On her second CD, Lisa McClendon maintains the smooth style and biblically poetic lyrics that created the buzz, elicited “neo soul” comparisons and caused her to be picked up by a major label. Prayerfully, more people will now come across this CD, simply titled Soul Music (Integrity Gospel/Epic) in a nearby record store. What they will find is, honest and thought provoking lyrics, drenched in jazzy arrangements, centered on a relationship with Christ.

I had a chance to see Lisa in person at last year’s Holy Hip-Hop awards where she was honored and from my observation, the earthiness she exudes on record is not a front. I admit, as I listened to Soul Music, I was looking for the “killer single” like If You Fall from her debut My Diary Your Life (Shabach Entertainment) but it wasn’t there, but what I did find was individually solid tracks that add up to a cohesive project that will have a long life in rotation because of good production, and potent content. Since when did songs about spousal submission, accountability, and evangelism sound so good? Peep this line from the track produced by Rocksoul’s Lee Jerkins.

“…We’re both adults and its not too late, we both wanna be heard, but what did God say…” - from Stuck (Love’s Anthem)

Lyrics like this where Lisa talks about spouses quarreling but fully aware divorce is not an option and love isn’t the issue, capture a maturing artist and believer adeptly weaving real life issues into song.

Truth Is, which speaks to the “insanity” of the gospel message in our contemporary world will probably draw comparisons to the stylings Lauryn Hill offered on her Unplugged disc. Lo key, those close to Ms. Hill would bless her by giving her this disc as Lisa clearly demonstrates the spiritual balance that can be attained an industry driven by corrupt motives.

There are several tracks you’ll find yourself gravitating towards during chaotic work days or long drives including Grace, Grace, Grace, which has a tempo change mid-song that takes it from smooth to surreal. Though it may not register right away, after a couple listens, it becomes apparent why Hey Now an upbeat number about rejoicing in a new day, was chosen as the album opener. If you needed a musical mandate to compel you to take the gospel to all nations and Go doesn’t do it, woe unto you. And I’m not sure if Old School is funkier than it is funny, as Lisa captures all of your childhood chuuuch memories, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Both of these joints will have you wanting to see just who IS the band that backs Mrs. McClendon. Vibe Out is another one of those interludes that angers you when you discover that’s all that it is. The lazy horns lurking in Accountability give the song (which is too short) the somber tone that a life without accountability actually is.

When you want to call him, call your girl instead, and make sure she ain’t shady, but living like a godly lady, stay on the phone, pray together until that feelin’ leaves… - from Accountability

Lisa cops a co-producer’s credit for this album as she and (industry veteran) Mo (Maurice) Henderson (Grits, Out of Eden) are at the helm of the majority of the tracks.
Lisa more than carries the album herself but a collabo with say CJ (Canton Jones, perhaps her male counterpart in style and talent who has a buzz of his on going) would’ve fit right in with this already tasty offering. I ain’t mad though. Diversify your collection with Lisa McClendon’s Soul Music. I got mine at Border’s for only $12.99. I didn’t have any success when I tried to log on, but LISAONLINE.NET is her website as listed in the booklet.

-vessel