Purified

Purified, by CeCe Winans (PureSprings Gospel/INO). Pop gospel.

At many junctures this album employs R&B cliches. It succeeds mainly on the strength of Winans's singing and some fine songs. "Colorful World," with its creamy-dreamy refrain and lyrics, describes everyday outcasts in vivid detail, including the girl who "wears nose rings with weird things floating through her hair." The song joyously preaches tolerance: "Celebrate all our differences/ Instead of building these plastic fences."

Reviewed by Louis R. Carlozo, entertainment editor and staff writer at the Chicago Tribune and an independent record producer and studio musician.

COPYRIGHT 2006 The Christian Century Foundation
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