::ALBUM REVIEW::
by Roderick Meadows
Posted: September 22, 2009

I first become familiar with Sheri Jones-Moffett as one half of the gospel duo Ted and Sheri after hearing their update of the Donny Hathaway/Roberta Flack sleeper “Come Ye Disconsolate” from their 2001 debut project, The Healing Starts Right Here. 2004’s stellar follow-up Celebrate included the radio-friendly title cut and a tag-team appearance by the Hawkins Family and Bishop Yvette Flunder on the Walter Hawkins classic “Lord I Love You,” Also on this project was a grossly-overlooked gem that made me really take notice of Sheri in all her solo glory- the intimate and powerful “Serenade”.

Just as fans awaited to hear a solo project from Karen Clark-Sheard in the mid-90s, CeCe and BeBe Winans to embark on their solo careers and Tamela Mann to breakaway from Kirk Franklin’s legendary Family, the talented Jones-Moffett has finally taken center stage with the release of her first solo effort, Renewed.

Since 2004, Jones-Moffett has come full circle. Renewed is a breath of fresh musical air. Produced by Daniel Moore II (former musical director for the Anointed Pace Sisters), the project has something to suit all tastes - a veritable hodge-podge. The title cut gets the party started, with 70’s wah-wah guitar and swirling strings accompanying Jones-Moffett’s soulful vocals. The lyrics speak of her spiritual transformation from low self-esteem to confidence and awakening.

The timely and uplifting “Not Too Late To Dream” speaks hope to the current state of the economy. With a message of encouragement urging believers to make good on the investment that God has made in their lives, this soaring cut would not be entirely out of place on R&B radio. In a similar vein, the churchy ballad “Best Life” is a declaration of living in the hope and expectancy of God’s abundance and existing stress-free because of Heavenly provision. The Dixieland-infused “I Feel Your Spirit” takes us right into a down-home New Orleans worship service with Sheri’s soaring voice underscored by zydeco-styled horns and four-to-the-floor percussion. The hip-hop/techno hybrid of “Wonder” is Jones-Moffett’s personal testimony of the healing of her young daughter, and an observant listener will pick up on the very subtle nod to the Turtles’ 1967 pop smash “Happy Together” during the bridge. Not to mention, the appearance of her child during the intro and outro, is simply priceless. The project ends with the radio favorite “Encourage Yourself,” taken from the 2006 Donald Lawrence/Tri-City project, Finale'.

After one listen to Renewed, I was hooked! This album has become the soundtrack to my day and I find myself grabbing the iPod for a little encouragement during particularly trying work days. Easily one of the best projects of the year, this is a must-have for anyone who loves uplifting lyrics, soulful vocals and plain-out good gospel music.