A CITY CALLED HEAVEN
A CITY CALLED HEAVEN is simply great Gospel music that will stand the test of time. This body of work proves why classic lyrics about salvation, Heaven and Jesus-centered living will always win over trendy production and contemporary turns. It has been Pastor Shirley Caesar who has been enthusiastically serving up this vintage brand of Gospel music for over 40 years and as one of the genre’s true icons, Shirley Caesar exemplifies everything good in Gospel, while staying both timely and timeless.
The new album, A CITY CALLED HEAVEN, to be released on Shu-Bel/Light Records on November 24th, is a multi-layered project that continues to immortalize Shirley Caesar’s signature on gospel music. The ‘take-you-to-straight-to-church’ music remains as Caesar’s hallmark, while she pursues new sounds and styles for all generations.
A CITY CALLED HEAVEN kicks off in high fashion with “Celebration,” the bouncy praise filled party-jam that sets the tone and makes you happy about Jesus. Another stand out is the David Frazier penned hit song “Favor,” an infectious mid-tempo cut.
Uber-producer, J. Moss, joins Caesar on the album’s first single "Nobody," a contemporary radio-friendly collaboration that is just what people need today. It talks of God’s greatness and sovereignty over any problem.
Confirming the old adage, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it; the tried and true “Been So Good,” shows off Caesar’s enduring energy and the worship filled “In This Place,” proves that classic music will always be likable.
“A City Called Heaven,” the poignant title track speaks to believers’ ultimate goal of seeing our Savior in Heaven. Having suffered the loss of her beloved sister, Caesar’s emotional presentation is unmistakable. The grooving and rocking “Get Light For The Fight” is a musical grand slam. Its subtle power and alter-call message has ‘hit song’ written all over it. “Playground In Heaven,” is presented in Caesar’s well known style of story-telling and wraps a charming tale around the central theme of Jesus and salvation.
Shirley Caesar is a multiple Grammy Award winner and nominee who truly embodies Gospel music to the core. She has sung for presidents and world leaders, yet is also at home pastoring to a thriving church in Raleigh-Durham. She started out in the early 60's singing with the group the Caravans, and went on as a solo artist in 1966. Since that time she as paved the way for female artists in gospel and has stood the test of time. She has released OVER 30 solo albums during her career.