An Artist of Power and Purpose
T. Hendrickson | 10/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Laura Hall is such an unassuming musician that when you start to pay attention, her talent hits you like a freight train. Her follow-up effort to "A Woman of Faith" is a powerhouse, a collection of ballads and anthems that slips from genre to genre with perfect ease and expertise. In an industry that bemoans creative range in an artist with wails of "How do we classify this?" you can simply file this one under great music.
A few standouts: "When We Worship You" -- reminiscent of Al Jarreau with its cool melodic intervals and smooth groove; "Awake" -- an homage to the great folk tradition with pristine harmonies and minimal musical accompaniment; "You Are" -- a gospel goose-bump event; "Love Believes" -- gorgeous lyrics with a jazz sensibility that nearly compels one to order a martini; "My Way" -- a rollicking country romp that features guitarist Linda Taylor shredding on her Tele in a nod to the Nashville boys; "What's God Like?" -- performed by Hall's daughter, Ruthie, with the charm and simplicity of a child (making it that much more profound); and "The Moment" -- an awesome rock anthem that calls to mind an ELO/Boston jam session.
As a lyricist, Hall is unabashedly inspired, cut-to-the-chase, and never sappy -- a tall order for music in the religious/spiritual vein. No less competent as a vocalist and interpreter of styles, her supple instrument is filled with conviction.
The production overall is seamless and tasteful, with perhaps one slightly overblown approach in "God is Bigger than Me", a 60's style pop groove that might have benefited from a more scaled-down take.
"All in God's Good Time" is, as the title suggests, the perfect confluence of time, place and inspiration. A must-buy.
"
"One of the millions of tiny moments, strung together to mak
Amanda Richards | Georgetown, Guyana | 10/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Fans of contemporary Christian music will enjoy this second album from talented singer/songwriter/musician Laura Hall. Following up on her 2006 album A Woman of Faith, Hall mixes it up a little this time to include some twanging country guitar music, courtesy of Linda Taylor (also from Whose Line Is It Anyway), a beautiful children's song with lead vocals from daughter Ruthie, and a talented cast of singers and musicians.
The album begins with the title track, which reminds the listener to have faith that all things will happen by the grace of God, and in his good time. The second track "A Little Bit of Heaven" raises the tempo with a rousing drum intro, and encourages love, dignity and respect of our sisters and brothers. A pedal steel guitar turns "You Can Choose Hope" into a country ballad, and then Katie McFadden and Kelly Macloed join in for "Awake" which is a short song emphasizing harmony over instruments.
Next comes "When We Worship You", an R&B groove that reminds me of Bill Withers' "Just the Two of Us", and "You Are" (featuring Matt Phairas) which is a more traditional Christian song with beautiful lyrics:
"You walk in heaven, we walk here on the earth
We walk here on the earth, You walk here with us"
Things get jazzy with "Love Believes", and then back to country with "God Never Promised", and the humorous "Why Won't You Do it My Way?" The next track is one I really like, and features Hall's daughter Ruthie innocently singing "What's God Like?" This is a track that will appeal to kids everywhere. Two more songs round out the album, "Bigger Than Me" (a funky pop groove) and "The Moment" (a rock ballad)
All the songs are originals, with heartfelt and inspirational lyrics for modern times, and the backing music and vocals will make every day feel like a day of Worship.
Amanda Richards, October 21, 2008
"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1