by Rodney BatdorfAfter spending most of her life singing with her siblings in the Clark Sisters, Karen Clark-Sheard released her debut solo album, Finally Karen, in 1997. Listeners already knew from the Clark Sisters that Karen possessed a wonderful, powerful voice, but Finally Karen confirms the depth and range of her talent. From the outset, it's clear that she has decided to broaden her appeal by bringing in urban R&B influences. Clark-Sheard works with producer/songwriter Donald Lawrence, Stanley Brown, James Moss, the Tri-City Singers, and Faith Evans, and the result is a joyous, inspirational album, largely recorded live at Detroit's Bailey Cathedral. It's alternately celebratory and reflective, and it confirms that Karen Clark-Sheard is a talent in her own right.