Cece Winans - Throne Room

CeCe Winans is probably one of the most popular gospel artists of our time. She gained fame as the female half of the brother-sister duo BeBe and CeCe Winans. Together they changed the look and sound of gospel music with such hits as I.O.U. Me, Lost Without You and Addictive Love. Their music helped pave the way for such artists as Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary.

Stepping out on her own a number of years ago, she was catapulted to superstardom with her first CD, Alone In His Presence. The worshipful CD was critically acclaimed and garnered her a Grammy and numerous accolades. She continued her success with Alabaster Box, His Gift and CeCe Winans projects, which continued to earn her awards, gold records and many other honors.

CeCe has just released another project entitled Throne Room. Following in the footsteps of her first CD, Alone In His Presence, this CD is exclusively for the worshipper. It's a collection of impressive songs that seeks to bring the listener into the ultimate presence of God.

CeCe starts off this very emotive CD with the peaceful orchestral interlude, Hallelujah To The King. Written by the gospel great Andrae Crouch, the song is wonderfully performed by the world-renowned Nashville String Machine. The beautiful music is followed by the quiet tune, Jesus, You're Beautiful To Me. It's easy to bask in the glory of the Lord with the soothing and calming melody of this song.

Flowing subtly into the third song, the title tune, Throne Room seems effortless. CeCe's voice and the relaxing background vocals take you to a place of spiritual rest - the throne room. The song, written by CeCe and Crouch, beckons the worshipper to sit at the feet of the Savior.

Keeping the same quiet theme, CeCe opens the next cut acapella with a church favorite, How Great Thou Art. The classic, tastefully redone (with some nice acoustic guitar work), brings a new meaning to this traditional hymn. Another beautiful song, You're So Holy, keeps the theme of worship flowing. Although the song's lyrics are simple, they are powerful. Written by Cedric & Victor Caldwell and CeCe, the lyrics speak of some of God's most honorable traits: His Holiness, His Righteousness and His Faithfulness.

If you've had the blessed opportunity to see CeCe in concert, you'll know that worship is close to her heart. It's so apparent on this project. Here's what she has to say about Throne Room and praise and worship: "As His Word proclaims, we were all created for the Father's pleasure, and our purpose is praise and worship Him. Jesus is soon to come and the spirit of the Lord is moving the body of Christ into a new sound, a pure sound, a holy sound, the sound of true worship. Our focus has got to be solely on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ if we are going to accomplish what He wants us to accomplish in the Earth before He returns. Everything we need is found in worship."

CeCe's passion for worship is clearly evident on such cuts as Oh, Most High (with background vocals from her church choir, The Born Again Church Choir) and Worthy Is The Lamb. Another nice tune is the full recording of the introduction, Hallelujah To The King. The song showcases strong, anointed singing from Winans and her choir. One of my personal favorites is I Thirst For You. Shouldn't we all have a thirst for God that is never quenched? CeCe reminds us of the water only God can provide. Continuing with the same theme, CeCe sings her heart out on the cut, Come Fill My Heart. Both songs compliment each other beautifully and really allow CeCe to shine. She will certainly move the listener on the song, Mercy Said No. Dedicated to her brother, Ronald, the track speaks of how mercy steps up to the plate for us not giving us what we rightfully deserve. The song is simply breathtaking.

All In Your Name is a sweet song as well. Ms. Winans moves to a funky sound with No One Else and Hallelujah Praise. She takes us to the islands with the calypso rhythms of Just Like You Jesus. She ends this fabulous project with A Heart Like Yours. And isn't that what worship is all about? It's an opportunity to communicate with our loving God and ultimately, for our heart to become just like His.

CeCe says, "Many of God's people don't know how to worship, and I believe this CD will teach people how to worship in song. Worship is all about God - not about us, and I encourage God's people to pray and meditate while listening to Throne Room. Worship God with your life every day all day. Love on the Lord with all of your heart, soul and mind. Give Him all the glory…"