::ALBUM REVIEW::

It’s really an artist’s dream to have some connection to the Hawkins dynasty. Sunny Hawkins is fortunate to have that extra dose of favor upon her career. Married to Jamie Hawkins, the son of Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, Myiia “Sunny” Hawkins is blessed to add to the Hawkins legacy with a steady resume of work consisting of her big run on Broadway’s big hit RENT (featuring N’SYNC’s Joey Fatone) as Joanne, while also backgrounding on recent album releases for legendary artists like Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin. To add to her rich DNA is her blood affiliation with her uncle; renowned singer/songwriter and actor Clifton Davis. With a background like that, it makes sense for the Santa Monica-based Hidden Beach Recordings to take strong interest in signing Hawkins to their spiritual music imprint; Stillwaters. The label decided to repackage her independently-released project, More of You, while adding two new tracks to the mix. It’s the perfect re-introduction for her and brilliantly showcases the new movement of the next generation of the Hawkins family. Co-produced with her husband, Jamie, More of You embodies the strength of a mature R&B record hanging on the balances of adult contemporary soul that compares to works of Jill Scott and Angie Stone.

Opening the album off right is the deliciously funky title cut; enriched with Chaka Khan/Rufus vibes (remember “You Got The Love”). Live drums from Joel Smith and Michael Witwer’s guitar-layered foundation add an irresistible sweet heat to Hawkins’ piquant vocal performance. And when the melodic chorus echoes its fierce lyrics (Show me more-more more more more more more of You/I’m craving You), the song’s purpose is fulfilled. Another important album highlight, “Where Would I Be,” superbly channels the modern Tweet/Missy Elliot take on old skool lounge soul and finds Hawkins delivering what ultimately sounds like her perfect niche’; neo-soul with a subtle, demure Quiet Storm undertone. Easy on the ears is the acoustically enhanced sounds of “What If.” The song is birthed out of Hawkins’ personal yearnings to be better for Christ and is sealed lyrically with heartfelt admiration to God’s goodness. The beauty of the relaxed neo-soul sounds help add greater dimensions to the lyrics. “Love Me Too” owns a Mary J. Blige flashy groove and possess enough character for crossover hip-hop. On the urban R&B, funk-laden “Alright,” the groove swoons effortlessly on Hawkins’ lead and background vocals and also on the infectious musicianship from bassist Elijah Green and drummer Jason Wright. Songs like the modern jazz-tinged “It’s Like Air” (beautified with intimate poetic lyrics), “You’re Everything” and “Jesus The Same” finds Hawkins entering into a deeper adult contemporary format.

Hawkins has no fear in experimenting with other styles and feels like a genre-bender when she interjects Christian pop into the Calvary-themed “What A Man”, thrust adult contemporary Sade-esque sounds into “Jesus The Same” and also putting soft rock elements into “Crazy.” Though Hawkins pulls off her experimental initiatives very well, it may have been better suited for her if she remained in the comforts of what initially sounded off the project and what best suits her voice. Plus it’s hard to comprehend how she pulled the album off without any big special guests or outside help, but it would have sparked consumers’ attention if a guest appearance from some high-profiled artist - a ritualistic investment used nowadays on debut projects - made its way to the project. Still, More of You shines as an excellent musical offering from the second phase of the Hawkins family. It also help increases Hidden Beach’s momentum in the gospel world and establishes immediate and substantial exposure for Hawkins.