Shari Addison

With eight seasons of American Idol already sealed in American history and whimper-like rumors of the show’s crumbling effects with its sudden drop of viewers, its competition hasn’t been so lucky to cash in on the ten seconds of fame. Counting the long list of talent shows, regardless of what network it aired, is as time consuming than counting the roster on Zomba. Not even Nashville Star or TBN’s Gifted has been able to match the non-yielding powers of the great Idol (no pun intended). And while BET’s gospel version of Idol – Sunday Best – was wedged in between some dark and degrading programming like Hot Ghetto Mess or American Gangster and even sparking the Enough Is Enough protest, there might be some light at the end of the tunnel with the results of Shari Addison’s debut project on Zomba Gospel. On her self-titled project, the likable runner-up from the first season remains true to the traditional gospel roots she revved in on the cable talent show. No better way for Addison to present herself in a more up-to-date and soulful caliber than to have Grammy-award winning Kevin Bond producing the project. Guest contributors on production include gospel greats Donald Lawrence, Percy Bady and Daniel Witherspoon.

With fine use of her big churchy pipes, Addison is adept vocally throughout the ten-track collection and loses no steam in her personality regardless of the change of musical style. That seems to be the biggest complaints about Idol-like album releases; in that it lacks the personality shown on the live stage from most contestants. But Addison has no problem bubbling with her warmhearted spirit and passion for singing. She may be a runner-up in a talent search, but she comes off like she’s a proficient veteran.

Read entire review by J. Matt at PrayzeHymnOnline: http://prayzehymnonline.com