print: GOSPEL MUSIC REVIEW: Changing Places (June Rochelle) / June, 2006 on BlackGospel.com

Changing Places (June Rochelle)
V.E.M.G

June, 2006 on BlackGospel.com - Review by EM Fergusson

When you think to yourself – gospel music can’t get any better – another artist appears to, once again, bless us. Creative, refreshing and full of purpose, June Rochelle is all about delivering the reassuring message of love and strong belief in God.

Bearing spiritually talented gifts, June shares lessons of life that will go a long way. The Indiana native has stood before thousands of people on stages singing with famed artists such as Celine Dion and Diana Ross. Experiences have shaped June and she has followed God’s call in her life: singing and bringing hope to people’s troubled lives.

“My purpose on this road will always be to help Jane Doe and Joe Blow make it through another day,” June concludes, “When you’re weary and feeling like you can’t take it anymore, always know there is a love that can change you and lift you from that place.”

Released on Vision Entertainment Media Group, LLC, ‘Changing Places,’ is June’s third album. The theme of love that revolves on the album is soothing, and offers a comforting and enlightening presence to the project. The variety of musical styles will hook any listener. It is infectious, ensuring that believers will want more and more from this psalmist. Infused with soft contemporary gospel, each track is soul-stirring, filled with warm messages. The first track, For All The Love, is June’s personal testimony of overcoming hurt and pain, by keeping her mind on God. The song expresses how much love God has bestowed upon us, while thanking Him for both the trials and the blessings.

Following in the footsteps of the first track, Forever By Your Side, is another praise and worship contemporary ballad, with lyrics that convey deep gratitude towards God for being there. Staying true to a mid-tempo, soul-laden style, His Name is Love, an oldies version of His Eye Is On The Sparrow, and Radio celebrates the assurance that God’s love will never abandon you.

Title track Changing Places, is a song that talks about the importance of believing – by changing places. The melody is laced with a savvy fusion of tight vocals and gratifying musical composition. June lays it down, on the flavored track, Stomp Shaker (Stop Talkin’ to Me). The lyrics speak to negative situations caused by the evil one. Proclaiming her stand on being saved, and how this affects her behavior, June calls for a community ‘Soul-Train line’, on the urban-mixed, Just because I’m Saved.

This jubilant songstress shares a part of her soul by allowing listeners to get a glimpse of her prayer life with God. Her soul-sharing is evident on the track, Wherever You Go. The traditional ballad is similar to the song I’ll Say, “Yes, Lord, Yes!” June’s powerful vocals ring out, declaring God being there for the rest of all time: Wherever you go/I’m here for you/the rest of your life/Whatever you want/I’ll give you your heart’s desire.

June’s delightful, graceful and stimulating vocal abilities fused with rich musical styles create a pleasant listening experience with Changing Places. This psalmist will certainly affect change in diverse places, as she continues to share her transparent soul and soulful art form with the world.