Everyday People

On 2004's EVERYDAY PEOPLE, Nicole C. Mullen continues to walk the tightrope between contemporary Christian and secular music to great effect. After finding success as a songwriter (for Jaci Velasquez and others), the Ohio native has blazed quite a path for herself, crafting socially conscious fare, while drawing from a wide palette of musical inspiration, much like her contemporary India Arie. For this outing, Mullen knuckled down in the studio with an assortment of pop producers, including Mariah Carey collaborator James "Big Jim" Wright. Both home and the Lord are close to her heart, as she switches gears from the saucy R&B jam "Bye Bye Brianna" (about her daughter) to the rap-funk hybrid "Message for Ya," which blends an infusion of proselytizing with a fluid bass line. The harmonies and subtle beats of "Dancin' in the Rain" give off a Lauryn Hill vibe, while the vibrant reading of the titular Sly & the Family Stone classic reverberates with Mullen's exuberance and faith.