(June 19, 2026) As one of gospel’s global ambassadors, CeCe Winans focuses on the number one love of her life – Jesus Christ. Besides her first love, she also reflects emphatic appreciation for her influential parents that raised ten children who have impacted the urban praise market since the early nineties. Throughout her body of work, earning multiple awards from Stellar to Grammy, CeCe remains aware where the source of her strength lies in exercising faith to the highest degree. And SoulTracks has featured several selections from her two Billboard Gospel #1 live sessions – More Than This & Believe For It. And, despite a fruitful solo chapter spanning over three decades, CeCe has never dedicated a full project to the hymns that shaped her affection for the church growing up…until now.
On her 12th release, CeCe delivers The Hymns (PureSprings Gospel), an intimate perspective of timeless praise without the aid of a full band. And our latest First Listen spotlights one of those classic hymns with the soulful, upbeat “Nothing But the Blood,” revealing Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity on the cross.
Though the accompaniment is minimal throughout, gospel veteran producers Thomas Hardin, Jr. & Tyrone Jackson lend a sensitivity to their arrangements (along with CeCe), so the potent lyrics are the focal point. The rare exception comes with “Nothing But the Blood,” complimented by a jubilant choir and conga driven (no drum set) rhythms accenting CeCe’s spirited performance. While some recent praise recordings tend to feed off production bells and whistles, it was intended for The Hymns to bathe in the uncluttered beauty of holiness as interpreted by a voice who genuinely worships her first love. Check it out!
By Peggy Oliver
