Description
Heaven is the third album by the American gospel and R&B/soul duo Bebe & Cece Winans, released both on Sparrow Records and Capitol Records in November 1988. The album was recorded and mixed by Jeff Balding with Keith Thomas producing and arranging. “Hold Up The Light” features guest vocals by Whitney Houston.
Bebe & Cece Winans remained steadily popular with R&B audiences, spawning three R&B hit singles including two No. 1 singles. The duo became the first Gospel artists to see their album reach No. 1 on the Billboard sales charts in 1988. The title track also reached No. 12 on the Billboard R&B singles chart. Other hits from the album included “Lost Without You” and “Celebrate New Life.” The album reached the R&B Top Ten (actually the first gospel recording to reach the Top 10 on Billboard’ R&B chart since Aretha Franklin’s Amazing Grace did it in 1972), went to No. 95 on the Pop Charts and was certified Gold.
In 1987, brother and sister duo BeBe & CeCe Winans (yet another branch of gospel music’s First Family, The Winans), burst upon the scene. Sporting the skilled production of Keith Thomas, memorable songs and the formidable vocal prowess of the singing siblings, the self-titled album brought a new level of recognition to BeBe and CeCe, who had previously been known for their re-make of the Joe Cocker/Jennifer Warnes hit «Up Where We Belong» during their PTL days.
Under the guiding hand of super-producer Keith Thomas, ‘Heaven’ reunites basically the same team that brought us the first Sparrow album. BeBe (actually Benjamin) Winans wrote or co-wrote lyrics to nine of the album’s 10 tunes with Thomas contributing music for most of these.
The music of ‘Heaven’ is a slick, sophisticated brand of R&B filled with great hooks and melodies that burn themselves into the memory of the listener. The title cut speaks of God’s people longing for their heavenly home, while «Celebrate New Life» does indeed celebrate. Two ballads on ‘Heaven’ set themselves apart: «Wanna Be More» sung by BeBe, and «Don’t Cry», with a touching, vocal performance by CeCe. «Trust Him» is another funky favorite, with winning vocals and a blazing sax solo by Gerald Albright.
Two other songs bear mention: «Hold Up the Light» featuring a guest appearance by Whitney Houston (who also sings back-up on «Celebrate New Life») and a re-make of Paul Simon’s «Bridge Over Troubled Water». Done here in an ethereal, synthetic setting, the classic somehow seems lost and out of place despite a convincing vocal performance.
On the continuum that runs between deeply spiritual and inspirational, the lyrics of ‘Heaven’ seem to lean decidedly toward inspirational. Listeners may find themselves wishing for a little more depth and a little more insight into the hearts and minds of the duo, and references to our Lord might be a little oblique for some. Still it is hard to find Christian albums performed with such polish and professionalism as this one is.
The harmonies of ‘Heaven’, along with the current, radio-oriented production of Keith Thomas, make this album listenable and very likable (even danceable!). Last year’s best “new” artist (as voted by the GMA), have proven that the ‘BeBe & CeCe Winans’ album was no fluke. [Mark Eischer, CCM, January 1989]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/heaven/724259752)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Heaven” – 4:42
A2. “Celebrate New Life” – 3:44
A3. “Lost Without You” – 4:12
A4. “You” – 4:43
A5. “Wanna Be More” – 4:40
Side Two
B1. “Hold Up The Light” (feat. Whitney Houston) – 4:52
B2. “Meantime” – 5:06
B3. “Don’t Cry For Me” – 4:19
B4. “Trust Him” – 4:30
B5. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” – 3:52
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Sparrow Records. Both the cassette and CD edition feature the bonus track “Heaven” (Heavenly Dub) (6:06).
“Heaven” (MUSIC VIDEO)
“Hold up the Light”, BeBe & CeCe Winans feat. Whitney Houston, Live at Arsenio Hall, 1989.
CREDITS. Produced and arranged by Keith Thomas. Recorded and mixed by Jeff Balding. Mastered at Future Disc by Steve Hall.
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