Her earliest memories involve singing with her family, backing up artists like Shirley Caesar, the Williams Brothers, and later as an adult, Prince. But finally the time came for her to sing on her own, and "My Everything" is that project. Covering a broad spectrum of styles, Niyoki makes her way through smooth R&B, infectious dance tracks, and pure soaring gospel on these 14 tracks. She had her hand in on the writing and producing, but clearly her strength lies in her pure vocals, showcased especially powerfully on standout track "Yes, Lord." It's all there: sincere worship, silky a cappella tones, and straight-forward lyrics. That's when I enjoyed Niyoki most, when she got out from under all of the production and just sang straight-up to the Lord. She's untouchable in the take-charge R&B rocker "Praise Time," and the smooth celebration of God's grace on bright neo-soul track, "After All."
Niyoki's family make supportive appearances (the interesting take on "Amazing Grace," "A G 2"), but she's fine on her own, sharing her testimony powerfully on the straight-up gospel track "Thank You Lord." Some of "My Everything" is the standard fare, but when Niyoki moves into her own smoldering groove, she makes the project shine. An album well worth your time, "My Everything."
