Nicole C. Mullen

Item: Nicole C. Mullen
Author: Timothy Paul Yenter

(2000)

Reviewed by Timothy Paul Yenter

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Label Word RecordsReAL Magazine2000

ccm pop r&b

Contrary to what many Christian radio stations would like you to believe, Nicole C. Mullen does have more songs than 'Redeemer.' In fact, if Christian radio stations had it their way, we would have 'Redeemer' Hours with only occasional breaks for station identification.

However, radio stations shouldn't play the rest of this CD. Before all the Nicole C. Mullen fans start praying for me to be smitten, you must realize I am not saying the rest of the CD is bad. It just isn't radio-friendly music. The rest of the songs are not built with intense chord progressions, strong choirs in the background, and powerful yet simple words.

'Shooby,' the opening song, is a combination of Kirk Franklin's 'Stomp' and Whitney Houston's 'Exhale (Shoop Shoop).' While both of these songs (except for the second one) are great songs, the outcome is disappointing. While she claims to have an original "funkabilly" sound, I also find traces of Des'ree's 'You Gotta Be' and Shawn Mullins' 'Lullaby,' and words that mirror TLC's 'Waterfalls.' 'Blowin' Kisses,' the song before 'Redeemer,' is perfectly placed; the elementary chorus and basic lyrics are contrasted against 'Redeemer.' 'Redeemer' has the potential to become the next 'Shout to the Lord,' a song so overplayed it is almost irreverent.

While her self-titled release offers songs like 'Redeemer'--that may bring a tear to the eye of every middle-aged woman who hears it on the radio--what brings a tear to my eye is the lack of her best song--'Larry Boy.' Mullen sang vocals on the Veggie Tales classic, just one of her many pre-solo debut credentials. The 'Larry Boy' single is a must in everyone's CD repertoire; it is the second best representation of her strong voice, only behind 'Redeemer.'

Be on the lookout for the next Nicole C. Mullen CD. With a few adjustments to her lyrics and a little more creativity in her vocalizations and she will definitely produce some CDs to add to your library.