GospelFlava.com - Reviews - Lexi (Somewhere Different)

Lexi
Somewhere Different

After over 10 years in the industry, Lexi hops back on the scene with her third solo release and second for Real Deal Records, titled Somewhere Different.

An album with a moniker like that begs the question, where exactly is she taking us?

On previous projects, Lexi dealt with issues outside of herself, such as encouragement to others and exhorting about the dangers of wrong relationships. On this album, we get a very much more personal view of her as she talks about things specific to her, such as the difficulties that having children bring, issues of being raised in church but not really knowing God and dealing with behaviors before meeting Christ.

The sweet part of it all is that the route to the discovery of this urban diva is filled with some awesome sounds and powerful songs.

Continuing in musical partnership with her husband, Lexi looks to Michael Allen to produce this 12-track journey.

She also teams with Commissioned member Marcus Cole for an awesome duet titled "Don't You (Tell Me What God Won't Do)". Cole and Lexi cultivate a deeply personal vibe as they each sing personal testimonies of times when they were in despair and the Lord brought deliverance. The synergy of their vocals, Lexi with the soaring smooth and Cole with that gloriously soulful rasp, makes this song simply off the proverbial hook!

Lexi: And That's The Way It Is

The most familiar cut on And That's The Way It Is might be "I'm A Winner", since Evander Holyfield put it into our ears during his late 90's boxing match-up with Lennox Lewis. It's an instrumental-sample-filled jam with a hook-laced chorus and a guest rap....

Read the full album review.

Cole's contributions continue as he co-writes on the project and also works the vocal arrangements on "Testify", an urban groove from in which Mark Allen joins with Lexi to admonishes believers to give their testimony by sharing the news of God's goodness.

And there’s more of that "Fred Hammond musical family” connection, as Lexi recruits former Radical for Christ member Eric Coates, who adds background vocals and drops vocal arrangements throughout the project. In addition, the exciting musical skills of RFC guitarist Darryl Dixon are all over the album.

Amidst these musical connections lies the expressive heart of this project —Lexi’s heart.

As if to emphasize that new-found spiritual plane, Lexi digs into some different styles. The leadoff cut "He's Done So Much For Me" sees a Latin vibe complementing her lead vocals. It's a special combination, considering the serious street vibe of that particular jam.

"Not Until" has Lexi transparently singing of having to know God for herself without being able to hide behind money, situations, or even her grandfather. The chorus of this ballad really speaks to where many believers have been or may find themselves in their relationship with God:

"Not until my clock ran out of time
Not until my purse ran out of dimes
Not until my well had run dry
That's when I saw God for myself"

—from "Not Until"

Continuing with the deeply personal, "Without You" is a love song for her husband. Heavy on acoustic guitar from Dixon, the song reminds of the reality and beauty of love from a God-sent mate.

Lexi

The fast-paced groove of "Not the Same" features the background vocals of Anointed mainstay Steve Crawford, who also co-wrote the song with Cole. With a choice rap cameo from Quincy Moore, the song describes the changes that Lexi has made in her own life, things that cause her to get so excited that she actually says, "I can't sing no more".

The sole ‘concept song’ on this album is the beautifully written "Ms. Incognito" which speaks of a family man who leaves his wife to begin an affair with another woman. The reality of this issue is huge and the song will reach many in such relationships as well as those who have dealt with infidelity.

Lexi has been successful in taking us to Somewhere Different, giving us a very personal album will touch the soul of all. It's destined to encourage the heart and keep your head nodding for a long time to come.

Producer: Michael Allen album release date: June 4, 2002
Real Deal Records

— reviewed by Gerard Bonner —