(April 6, 2025) Whenever a solo vocalist’s hit songs are reimagined into uplifting vocal events, those special moments can be just as compelling the second time around. Multi-award-winning vocalist CeCe Winans has connected with spirited voices from her previously released singles off of her past two Billboard Gospel #1 charting albums, Believe for It and More Than This. With the title track from Believe for It, the universal message of never giving up on one’s aspirations, received an injection of new life several months later as CeCe was joined on the song by soulful singer/songwriter Lauren Daigle. And the worship collective Bethel Music featured CeCe’s resounding vocals on the praise and worship anthem, “Holy Forever.”
For her return appearance to First Listen, CeCe revisits yet another of her recent solo hits, inviting a Gospel legend of over seven decades, Shirley Caesar, on “Come Jesus Come”. This testimonial song, first performed by co-songwriter Stephen McWhirter, cries out to the Lord for lasting answers in handling life’s tests:
“Sometimes I fall to my knees and pray/
Come Jesus come, let today be the day/
Sometimes I feel like I’m gonna break/
But I’m holding on to a hope that won’t fade.”
Under the guidance of co-producer Kyle Lee, who was behind the scenes on CeCe’s last two albums, the track glows with a powerful yet poignant Sunday morning service complete with a joyous choir and keyboard frosted accompaniment. And CeCe and Shirley’s precious voices fill the room with unwavering hope for the future. Undoubtedly, this ‘refreshing do-over’ from CeCe and a trusted friend in Shirley Caesar alongside is worthy of repeat listening!
By Peggy Oliver
