Shari Addison

By Em Fergusson

Black Entertainment Television (BET) is sure belting out Gospel powerhouses. This time, it’s Shari Addison. She captivated audiences as the first runner up on “Sunday Best,” in 2007 and has firmly established herself as a seasoned vocalist. Teaming up with visionary producers, Kevin Bond (Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams), Daniel Weatherspoon (Darwin Hobbs, Lonnie Hunter) and Donald Lawrence (Tri-City Singers, Hezekiah Walker) , Shari Addison’s self titled album is a project the songstress describes as having happened when it was meant to happen.

Shari’s commanding voice, with its raspy edginess delivers each song with high energy. A mostly old-school traditional album, with some contemporary undertones, listeners who enjoy soulful gospel music will thoroughly enjoy the album. The predominant message on this project points to hope, encourages listeners in their walk with Christ, while praising the Almighty for His blessings. Songs such as ‘No Battle, No Blessing,’ is a personal testimony that uplifts, while comforting troubled hearts. The song declares: “Every burden/ It is a battle/Every heartache/It is a battle/Hold on/ The battle is not yours…Every worry/The battle’s not yours/Every sickness/The battle’s not yours/God is standing by/The battle’s not yours/He heard your cry/You need to hold on/The battle’s not yours…” Shari goes on to minister that despite what is taking place in your life, the battle must be fought by God.

On the track, ‘You Know My Heart,’ Shari pours out her heart, starting the tender, emotional ballad without music, while a soft organ softly joins in moments later. The heartfelt lyrics take listeners to a deep and sacred spiritual point on their journey with God. Shari goes personal on this track, as she does throughout the album with classical songs such as, ‘It’s Your Time’. Shari’s ministry on the album is evident, encouraging Christians in their walk, while ministering to the unsaved.

Shari remarks, “This CD is so relevant; it’s a project that will meet people wherever they are. All of the songs are me, but it’s a multi-faceted me and exposes many different layers of my faith. It’s uplifting and encouraging and I believe that no matter what’s going on during your day, there’s something that will minister to you.”