These ladies condemn scantily-clad women on the prowl (“Nasty Girl”), as well as ones who cheat, lie and scheme (“Fancy”). Love blooms when game-playing ceases on “Brown Eyes.” “Dangerously in Love” expresses romantic devotion with marriage as the goal. A sad but poignant song, “The Story of Beauty” describes the cycle of sexual abuse in an attempt to help innocent victims feel valuable and beautiful. Adopting a childlike perspective on the world reveals beauty often taken for granted (“Happy Face”). “Gospel Medley” praises God with the trio’s rendition of “Jesus Loves Me,” verses from 1 Corinthians 13 and more.
Immodest slang and the singers’ prideful overemphasis on their own appearance trip up “Bootylicious.” While not explicit, “Sexy Daddy” and “Apple Pie a la Mode” feature hormonally tinged infatuation. Somewhere beyond healthy autonomy lies the two-part female-empowerment anthem “Independent Woman” (“No falling in love, no commitment from me . . ./Do them boys like they used to do you/If you pimp him, I congratulate you”).
The foursome of a year ago is down to three. Newcomer Michelle Williams has joined survivors Kelendria Rowland and Beyonce Knowles. Together the trio is moving in a positive direction. Despite some problems, Destiny’s Child shows a soft spot for God, marriage, personal integrity and people in pain. Of course, CCM’s Out of Eden and Trin-i-tee 5:7 are even better options in this genre.
