Phases and Stages

Candi Staton

The Ultimate Gospel Collection (Shanachie)

The trials and tribulations of Candi Staton's all-too-human life supply the platform for her lofty gospel aspirations. With a sordid personal history of abusive relationships and bouts with alcoholism, Staton returned to the church in the early Eighties to rekindle a dedication previously stunted during her adolescence and a stint in the Jewel Gospel Trio. Having performed in the Fifties with Mahalia Jackson and the Soul Stirrers, Staton certainly sports the pedigree to lead congregations in songs of prayer. Wiping away the tears still streaming from days past, this 2-CD set bypasses Staton's secular Muscle Shoals and disco periods in favor of her much-less-produced modern soul sound. Assembled with amateurish keyboards and drum kits, the brunt of this collection comes straight from the land of tear-jerking infomercials. Staton makes the most of it as her obvious singing talent transcends its emotionally cheesy surroundings. With abundant crossover appeal, Staton's "You Got the Love" has charted on three separate occasions since '86 by way of pop remixes. Kindred spirits looking for safe haven in God will benefit from Staton's deep-rooted inspiration.