KIERRA SHEARD “FREE”
We have practically seen Kierra Sheard grow up right before our eyes. She’s gone from dropping the “KiKi” in her name, guest features on her mom’s CD’s, to establishing a dominating presence all her own in the industry. With the release of her latest project Free, it’s clear that she’s come in to her own, not only as an artist, but as a young woman with eyes only for God.
Keeping it all in the family, Free was produced by Sheard’s brother, J Drew Sheard, and released on the family owned label, Karew Records.
The live portion of the project opens up with three, high-energy, infectious praise starters: “War,” “Mighty” and the second single “You Are.” I predict “You Are” will gain traction with praise teams and youth choirs all over the country. It’s has a familiarity and drive that is undeniable!
Then Sheard delivers some of the most genuine worship songs of her career, like one of my favorites “Desire,” as well as, “Free” and “Indescribable” previously recorded by Chris Tomlin. If you’ve never heard this song before, it will make you an instant fan. The imagery of this song takes on a life of its own.
Just when you thought Kierra had gone completely “grown & saintly” on us, she comes in with two more favorites of mine; “People” and “Victory ft. James Fortune.” Both of these tracks just groove and allow Sheard to be youthful and churchy all in one.
The latter part of the album takes Sheard back to her urban roots and truthfully, this is where the album loses a lot of steam. When you have albums like “I Owe You” and “This Is Me,” which is still being touted by many as one of her best projects to date, one expects the same caliber of music and to me these missed the mark a little. For the most part, I didn’t walk away with any of these songs stuck in my head and I REALLY wanted to! ANYONE who knows me knows I’m a sucker for a hot urban track!
While we’re on the subject mishaps, there were a few other minor problems. On the live half of the CD, I wasn’t thrilled with the final mix. Overall, I felt there could have been a better balance. ANDDDD I know I may get stoned for saying this, but I’m going to say it anyway. While I know one of the purposes of a live recording is to make the listener feel like they were right there worshipping with the rest of the masses, but at times the crying got to be a bit much for me. I wish those portions would have been edited down and maybe saved for a live DVD. I know many people will disagree with me on that, but it’s my personal preference.
All in all, Free is not without a few missteps, but I do believe this new project will probably resonate better than some of Kierra’s previous offerings. Transparency, growth and spiritual maturity always wins! And nowadays, that’s exactly what the people want. So Free gets 1 ½ CRICKETS, which means you’re FREE to go buy it! Was that play on her album title cheesy? I thought it was clever, if I do say so myself! LOL
Shandra Ross
Why do Gospel singers wear so much makeup??
Nicole Anthony
I’d have to say I totally agree! While the first time through I was completely pulled in by the authentically captured worship, after the first time around I ff. It becomes predictable. I agree that saving that for a dvd would have been better. I agree with your summary of the studio tracks as well. This won’t be my favorite KS cd but I’m still glad I supported it. Her cover of Indescribable (that was already my favorite song) and You Are made it worth it. I predict it will become the new “How Great is Our God”. Hopefully the saints will learn all the words to this one though. lol
Ms. Simon
I TOTALLY agree with the review. When I first listened to the cd I was like ummmm. Then I listened to it again and was like oh ok.
But I must agree with you that all that CRYING got on my nerves (rolling eyes HARD). I didn’t pay my money for a cd to hear crying. I know, I know. Save that for the dvd please if you just have to. We get it. You love God, We do too. You’re overwheled. We are too. Save all the crying for your private worship
Overall though my favorite song on the project is You Are.
tahj
i will have to disagree! i love this cd from beginning to end! i felt that the crying was not to much but it was Kierra expressing true worship and you dont hear that on every record! i ushered me in to go even deeper in the presence of God! it was real, raw and needed she really ministered to me! the project is perfect how it is! Not throughing stones but i feel the project was great and God is pleased! and the first two studio songs wasn’t her best but the last two are just hot! Lane and Since Jesus Came In My Life, W/ MALI!!!! cmon somebody! REPEAT ALL PLEASE!
Micha
I completely agree with that review!
Mr. Barrett
I agree the crying was raw, and real. I think a lot of our music has become entertainment only and not ministry. I am not saying that you should cry on every song, but I could feel the presence of God, when she did. I think she has shown us all that she can sing, on every effort released. I was compelled to go deeper, and say yes to God. I didn’t buy it just looking for good music (which we got), but I wanted an authentic experience through music. Great Job!!!!!! I don’t think our worship should be hidden. Why do Christians get embarrassed when others truly express genuine worship publically? Secular artist do it all the time. They go hard for what they believe, and some of us buy it, and love it. Music (for Worship) or the (Gospel) is not just supposed to make you feel good….I can appreciate it because I have supported, prayed for, and followed her ministry from day one. I can appreciate the God in her, and the growth. We heard enough noise from this music industry….now let’s hear the heart of God!!! I am sure that the worshipers that worship in spirit and in truth will love it. I’m tired of just buying music that was thrown together just because it sounded good, I’ll take true worship over entertainment any day.
Ms. CeldoubleU
Mr. Barrett, you couldn’t have said it better!!! I absolutely LOVED YOUR COMMENT!!! It was well stated and correct on all points! I’m appauled at the writer/reviewer of this original posting. Here lies the problem, we’ll build up the people of God on our standards ONLY, then when it’s something we don’t think they should do, we’re quick to tear it down and say it wasn’t needed, or ‘o.k. you love God, we get it, we do too’ (what???)
This cd shows the heart of Kierra’s love toward God, it shows her growth in ministry and where she is currently especially in her writing ability. This is ridiculous, she was crying because at that very moment, she was in HIS presence, not yours! I couldn’t believe the reviews I read before Bro. Barrett’s and others that disagreed with him and Ms. Simon’s, this is the problem with the church now, this is why so many sinners don’t want to have anything to do with ‘church’ period. Obviously she didn’t want it edited because if you were listening to it she began to minister to the people regarding ‘wanting and desiring MORE OF GOD’ Question, do YOU want more of God, if so, stop tearing down the people of God first, work that out!~
Efe
I Absolutely love this CD start to finish. The crying drew me into the worship more but i’m sure after a couple of listens I’ll be sick of it. Though the Live songs are better, i can’t get enough of ”Lane” and ”Since I Found Christ”. I’ve heard all her albums, this one doesn’t disappoint. She did a great job + She has grown/matured in Christ, It’s clearly evident on this project.
Georgiana
I loved the Cd, I think the way she expressed herself, touched me deeply and I cried because I understood where she was coming from. Holy Ghost feel.
jaeda
i absolutely love this album. i listen to at least one song from it every day. KS growth in ministry and in her music is exemplified throughout the album. It shows that she’s more than just a good singer, but is a true worshipper of God. Id rather listen to someone who clearly has a relationship with God, someone who has substance and isn’t just a shallow entertainer. It may not be what you expected, and thats because it wasn’t for you, it was for her and any other person who wanted to be FREE and have more of GOD.
Diamond
I love the cd the worship the praise the look the make-up…..she looks amazingly glorious!!! The glow the anointing the voice the Glory of God is allover her. May the blessings of the Lord continue to overflow in your life Ms Sheard………