It's More than Music!
Justin Bowler | Los Angeles, CA | 08/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Very seldom have I felt the urge to review a CD online, but I was so compelled by the music of Andrea Emmes, that is was no longer a choice, but an absolute must.
In a world of corporate popcorn that is shoved directly down our throats, Emmes is a welcome change reminding us that music is more than just music, it is emotion.
It is specifically fitting that this is a spiritual album, since the vocals on the first song "Father", can only be described as angelic. With a fusion of a gospel chorus, the phrase "audible art" comes to mind. This is further emphasized by the inspirational lyrics of "Beautifully Broken" and the urgency & repetition of the message in "I Don't Wanna". Track 2, "Lost" reminds us of the fun female rockers of the 80's: Joan Jett, The GoGos, or The Bangles. Then she turns the album upside down by following the song up with a pure vocal concerto, "Don't Cry". No instruments to hide behind here; rather, it is only her and one acoustic guitar. Further illustrating her flexibility, she launches into an authentic blues song, "Meet Me Here". The brilliance of the meter breaks the rhythm time and time again. Meanwhile, Track 5, "I'm On My Way" shows off the levity of her voice against the deep tones of the piano. Further emphasizing this is track 8, "You Are" where she portrays a childlike innocence before its father. (Quite fitting for a spiritual album.)
All and all, this is s fantastic album for not only fans of spiritual music, but also for fans of music. It is refreshing to listen to an entire album that focuses on the intangible qualities of music, and not on what will sell best to the Brittany Spears crowd. I highly recommend this and look forward to her future works.
"
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1