Just reading the liner notes from Lauren Talley's fourth solo release - Songs In the Night - the listener immediately knows that this isn't just another release for one of Gospel music's most cherished vocalists. Lauren is very upfront about the struggles she had with her faith - and in turn - the songs and book that were birthed from those struggles. Songs In the Night isn't just an album for fans of Lauren Talley. It's a musical journey into the heart of an artist who has had to look doubt and fear in the eyes and figure out exactly who she is in Christ and her place in this life.
The album kicks off with the beautifully stirring ballad "Songs In the Night" from the pen of Jim Brady, Tony Wood, and Barry Weeks. Wood and Brady teamed up with Kenna West for the upbeat and encouraging "The Extra Mile." "Just As I Am" (which was also found on Jim Brady's excellent solo debut) finds Lauren's spiritual journey coming full circle.
Lauren has always had a knack for choosing songs from other genres that will work well with her fanbase (and that of the Talley Trio's fanbase). "Hallelujah Anyhow" is a great cover from the Black Gospel world (Joe Pace wrote this great Gospel classic). In addition, Lauren's take on "In Christ Alone" is another great cover of the tune, though it doesn't really take the song anywhere it hasn't already gone before. "My Life Is In Your Hands," an old Kirk Franklin tune, gets a nice cover as well, and the Marty Funderburk and Joseph Habedank penned "All You Need When You Need It" (originally recorded by Karen Peck & New River) closes out the album nicely. "He Will Carry You" is a Scott Wesley Brown original, but Lauren's version feels a bit underdone and lacks a real good musical climax to make it memorable.
Overall, the great thing about this record isn't Lauren's impeccable vocal interpretations or the strong arrangements (though those things are very much to be commended here). The real story here is Lauren's story. The places she takes the listener with these songs shows that it's not about perfect record or great album sales - rather it's about finding the heart of God and knowing your place in His will. Lauren's Songs In the Night shows a transparent artist who has a renewed vision and passion for her ministry - and that is a breath of fresh air in this industry.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 09/01/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 0
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