For those unaware, Merry Clayton is a living legend of unparalleled solar-powered vocal majesty, boldly bringing the Black American church experience across musical genres and styles.

Throughout an astounding career - as a lead and background singer with the greatest artists of all-time, including being heard on the Rolling Stones’ 'Gimme Shelter' and on many of Carole King’s hit albums of the 70s - Merry Clayton steps into the spotlight with the gospel project, Beautiful Scars (releasing April 9th, 2021 via Motown Gospel).

Clayton's first studio recording in 27 years, and entitled for the same-named title track written by Diane Warren, the brand new album is produced by Lou Adler, who first signed Merry to Ode Records in 1970.

1. 'A Song For You'
2. 'Touch The Hem of His Garment'
3. 'Beautiful Scars'
4. 'Love Is A Mighty River'
5. 'God's Love'
6. 'Deliverance'
7. 'Room At The Altar'
8. 'He Made A Way'
9. 'Oh What A Friend'
10. 'Ooh Child Medley'

On what is, in many ways, a much-anticipated follow-up to Clayton’s 1994 gospel debut, Miracles, this mighty fine, uplifting and vibrantly earthy album opens on the majestically perfect 'A Song For You' and backs that up with the righteous Gospel storytelling of 'Touch The Hem of His Garment,' the R&B sway of the title track 'Beautiful Scars,' the quietly profound 'Love Is A Mighty River' and then we get the pop hipsway of 'God's Love.'

With the album freely merging traditional gospel songs - such as Sam Cooke’s 'Touch the Hem of His Garment' - with spiritual originals from songwriters like the aforementioned Diane Warren and Chris Martin, next up is her inspiring call to a Higher Power within the R&B preached soul of 'Deliverance,' which is then itself backed by the soaring ballad 'Room At The Altar,' the joyous, hands raised in rhythmic Prayer 'He Made A Way,' with the album rounding out on the soulful flow of 'Oh What A Friend,' closing on the simply delicious 'Ooh Child Medley.'

Amazon Purchase Links

Merry Clayton - Beautiful Scars Official Album Insight Video

Merry Clayton @ Facebook