print: This Is Me (Kierra "Kiki" Sheard) - Gospel Music Review on BlackGospel.com

This Is Me (Kierra "kIki" Sheard)
July, 2006 on BlackGospel.com, Review by Em Fergusson

The journey is far from over for Kierra “Kikki” Sheard, as her new album, This Is Me hits the streets this summer. Kierra is the daughter of Karen Clark-Sheard, one of gospel’s distinguished singers and founding members of the gospel legendary Clark Sisters. From the talented and ingenious family comes 18-year old Kierra, with a natural-born talent that has undoubtedly been handed down to her.

Taking her career to new heights, This Is Me was released by EMI Gospel June 27, as well, the label simultaneously released This Is Me Special Edition. The special edition features 18 songs, which include the entire album with an additional five bonus tracks and a live version of the title track. Through the encouragement and support of her parents, Dr. J Drew Sheard (Minister of Greater Emmanuel Inst. COGIC, one of the largest churches in Michigan) and gospel recording artist, Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard is not new to the music scene. At the tender age of nine, Kierra won a prestigious Stellar Award for Best Children’s Performance as a debut featured singer on her mother’s album, Finally Karen. It did not take long for Kierra to take the next huge step: releasing a debut album of her own. The release of her first album, I Owe You, made history, debuting at number one on the Billboard Gospel Charts.

The highly anticipated sophomore album has the world buzzing with excitement. Kierra’s last single, Let Go, from her remix CD went to #1 on Japan’s radio charts. Listeners will not be disappointed with Kierra’s project. The lyrics are fused with a powerful message, teeming with a mixture of distinctive rhythms. Kierra does not cloud her faith, as she boldly announces her Christian lifestyle and experiences. The album resonates with an exceptional flow: from one track to another, Kierra’s upbeat persona shines through, providing an in-depth look into what it means to live a spiritual life.

Kierra’s title track, This Is Me, is a slow-moving song, conveying how much we need God; how much we need to wait on Him as we kneel humbly before Him. The rich tasteful ballad is a praise and worship melody to the Almighty: a testament to the wonders of God and what He can do in anyone’s life.

A svelte and inventive track, Have What You Want, features a tasteful ‘East meets West’ ethnic, hip flavor, delivering an intense message to the youth of today. Don’t let them ever get to you/You can have what you want/be what you want/have what you want/ Be what you want…The encouraging track gives a new spin to the contemporary style.

The 12-track album flows with urban-mixed Faith, an oath, declaring faith is required to deal with situations and realities in life. As she shares her thoughts with listeners, Kierra goes on to softly explain her experiences, encouraging listeners on Hear This. The inspiring ballad is backed by smooth vocals and savvy musical composition.

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Grooving with No Never, Kierra’s soaring soprano professes that she cannot make it without God. She continues on the same thread of thought with the energetic Why Me. As she muses on how lost she would be without God, Yes is a call to change your life for the better. The eclectic lead is upbeat and hip, offering just that something that will want us all to jump with Kierra and shout, “Yes, Yes, Yes!”

Kierra is a pioneer, much like the women who walked before her. As she masters new territory, the tight rhythms, deep lyrics and ambient flow produces an authenticity to musical ministry. The soul-stirring talented artist takes gospel music to a new level as she defines herself as a messenger of Christ.

Expect to enter into a new era with This Is Me as Kierra draws us into a unique spiritual experience: an Urban-inspired approach to life-affirming lyrics about living for God, positive hype about Christianity and groovy tracks that will set the world on old-fashioned spiritual fire.