BeBe Winans -CD-75678304125

Reviews All Music GuideBeBe Winans long-awaited eponymous solo debut isnt the powerhouse it could have been. but its nevertheless a first-class set of contemporary soul and gospel. Working with a top-notch set of professional producers -- including Rhett Lawrence. Little Louie Vega. Arif Mardin. Manuel Seal and Keith Andes -- Winans has created a well-crafted set of smooth urban soul and gospel. one that keeps his remarkable. supple vocals at center stage. The main problem with the record is its inconsistent material -- Winans always sounds good. but he often sounds better than what the songs deserve. Still. the very best moments -- the single 'In Harms Way.' the Eternal duet 'I Wanna Be the Only One' and a stirring cover of 'Oh Happy Day' -- make the album a winning solo debut from one of the best contemporary gospel singers of the 90s. Leo Stanley