Dorinda Clark-Cole
I Survived
Light Records/eOne Entertainment (2011)
www.eonemusic.com

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

The strongest voice of the Clark Sisters and an artist whose vocal assist has vaulted more than one gospel single up the charts, Dorinda Clark-Cole scores with her latest solo release, I Survived.

 Throughout the album, the stylish and seasoned gospel singer keeps the vibe traditional, regardless of whether the selection is contemporary, urban R&B or P&W.

Clark-Cole’s Pentecostal roots are evident throughout I Survived. Selections such as the roof-raising “He Brought Me,” with guitarist Lawrence Jones letting loose a litany of quartet licks; and the hand-clapper “Don’t Give Up” are reminiscent of the musical propulsion of matriarch Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and the Southwest Michigan State Choir. The singer’s contemporary take on “God Will Take Care of You,” a hymn gospelized originally in 1951 by fellow COGIC stars the Gay Sisters, has much in common vocally with Aretha Franklin’s later version. To a gospel waltz tempo, Clark-Cole delivers Aretha-like frictionless flights up the register.

“Back To You” is the big single from the album, and it features urban R&B touches courtesy of Warryn Campbell, who samples the Clark Sisters’ “No Other Name” from back in the day. Campbell and Asaph Ward take turns producing the tracks with clarity and verve. Background vocalists, which include top artists Nakita Foxx, Jamie Simond and April Nevels, provide vocal strength.

Two ballads worth mentioning are the lovely and warm “Welcome,” with Erica Campbell of Mary Mary helping on background vocals; and “Thank You,” written by Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark-Terrell, who joins her sister on the track. A nearly flawless CD.

Five of Five Stars

Picks: “He Brought Me,” “Back To You.”

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