Beverly Crawford - Beverly (2001)

by Melinda Hill
Beverly Crawford's Beverly is an elegant gospel album. She has a powerful voice that is full but not too heavy; she lets the words, music, and message breathe, something that's paramount in gospel music. There are several standout tracks on the album, and few true missteps. The opening track, "So Glad He Loves Me," is a positive, upbeat number with a full choral sound. "Healing Virtue" is an earnest plea for hope and healing. "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus" is a joyful rendition of a classic gospel number. The most obvious misstep is "Your Name," an awkward attempt at calypso. At its heart, Beverly is a solid album with a truly uplifting message.