Kristin Chenoweth - As I Am (13 tracks) +Album Reviews

Great CD

Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 04/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard of Kristin Chenoweth when she won the Tony for her roll as Sally in "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." I quickly became a fan, so when I found out about this CD, I had to get it.

Taking a different path from her Broadway first CD, this CD focuses on songs of faith, reflecting Kristin's Christian beliefs. While some of her Broadway fans might not like that, I loved it.

The CD includes some classics, like "Because He Lives," "Joyful, Joyful," "Power" and "Just As I Am." Yes, these songs and hymns are familiar, but they're wonderfully handled here.

I was especially pleased to see covers of some of my favorite lesser known songs. "There Will Never be Another" is originally from Amy Grant's second CD. "Upon This Rock" first appeared on a Sandi Patty live CD. Both are wonderfully covered here. Of a more recent and popular note, she also covers Mercy Me's "Word of God Speak."

There were several songs I wasn't familiar with here. "It will be Me" is a great song on friendship. "Poor, Wayfaring Stranger" is an old spiritual, and I really liked it. "Abide in Me" appears to be a completely new song, and it's a great reminder of where our power really comes from, God.

The final track on here is "Taylor, the Latte Boy," another original song. It's a fun song about love at a coffee shop that fits Kristin's personality perfectly.

Some of her fans won't like the emphasis on her faith; I love it. This CD has already gotten lots of airplay since I got it, and I can see it getting lots more for a long time to come."

Fantastic album by a Broadway Diva!

Lou | United States | 04/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tony Winning Kristin Chenoweth returned to the music world with her sophomore album "As I Am." This album is totally different from her debut album. "As I Am" is a collection of inspirational covors, and an original song written by Diane Warren. Kristin even includes one of her fan favorites "Taylor, The Latte Boy", which shows off her Musical Theater talents.

For those posting reviews saying they are disapointed in this album being inspirtional themed with a country feel - there is absolutely no exuse. Kristin made it very clear for a while now she would be doing an inspirational album with a country feel.

Kristin shows off her versatile talents on this wonderful album. The mood of the album is very uplifting. Kristin even gets to show off her opera talents on "Joyful, Joyful", and "Upon this Rock", which are incredible songs.

Overall, this is an incredible album. Kristin shows off her amazing voice on many tracks. I reccomend this album to everyone, even if you're not a fan of Christian music."

She's done it HER way!

stlcardinalfan1 | Michigan | 04/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It saddens me to read some of these reviews. Some of you feel that Kristin has "let you down" because she has done a CD of inspirational songs and that she is becoming a conformist. God forbid anyone proclaim that they're a Christian these days! You feel this CD is not the "real" Kristin and she needs to go back to jazzy Broadway standards. It doesn't showcase her talent properly...blah, blah, blah...

On the contrary, I think this IS the real Kristin and this CD shows just how versatile she and her magnificent voice can be. If you've ever heard Sandi Patti sing "Upon This Rock," you know she has an incredible range. I, for one, didn't think there was anyone else who could sing that song, but not only does Kristin pay wonderful homage to Patti, she one-ups her by taking the song even higher at the end.

Yes, musicians make albums for their fans, but their albums are ultimately a reflection of themselves. I think this album is an incredible reflection of the beautiful person that Kristin is, both inside and out. And for those of you who won't buy this album because of the "Jesus" songs, it's your choice, but you'll be missing out on a terrific album.

"

Chenoweth Brings More than Herself in "As I Am"

T. Yap | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 05/28/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Prime Cuts: Upon This Rock, Borrowed Angels, The Song Remembers When

For artists to cross pollinate into other musical genres is not a recent provenance. Pop superstar Whitney Houston has had cut a gospel soundtrack with "The Preacher's Wife" and American Idol winner Rueben Studdard has just professed his faith on his sophomore offering "I Need an Angel." Hence, it is of no surprise for cabaret singer Kristin Chenoweth to grace us with an inspirational themed CD. Not only is this a contemporary Christian record, but it is by far one of the most elucidating and effable efforts in years. What sets "As I Am" apart are the distinct readings Chenoweth and producer Christopher Harris had given to these paeans. Rather than allow a genre to package the sonic output of the songs, Harris has allowed the songs to define the musical intonations. Hence, you will find power ballads in the Celine Dion league ("Borrowed Angels") side by side with the more acoustic-country sounding ("Poor Wayfaring Stranger") to an all-out gospel clamor ("Upon This Rock"). In short, this album's pride of place resides in the fact that Harris has allowed these song to define themselves as any good recording producer ought to do. Also, thumbs are up with regards to the choice of songs selected: though Chenoweth has tackled some of the great hymns of the church (such as "Joyful, Joyful," "Because He Lives," the title track etc) some of the hidden gems of contemporary Christian music have been unearthed. This includes Sandi Patty's "Upon this Rock," Amy Grant's "There Will Never Be Another," Faith Hill's "It Will Be Me" and Michael W. Smith's "Word of God Speak".

Though Chenoweth does not have a full bodied voice as that of say Whitney Houston, but she is well compensated with her nonpareil range that can escalate to the operative high registers that most singers only dreamed of reaching. Her vocal gymnastics is parlayed to its full glory on the Sandi Patty's majestic ballad "Upon this Rock:" listening to how she soars higher and higher towards the end of this tune is just an experience well worth the price of this CD itself. Though little bit more subdued, her rendition of the old Easter hymn "Because He Lives" is another standing ovation moment as Chenoweth breathes live and verve into each syllable of this gorgeous profession of faith. "Borrowed Angels," the brand new power ballad written by pop maestro Diane Warren has all the hallmarks of a Warren hit. This contemplative number is a beautiful apology for suffering and death that has overwhelming Christian overtones.

Some pedal steel certainly spices up the country flavor of Faith Hill's "It Will Be Me," but Chenoweth's flawless delivery adds an undeniable slickness to it. Belonging to the same country fold is Trisha Yearwood's top 5 hit "The Song Remembers When." With its vivid images, this Hugh Prestwood penned ballad about the power of music to reach the recesses of the heart, is sure to induce tears of affinity. However, with such highly charged ballads as "The Song Remembers When," the Southern gospel "Poor Wayfaring Stranger" provides a more understated bluegrassy feel that certainly creates variety and some emotional breathing space.

Perhaps out of place is the album closer the coy "Taylor the Latte Boy." On such a shiny and strong faith declarative album, this light weighted ditty about Chenoweth's crush for a Starbucks barista seems out of place. On a pop album, "Taylor the Latte Boy" could work. Further, Chenoweth's somehow frail delivery pales in comparison to Susan Egan's version which can be found on her latest LML release. Nevertheless, despite such quibbles, "As I Am" is truly a glorious and dexterous proclamation that ought to do her Savior proud."

A Respite for the Soul.

R. Wade | Pacific Northwest | 01/11/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Before I bought this CD, I had only seen Kristin Chenoweth in her role on West Wing. I had no idea of her background in Broadway musicals. This gal CAN SING!!! The album has a mix of contemporary and Christian music. While I would not consider myself a Broadway fan, this is one CD that I listened to over and over. After hearing her sing "Taylor, the latte boy" on a late night talk show, I had to have this CD. Her emotions, convictions, and high energy come across in all the tunes and her range is unbelievable. This is definitely an album that will bring joy to your life."

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