::ALBUM REVIEW::

A stellar project filled with innovative sounds and unheard-of production for its time, BeBe & CeCe Winans' sophomore project, "Heaven" (1988), literally transformed how "crossover music" should sound from a gospel musician's perspective. It probably was one of the first gospel releases that had a strong impact on Contemporary Christian, pop and R&B radio stations all at one time. And there are plenty of reasons to proclaim why this phenomenon took place.

The songs were strongly produced with a pop-R&B twist, using state-of-the-art synthesizers and careful timing and placements of catchy sounds handled by breakthrough producer Keith A. Thomas. Building off of the urban contemporary legacy of the Winans, BeBe & CeCe Winans displays such a beautiful spirit of teamwork vocally and energize each cut represented. Working together, you can easily hear of the soulful influences of Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell and Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack. The opening title cut is, indeed, the feature presentation. With its calming, breezy production and catchy drum programming, BeBe's voice is relaxed and passionate on the moving lyrics while CeCe's voice shines in all the right places - especially towards the end with her spectacular, convicting pleas. But let it be said, the lyrics here are definitely surprising. Hearing the music by itself, you can easily trace this to being an excellent R&B love song, but it is really about heaven and the awaiting of Christ's return. And when the chorus finally rings ("It's what I live for/ A place where love will never cease/Willing to die for..."), you can easily see why this song became a sensation on radio.

There are other songs present that are worthy of acknowledging. Such as the "Celebrate New Life" with its Madonna-pop style and the enjoyable, party like vibe. "Lost Without You", co-written by Thomas and BeBe Winans, is gorgeously rendered; incorporating a blessed melody and tender lyrics that seem to match the style of Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. This song was also a trailblazing hit single for the gospel duo and reigned on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts. Percy Bady's "Hold Up The Light" is also energized with Thomas' production and also features a guest spot from R&B/pop sensation Whitney Houston. Paul Simon's pop standard "Bridge Over Trouble Waters" gets a light rendition and is giving a spiritual makeover. BeBe Winans scores and sings "Wanna Be More"; revealing colorful techniques and a poetic vibe that signaled a brighter future for this seasoned songwriter. And on most of the cuts, CeCe's voice is so radiant that there should be no reasons why mainstream labels were not interested in her voice. An all-star collision of excellent musicians also help to make this project such a unique collection - including Gerald Albright, Paul Jackson, Jr., Take 6, Percy Bady, Mervyn Warren and Margaret Bell (sister of Vanessa Bell Armstrong).

"Heaven" may sound outdated to many within BeBe & CeCe Winans' fanbase, but this was truly a breaking point for creativity and opened up new avenues for gospel music. And with the production formula of Keith Thomas and the remarkable collaborative songwriting efforts of BeBe Winans and Thomas that creates the timeless aura around this pivotal project.