Music Reviews

BeBe and CeCe Winans Greatest Hits

by Darna Bedwell Gutter
12/31/08
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From the anointed singing family of Winans, BeBe and CeCe compliment each other as only siblings can. I compare them to Fred and Adele Astaire who danced as a team long before Fred rose to prominence and danced with Ginger Rogers. The crown jewel of their duet achievements is BeBe and CeCe Winans Greatest Hits. It is a timeless treasure.

As a classical composer I'm not so easily impressed. Particularly when it comes to secular music. In my day (so to say) it seemed that good music was more prevalent than it is today (or it could be that I just listened more). But its abundance made it no less cherished.  However, today and fortunately for me, there's always that rare talent that slips through to my ears in a single hit to remind me, there is a supreme giver of gifts. That single song that causes my heart to patter with joy and inspiration.

Fortunately due to its nature, sacred music is always fulfilling. But even in the realm of sacred Praise and Worship, there are shining stars. BeBe and CeCe's Greatest Hits is loaded with melodic journeys that are so anointed and powerful you never tire of them. The orchestrations are unique and original, and unquestionably ignited by the Holy Spirit through a powerful collaboration of gifted musicians. There is no other way to explain the musical tapestry that emerges.

CeCe has soared and reached heights that can only be compared to the great Mahalia Jackson. She sings straight from the heart as she lifts us into her anointed realms of pure joy. And BeBe, what can I say, his voice is so soothing. He sings to the world as if he were singing a lullaby to an only child. I can only perceive that the spirit of God Himself sings through the voice of BeBe to all of  His children. Because the comfort I derive from listening to him is not of this earth. And it just comes natural.

What separates them from most gospel artist is their ability to sing not only sacred Praise and Worship, but they have successfully managed to envelop the "love song" songs from the very heart of love's intimate nature. Christians fall in love too and love is challenging and sometimes "rocky". I never recognized the need for "sacred love songs" until they filled it.

Let's face it the secular love song is often shallow and usually based upon seduction rather than love. But BeBe and CeCe have given us songs that Christian hearts can relate to even when love is not so perfect -- for such is life. This is the mark that separates them from all the rest.

While these two siblings are magnificent together, they are equally fabulous in solo careers. But their years of duets unquestionably refined and "set the stage" that defines their incomparable presence as two of the world's greatest Gospel vocalist and true masters of the "sacred love song".

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