::ALBUM REVIEW::

Call them newborn legends. The Anointed Pace Sisters helped capitalize on the gospel sounds made popular by female groups like the Clark Sisters and Witness, but added that original, cool Atlanta flavor formed by a coalition of talented musicians and producers led by Ryck Carter, John Croslan II, Kevin Broughton and a few others. Now after a period of quietness on the recording scene, the Pace siblings are back - and this time on the Tyscot music label. On "Return", their fourth project, the girls reveal more of what they are known for: powerful vocal deliveries, sweet and near-perfect youthful harmonies, charming melodies penned from themselves and gutsy gospel energy. And with this being a live recording session and getting some fresh blood (Daniel Moore, II - a virtual unknown in the industry) to help produce the project, the Pace Sisters are armed with an impressive layout for new music. Still, the Pace Sisters are heavily involved in the songwriting and does a great job covering the bases with loads of energy and charisma.

Opening things is "High Praise"; an ode to the Clark Sisters that resembles the framework of Karen Clark-Sheard's "I Never Will", Dorinda Clark-Cole's "I Will Bless The Lord" and a spruced-up version of "You Brought The Sunshine". With blazing horn arrangements and a gospel drive filled with spicy musical chords and a few modulations, the song proves to be the ultimate opener for the disc. Kayla Parker-Talbert writes the contemporary R&B-infused "Strategically Ordered". Lydia Pace does a terrific job in leading this cut, while the skillful musicianship of keyboardist Daniel Moore, II and bassist Darrell Freeman mesermize the neo-soul sounds of the laid-back groove. The song is followed with a intimate look at Latrice Pace Speight's testimony of thankfulness on the delightful "Contentment". The song is short lived and may be a bit too simple for some, but the irresistible melody and catchy lyrics, embraced with Latrice Pace's bouncy personality, are worth experiencing. "It's Already Done", a lite-funk romp mixed with an urban R&B groove, surely possess the right ingredients to become a lead single. Clearly the longest track on the project, Duranice Pace delivers her fiery vocals on top of the convincing exhortations of prophecy within the lyrics and takes the song up a level with the breathtaking reprise. Phylis Pace does a marvelous job in penning one of the greater moments captured on "Return": "The Words U Said". Powerful lyrics, moving musical developments and impressive harmonies highlight the gorgeous beauty of this song. Maybe the most critical part of the song is how the song is painfully edited too quick on the vamp. The moving creativity of the separate movements on each vocal part are heard and are artistic successes but fade out too soon.

Definite surprises are awaiting listeners and only heighten the musical experience to levels barely heard from this group. The churchy vibes of Cedric Shannon-Rives' "Hold On", accented with June Pace-Martin's spunky vocals, give traditional listeners something mighty to seep their teeth into. "He's Here" features a cameo appearance from EMI Gospel artist and former Anointed Pace Sister LaShun Pace. She walks in towards the end and delivers one of her most convincing and powerful performances yet and proves she still has "it". What is more surprising on this track is hearing them revisit their big hit, "When God Is In The Building". While the instrumental interlude into the mega-hit may have been too weak and predictable to some, the inclusion of the renowned classic puts a plus on this momentous occasion. Melonda Pace also creates an intimate piece of worship on "God's World". The song walks into wonderful invitations ("Enter in to His worship/Bask in His presence/Enter into God's world/From prayer to praise from praise to worship") and even closes out with a quick trip back to Paul Morton's "Bow Down And Worship Him". How clever. Closing the project is the biggest surprise of all - hearing the house mix of "High Praise" from renowned Chicago DJ/mixer Terrence Parker. The arrangement is majestic and totally jaw-dropping - as it detaches the original instrumentation and is replaced with a foot-in-the-floor enjoyable rhythm mixed with organ patches and Euro-pop synths. While this may be a prototype of a longer, extended version, the inclusion of what seems to be a radio edit still is a surprise in itself.

There are a few mistakes that trouble the greatness of this project. Most obvious is the quick edits of some of the favorable cuts and the odd extensions of some of the unlikeable events ("Reign Forever", "Rescue"). Plus, the unforgivable robotic opener, sounding like a generic sci-fi thriller intro, seems out of place and has no real connection with the vibe of the project. But even with these distractions, the concept and creative elevations of the "return" for the Anointed Pace Sisters is fresh and sits well on their talent. And when they are doing great even on vocals, songwriting or on the harmonies, you can sense they aren't trying too hard to impress. Yet it is in those moments that they surpass the mark of the normal gospel project. And with extra support from outstanding musicians including Derriuex Edgecomb and Rick Watford, you can best believe this is not your ordinary gospel project - It's too strong to be called that.