CeCe Winans

by Ashleigh KittleAfter eight years of performing as a duo with brother BeBe Winans, 1995 saw the beginning of CeCe Winans' solo career, a move that only served to further the artistry and ministry of this singer/songwriter. In 2001, Winans' self-titled release marked her second album from Wellspring Gospel. The follow-up project to her 1999 gold-certified album, Alabaster Box, the release combines a variety of styles, including CCM, pop, urban, R&B, inspirational, and gospel. Winans had no doubt as to the direction and purpose of the self-titled release. In fact, with it she desired for "people to feel encouragement and passion." And the album does just that. Upbeat, energy-filled, and enthusiastic, the project is not only musically diverse but offers hard-hitting messages. The song "It's Gonna Get Better" was written with teen suicide prevention programs in mind, while "Bring Back the Days of Yea and Nay," a duet with brother Marvin Winans, challenges parents to take responsibility for training their children. A definite highlight on the album is the song "Looking Back at You." It is an inspirational track, leaning toward a ballad, that speaks of God's unfailing and unconditional love.