2nd Chance

Karen Clark-Sheard

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 21, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B000069RKT
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #38,625 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
With intense worship workouts, burning urban funk, lift-me-up choral anthems, and weepy ballads that never resort to cliché, Karen Clark Sheard's 2nd Chance is easily one of the best records of 2002. Sure, it doesn't hurt that contributors include famous (and insanely talented) people like Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Yolanda Adams. But it's the strength of Clark Sheard's strong, supple, and deliriously lovely singing voice (abetted by the power of her convictions) that really shines through on this dynamic album. At age 7, Karen was a founding member of the funky, exhilarating Clark Sisters--one of the only contemporary gospel groups to hold a candle to classic female gospel soul acts such as the Caravans and the Gospel Harmonettes--and she's been an award-winning solo performer since 1997. The album's title refers to a near-death experience the singer suffered after a surgical procedure in 2000, leaving her with a renewed sense of purpose. 2nd Chance is saturated with an overwhelming sense of joy, renewal, and above all, thanks. Whew. Did we mention it's one of the best records of 2002? --Mike McGonigal

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOWZA!!!!!!!, August 10, 2002

By A Customer

KAREN CLARK SHEARD agruably possesses the finest voice in all of music, yet alone gospel music. God has smiled on this young lady in more ways than one. Not only through her giftings but through her powerful testimony of how a near-death experience has given her a renewed sense of purpose and a greater enjoyment for life. The cd 2nd Chance is filled with the finest material that's been released this year! The opening song "Be Sure" produced by Karen's cousin James Moss captures your heart and causes you to think about daily decisions we as christians must make. It's most certainly a multi-format song that will touch many. The second song "Only Call On Jesus" just gently reminds us who Karen called on and calls on in her time of need. This Missy Elliott produced song has a soft groove and features Hip-hop siren Tweet as a background guest. Tracks three and five, "I've Been Changed" (produced by Walter Milsap)and "I'll Be Right There" (produced by Tim & Bob) both speaks to the Lord's incredible power and comfort that he unleashes on those who believe. The Hip-Hop tracks are soft but yet they captivate the listener as Karen elegantly guides through every lyric of both songs. Track four, "If I Can't Say A Word" is my third favorite song on the cd. Produced by gospel perfectionist Donald Lawrence, this one will have you focusing and concentrating on the goodness of Jesus. "Higher Ground", produced by Timbaland and co-produced by Missy Elliott, is track no. 6 and it's filled with inspiring lyrics and guest! Dorinda Clark-Cole (another excellent cd), Mary Mary, Kim Burrell and Yolanda Adams join Karen as they all just sing their faces off as they challenge believers everywhere to go Higher in God. Yolanda stays on for another song on Track 7 "Brand New Day". Produced by Mike City, this one causes you to forget about the pains of yesterday and embrace the present. My second favorite song is up next "So Good". Karen rips this Moss song to shreds! She runs, growls and riffs as this rockin' groovin' smash filled with great instrumentation leaves the listener in total exuberance. Most certainly a standout for the cd. Track nine continues to follow suit with excitement. The title song "2nd chance" reminds us of God's forgiveness and mercy. Karen takes this James Moss, R&B jam and sing it like the legend she is. Now comes track 10, my pick as the best on this cd. "A Secret Place" is a tender ballad written and produced by the legendary gospel songwriter Richard Smallwood. Karen effortlessly glides through this song as it tells you where you can go in a time of hurt, discomfort, pain and/or sorrow! You can run to the secret place of the most high God! There is safety, protection, security and a sanctuary in that secret place! Whew! Track 11 "I Won't Let Go" is a nice jam that any youth choir can bang, as Karen provides great ad libs. Track 12 "Sacrifice" showcases the younger Clark, Kierra (karen's daughter). Together they traditionally remind of what the Lord did for us. The cd closer, "It's Not Over", gives us indication what Karen was telling the devil while she was in her coma. She takes this song and sings it with power and conviction and encourage the heart of all that will hear, that it's not over. Karen is not only an excellent singer but a fine producer as she wrote and produced the final two songs. No matter what state you're in, there is something on this project that will do you good! Karen's 2ND CHANCE cd is a major hit that deserves major airplay because it will majorly affect your life if you let it! WOWZA!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Karen! Karen!, November 26, 2002

By A Customer

Karen is truly an amazing woman! I fell in love with her in '97 when i first heard "Balm in Gilead". For five years i waited and waited fr her new CD and it's finally here. This CD is truly a blessing. It ministers right to my spirit! Many people sit and talk about how she's gone to this secular side, but that is so not true. PEOPLE it's time out for foolishness!!! What we have got to realize is that, the songs she sang are personal! They are her testimony and that's where she is in God right now. Maybe this album is not meant to reach you and that's understandable, but don't knock this woman's ministry. God already told us to touch not his annointed ones. So we need to learn how to keep our mouths shut! Karen is a blessed woman of God and she will continue to make annoited gospel music. IF YOU DON'T LIKE HER/IT DON'T BUY HER CD'S!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And lastly, when you get your own CD and ministry together and you have a recording contract and all that...........that's when you can talk about someone else and their ministry!!! Be Blessed, encouraged and be faithful

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Yeow-za!, January 14, 2005

By	Bob (MI United States) - See all my reviews

Whoa! This CD is great! Karen's voice is in top form and the songs (like 2nd Chance, So Good, Brand New Day, I've Been Changed) arewonderful! IF you are trying to decide, let me tell you GET IT! getitgetitgetit! If only for "A Secret Place"! mm-HM! Oh that song is so powerful! It really really is! I really recomend this to you!