Allen’s “New Thing” is worthy

By Donna Marbury
Contributing Writer
Columbus Post

Columbus’ gospel darling Nia Allen throws her hat into the arena of contemporary gospel with her debut CD, “A New Thing.” And like the title suggests, Allen uses more than an organ and a choir to sing her praises.
Allen impressively writes nine of the 12 tracks on the album, demonstrating her noteworthy education from famed music school Berklee College in Massachusetts. With Allen’s goal to spread the gospel in a way that is not shunned by traditionalists, yet accepted by those still wet from their baptism, she is successful in her first full length CD.
“Since You Came” is an R&B-tinged ode to Christ that would play just as easily on secular soul radio stations than gospel stations. “Lately” is a powerful, soulful song that is inspiring and uplifting not only because of Allen’s vocals, but the instrumentation. “Wait” is blessed by the same strong instrument performance and words penned by Allen that are geared to impatient, young Christians. Allen gets dance ready on the confident “It’s Gonna Be Alight” that shows off her vocal chops and her contemporary stylings. Allen encourages audience participation in the choir-ready “Love You More Each Day” that calypso-tinged arrangement is palatable to the saints and the sinners.
Old-school gospel crooners have often criticized contemporary gospel singers because of their lack of recognition to hymns and traditional songs that may lack the bells and whistles of the new-school, but served as staples in religious black history. Allen covers those bases in songs “Old Rugged Cross,” and “Hallelujah” that have been sung in black churches for years. Though songs written by Allen, “You Are Holy” and “Give Him Your Life” sandwiched back-to-back are slow and cause the album to drag, her efforts to expose young saints to traditional-style is commendable.
Allen shows her musicianship by carefully countering the lyrical content of her songs to the right music and the right arrangements. Though at times, it would have been nice to see Allen take more risks musically with traditional songs that could have been livened up with a different interpretation. However, as a singer Allen’s range rivals top ten R&B divas and she probably sends the devil shaking with her ability to write and arrange lyrics. Allen’s “A New Thing” is a light at the top of Columbus’ music scene and through her efforts it is praiseworthy.