Kierra Sheard, One Step at a Time | Music Lifts

In the 14^th edition of Music Lifts (2024), we’re uplifted by contemporary gospel artist, Kierra Sheard, performing, “One Step at a Time.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 14^th edition of Music Lifts (2024), we highlight “One Step at a Time” as performed by Kierra Sheard.

“You’re my vibe, You’re my vibe / Love it when we’re side by side / Moving up ‘cause You’re my sky / No rush / One step at a time.” So, who is the vibe that Grammy-winning gospel artist Kierra Sheard mentions on “One Step at a Time”? That vibe is GOD, PERIOD. The 11^th track from her 2023 album, All Yours is fresh to the nth degree.  It features ultra-contemporary production – think R&B and hip-hop as opposed to traditional gospel.  Even with a secular-sounding backdrop produced by Eric Dawkins and Warryn Campbell, Sheard has the Most High on her mind.

“While I was sitting up in my room,” Sheard sings in the pre-chorus, adding, “It became so clear to me / What You give is all I need / In You, I move.” Now that’s uplifting! Later, she sings in the second verse, “I’m building this to last / Strong foundation, You’re my rock / You make up for what I’m not.” The ‘refrain’ separates itself from the verses and chorus:

“Whenever I’m with You, my world’s slow spinning

Whatever I go through, with You, I’m winning

Nothing can come, come between us

We’ll be together ’til the end.”

Throughout, Sheard sings beautifully, never forcing things.  Her riffs are compelling throughout.  By the end, she ‘lets loose,’ ascending into that dynamic, powerful upper register.  Ultimately, “One Step at a Time”, the Grammy-nominated musician is building and strengthening her relationship with God .

Kierra Sheard // All Yours // Karew Records & Ent, LLC // 2023

Kierra Sheard, One Step at a Time: Music Lifts No. 14 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Karew Records & Ent, LLC; Hamid Tajik, Qamar Rehman, vansh mehta, Viridiana Rivera via Pexels]