There are certain things in life you can count on to bring happiness; a rainbow, a child telling you they love you, your cat or dog trotting to the door to greet you when you come home and a new CD from Ginny Owens. Just like the title from one of her former albums, Beautiful you can always count on Ginny Owens creating beautiful soothing tunes to caress your soul and Long Way Home does just that.
Long Way Home is the newest Ginny Owens' CD from Rocketown Records and once again meets the high standard that we have come to expect from this young artist. With that soulful Mississippi voice, Owens sings R&B like few others on the gospel music scene however for this collection she digs a little deeper with some splendid pop tunes and the very funky opening track "Waiting for Tomorrow."
"Live Once," the last track on this album in typical Owens' fashion uses beautiful brush strokes to paint her poetry on the canvas of life. "Live Once" prompts us to reconsider what we are doing with the gifts we are given and how we face the troubled waters as we journey through this life. The very first words of this song belie the beauty of the poetry she weaves; "I don't speak often 'cause I don't speak well." Ginny Owens has continued to turn out great CDs because in fact she has the uncanny ability to write songs in the simplest terms about some of the most profound issues we all face.
Singing "Welcome To Love," an easy going pop tune co-written with Anthony Lucido, Owens tackles our insecurities, "You're always peeking 'round the corner / Prepared for battle at all times / So scared someone might steal your thunder / So scared you might be last in line / You forgot you can't earn / What you do not deserve."
Long Way Home marks the first time Owens has sat in the producer's chair, sharing that responsibility with long time producer and friend Monroe Jones, Will Hunt, and Vince Emmett (Paul Colman, Rebecca St James). This talented foursome has produced a beautifully arranged CD.
"Let the Silence Speak" can best be described as God calling us to draw near. This is a peaceful missive reminding us that often we are so busy talking to God we fail to listen. Thematically, this song reminds us of the lovely duet Ginny Owens recorded with Mark Schultz, "Remember Me."
"Pieces" a rock blues track draws attention to the great song selection on Long Way Home and the versatility of Owens as a songwriter. For "Pieces" Owens collaborated with Wayne Kirkpatrick to create an edgier tune. This is a beautifully arranged song and Owens along with her fellow co-producers must be commended.
I have never met Ginny Owens but I did have the privilege of speaking to her at length on the telephone last spring and as she continues to mature as an artist her music becomes more transparent. Long Way Home represents a time in the life of Ginny Owens when she appears comfortable in allowing us to catch glimpses of past and present vulnerabilities but more so demonstrates her strength, courage and sensitivity as a child of God.
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Brian A. SmithGinny Owens is one of those artists that has always been difficult for me to pin down. When I hear one of her songs on the radio, I always guess that it is someone else before I find out that it is one of hers. I'm uncertain if this is a testament to her ability to produce marketable CCM music or if there is a sameness to her music that makes it blend in with everyone else's. Long Way Home is her…The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Burton WrayGinny Owens is one of those rare singer songwriters who has the ability to fashion and perform a song that strikes right at the heart of the listener. Over the years she has built up a reputation as one of the best singer songwriters, especially out of those who craft lyrics that are simple and yet also vivid and thought-provoking. One example of this is on the album's second track, "Fellow…Similar sounding releases
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