Cindy Morgan

Item: Under the Waterfall
Author: Vanessa Crooks

Under the Waterfall

(1995)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

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Label Word RecordsThe LighthouseMay 1995

ccm gospel pop r&b

Most artists strive to grow and progress with each project. As in our own experiences of "real life," however, there are times when that progression is more obvious. Such is the case with Cindy Morgan on her third release, Under the Waterfall. Every aspect of this album conveys that Morgan has reached a deeper level of maturity in her development as an artist. From the stark black and white photography on the packaging to the musical direction and lyrical content of the songs, it is evident that she has reached a new plateau.

Though one can never say exactly how much of a songwriter's material is taken from personal experience, Morgan is credited as a writer on all but one track. From that statistic alone, we know that she has had more input on this project than on any of her previous works. There is also a confessional and personal nature to her writing style on this album, akin to that which has made Amy Grant and Margaret Becker's songs so appealing. Lyrics like those on "I Know You," "If I could just learn/To keep my mouth shut/When silence is best for all/I need You desperately/To calm the rage in me/Gets harder for me to conceive/How You could choose to love me," chronicle her inner struggles in a way that speaks of our own. Morgan bares her soul and portrays a vulnerability that is very inviting.

Musically, Under the Waterfall is a departure from the decidedly up-beat, dance/pop and sweet ballad base of her previous efforts. This album is decidedly more mid-tempo and finds her exploring a broader range of musical styles, including R&B and Gospel. Yet she maintains enough of the dance and ballad elements to satisfy those who have come to expect that from Morgan. One of the tracks that showcases her expanding repertoire is "I'll Stand," an anthematic number with Gospel tinges that features Michael W. Smith on piano and Angelo and Veronica's vocals in the background. As always, Morgan's voice is rich and powerful but there seems to be even more clarity in her annunciation and strength in her delivery; again more evidence to her maturity.

In my opinion, Under the Waterfall is Cindy Morgan's best project to date. The talent and promise that won her acclaim as 1993's Dove Award winner as Best New Artist has been honed and ripened, producing sweet fruit.