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  Reality After a three-year recording hiatus, McClendon returns with her fourth-solo release, titled Reality. Arguably her greatest work to date, the vocalist offers a thirteen track presentation filled with authenticity and infectious honesty that makes it relative and accessible to a highly diverse audience.  McClendon taps famed R&B/hip-hop producer Herb Middleton to assist with production efforts. Middleton, whose production credits range from Nas and Method Man to Faith Evans and Mary J. Blige, adds his bona fide urban touch, producing and co-writing nearly half of the album. The combination of McClendon and Middleton works wonders, as the tandem provides a credible canvas to bring McClendon's muses to life.Known for a "behind the curtain" perspective in her songwriting, McClendon delivers a home run, combining relevance with accessibility in both her approach and presentation. From the empowering "ImmaBeMe" to "Who I Am", McClendon encourages all to find comfort in the beauty of their individual creation. "Thank You" is a mid-summer groove that adopts a thankful posture for life's triumphs and challenges. Contextually, the album promotes the Reality of personal responsibility and accountability which is a refreshing perspective. Tracks like "Now I Get It" and the Lauryn Hill-esque "Please Help Me Now" speak to the need for God's help with life's twists and turns and the power of patience and a mature approach to life. Perhaps no song embodies the candid nature of the purpose-driven person than "Pause", which simply asks the question "If I Could Put the World on Pause"? This track deserves tons of repeat spins. Without question, Reality is McClendon's best work yet. Fusing both musical and lyrical relevance, the smooth neo-soul styled singer has found the ideal format to acknowledge the culture's current condition while offering the solution of Christ and personal responsibility. The Reality is that Lisa McClendon has a jewel of an album on her hands, and one that is worthy of prominent shelf-space in your collection.
Email This To A Friend Blu Soul Entertainment — review and interview by Gerard Bonner —
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