AMG Review of BeBe Winans

Leo Stanley
All Music Guide

BeBe Winans' long-awaited eponymous solo debut isn't the powerhouse it could have been, but it's nevertheless a first-class set of contemporary soul and gospel. Working with a top-notch set of professional producers -- including Rhett Lawrence, Little Louie Vega, Arif Mardin, Manuel Seal and Keith Andes -- Winans has created a well-crafted set of smooth urban soul and gospel, one that keeps his remarkable, supple vocals at center stage. The main problem with the record is its inconsistent material -- Winans always sounds good, but he often sounds better than what the songs deserve. Still, the very best moments -- the single "In Harm's Way," the Eternal duet "I Wanna Be the Only One" and a stirring cover of "Oh Happy Day" -- make the album a winning solo debut from one of the best contemporary gospel singers of the '90s.