Out of the Grey

Item: Diamond Days
Author: Beth Blinn

Diamond Days

(1994)

Reviewed by Beth Blinn

Discogs Apple Music TIDAL Amazon Music Spotify YouTube Music

Label Sparrow RecordsThe LighthouseMarch 1994

acoustic ccm pop pop rock

Diamond Days is the third recording from this husband and wife duo. Their self-titled debut and their follow-up, The Shape of Grace, established the pair as formidable talents. Falling somewhere in the realm of pop music with an edge, they were nominated for Best New Artist at the 1993 Dove Awards, and have had numerous singles chart on Christian radio.

Teaming with producer Charlie Peacock once again, Scott and Christine Denté have crafted another album of shimmering pop tunes. While, on the whole, it seems a little more subdued than the two previous efforts, it is no less enjoyable. I found that it took me a little longer to warm up to it, but I definitely feel it is up to the standards set by the first two.

Kicking off with "If I Know You," the album smoothly pulls the listener into the record, with a song that talks about the knowledge that God is there to help us through, both good times and bad. The tempo slows down a little for "All We Need," which features a nice guitar solo by Scott Denté near the end. A gifted player, my only real gripe with the album was that his skill was not showcased a little more.

While all of the songs are solid, the best ones include "Eyes Wide Open," "Love Like Breathing," and the title track, "Diamond Days." "Eyes Wide Open" rocks a little more, reminiscent of some of Out of the Grey's earlier stuff. "Diamond Days" sparkles, like the stone in the title, but the real gem is "Love Like Breathing." I didn't have a list of the writer credits, but this song had Peacock's stamp on it. The rhythm sways the listener, as Christine Denté's voice floats over the melody. The song also features a lovely instrumental break.

Christine Denté is in fine form. She possesses one of the most expressive, distinctive voices in all of pop music today, and deserves far more recognition than she has received.

For any fans of this pair's previous work, Diamond Days will not disappoint. For anyone who hasn't been exposed to Out of the Grey before, it is a great introduction.