CeCe Winans, Throne Room

Listening to the kaleidoscopic of work CeCe Winans has completed over the past 19 years, it is not surprising to find her gravitating once again to a praise and worship format. Winans wrote and co-wrote almost every song on her newest release, Throne Room. She also had the joy of writing the title track with her dear friend and gospel legend, Andraérouch.

The first eight songs on the album are categorized as worship and reflective. The remaining songs are to be used for praise and adoration. Arrangement of the songs into these two distinctive groupings is a fantastic, creative approach.The worship and reflective portion of Throne Room is strikingly similar to Winans’ 1995 Grammy Award winning project Alone In His Presence. From “How Great Thou Art” to “Hallelujah to the King,” breathy strings lend to a calm worshipful approach.

The praise and adoration section of the CD is comparable to the singer’s self-titled powerhouse release. Mixing R&B groves with the Born Again Church Choir in “Hallelujah Praise” produces the very definition of heightened exuberance. Whether the songs are traditional or contemporary, the basic chord lines are transformed by the dynamic vocal styling of Winans.

Winans’ voice is a commanding force, oftentimes reminiscent of the renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson. Throne Room is another radiant beam in an already brilliant composition of work.