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    The Phantom Tollbooth 2001/Debra Ramirez

    Debra Ramirez

    Just Believe

    (2001)

    Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

    Label Profile PressThe Phantom Tollbooth2001
    adult contemporaryccm

    Remember when you were younger, and went to church concerts where quartets would sing, accompanied by backup tapes, and perhaps a piano player? If that was your favorite style of music, this CD is for you.

    Just Believe is the debut CD by former Miss America contestant Debra Ramirez. It contains six covers and four originals. Ramirez's soprano at times sounds like Sandi Patti, and at others like Sheena Easton around the era of "For Your Eyes Only."

    The highlight here is the original "My Friend," a duet with Debra's mother Dora. It opens with Dora singing to her daughter:

    On the day that you were born,
    God knew the gift you'd be to me
    You were the answer to my prayer
    Filling the place God made for you

    Debra later answers:

    You have been an example to me
    Of what a 'woman of God' should be
    Strong in faith, standing firm in God's word
    You've given me a heritage of faith

    The song illustrates the concept written of in Proverbs 31, of the qualities women should possess.

    If you're a fan of Christian TV, and the singers that appear there, you'll probably see Debra Ramirez fairly soon. Endorsed by Carman, the Oral Roberts University graduate seems destined to appear before many thousands of people, and appealing to the adult contemporary fans among us.

    2.5 tocks

    Also in The Phantom Tollbooth 2001

    2000TourniquetMicroscopic View of a Telescopic Realm2000The Violet BurningFaith and Devotions of a Satellite Heart2001Regi StoneFree To Dream2001Bon JoviOne Wild Night2001Charlie RobisonStep Right Up2001As I Lay DyingBeneath the Encasing Of Ashes