Sharon
Phases
Shalamusic 2009
www.myspace.com/shalamusic

Sharon Cotten (with an “e”) has a voice that’s easy to fall in love with.

The New York-native’s sophomore project Phases teams her RnB- and pop-flavored vocals with a spirited menagerie of world sounds (Spanish guitar, Latin beat, Caribbean flavoring) on songs that range from energetic to heart-melting sweet.

The opening track is the saucy and engaging “Victory,” complete with Caribbean rhythm and Jamaican-accented rap, the latter courtesy of Horace Allen, Jr. “Let It Go” and “Gone” benefit from a Spanish guitar that on “Gone” sounds strangely like a sitar. Thus, “Gone” has a Middle Eastern vibe, whether intended or not.

On “Are U Ready,” Sharon delivers an apocalyptic warning with appropriate vocal aggressiveness while guitar riffs, like lions at the gate, snarl in the background. By “Be Like You,” however, Sharon is back in an easy-going Latin mood.

While Sharon gives a strong, sassy performance on “Victory,” it’s “Worship You” that ranks as the album’s showcase track. It is a beautiful praise and worship ballad on which Sharon sings charmingly with woodwind-like tenderness and passion.

Sharon is not afraid to take chances, and acknowledges that her music, beginning with her March 2003 debut CD Your Grace, is intended “to reach those who would not normally be receptive to the Christian ‘message.’”

Despite the mix of sounds and styles, the production team (Tarence Farrell, Hopeton Smith and Steve Ewaleifoh) gives the project an overall intimacy that keeps the vocals and lyrics in the foreground. No matter what the musical accompaniment, Sharon’s flute-like voice carries the day.

Four of Five Stars

24 Comments

  1. sharon April 21, 2009 at 4:48 pm - Reply

    Thanks Bob for your wonderful review. May God bless all those who are forwarding HIS KINGDOM!

  2. Donna Mitchell April 21, 2009 at 4:56 pm - Reply

    Sharon Cotten is inspirational and gifted. I had the pleasure of listening to her in person and she is intoxicating as well as Anointed. I KNOW WE WILL HEAR MUCH OF HER IN THE EFUTURE. I pray her much success and Blessings

  3. Audrey April 21, 2009 at 4:57 pm - Reply

    Go Shar! God Bless you girl! You keep on pressin on, keep your focus on Jesus and see what He has in store for you! Love always!
    Audrey, NJ

  4. Hopeton Smith April 21, 2009 at 6:58 pm - Reply

    I had a lot of fun working with you. Your imagination always amazes me! I wish you all the best Blessings God has to offer, and am grateful for the opportunity to minister with you. Much love…

  5. DavidMend April 22, 2009 at 5:56 pm - Reply

    Sharon;

    Much Love to you, I wish you nothing but geart success with this new Album.

    David M.

  6. Mary Collins April 22, 2009 at 8:53 pm - Reply

    Sharon is a a blessing; I give this album 4****stars for I can’t stop listening to it.

  7. Marilyn, Bronx NY April 22, 2009 at 8:59 pm - Reply

    Sharon’s music is very calming. I keep it on my IPOD and listen as I work out and travel. A blessing.

  8. Shelly-Ann April 22, 2009 at 10:30 pm - Reply

    Sharon,
    Your voice has blessed me over the years. Continue to the Lords work for the kingdom.

  9. Shelly-Ann April 22, 2009 at 10:31 pm - Reply

    Sharon,
    Your music has blessed me over the years. Continue to minister for the kingdom.

  10. Glenda April 22, 2009 at 10:42 pm - Reply

    Sharon – you are an amazing singer and an inspiring woman of God. Continue to fulfil your purpose by birthing the songs God has placed in you from the foundation of the world. luv, g :)

  11. Glenda April 22, 2009 at 10:43 pm - Reply

    Sha – continue to sing and praise the Lord! God has given you a purpose – and you are fulfilling it all the time – as you birth the songs He gave you from the beginning of time. luv always, g :)

  12. Deborah April 22, 2009 at 11:11 pm - Reply

    Hey Shar, I had a blast working on “Not Alone” with you! The lyrics on this project are inspiring and uplifting. You’re passionate for your music is so evident throughout this album. Always honor God and He will pour out His Blessings. Much Love!!
    Debbye:)

  13. Arlene N April 23, 2009 at 2:02 am - Reply

    Sharon…continue to use your God-given gift of music to His honor and glory. You are a blessing and may God grant you special favor and ‘enlarge your territory’ as you spread His Word to the masses!Blessings, love and prayers…Arlene N

  14. Anonymous April 23, 2009 at 3:06 am - Reply

    You are awesome and your songs sound so original.Keep up the great work.

  15. Sheldon Francis April 23, 2009 at 12:16 pm - Reply

    “Small beginnings, unimaginable endings”.
    This is what Sharon’s latest album brings to mind.
    How wonderful to know that God is always with us during our individual journey’s.
    Thanks for the message in the music and for keeping it eternally real.
    Luv Ya!!!!!

  16. Michelle April 23, 2009 at 1:35 pm - Reply

    Go Sha Go! You’re not only a great co-worker but truly a great woman of God. Love the album…of course I have my favorites ;-). God never makes mistakes…continue his work. Always be blessed. Love Always

  17. Roshell April 23, 2009 at 2:22 pm - Reply

    Sharon, you are a wonderful inspiration. You do more than sing–you “worship”! Your commitment to God’s cause and way is clearly evident in the way you minister and in the lyrics you write. Keep using that beautiful gift from God for His glory!

  18. Anonymous April 23, 2009 at 3:34 pm - Reply

    Sharon, it was your destiny to send God’s message through your gifted voice. Your music teaches and is also inspirational.

    God Bless you and your continued success.

    Much Love “T”

  19. Purplebutrfli April 23, 2009 at 4:26 pm - Reply

    I think someone already said this – but when you sing you are not performing, you are worshiping in the presence of the Lord. I am blessed whenever I experience you expression of your love of the Lord through song. God’s continued blessings to you.

  20. Donna April 23, 2009 at 6:23 pm - Reply

    Sharons’ riveting CD brings a very
    welcomed fresh, new, vibrant sound
    to christian music today. She is a
    worshipper!!! Her inspiring lyrics and passionate vocals will draw you into an intimate worship experience. Sharon thank you for sharing your beautiful gift with us. The Lord has sent you “FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”.

    Donna, Tx

  21. Dovon April 27, 2009 at 12:58 pm - Reply

    Wow I knew you had the anointing on you once I got to hear “Worship You” and how great it was to play for you at SpringFest. Awesome voice. Praise God for you.

    Dovon Foster

  22. Anonymous April 29, 2009 at 2:57 pm - Reply

    Your music is real and true, and provides inspiration.

    Wayne

  23. Anonymous April 30, 2009 at 4:09 pm - Reply

    May God Bless You and Continue to Bless You. God is with you always. I am very happy for you and happy to know you.

    Debra E. Williams
    Y.O.

  24. Sonnie May 4, 2009 at 9:32 pm - Reply

    Sharon is extremely gifted and talented. Sharon keep moving forward and continue giving God the glory through the melody of your beautiful voice!

    Luv,
    Sanya(Tasha).

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Written by : Bob Marovich

Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.