It's My Time

Sounds like … the scope, refinement and versatility of Patti LaBelle, Karen Clark-Sheard and Tramaine Hawkins, plus the smooth R&B stylings of Anita Baker and Sade.At a glance … not as traditional as during her earlier years, Pace has found a delectable balance between soft R&B, contemporary soul, and gospel.Track Listing It's My Time For My Good Hey Emotions Cool Praises I Trust You When I Worship You You The Lord Will Make a Way Love Through Her Eyes

If you fancy yourself a follower of LaShun Pace, you might as well forget what you know about her thus far. A sticker on the case of her new album, It's My Time, bids us to "Hear Her Again for the First Time," and that's an appropriate way of approaching her inaugural offering for EMI Gospel. In many respects, it's an effort that could very well be her debut, as Pace for the first time does not limit herself to the strictly traditional mold of earlier recordings.

Doing so would have been a disservice to her voice, since this versatile vocalist is commanding whether she's soaring relentlessly ("For My Good") or singing breezy R&B numbers ("It's My Time"), without sounding too forced or reserved at either. Regardless of how she puts her vocal gift to use, she knows how to work it with elegance, recalling other gospel divas like Patti LaBelle and Karen Clark-Sheard. It's a perfect match for the understated yet chic arrangements of chief producer Ty Max, who is careful never to distract from or overpower Pace's rich delivery.

While other gospel luminaries try to cater to more youthful types with slick hip-hop beats, Pace knows her place, resorting rather to discreet arrangements ("Hey," "Love") that still maintain a strong rhythmic footing. At times she does wax melancholy, not afraid to take us to church in the riveting "Emotions" and the traditional treasure "The Lord Will Make a Way." But in the end, the whole of It's My Time is still a tender balancing act, as breathtaking and graceful as it is unpretentious.