Bigger World

Description

Bigger World is the debut album by the American session vocalist and songwriter Donna McElroy, released on Warner Alliance in 1990. The album was produced by Donna McElroy, Victor Caldwell, Scott MacLeod, Trace Scarborough, and Mervyn Warren.

Donna McElroy rose to vocal notoriety through touring and recording with none other than Amy Grant – and if you caught any of McElroy’s spotlight numbers during the aforementioned tours, it was clear that her music star was beginning to rise.

‘Bigger World’ is a collection of musical styles: R&B, soul, African, jazz, black urban pop, rap – it’s all here, crowned with McElroy’s big, talented voice. Apparently this woman can sing almost anything she wants. Having produced and/or written most of the titles on this album, McElroy indicates that she has a clear vision of what she wants her music to portray – the arrangements are clean, clear and ring out joyously. The album hits a groove somewhere after the fourth track and continues non-stop.

«Take it Away» is cut from the same musical cloth as The Winans, BeBe & CeCe, Jeffrey Osbourne, Earth, Wind & Fire – R&B groove but with a wonderful abandon – kind of like a runaway train at an amusement park. It’s out of control but you’re always aware that the wheels stay on the track. (Liner notes list, but my ear couldn’t hear, former boss Amy Grant singing background vocals) «Come Sunday», written by jazz architect Duke Ellington, is a smokey, intimate number with strings, acoustic bass, trumpet, and scat – reminiscent of Billie Holiday’s sound. Probably a first for contemporary Christian music.

The only moment when the project borders on the pretentious is «The Name of Jesus»; an awkward mix of musical styles that might have worked if given enough time to develop. Also out of place are the spoken moments when McElroy does a Diana Ross interpretation and ‘dramatically’ speaks lyrics that would have been better off sung.

This is one strong project, freshman or otherwise. McElroy and Warner Alliance have succeeded in creating yet another fine album that will do well to evangelize in multi-markets. Why? Because this album is simply that good, that commercial and is what is currently ‘hot’ in the music world. No compromise, just great music for a hungry world and in the end isn’t that what we’re here for? [Kathleen A. Ervin, CCM, October 1990]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/bigger-world/276966305)

CD tracklist:

01. Part Of Me – 4:14
02. Bigger World – 4:19
03. The Name Of Jesus (Intro) / I’ll Be True – 4:46
04. Undoused Fire – 4:02
05. Come Sunday – 4:49
06. Everything To Me – 4:29
07. Take It Away – 3:48
08. Busy, Busy, Busy – 3:59
09. Unconditional Love – 5:27
10. Can’t Stand Still – 4:45

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Warner Alliance.

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