Published in the CR Mag 13

Monday 1st February 1993

Helen Shapiro - Kadosh

STYLE: Messianic
RATING

OUR PRODUCT CODE: 6297-6151
LABEL: ICC CD041
FORMAT: CD Album

Reviewed by Chris Berry

OK, so we all know "Walkin' Back To Happiness" which was a big hit donkeys' years ago, but what else has the lady been doing since, apart from that ill-fated soap Albion Market? Well, the news is that Jew-turned-Christian Helen came up with a jazz-influenced Christian bookshop success not a long while ago with The Pearl'. This time we have 'Kadosh', an album which regretfully will do as much for Helen's career on the Christian scene as Albion Market did for her career in soaps. The main problem with the album is its lack of real character. Helen certainly doesn't shine, indeed she sounds positively bland, even on the two tracks which did turn my ears slightly - "He Is My Defence" and the Jewish flavoured "Praise Medley". It has to be said that there are many artists who, despite not having such a popular name, could put out better stuff than this, given the chance. Here's hoping for another pearl next time.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Reader Comments

Posted by Dr Bill Krouwel in Westhope, Herefordshire, UK. @ 12:18 on Jul 14 2022

Yes, 'Kadosh' is a bit colourless - but, as a remedy, listen to Helen's 'What Wondrous Love' for brightness, witness, energy, humour, variety ... I could go on. The 'Cross Rhythms' review of this album is, by the way, a bit of a travesty; under-researched, cloth-eared and biased towards a shallow and uncritical view of received rock history... Not CR's greatest moment!

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Posted by Bill Krouwel in Herefordshire @ 12:15 on Mar 29 2021

Actually, I think the original review was pointlessly destructive - my hearing of the album is that Helen sings swingingly and soulfully. The accompaniments are pretty good Gospel/Jazz too - far more unified than on some of Helen's other albums... I can only think that the reviewer was trying too hard to impress - if s/he thinks what s/he says s/he thinks about this album, the what do they make of the often-dull fare served up as 'praise and worship'?

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Posted by Kay in Cambridge @ 11:01 on Jan 26 2016

I heartily disagree with the first review. This album is the best. Through it l fell in love with messianic music. I find it exciting to be getting close to Jesus roots. The title track Kadosh is thrilling, l haven't heard another version so good. I have the CD but am trying to get it on my iPad, Spotify don't have it. I love to listen to Christian music as l wake up. It prepares me for my prayers. Well done to Helen. Brave too, to stand up for your beliefs. More stars could do it to spread the gospel.

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Posted by earl grey in Ipswich @ 20:08 on Mar 18 2014

I have this album(Kadosh), and it's obviousHelen was still trying out things.

Rather than buying it, and be disappointed, perhaps, I recommend getting several copies of the Gospel Collection (as presents to give away), which contains songs for the Eternity, in my opinion.

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Posted by Linda Evans in South Africa @ 19:26 on Dec 19 2010

I am looking for a copy of a CD made by Helen Shapiro called " Kadosh"

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The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.

Helen Shapiro - Kadosh

Reader Comments

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