Regina Belle (Love Forever Shines ) - Reviews

Regina Belle
Love Forever Shines

Over the last few years, several music legends have shared their gift with the Kingdom, declaring God's message in a recorded form. Add to that impressive list, famed vocalist Regina Belle as she offers her first gospel project, Love Forever Shines.

Belle has amassed a list of hits over the balance of the last two decades including "Baby Come To Me", "If I Could", and "A Whole New World". Fast forward to 2008, where Belle brings her musical mastery to the Kingdom, with a 14-track gem of a project certain to spawn a new list of hits. With one quick listen, it is abundantly evident that Belle brings a wealth of Word knowledge and professes a relationship with Christ.

From the introspective "I Hope He Understands" to the worship ballad "Come Into This Place", Belle willingly invites listeners to peer into her relationship with God via her transparent and candid lyrics.

Be sure to check out "I'll Never Leave You Alone", a simple ballad that could be the hidden gem of the album, showcasing Belle's moving and fluid vocals.

Not one to walk alone, Belle enlists some great help on this effort. Shirley Murdock lends her vocals to "I Call On Jesus" and "My Destiny".

Shawn McLemore pens and trades vocal licks with Belle on the churchy "Can't Nobody". Gary Mayes produces and pens the funky "Coming Out of This", while Chris Walker handles the production duties for the balance of the album.

Melvin Williams and Alvin Darling & Celebration make their presence known on the album's lead radio single "God Is Good", another simple yet contagious offering showcasing the mighty power of God.

Not surprisingly, Belle has the ability to deftly fit into any musical styling. From traditional to ballads to urban stylings, Belle can successfully transform as though she were a vocal Optimus Prime. Yet, she knows where she's most comfortable and leverages those areas skillfully.

The four-time Grammy award winner may have saved her best work for this effort, her gospel debut and tenth solo release. As one would expect, this effort exudes excellence from start to finish. This album is guaranteed to excite long time fans of Belle while winning her a brand new audience.

Love Forever Shines is a keeper and a welcomed gospel debut for the music legend.

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Production: Chris Walker, Shawn McLemore, Gary Mayes, Bernard Belle album release date: June, 2008
Pendulum Records

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —