"Who Is Like Unto You?" opens the album, a compelling composition that draws its strength from powerful lyrics, shiningly deep production and lead vocals that make you sit up and pay attention.

The voice is Aquannette Chinnery's, and her solo debut is one of those surprise finds that never seem to wander far from your CD changer. The U.S. Virgin Islands native finds gold in working with well-known production whiz Loris Holland (BAM Crawford, Deniece Williams, Nancey Jackson) and saxophonist / producer Mel Holder.

The project is packed with melodious compositions, most co-written by Chinnery, and showcases her ability to fuse some of the more melody-driven Carribean genres (soca, calypso, reggae) to traditional Gospel sounds.

In addition to the stunning title track, "El Elyon - The Most High God" and "High, high, high" draw attention with their fast-paced, rhythm-laden drives, brass accompaniment, stacked backing vocals and Chinnery's rich alto vocal colors.

"So Good To Me" rests squarely on traditional church stomp and brings in the always-welcome vocal contribution of Larry and Marrisa Felder (see album review). "The Blood Of Jesus" takes on a Carribean chant feel with the repetition of the song's title emphasizing the importance of Jesus' sacrifice.

A laidback reggae back-beat propels "No Other Love Is Greater" as Chinnery intones her praise over an inflected chorus. On "I Believe" things get ultra catchy with multiple vocal "ba badum bums" interspersed between the faith confession, the sounds of pan and deeply funky sax from Holder.


Want to do yourself a big favor? Find this CD!