CD Review: Sunny Hawkins – More of You

Trying to fit Sunny Hawkins More of You into a specific genre can be difficult. She calls it “Urban inspirational,” but what does that mean? While it has a Christian gospel theme, there is a soft pop feel and plenty of light jazz influences. Some songs even venture into R&B territory. Just because it’s hard to label doesn’t mean it isn’t good. With warm music and uplifting hopeful lyrics, the songs are powerful and contain positive messages. The arrangements are interesting and well produced.

She co-wrote the album with her husband, Jamie Hawkins, a member of gospel’s well known Hawkins Family. The two were childhood playmates who were fatefully re-introduced by a mutual friend who suggested Jamie as a possible producer for Sunny. On Jamie’s list of credentials was musical direction for Boyz II Men and Mary J. Blige; Sunny had just come off a successful stint playing Joanne, a principle lead, in the musical Rent. Renewed friendship blossomed into something deeper and the two began co-writing More of You.

The song “Crazy” is subtitled (to Jamie) and is a heartfelt ballad proclaiming loving devotion. Sunny really opens up on this one, both lyrically and in her delivery, giving the listener more than a glimpse at just how talented a singer she is. Her range is wide and her voice effortlessly climbs and falls hitting the highest notes with crystal clear tone.

“Jesus The Same” was picked up by the Detroit gospel station WEXL entering their top 30 chart at 13 and peaking at three. It’s another soft rolling ballad that is uplifting and inspirational. The song’s series of runs again reveal Hawkin’s talents for delivery. This is one of the tacks where those jazz influences run rampant, complete with light piano in the background.

“More of You” is a prime example of her funk and R&B influences. Musically, it would blend seamlessly with anything topping those charts and it has a catchy hook chorus. The words weave their way into your subconscious and the beat works its way into your body, I dare you not to dance. “Daddy’s Got You Now” has a similar effect. It’s a unique styling for such a Christian message and I have to give her credit for being just as innovative as talented. I have recently heard several new Christian heavy metal bands, but this is a totally new sound for me and it’s an appealing one.

With her crystal clear voice and distinctive style, Sunny Hawkins presents a beautiful collection of inspirational and uplifting songs that I recommend to anyone who likes soft ballads, light jazz, or R&B. News, information, and MP3 samples of tracks can be found at the artist’s website.