Reviews

The Clark Sisters - Encore: The Best of the Clark Sisters

Time Out, reminding us to reevaluate our lives and our priorities,was remixed for the dance clubs but is heard here in original form. I Won’t Let You Go Until You Bless My Soul is also reminiscent of many dance-flavored R&B hits from Chaka Khan, Keith Sweat, and many others that dominated the eighties.

The motivational Pray For The USA prays for the body and our country, decries prayers being left out of schools, and yearns for persons struggling with addictions to repent of their destructive habits.

Two songs focus on God’s unconditional love and unrelenting power. Jesus Is A Love Song, a song simply ministering to our spirit, features glistening harmony layers and a complimentary string section. Take Me Higher is the electrifying ballad that proves the anointing destroys yokes in our daily lives when we let God take control.

Harmonies are always an essential in every Clark Sisters musical experience. One special song that stands out for them personally is I Am Blessed, emphasizing four-part harmony, a trait rarely utilized in most gospel groups or choirs.

From Bringing It Back Home, the 1989 equivalent to Live One Last Time, the absolute highlight is a three-song medley representing the Clark Sisters earlier work on Westbound Records’ custom label Sound of Gospel. The signature praise and worship piece that also crossed over to the dance charts - You Brought The Sunshine - hinting the riff from Stevie Wonder’s Master Blaster; Hallelujah! and Is My Living In Vein continue making a great impact towards another contemporary gospel generation. Spensha Baker and Rizen, amongst others, have recently successfully turned these gems into fresh radio hits for the millennium.

Sunshine is also updated by the versatile studio vocalist and American Idol top ten finalist Melinda Doolittle in a very credible manner sprinkling some jazz sensibility.

Kudos to Dexterity Sounds and Rhino Entertainment for conceptualizing Encore with personal interviews that help the listener have a better grasp on how these songs came to fruition. After hearing their testimonies and sincere respect for their musicality, it is evident The Clark Sisters’ gift is not wasted in any matter as they always aim for to be the consummate professionals while edifying and inspiring all believers. Here’s hoping another reunion and more hits from the Clark Sisters is in the works soon.

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