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June Rochelle Changing Places (Vision Entertainment)
Released April 2006
Reviewed by LaTonya Taylor
Sounds like
a mix of overtly Christian and inspirational songs in smooth R&B; a la Anita Baker or Oleta Adams, with some hip-hop and jazz.
At a glance
despite occasional missteps, fans of dreamy, smooth R&B; will enjoy Rochelle's warm, soulful voice and positive messages.
Track Listing |
1. For All the Love
2. Radio
3. Forever By Your Side
4. Real Thing
5. His Name Is Love
6. Stomp Shaker
7. Changing Places
8. Use Me Lord
9. What's Going On
10. Just Because I'm Saved
11. His Eye Is on the Sparrow
12. Wherever You Go
13. Seek & Ye Shall Find
14. Worship |
Indianapolis-based vocalist June Rochelle has quite the impressive resume. Aside from her gospel credentialswhich includes opening for Yolanda AdamsRochelle has performed in several theatrical productions and has shared the stage with Celine Dion and Diana Ross.
Likewise, her third album Changing Places is a blend of gospel with R&B; and inspirational pop, marked by songs with positive lyricssome focused toward God, some about romance, and others about the need to stay encouraged. The standout track is Rochelle's contemporary gospel reworking of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow," which features a touch of organ and soft piano behind her smooth-but-powerful mezzo soprano. Other strong tracks include "For All the Love," a mid-tempo song directed toward God; "Forever By Your Side," an inspirational wedding song; the title track, about living through trials; and "What's Going On," which encourages authority figures to take responsibility in their communities and to share the good news. Rochelle shares her testimony, including comforting reassurance from God, in "Wherever You Go."
However, themes and lyrics often suffer from frequent banality and odd production choicestoo much synth voice here, thunder and rain sounds theregiving too many songs a dated feel. The songs are also occasionally longer than they should be, padded with overly repetitive choruses. Others are simply confusing. Though Rochelle's "His Name Is Love" seems directed toward God, it has an uncomfortably breathy and growly vibe that seems out of characterthough it does feature a cool, Badu-esque sung/spoken vocal. "Stomp Shaker" could be about Satan, or maybe it's about the "haters" mentioned in the raw-throated rap interludes. And "Just Because I'm Saved" is about enjoying the freedom to dancebut exactly where (the song mentions the dance floor and church, then includes instructions on how to form a soul-train line) isn't totally clear.
Despite the occasional missteps, Changing Places will satisfy fans of dreamy, smooth R&B with Rochelle's warm, soulful voice and positive messages.
June Rochelle Changing Places (Vision Entertainment)
Released April 2006
Reviewed by LaTonya Taylor
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