Nichole Nordeman acknowledges that her music isn't easy sing-along stuff. In fact, while her art demands an attentive ear, it promises a wonderful payoff. On Woven & Spun, Nordeman's third release, the self-proclaimed ... more »"wrestling poet" has crafted her most profound work yet. It's a release that glitters with rich lyrical content and shimmers with Nordeman's atmospheric piano. While Nordeman still struggles with reconciling life in this world with her eternal hope and faith, she carries a greater sense of intimacy and grace in such vertically oriented tracks as "Holy," "Healed," and "Never Loved You More." Her version of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes"--a cover begging to be done for years by a Christian artist--fits well with the reflective mood of the release. The pinnacle of Woven & Spun has to be Nordeman's ode to God's watchful eye with "I Am," a beautiful, moving tale of how the Almighty has walked closely with a woman from little girl to blushing bride. It's the crowning moment for one of Christian music's brightest hopes. --Michael Lyttle« less
Nichole Nordeman acknowledges that her music isn't easy sing-along stuff. In fact, while her art demands an attentive ear, it promises a wonderful payoff. On Woven & Spun, Nordeman's third release, the self-proclaimed "wrestling poet" has crafted her most profound work yet. It's a release that glitters with rich lyrical content and shimmers with Nordeman's atmospheric piano. While Nordeman still struggles with reconciling life in this world with her eternal hope and faith, she carries a greater sense of intimacy and grace in such vertically oriented tracks as "Holy," "Healed," and "Never Loved You More." Her version of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes"--a cover begging to be done for years by a Christian artist--fits well with the reflective mood of the release. The pinnacle of Woven & Spun has to be Nordeman's ode to God's watchful eye with "I Am," a beautiful, moving tale of how the Almighty has walked closely with a woman from little girl to blushing bride. It's the crowning moment for one of Christian music's brightest hopes. --Michael Lyttle
Bonnie C. (frugalmama) from LAKEVILLE, MA Reviewed on 10/1/2006...
Includes the hard-to-find bonus track - Why. Beautiful CD!
CD Reviews
Different Themes, Same Great Artist
Mark Baker | Santa Clarita, CA United States | 10/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nichole Nordeman returns with her third CD, and it's outstanding. Her focus has shifted from searching for God to God's goodness to us. However, she leaves none of her poetic lyrics or sharp insights behind.Probably one of the things I like most about this CD is that she still finds God's grace amazing. Her thoughts in "Mercies New," "Even Then," and "Never Loved You More" have caused me to wonder again that God bestows his mercy on us at all.Another favorite track is "Holy." It's a very simple song with a profound message. All God wants from us is to acknowledge how holy He is. All our trying to understand is fine, as long as we never loose sight of that fact.And I have to comment on "I Am." Easily the strongest track on the album, it's a powerful reminder that God has been and will always be there for us, just as He is right now. Yet our perception of Him changes as our needs change. I can't do this poetic ballad justice, but it's a reminder I constantly need in my life.Trying to pick a few favorites from this CD is hard; every song is great in its own way. In my opinion, this is Nichole's strongest project to date.If you've been thinking about giving Nichole Nordeman's music a try, this is the CD to start with. It's a wonderful celebration of what it means to be a Christian, warts and all. Fans will enjoy seeing a different side of this talented artist with all the honesty they're used to hearing."
Absolutely wonderful.
Timothy R. Butler | St. Peters, MO USA | 10/21/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"While I'm a big CCM fan, I'm someone who gets in ruts, so I actually hadn't even heard of Nichole Nordeman until she opened a Steven Curtis Chapman concert I attended last month. Needless to say, I enjoyed her performance enough to go get the CD immediately.I can honestly say every song on this CD is great. The lyrics are all thoughtful and meaningful, Nordeman is clearly someone with a heart focused on God. You can't help but be put in a mood to praise God while listening to (or singing along with) the first two songs (Holy and Mercies New), and the CD keeps moving along briskly without any disappointing spots. My personal favorite tracks are "Holy," "Legacy," and "I Am."Anyway, Woven & Spun has found a place in my collection along with albums from my other favorite artists, such as Twila Paris, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Michael W. Smith. If you are looking for something new and different in CCM, Nichole's music is just what you are looking for."
3 Words: UN - BE - LIEVABLE!!!
Michael Massaro | Anaheim, Ca | 09/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Nichole Nordeman has reaffirmed her musical genius to me once again. I ran out and bought this CD the morning it was released and played it in my car. Sure enough, before I got home I had tears streaming down my face after listening to "I AM". ME - a 30 year old guy! Nichole, I believe, has one of the greatest song writing gifts in Chirstian music today. She crafts every note - every lyric - to absolute perfection. This album was worth the wait. If you know Nicholes work I am probably preaching to the choir. If you haven't heard her other albums, or if you have only heard the singles - allow God to bless you and pick up any one of her CD's. Keep up the good work Nichole!! And Next time you tour in Southern California PLEASE play more than 5 songs!! I think Steven Curtis Chapman should be opening for YOU!!!"
Heavenly
Josh | ROSEVILLE, CA United States | 01/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Rarely does a voice come along that is so pure and beautiful that one feels amazed to even hear it.
The song Holy, will take your breath away."
Beautiful and graceful-best yet!
Music | in the world | 09/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I, having seen Nichole three times and have all her albums, am hard to please. I must say, there is a much more simplistic view to this CD. Overall, it's about how inadequate we all sometimes feel,i.e. the track "Even Then", and how God loves us just as we are, faults and all. It's obvious that the pains of success has brought her closer to Christ, not arrogant. The lyrics sing this sentiment over and over such as "Take Me As I Am."
The tracks "Holy", "Legacy", and "Never Loved you More" are reminiscent of the sound of her first CD Wide Eyed; easy to sing to..and pop. There are the tear jerky ballads of "I Am" and "Gratitude". The remake of Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes" was ok, her version seems to be torn between going simple and going all out. "Mercies New" and "Healed" are top notch and I would look for radio play with these. This CD is BETTER overall than "This Mystery" by far. Marriage and touring under her belt have brought her to appreciate simplicity in life. Although she states in the cover Woven and Spun was a "labor of love...emphasis on labor"--she could have fooled me."