"My desire for those who listen to this album is that they would be drawn into a deeper understanding of the love God has for them. If there is anything in my life that can help bring them to experience this merciful and overwhelming love of God, then I want to share it with them. God is our home, and the light that leads us there." These are the words of Reunion Records' newest artist, Joanna Carlson. Like her gifted label-mates, Carolyn Arends and Clay Crosse (also relative newcomers to Reunion), Carlson has an honesty, depth, and passion to her work that makes it refreshing and compelling. Her debut, The Light Of Home, is filled with wise, warm, and encouraging songs which point listeners toward our eternal home in heaven and the light that Christ has brought into this world.
Stylistically, Carlson and producer Brent Bourgeois use bright pop and adult contemporary melodies with acoustic leanings to create a subtle backdrop for her compassionate and insightful lyrics. Carlson displays a depth in her artistry not found on many debuts. Her extensive musical background, both formal and informal, is evident. The substance of her melodies shows the training she received during her years as a music major at Portland Bible College and her subsequent teaching of voice and piano; while the catchy and worshipful nature of her music evidences the time she has spent leading worship in her home church. Indeed, the fact that she is the sole author of both the music and lyrics on all the tracks is quite an accomplishment in and of itself. She has a clear and pleasing voice that carries well on both ballads and radio grooves. Nashville luminaries Jerry McPherson, Jimmy Lee Sloas, Carl Marsh, and Wayne Kirkpatrick flesh out the Carlson sound. With musical substance of this caliber, The Light Of Home should appeal to a broad-based audience.
Thematically, Carlson crafts images of God as our loving and seeking Father. "Belong To Me" is a vivid invitation showing God's desire to know us and be a part of every aspect of our lives.
You can belong to Me I'll cherish you Treasure you ...You've never been out of my sight I love you for all of your life You can belong to Me.
"Miracle" tells of the freedom and new life God offers us through Christ:
You remind me how You Make everything new I remember how You do and it's just like A baby comes into this world I've been born again No history to haunt this girl.
"I Will Remember" brings the project to a close with Carlson reflecting on all that God has done to pursue us and restore relationship with us:
I will remember the love that set me free The One who bears my scars and carries me in His arms ...I will remember the cross of Calvary.
Burnishing the truths and character of our Heavenly Father, The Light Of Home illuminates the path toward Heaven and His warm and loving embrace. Joanna Carlson is as bright and talented an artist as I have heard and I recommend basking in the message she offers.
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