Cheneta Jones – Transformed

Cheneta Jones

http://www.chenetajones.com/

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog

Cheneta Jones of St. Louis may be the lead background singer for Tye Tribbett, but on her new, much-anticipated CD, Transformed, she demonstrates her ability to deliver songs all by her lonesome.

The 2008 winner of KATZ Hallelujah 1600’s Praise Alive Talent Search, Jones has a pretty voice with a retractable serrated edge. The rough edge serves her well on the album’s rhythm and praise tracks such as “I’m Yours” and the album’s first single, the melodic “Be Like You.” Her gentle, lithe touch works best on “Get There,” a whispery evocation of Heaven, and on her latest single, “My Everything,” penned and produced by Percy Bady.

Thematically, Transformed focuses on the decision of discipleship: following Jesus, living like Jesus, being available to Jesus. “Liberty” declares that “I’m not who I used to be,” because by accepting Christ, “I’m free.” “Hold On” encourages the listener to “hold on to God’s unchanging hand,” especially during the unsteady times.  In other words, discipleship isn’t just valid during the good times.

“Turn Back” is interesting because it is written from the Lord’s point of view. He encourages His own to “come back to your first love,” no matter the circumstances. “Fire,” on which Jones is transformed by the biblical “fire shut up in my bones,” is the album’s most fascinating arrangement. It’s a throw-back to the 1970s soul era as articulated by brassy groups such as Earth, Wind & Fire.

Transformed is a gentle CD: not too hot, not too cool.  It has just enough electronica to satisfy young listeners and plenty of laid-back grooves to fill the quiet spaces in one’s soul.

Four of Five Stars

Picks: “My Everything,” “Be Like You.”