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I've been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this album ever since
I heard the hubbub about it at an LDS musicians' website. I knew
I had to review it when I heard it would be an all-girl quartet.
Well Shadow Mountain took the girl band to a whole new level. I'm
so tickled to see them doing such contemporary music. Think Point
of Grace but with a decidedly more mature sound. Three of the four
are mothers and all are full of exciting talent. Let's take a look
at the ten-track debut.
"His Love is a Circle" is a kicking song full of great
harmonizing.
"Falling Into Freedom's Arms," the fast pace continues
in this song. The lyrics are cool: "Gonna close my eyes and
say goodbye/Surrender all control/I know I have reached the end
of me." It speaks well of learning to let go and let God take
charge.
"In the Meantime" The lyrics of this song really resonated
with me. I can relate to the postponement of dreams while I mother
my children. I appreciated the reassurance this song gives that
"In the meantime… she's becoming sanctified."
"Keep Breathing" is another song that resonated with me
as a mother. The reminder to take a deep breath and just keep going
is so timeless. Set at in a slower speed, it really helps a mother,
or any listener for that matter, collect herself. It's interesting
to note the song was written by two men. The lyrics are applicable
to man or woman, but I found it really spoke to me about my role
as mom.
"Rest in You" - This song has Nashville written all over
it with The Nashville String Machine's trademark sound throughout.
The lyrics are a great testament to the rest that can be found in
the Savior.
"You Have Been Good" is a wonderful tribute to the goodness
of Heavenly Father. I can hear Michael Dowdle on the guitar, he's
always excellent, as are Rich Dixon and bassist Rob Honey. Overall
a great reminder to count our blessings.
"Audience of One" is kicking from start to finish. What
an awesome song! It has an almost Spanish flamenco feel to it. Listen
for David Cleveland on the guitar. He makes that baby sing. Good
lyrics, lots of great harmony, good song.
"You'll Get Through This" is yet another song that resonated
with me as a mother. It also resonated with me as someone who has
struggled against bipolar disorder. There are lots of times I'd
rather stay in bed and hide away from the world, but I can't for
two reasons, my children and like this song says, "You'll get
through this" with His help.
"I Need Thee Every Hour" is the only a cappella piece
and it's so good that I wish they'd done more on the album. Steve
Siler's arrangement took advantage of the quartet's combined vocal
ranges to create a very rich and vibrant sound. Very well done.
This entire album is very well done and I'm excited to welcome this
quartet into my listening repertoire. It solidly passed muster.
I can't wait to see them perform live to see if they can do it live
as well as they did in the studio. Something tells me they will.
A solid four stars. I can't wait to hear what they do next!
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Dacia
A. Blodgett-Williams
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