel's "Holy Forever" is flawless, although it doesn't introduce anything new. Similarly, her version of Andrew Peterson's "Is He Worthy?" is above average, but the song needs her personal touch.

The latter part of the album is not to be skipped over. "Come Jesus Come" is a solid ballad demonstrating what a stellar vocalist Winans is. The album closer, "In a Little While," is a scintillating and joyous celebration of our future union with Christ. If you like Winans' "Believe for It" album, "More Than This" doesn't disappoint. It is filled with top-notch worship songs, and "Be Still and Know" and "In a Little While" deserve to be sung by churches and Christians repeatedly.

 

 

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