The initial reviews of Next Step, the impressive solo debut of Avalon’s Melissa Greene, are in, and they’re looking quite positive!
Over at Soul-Audio.net, the review says “(Next Step), which includes elements of dance, pop, worship, hymn, crossover country and R&B funk, somehow flows effortlessly… without jarring the listener whatsoever.” It concludes by saying “A masterpiece of congruency and diversity, (Next Step) is a winner.”
New Music Reviews’ Deborah Evans-Price (who also writes for Billboard) says “this impressive solo set” and “immensely moving vocals reveal a singer of considerable depth and emotional integrity.”
Melissa’s voice is still the star of the show. Christianity Today writes “they don’t make ’em like this anymore,” calling Melissa “a topnotch vocalist.” Even JesusHideOut.com, which issues a relatively lukewarm review of the album itself (3 of 5 stars), praises Melissa’s stellar vocals, saying “The best part of the album is Melissa’s strong, powerful vocals. Her voice seems tailor-made for singing inspirational pop music. It also has a bit of a Carrie Underwood-esque country flare, especially evident in the ballads.”
According to Mel’s MySpace blog, Next Step is picking on radio (it’s about time!), and it should be only a matter of weeks before the single really impacts radio. WOOT! Next single should be Revelation Song!
A hearty congratulations to Melissa for a great debut album! I can’t wait to get my copy!
[audio:01 Next Step.mp3]