Plain and Simple

Description

Plain and Simple is a praise and worship album by the American singer and songwriter Crystal Lewis, released on Metro One Recordings in 2011, distributed by Word Entertainment. The album was recorded by Solomon Ray and Dan Garcia with Ray producing. Mixed by Steve MacMillan.

Crystal has reached the peak of Christian music over the last 20 years with Dove Awards and Grammy nominations, with her track «People Get Ready» and her work with Kirk Franklin being particular standouts. Sadly this latest album is well below par. What surprised me initially is that her distinctive powerful voice has noticeably changed character and is now far harsher. With the exception of ‘More Greatest Hits’ in 2003, and her 2010 Christmas album, this is only her second worship album in almost a decade and is not a touch on earlier work. Her son Solomon features prominently on the credits, being the producer, arranger, programmer and playing keys and guitar. Solomon, Crystal’s husband Brian Ray and daughter Izzi Ray also all get songwriting credits. Solomon has done a reasonable job in creating a professionally sounding album but like her 2005 album ‘See’ there is nothing that stands out as a song you would want to put on repeat or add to a radio playlist. These are Christocentric inspirational tracks such as «Revelation» quoting Rev 5.12 “Worthy is the Lamb” or track four «Even The Rocks Cry Out» paraphrasing Luke 19.40 so there is great inspiration lyrically. But you will struggle if you try to sing along. [Simon Eden, Cross Rhythms, January 2012]

> iTunes (https://music.apple.com/us/album/plain-and-simple/1607911365)

CD tracklist:

01. Plain And Simple
02. Give It To Jesus
03. Revelation
04. Even The Rocks Cry Out
05. Name
06. I Don’t Wanna Fall Again
07. Daughter
08. All Day Long
09. I Am
10. Center Of Gravity
11. I Know You Are The One

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