Nicole C. Mullen (Everyday People) - Reviews

Nicole C. Mullen
Everyday People

She's back.

As the queen of the eclectic CCM and urban mix, Nicole C. Mullen releases her third studio project, Everyday People, and this one is filled with funk.

Mullen has never shied away from tackling such issues as: racism, teen pregnancy and abstinence. On her newest release, she addresses some of the same topics, along with plenty more things that have been heavy on her mind.

But don't misunderstand! The attitude of Everyday People is upbeat even when Mullin takes on some of the toughest issues. Clearly, this is her most complete and most urban-influenced album to date.

The title track is a remake of the popular Sly and the Family Stone ditty, with Tommy Sims stepping in to give it a more acoustic makeover, without taking away from the flare of the original.

Mullen enlists the help of the zany, outrageous and the extremely talented P-Funk bassmaster, Bootsy Collins on "A Message for You". Nicole spreads the love of God to those in need, while Collins adds his signature ad-libs and his "space bass". Add these factors together and you have a multi-formatted hit!

On "This This", Mullen sings about being a Godly woman who does not compromise the way she dresses and looks. It's a hop-hop influenced head-bobber that has David Lynch co-providing the beat and programming. Robin Sanders brings the flow.

No project of Nicole C. Mullen's would be complete without a few standout ballads. On this one, the Sims-produced "Music of My Heart" is a wonderful blend of the singer's vocals, great instrumentation and crisp background vocals. This is another standout song in the same vein as "Redeemer" and "Call on Jesus" from previous projects (see album reviews of Home and Talk About It).

James "Big Jim" Wright produced the R&P-laced ballad, "Without You", a chilled-out jam that has Mullen expressing how good God is and how life would be without Him.

Drum beats, percussion and guitar domine the liberating, "Gon Be Free". The Mwangaza Children's Choir joins Mullen to make it even more enjoyable. Kick off your shoes and get ready to dance and praise to "The One", with its perfect blend of horns, techno beat, and off course, great delivery by Mullen.

Nicole sings to husband David on the pop/guitar-heavy "It's About Us". This is another uplifting song that encourages married couples that regardless of what happens, their Godly bond can withstand anything.

"Dancin' in the Rain" was produced by Shannon Ramsey and Andrew Ramsey (Indie.Aire). It's reminiscent of CeCe Winans' "I Am" with its staccato beat pattern and guitar licks, and might just make waves on pop and R&B radio.

Nicole has a gift of taking sad situations and looking at the good that can come of it. This is evident in "Bye Bye Brianna". Brianna was a 7-year old girl who drowned. Mullen talks about what she learned from her and how delightful she was to be around. Check out the upright bass work by Daniel O'Lannerghty and the guitar work of Cary Barlowe.

Other standout songs are "Valorie" and banjo-laced house cut, "Every Nation".

Nicole C. Mullen is unique. She celebrates culture, diversity and family. She is not afraid to address hard issues. She does this all in a wonderful release and she wants everyone to know that she will always reach out to Everyday People.

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Producers: Various album release date: September, 2004
Word Records

— reviewed by Dwayne Lacy —