Vanessa Williams is one of those tour-de-force, background singers who everyone puzzles about why they aren't more out in front.

Her work as a noted soloist with Richard Smallwood's Vision, the anointing she brought to Faith In The House, the solid vocal support she gave to Yolanda Adams' albums, all of these situations have demonstrated that she has what it takes.

No small wonder then that a bevy of Gospel's most noted producers gathered round her to deliver her very first solo project, titled simply Vanessa. Not to mention various contributions from Radical For Christ, Vision, Mo'horns, Darwin Hobbs, Straight Gate Mass Choir and members of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

Marking the debut for Bishop Andrew Merritt's church-based label Bajada Records, this thirteen-track album presents Williams in diverse sound settings, ranging from PAJAM's rap-intro'd jams to Steven Ford's string glides to Fred Hammond's rhythmic praises.

Vanessa Sings On...

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Each producer taps into the essence of has always been so captivating about Williams —her God-given ability to pour warm colored, sweet soul into everything her vocal cords touch.

"All My Help", a soft traditional number written by Smallwood with Vision supporting vocally, go down as album high points, with Smallwood's trademark piano flourishes decorating the nouveau hymn.

The balladry is very soft on the project, and filled out with Williams' exquisite phrasing. "Hail Or High Water" from PAJAM offers intense comfort amidst stacked harmonies and the worship piece "Bow Down" from Steven Ford simply flow with tenderness, with beds of swelling strings carrying the song to completion.

Ford also writes "Chasing After You", a song much in the same mold, and lyrically inspired by of Tommy Tenney's popular book God Chasers. Straight Gate Mass Choir contributes soft vocal support on this reflection.

Funkiness abounds on "One Mo' Praz" as brass outfit Mo'Horns blares and Jonathan Dubose adds guitar to the Steven Ford song that Williams brings home with her telling that she can't help but offer up another praise to God.

PAJAM follows up in kind with "Think Again", a jeep-ready joint with plenty of spice that marvels over the omnipotence of God. "If you think a man can keep you and be with you everywhere you go, think again, think again, 'cause only God can…."

Fred Hammond combines with Noel Hall and Kim Rutherford in writing "What I Believe" and also kicks in his bass on the funky cut that lets Williams let loose vocally. Kevin Bond's mid-tempo "Hiding Place" also impresses.

It's all good here, very memorable and with nary a weak song. God has ordained 2002 to be Vanessa's time.