Customer Reviews

Different Lifestyles

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On the CD "Different Lifestyles," the writing, production and vocals of BeBe & CeCe Winans reached a new plateau. Their third collaboration with producer Keith Thomas (of Amy Grant's "Heart in Motion" and "House of Love" fame) was filled to the rim with catchy hooks, spotless arrangements and soaring, soulful vocals. It even worked as a crossover of sorts: singles like "Depend on You" and "Addictive Love," while intended to sing the praises of God, could certainly be played from friend to friend or even lover to lover; with this album BeBe & CeCe gave new meaning to the concept that music should be universal. The title track is an eloquent musing of a humble, flawed human trying to meet God's expectations in a modern world, and a remake of the Staple Singers' hit "I'll Take You There" (featuring a cameo by Mavis Staples) is nothing short of breathtaking. Even when BeBe & CeCe sing about trying times (on "It's Ok" and the stunning "You Know and I Know") the lyrics convey a bright ray of hope amidst drop-dead gorgeous musical arrangements. And for instant sunshine and optimism, look no further than the happy pop shuffle of "Can't Take This Away," a song whose spirit is boosted with a full-bodied testament by the Calvary Choir. Throughout all of its production strengths BeBe & CeCe give some of the most soulful and joyous performances of their careers. This is one of those rare albums that succeeds within its genre and still invites fans from outside of it. Recorded in 1991, the only sign of dating itself is a guest rap by MC Hammer (on the funkfest "The Blood"); otherwise this immaculate and moving album -at once a portrait of a duo at the height of their artistry and a textbook for incomparable pop/soul production- is a timeless classic.

1991's "Different Lifestyles" comes as close as one can get in bridging the gap between secular and religious music. Like the other reviewers has stated, many of the selections here can be interpreted differently by the respective ear and inclination. This makes the album work for every interest.

The hits "Addictive Love" and "It's O.K." were revolutionary upon their original release. Now contemporary artists such as Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin commonly do songs of their types. Such is Bebe and CeCe's legacy.

While together they are magic, it is on two particular "solo" efforts where each gets a chance to show his/her unique interpretive skills. CeCe illuminates "Supposed to Be", a truly uplifting lyric extolling the virtues of giving one's life to the Lord. BeBe's solo offering, "Searching for Love", allows him to pull out all the passion of his vocal instrument in a song about the power of real, uncompromising love. The latter also features background backing and arrangement from a certain Luther Vandross.

And in homage to one of their musical foremothers, BeBe and CeCe are joined by Mavis Staples on a cover of The Staple Family's "I'll Take You There".

"Different Lifestyles" is one of the best from the 90's and deserves greater recognition AND increased sales.

A friend of mine told me to buy the CD. Since I already liked a couple of the tracks heard on the radio, I decided to buy it. Boy, was I surprised. The songs on the album were so great. As it turned out, I ended up listening to it every, single morning so that my day got started on a "positive note". This is an album for anyone who isn't particularly spiritual (if you aren't, then this album will make you think and feel otherwise). The track, "The Blood" featuring MC Hammer and in the background vocals, Whitney Houston, is so awesome, so powerful.

I would say that this album is quite touching but it gives spiritually not so much. Their voices are great, however. My favorite tracks are "Depend on Me", "Different Lifestyles" and "Addictive Love".

My husband really wanted this CD. Thank you for making his wish come true. Although it was sent to us scratched, it still plays well enough for us to enjoy. Thanks to Wherehouse for solving this issue, quickly. :-)

I purchased the cassette when this first came out back in 1993 and loved it so much. I listened to it constantly. The cassette was lost, so i repurchased the cd through amazon and still enjoy it to this day. The songs, different lifestyles, addictive love, The staples i'll take you there, its ok, searching for love, and you know and i know really touches me and stirs my spirit everytime i hear them. Overall, the whole cd is great. If you're looking for a cd to put a smile on your face, a lift in your spirit, love and joy in your heart, compassion and happy tears in your eyes, this cd will do all that and more for you. Get it, you wont be dissappointed and you will truely see that Bebe and Cece are singing from their heart and they were put on this earth to sing Gods praise to help themselves as well as all of us in whatever we're going thru in life. 5 stars all the way!!

I loved this album when it first out and still love it today. I remember when it first came out and my mom continuing to play it over and over again we had the casette tape(i was nine when it first came out in 1991).My favorite songs on this album is "suppose to be" and "Searching for love" to me this was one of bebe and cece`s greatess albums. you will enjoy it. this album takes me back to when the Cosby Show,A Different World was still on air etc. those were the fun time, and yes MC Hammer and Whitney Houston was still and the Top of the Billbord charts(smile)Kid `n Play and Will Smith`s music was still popular etc.so when u hear this album the beats will take u back.

The CD and music were most exciteable. I'm appreciative for the low cost. Best regards.

This is a good album. The production was strong and consistent-- sticking with their formula of deliberately ambiguous religious music.

Of course (no accident) the best song was the single "Addictive Love," but the rest of the album was generally listenable and the compositions were well thought out.

This is possibly worth a new purchase price.

Ever since I listened to thier Relationships album for me Bebe & CeCe can do no wrong. With thier fine vocals passed down from a great heritage of a musical family. Thier songs have such meaning that give life to your Spirit man whilst helping replace those sad so called love songs. I am just so surprised I am just getting to hear these albums now. Praise God that I am because they have been a blessing everytime I listen to them thier Relationships album is easily my greatest album ever I can't get bored of it it's just awesome. This album has blessed me so you can't go wrong in buying it and being blessed..