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Nicole C MullenBeating TimeNICOLE C. MULLEN (Self-titled) Nicole C. Mullen has been around for some time and has contributed to numerous albums but this is her first solo project. It's basically R&B with strong gospel, funk and pop influences that blend together in varying proportions to create a wide range of sounds. 'Butterfly' is a great dance-pop tune and would make an obvious choice as a single release. At the other end of the spectrum you can't help feeling chilled as the grooves of 'Family Tree' ooze out of the speakers. Some competent guitar-playing prevents the programmed rhythms from becoming monotonous but as you might expect from the genre, Mullen's vocals are the standout feature of the album. She seems at home with everything from the Whitney-Houstonesque gospel ballad 'Redeemer' to the slow, funky rap of 'Family Tree'. So how about the lyrics? The first line on the album makes her position clear: 'I believe in Jesus / And I won't apologise.' Her relentlessly positive worldview could have come across as 'preachy' if it wasn't for her ability to tackle big issues in such a down-to-earth way. She has an obvious talent for writing songs that describe everyday life and how her faith affects how she relates to them. 'Blowin' Kisses' for example, is about how she was able to demonstrate Jesus's love to a stranger who needed help. 'Redeemer' is one of the more worshipful songs on the album and is where her vocal talents are demonstrated best. It's a pop ballad with one of those tunes you could have in your head for weeks at a time coupled with a superb lyric based on Job 19.25: Other than the somewhat annoying 30-second musical interludes from her family and friends, this is an impressive debut. Several strong radio-friendly songs make this an album sure to please R&B/gospel lovers everywhere. Jon Mason© Evangelicals Now - June 2001 |