Search - Sara Groves :: The Other Side of Something

Less universal... but still great!

Dean Winiarski | Milwaukee, WI United States | 10/12/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Don't let the mixed reviews here turn you away from checking this out. This is the sort of CD that tests who an artist's core fans are. This CD's appeal is somewhat less UNIVERSAL than Sara's first three (and let's face it: she set a high standard for herself) so, less devoted fans are not going to put the effort into giving it a chance. But I find that some of the best music requires an effort - and rewards it, too.



First, the claims that these lyrics are not up to her normal par are not correct. There is some true depth here, and some true poetry, as in all her albums. Second, the arrangements may be adventurous, but they are well played and they make sense artistically. The claim that there are no "standouts" here is just groundless in my opinion. Let's go through the tracks...



"The One Thing I Know" is classic Sara pop, like the title track from her previous CD. And she sings the message that "You won't let me go" with such thankful conviction. The arrangement is very cool - a radio track equal with anything she's done before! It's just a great song.



"Jeremiah" is not one of her stronger songs, but it's still GOOD, and it grows on a person. The lyrics are in the confessional vein she has made her trademark.



"Compelled" may be a bit harder-edged than her previous stuff, but it's still not THAT different for people to complain so much (???). And the lyrics are simple but meaningful. She sings with conviction - and power! I like the arrangement. No, it's not "over the top" in my opinion. A truly good track.



"Roll to the Middle" is the type of "from the gut" honesty we've come to associate with Sara. It's just exquisitely beautiful if you ask me, and the arrangement is perfect in it's simplicity. This song is a 10, for sure.



For me, "What I Thought I Wanted" is the most touching song on this CD. The first time I heard it was in concert, and it brought tears to my eyes, especially after hearing the testimony surrounding her writing of it. It just blew me away. I can't say enough about it. It's another truly unique expression of Sara's artistry. Just perfect in every way.



"Esther" is an example of a song that requires a willingness to expand your horizons. The arrangement is well influnced by the polyrythms of African pop - fitting, since the song is a true story of her aunt's missionary work with orphaned children in Africa. The vocal line may seem awkward at first, but that's because of the non-western rythmic structure. She pulls this off very well. Give her credit for being adventurous. Again, this song has a very personal testimony she shares in concert. It moved me to sponsor a child in Africa through World Vision, which Sara is a spokesperson for.



"The Boxer" is indeed a challenging tune. The instrumental part is what's known as a "jam," for those who are unfamiliar with such things. Pretty adventurous if you ask me. She explained in concert that she improvised the lyrics while the band just jammed. This is her first time attempting anything like this. Again, give her credit for "pushing the envelope!" I like that she tries something different with each album.



"Undone" is a nice song, and as poetic as anything she's written. A beautiful use of metaphor. It may not grab you at first, but let it into your heart.



"All I Need" is just wonderful! Very, very good! The people who are saying nothing stood out for them on this CD... how did they miss this GEM??? I consider this a sequel to "One More Thing" on the last CD. It's a wry comment on creeping materialism, and it's just so funny and true! Listen to the background singers sing "little wooden animals" - it will crack you up! :D



"Like A Skin" is very personal and confessional again. The arrangement is sublime. Again, you need to give it a chance.



"Come Thou Fount" is, of course, a great hymn. You could blame her for running short of original material, but why? It's a nice arrangement.



So there you have it. This CD has a couple of challenging tracks, but the rest of the songs are classic Sara, even if their appeal may sometimes be more sublime than her past stuff, or the arrangements a bit more adventurous. I'm glad she's willing to push the envelope and try different things!"

Its lives up to her previous albums

Steven_mj | 12/21/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The split reviews this CD is receiveing is due to the following:



The Album is new in sound as Sara explores areas she never did for the excellent All Right here and Conversations.



Bad reviews are coming from fans who loved her sound from either All Right Here/Conversation. The new sound is more upbeat, edgy and pop than either of her previous 2 Cds and hence will not be as appealing to hear as the other albums for such fans.



The fair reviews are probably coming from fans who were akin to her sound AND down to earth and honest lyrics. The lyrics are still as great as ever and probably the best so far at least IMO. Sara explores her faith deeper than ever... songs like 'Compelled', 'Boxer' and 'One thing I know' inspire me to move on with my faith and never back off. Excellent Stuff.



Great reviews(like mine) are from fans (or newbies) that absolutely adore Sara's bold new move forward in music and lyrics. There is still some trademark Sara sound here as 'One thing I know', 'Roll to the Middle' and 'Like a Skin' remind me of songs from All Right Here and Conversations. The Lyrics are even more emphasized than the sweet and innocent ones of All right here and more generalized than Conversations as Sara is torn between doubts, fears, faith and perseverance with all this applied in real life situations. Its a spiritually fulfilling album that covers so many of the real christian life issues we experience and is an album i'd recommend for struggling christians, non-christians and Christians alike. It may not be my top Sara album (that goes to ALL RIGHT HERE) but it stands proudly against all her other records. Highly Recommended.

"

Not my favorite, but not bad

Delia K. Nordyke | Washington DC Area | 07/10/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I LOVE Sara Groves music!! God has drawn me close to Himself SO many times through her lyrics. He has brought me to tears and revealed sin in my life through her music. God is good, and He has blessed Sara Groves.



This is definitely my least favorite of the 3 cds. It's not BAD, definitely better then most of the Christian Pop out there. *grin* But... it just feels like it's lacking something. I haven't heard a song that has moved me, and I have owned the CD for months. I like a lot of the songs as fun songs to sing, but there just seemed to be some of the usual honesty and clarity missing. I will buy the next Sara CD that comes out because I DO love her music and ministry, but I kind of felt like this latest one was...trying to appeal to the general populus rather then be honest.



Maybe Ms. Groves LIKES this new style and then I'd say GO HER! :) The lyrics more then anything else seemed watered down to me though."