Come on Out of the Rain - Susan Ashton, OHara, Jamie
Closer - Susan Ashton, Blazy, Kent
Our Little World - Susan Ashton, Berg, Matraca
You're Lucky I Love You - Susan Ashton, Cannon-Goodman, Mar
I Ain't Gonna Fall for Love Again - Susan Ashton, Melamed, Vince
Breathless - Susan Ashton, Blazy, Kent
Shot for the Moon - Susan Ashton, Berg, Matraca
Getaway Car - Susan Ashton, Haase, Gary
Supernatural - Susan Ashton, Hummon, Marcus
Think of Me - Susan Ashton, Ashton, Susan
Faith of the Heart - Susan Ashton, Warren, Diane
Can't Cry Hard Enough - Susan Ashton, Etzioni, Marvin
Susan Ashton has been a leading light in the contemporary Christian music scene since her award-winning self-titled album was released in 1993; Closer is the adult contemporary vocalist's attempt at a country crossover hit... more ». The Christian music community that once supported Ashton has typically shown disdain for artists who leave its cozy environs for the secular pop world, but fans of tasteful mainstream country will find much to like on Closer. Ashton has an admirable vocal range, an expressive gift for phrasing, and good taste when it comes to production (check the subtle cello-six-string intro to "Shot for the Moon" and the chiming 12-string guitars on "Come Out of the Rain.") When she tries to rock out, however ("Breathless"), or get bluesy ("Supernatural") the result is no more appealing than cereal-commercial music. Ashton is the spiritual and artistic progeny of the Boone clan, and her music is best when soft, slow, and sweet. Anything else is like white bread passing itself off as multigrain. --Mike McGonigal« less
Susan Ashton has been a leading light in the contemporary Christian music scene since her award-winning self-titled album was released in 1993; Closer is the adult contemporary vocalist's attempt at a country crossover hit. The Christian music community that once supported Ashton has typically shown disdain for artists who leave its cozy environs for the secular pop world, but fans of tasteful mainstream country will find much to like on Closer. Ashton has an admirable vocal range, an expressive gift for phrasing, and good taste when it comes to production (check the subtle cello-six-string intro to "Shot for the Moon" and the chiming 12-string guitars on "Come Out of the Rain.") When she tries to rock out, however ("Breathless"), or get bluesy ("Supernatural") the result is no more appealing than cereal-commercial music. Ashton is the spiritual and artistic progeny of the Boone clan, and her music is best when soft, slow, and sweet. Anything else is like white bread passing itself off as multigrain. --Mike McGonigal
"The greatest blessing I've received from Susan's music has been the spiritual aspect of it. I fell away from my faith for a number of years, and when I came back, I was searching for music to listen to and stumbled upon Susan's. Her lyrics have always been so real and rich with meaning. If I were to come across this album without knowing her other music, I'm sure I'd love it. But my husband and I have waited years for her new album and had no idea she was only going to put one very generic spiritual song on the album. We sat on the couch, read the scripture on the sleeve, and couldn't wait for each song. Then we realized - it wasn't what we expected. Susan - please, we can get this kind of music from anyone else! Martina McBride, Faith Hill, Patti Loveless, etc. They're good at what they do. You've always been good at what you've done! Stick with what blesses your brothers and sisters in Christ...or at least put a FEW songs on your CD that express your faith. I listen to my cd-player at work and need all the spiritual uplifting and challenge I can get - not another "new country" set of music. Wow. So disappointed. Don't think we'll even bother listening to it again. What a waste of $."
Mr. McGonigal should have done his homework.
07/29/1999
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Reading Mike McGonigal's review of Ms. Ashton's foray into country music leaves me wondering why he didn't do his homework. The singer's 1993 self-titled album was in fact not her debut, but her third album in the contemporary christian genre. Having heard and read numerous interviews with Ms. Ashton, I can safely relate that her reasons for waiting to name her third album after herself were that the songs on this work most closely reflected her personality and artistic style. Having grown up in a country environment, and with more than average equestrian skills, Ms. Ashton clearly feels at home in the country music realm. "Susan Ashton" the album makes that evident. Mr. McGonigal should have spent the time to listen to this album. He also should have listened to 1992's excellent "Angels of Mercy," which spawned one of the biggest hits ever for a female CCM artist, "Here In My Heart." (Which, by the way, was later covered by country music's Martina McBride.) He also would have been wise to get to know 1996's stirring "A Distant Call," featuring two numbers co-written by Sheryl (sp?) Crow. Mr. McGonigal would have certainly been impressed by the singers vocal and emotional range, even when she does try, and succeed, in "rocking out." Ms. Ashton has remained one of the most respected artists in the CCM category on the sheer level of her musical talent and quality. I, as a Christian and fan of contemporary christian music, applaud her effort at "crossing over.""
I wish she'd go back to singing about the Lord
11/20/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is a good album but I like her first 2 best. They were poetic and heartfelt and showed her intelligence and incredible voice. The faith she sang about felt real and not pablum like a lot of other christian artists. I'm sorry she wanted to cross over."
What a voice
elenagracia | coronado, ca usa | 11/11/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"So many have commented that Susan Ashton's previous work in the contemporary Christian genre is superior to this crossover release. I agree wholeheartedly, but the previous reviews here amply speak to that.The voice is such an incredible gift. It is truly compelling. While I'm not really impressed by the bulk of this album, there are two songs that make it worth owning: "Shot for the Moon" and "Can't Cry Hard Enough". "Shot for the Moon" is a spare yet lush ballad that lets Susan's voice shine, and the ballad "Can't Cry Hard Enough" is a work of art -- the range of emotion here is heartbreaking.I hope another album is forthcoming, because it would be a shame if we never hear her sing again. I am so grateful for her career in contemporary Christian music, though -- in my opinion, those releases truly showcase her talent, conviction, and artistry -- they are still some of my very favorite music."
Lacks depth
elenagracia | 08/03/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I have followed Susan Ashton for years. What always struck me was her choice of songs. Most of her songs were written by Wayne Kirkpatrick who is a master songwriter. He stays away from cliches which is a breath of fresh air. This album seems full of cliches and without any real meaning. Even the love songs end up being trite. Susan is a gifted writer herself and I would have loved for her to have used her skills to show us what is deep within her rather than on the surface. I was deeply disappointed."