It is always good to have those out-of-print classics come back in CD format. So kudos to Vision Records Entertainment for packaging together on 2 CDs, the first four albums from soul singer turned Gospel sweetheart, Candi Staton.

When the Grammy-nominated soul/disco queen returned to the church in the mid 1980's, it became apparent that the Gospel community was being enriched with another major vocal talent. Recording on her own label, Beracah Records, Staton found her niche in a style of Gospel that maximized her abilities to blend together country, soul and contemporary beat-of-the day genres to create her distinctive appeal.

First up was Make Me An Instrument, released in 1982, which sported songs such as "God Specializes" and "Nothing Can Separate Me", along with the title track. Husband John Sussewell, a drummer with credits ranging from Diana Ross to Ashford & Simpson, sets down the rhythms on the project, with songs written entirely by Staton. The album made it into Billboard's top 10, and lead to a Grammy nomination.

The Anointing followed in 1985, and featured more of Staton's middle of the road style that included the praise and worship gem, "We Adore You Holy Spirit".

Then in 1986, Staton delivered her career-defining album, Sing A Song, capturing mega-sales (for the time) and chart success.

Helped by a good string section, backing sounds from The McCrarys, and some nice horn arrangements from Jerry Cleveland, along with sax work from Ernie Watts, Sing A Song served up hits such as "The First Face I Want To See" and the more contemporary "God's Got It".

Love Lifted Me, her fourth Gospel LP, was the most successful of all. This all-hymn collection was just what the Gospel audience was looking for, and with The Richard Smallwood Singers lending their vocals, Staton saw the project move over 100,000 units. The familiar strains of "Uncloudy Day", "I Must Tell Jesus" and "Love Lifted Me" were now draped with the singer's unique vocals.

Candi Staton has gone on to record over a dozen Gospel albums, but this initial foursome is what got things rolling, and helped define the 1980's.

Thankfully, this digital compilation includes elements crucial for any self-respecting re-issue: labored liner notes and original credits. Vision Entertainment wisely called on Gospel journalist and historian Bill Carpenter to write a detailed and fascinating history and retrospective of the four albums, digging into some of the finer details surrounding these releases, and frequently including quotes from Staton herself.

The set is distributed by Provident Music Group, so access is easy.