The Clark Sisters haven't released an album of new material in more than a decade. The progenitors of contemporary gospel, they have influenced countless groups and artists, sacred and secular, including Kirk Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Beyonce. Issued by Karew through Motown Gospel, it's the 17th studio album by the legendary group, and was issued as a precursor to their Lifetime biopic The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel, executive produced by Queen Latifah, Faith Evans, and Mary J. Blige. The album's production and writing credits include Rodney Jerkins, Warryn Campbell, Jermaine Dupri, Mano Hanes, and, of course, Karew label boss, J. Drew Sheard II (Karen Clark-Sheard's son).
The sound here is at once retro and modern. Elbertina "Twinkie" Clark's arranging style is such a reference point in contemporary gospel, it can be jarring (a good thing) when she shifts gears to accommodate modern studio techniques. Stylistically, these songs are all over the place, as is the Clark Sisters' wont: they crisscross funk, R&B, traditional gospel, adult contemporary, urban soul, and more. Ten of the set's 13 tunes were written or co-written by the sisters. First single "Victory" was co-written by Karen Clark-Sheard with her son, and offers sweeping strings, an exceptionally low-tuned bassline, and a jazzy piano framing Clark-Sheard's lead vocal and her sisters' buoyant support and improvisation. "Give It to Him," written and produced by Warryn Campbell, is driven by a bludgeoning funk groove complete with massive handclaps and screaming electric guitars that would make George Clinton grin from ear-to-ear. Twinkie's "God Loves You" nods in the rearview at their smash "You Brought the Sunshine." Like the earlier hit, it was modeled on the jazzy, roots reggae grooves Stevie Wonder employed in "Master Blaster (Jammin')." Snoop Dogg lends his vocals to "His Love." Penned by Sheard II with Twinkie, Snoop, Karen and Kierra Sheard, and Faith Evans, it's a soulful, affirmative midtempo jam with a sweeping chorus that utilizes a tight hip-hop snare and hi-hat breaks. Snoop's prayerful rap is direct and uplifting. "More," produced by Rodney Jenkins, was co-written with the Clark Sisters, Imani Archer, and Saeed Renaud is church, pure and simple; it's inspired and joyous. Closer "Good Favor" was penned by its producer Kurt Carr. He wanted to evoke the the Clark Sisters' vintage sound by melding sweeping strings, brassy, soulful horns, and spiraling piano amid hip-hop snare and hi-hat breaks and loops. The Return is completely realized and a welcome comeback. The Clark Sisters remain at the top of their game. Released during the global COVID-19 crisis, it's the album we need right now to assist in transcending the confusion, the fear, and the darkness with conviction, inspiration, affirmation, and joy.
© Thom Jurek /TiVo