AMG Review of First Lady of Gospel [2CD]

Joslyn Layne
All Music Guide

This 2002 Liquid 8 release is essentially a condensed reissue of Frank's three-CD compilation by the same name that came out in 2000. Heard here are the first two CDs of the original set, with one track difference ("Windstorm" in place of "Lose That Man"). In all, it's a good cross-section of Shirley Caesar's music including live congregational recordings, studio tracks, songs with and without choirs, songs with sermonizing openings, topical songs ("King Heroin"), and prayerful tunes, and many of her best-loved recordings, such as "No Charge," "The World Didn't Give It to Me," and "Faded Rose." Listen and be moved by the soulful songs and faith of Shirley Caesar.