BeBe Winans' long-awaited eponymous solo debut isn't the powerhouse it could have been, but it's nevertheless a first-class set of contemporary soul and gospel. Working with a top-notch set of professional producers -- including
Rhett Lawrence,
Little Louie Vega,
Arif Mardin,
Manuel Seal and
Keith Andes --
Winans has created a well-crafted set of smooth urban soul and gospel, one that keeps his remarkable, supple vocals at center stage. The main problem with the record is its inconsistent material --
Winans always sounds good, but he often sounds better than what the songs deserve. Still, the very best moments -- the single "In Harm's Way," the
Eternal duet "I Wanna Be the Only One" and a stirring cover of "Oh Happy Day" -- make the album a winning solo debut from one of the best contemporary gospel singers of the '90s. ~ Leo Stanley