Crystal Aikin

By Em Fergusson

Crystal Aikin’s self-debut album is filled with inspirational songs, backed by talent. The all-around first season champion of Sunday Best , BET's high-profile gospel competition, Crystal is shaping up to be the newest Gospel American Idol. Her powerful vocals on her new release and the selection of songs make this album a soul-inspiring project. Produced by PAJAM, Asaph Ward, and Dre & Vida, the album weaves a variety of styles, from traditional and contemporary gospel to Christian contemporary.

The 10-track project contains songs produced by innovative and creative gospel and urban producers, including Gerald Haddon (Deitrick Haddon, Damita Haddon, Bishop Noel Jones’ City of Refuge Sanctuary Choir), Derek Clark (Z’iel), Lamb and TJ, and Ward (Kim Burrell, Maurette Brown Clark) .

Crystal begins with the powerful and inspiring ballad, I Desire More. The song speaks of wanting to walk closer with God. Crystal’s soaring vocals produce a striking effect: I Desire More is truly the makings of a highly talented songstress, whose roots in gospel began at an early age. She grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where she sang her way to leading and singing in groups at Altheimer Memorial Church of God in Christ. “As I got older, young leaders in my church started going off to college, and I fell into the position of directing and more lead singing,” says Crystal. “And that developed my leadership skills for singing in groups in the church because neither of my parents were soloists.”

The myriad of various styles on Crystal’s album is refreshing, as she weaves from one song to the next. Her ease and sincere approach to each track is also an encouraging quality on this new project. Love Him is an urban, R&B friendly track that explores relationship issues. Another mid-tempo song with a unique rhythm includes the jazzy, A Song About Jesus. The breezy ballad gives honor to Jesus, by acknowledging that singing about Him fills a life with so much through moments of joy and pain: Through the fire we had to go through/But when it’s all over/We’ll all be better/If I could tell the world…when you take me away/I’ll wait for that day…”