Coko – The Winner in Me

Coko
The Winner in Me
Light Records 2009
www.lightrecords.com

It may be a muggy, humid August, but it’s time for hot Coko!

A former member of the singing group SWV (Sisters With Voices) and Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship Tabernacle Choir, Cheryl “Coko” Clemons has matured tremendously as a solo performer. Her latest project, The Winner in Me, showcases her growth and phenomenal talent. The album is a winner, Coko’s best work to date, and among the best projects TBGB has reviewed this year.

Light Records, in association with MusicDoll Entertainment, has given The Winner in Me Class-A production and A&R. Coko doesn’t disappoint, either, bringing her A game and showing herself capable of more than holding her own alongside a galaxy of talented special guest artists, including Canton Jones, Israel Houghton, Kelly Price, Lady Tibbs and labelmates Youthful Praise.

Although I do not know whether it is the designated single, “The Joy of the Lord,” featuring Israel Houghton, has a bright, pleasing melody and plenty of bounce. It has that indefinable but recognizable hit record feel. “Make a Way,” with Canton Jones, whose propulsive rap interjections throughout the track are reminiscent of Jay-Z, is a ball of fire. On the electrifying title track, Coko sings every ounce of energy out of the notes until they topple, punch drunk, off the stave and into the ether.

“Oh Mary,” with Kelly Price, is related to the story of Mary and Martha but serves as a metaphor for all women, especially “my sisters under pressure,” to be encouraged and know that they are beautiful inside and out. Coko weaves in the famous lyrics of “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep” here and there, but it’s an entirely different melody. Another completely modern reworking on the album is “May Be the Last Time,” the Staple Singers’ classic famously covered by the Rolling Stones. Here, it is beat heavy and armed with a new melody and lyrics.

The Winner in Me is a blend of pop melodies and some praise and worship pieces flavored by gospel energy and messages of inspiration and hope. It’s Coko’s musical cotillion and if she continues in this vein, gospel music will welcome a new superstar.

Five of Five Stars