After a four-year hiatus multifaceted singer/songwriter Michelle Bonilla readies to release her sophomore studio effort entitled In Spite of Me, April 13th on RockSoul Productions.
The recent Temple University Cum Laude graduate first came on the scene with her 2006 release "Phenomenal" where her single 'Sin Ti' charted on the top 20 CHR charts.
She's back with her producer Lee Jerkins (Out of Eden, Cross Movement) with an inspirational 16-track CD-13 full songs and three diary excerpts-with strong infusions of R&B, pop and Latin melodies featuring Jamaican gospel recording artist Chevelle Franklin, and gospel hip-hop artists Lecrae, Flame, and R-Swift. "My music is a blend of who I am culturally--urban, Latin, rock and soul," says Bonilla.
The first single, I Love You, is a fun anthem-like song. According to Bonilla, "It's a new way to praise without the traditional flare." It's also the cry of her heart when it comes to how she feels about God.
That's What Love Is, the second single, is a cool mid-tempo groove that explains that Jesus is the answer, More than any diamonds you can buy me/ I want a love that can't be measured by things/I want a perfect unconditional love/jesus is where you'll find unconditional love. " The idea of true love has been so blurred by society's mundane and selfish values that they've sold a lie to girls everywhere, and the saddest part is that the girls believe it," says Bonilla. "I wanted them to see what true love looks like, and that it's nothing like what they've seen or heard on TV or radio."
The up-beat title track, In Spite of Me, co-written by Bonilla, is filled with Christ-centered lyrics where the theme talks about a perfect God and an imperfect humanity, while the dance tune Give It Up will keep you moving and praising God.
You is a personal favorite of Michelle's. "It says everything I feel when I just can't seem to get it together. When my world is going crazy I don't need nobody else I need You."
You Don't Have Cry is a story-telling cut that reaches down to Michelle Bontilla's contemporary roots. "It's like I sat down in the middle of a circle surrounded by young people who came to listen to an encouraging story. I used to love story time as a kid and I guess that's why I wrote it that way."
Persevere is a Tina Turner/Skillet rock out song. Bonilla says "the lyrics are very real and they talk about real life issues. It's my way of saying hey, life is not simple it has its crazy moments but we will persevere through Christ Jesus."
Other standout tracks include the beautiful ballads Eres El Rey(spanish for "You Are The King"), I Am, and My Story.
"In Spite of who we are, at our core, God sees what we will be. We are free to pour out our hearts before him openly in worship and in truth, because he longs to have a relationship with us," says Bonilla.
No stranger to the industry Bonilla has performed in the company of artists as Crystal Lewis, Nicole Mullen, Out Of Eden, and Papa San, and has been featured on Cross Movement's Grammy and Dove nominated album "Higher Definition."
Four years later, with a newfound understanding of who she is in Christ, Michelle Bonilla presents her sophomore album, In Spite of Me, an attempt to illustrate that being a Christian is a process of growth and a journey of becoming more Christ-like. With refreshing, strong, and stirring vocals, she shares her faith in a fun and unobtrusive way. She talks about her real life struggles and how she has been able to overcome them with Christ.
SOURCE: Gospel Music Bites
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