Maia Amada

Item: Faith Remains
Author: Steve Timm

Faith Remains

(1994)

Reviewed by Steve Timm

Discogs YouTube

Label IntersoundThe LighthouseApril 1995

dance pop gospel r&b

This project is Maia Amada's second album and her first on Intersound. Shane Keister, who produced the first album, is joined by Cheryl Rogers in producing this one. Amada's husband, Alan Pugielli, again is the primary lyricist.

With the creative team basically intact from the first album, the style and quality of music is similar. The bold vocals and urban beat born in New York provide a exciting and active sound. These are songs that invite clapping, swinging, and dancing. The likely favorites among this group of songs are "Love's the Key" and "Love Brought Me Here To You." Amada also does a Christian adaptation of the song "Higher Ground."

We see an expansion of the type of music that Amada does in some of the slower ballads in this project. "Consumed By Your Love" is a beautiful and soft rendition. The title cut, "Faith Remains," combines a mellow style with strong and determined singing. "Second Chances," already receiving airplay, is a slower song with an upbeat dance feel.

Maia's music compares favorably with that of fellow New Yorkers Kathy Troccoli and Veronica Petrucci (half of Angelo and Veronica.) Amada, Petrucci, and Sandi Patty can be heard singing a rare and inspiring trio on the various artists album Sisters, also produced by Cheryl Rogers. If you liked her first album, you'll most likely like this one too. If you've never heard of her before, this is a good introduction.