Renée Garcia and Lang Bliss have been working in the Christian music industry for longer than they probably care to remember. It is ironic that they will now qualify for this year's New Artist of the Year Award. After years of trying to make it happen, Bliss Bliss is the first release from the couple.
They successfully combine the Pop/Euro-Pop taste of Garcia with Bliss' leanings toward R&B into an upbeat groove--sometimes with more light pop, and sometimes with more funky rhythms. The songs are accessible and ear-friendly--something you should be able to play several times through without it getting on your nerves.
The Bliss Bliss team also did most of the writing, with assistance by Bob Halligan, Keith Brown, Chris Eaton, Patsy Moore, and others. Lang Bliss was the producer for the project, drawing on many well-known talents for embellishment. Eric Darken and John Painter add drums and bass, respectively, on several tracks, while the guitar chores are taken by Tim Pierce and Gene Ford.
In addition to serving as executive producer, Chris Eaton produced the vocals on the album. The background vocals are not overdone--added for a smooth effect in spots. I especially liked the chorus for "Field of Daisies," where Garcia's voice stays a little rough with lush backing vocals lightly mixed behind.
This is not an "everything's great" or "life is perfect" kind of album. It is filled with struggle, frustration, and despair over current situations--yet there is always a reference to the hope leading out of the trials. The songs offer an examination of personal abilities, human relations, motivations, and insecurities--not unlike lyrics I would expect from Bryan Duncan or Julie Miller in a style something like Charlie Peacock or Out of the Grey. The lyrics aren't something easily absorbed in only one listen--they are something you need to concentrate on.
The opener, "Fight for Peace" offers, "I'm gonna try to walk between the raindrops/that keep falling on my head/someone put a hole in my umbrella... With every step I take/I seem to take another couple back/could it be that my attitude has got me/riding on the wrong track/well I gotta turn this train around/and head the other way/gonna leave behind the stuff/that keeps me stuck in yesterday." The chorus climaxes with the statement, "Even if I get there on my knees/in the fight for peace."
Several tracks focus on relationships. In the more questioning "Field of Daisies," they offer, "It's so absurd that we hurt the ones we love/but forgiveness is the mark of what is real." "A Little Love" offers a positive reminder of how simple it can be to erase tension and strife in a relationship, "I know it's crazy, it's so amazing/how a simple kiss can somehow change my mind/I know we'll make it/one smile and I'm persuaded/I always find a little love goes a long, long way." "Love and Devotion" is a grooving affirmation of faithfulness, "I pledge my love and devotion/through the pouring rain/and through the fire."
Bliss Bliss should appeal to fans of lighter R&B and slightly alternative/intellectual pop music.
Similar sounding releases
1990Charlie PeacockThe Secret of Time
1994Janet PaschalJourney of Grace
1996Patty CabreraAlways & Forever
1993Babbie MasonStanding in the Gap
4HimSeason of Love
1994Pam ThumFaithful
