Kierra "Kiki" Sheard (This Is Me) - Reviews

Kierra "Kiki" Sheard
This Is Me

"This album will just give you a more behind-the-scenes look into who I am. I have matured both naturally and spiritually; I’m a young lady now. I had the chance to write a few songs from the experiences I have been through."

—Kierra "Kiki" Sheard

The title of Kierra "Kiki" Sheard's sophomore album on EMI Gospel says it all, really. This Is Me is a career-defining record from one of Gospel's most promising young voices. Not only does she have the impeccable Clark pedigree, with this new project, Sheard shows that she stands on her own.

Filled with first-rate urban jams and ballads, This Is Me may just fit the bill for everyone has been waiting for this summer.

Immensely listenable, Sheard's message is scripture-inspired and sonically suited for 2006. Producers Fred Jerkins, J.Moss, Tommy Sims, Antonio Neal, Warryn Campbell and J. Drew join with her to deliver the music.

One of many choice cuts is "Have What You Want". Hip-hop laced beats are thrown down with a neo-soul feel as J. Drew lends his rapping ability to highlight a powerful brother/sister partnership that has only just begun. The song reminds us that in Christ the sky is the limit.

"You’re The Only One" is a Jerkins-produced urban smash with massive crossover potential. With an inviting spoken intro by the very young Beyoncé Jerkins, an infectious chorus and plenty of bump, this is a sure-fire hit. "Yes" is another up-tempo number, this one a fusion of R&P and jazz sounds that keeps your head bopping. Warryn Campbell produces.

This Is Me

Click on this image for your audio-digital Flash card experience

Got Flash? Turn up your computer audio and check out the latest in our series of audio-digital animated Flash cards. Click on the above image to experience the CD.

You need Flash 6 software to see the Flash card. If your computer does not have it installed, get the free download by clicking on the adjacent Flash icon.

For a downloadable version of the e-card, click here (save EXE file, then open EXE file).

The fusion continues with "No Never" another J. Drew production which cleverly melts rock and jazz throughout. Excellent vocal arrangements showcase Sheard's vocal maturity and versatility. Then on the PAJAM-guided "Wrong Things", the artist encourages young people to avoid becoming negative statistics, serving as an excellent song of encouragement to those who aim to walk in integrity. J.Moss' backing vocal support is impeccable.

Other songs to look for include "Change", with Tommy Sims producing and playing and featuring P.J. Morton on keys. "Here This" delivers eloquence and transparency in R&B ballad format as Sheard prayerfully expresses her desire for God's forgiveness —something relevant to every living soul. Antonio Neal produces and Akil Thompson adds acoustic guitar.

(Notable about the project is the existence of a Special Edition format, which features five extra bonus cuts plus a remix of the title track.)

With This Is Me, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard confirms her strong presence on the scene. Grab this project and be prepared to watch as it bumps its way into your permanent rotation.

Email This To A Friend

Production: Various album release date: June 27, 2006
EMI Gospel

— reviewed by Stan North and Steven Jones —