17-year-old Paige Lewis has sprung into the Christian music scene with her self-titled debut album, creating quite a name for herself.
With its up-beat tempos mixed with her strong, yet often computer enhanced voice, occasionally mixed with some heavier guitars and drums, the album takes on a different sound making it hard to categorize into one specific genre.
Starting with the song "Hide Myself in You," you get the feel of her style right away. With a more electronic sound in the intro, which is carried throughout the song, along with her clear, unique voice singing lyrics of "Sometimes I think it'd be easier to die for You than to live for You. But You will stay faithful Lord, and You will stay true." It's definitely one of the strongest tracks on the album. Several other songs take on this same sort of feel featuring up-beat tempos, powerful choruses, and connecting lyrics.
"So Not About Me" takes on a ska feel, with its horns and poppy background sounds, which sets this song apart from all others. It's a fun song, but to me, is not really as good of a sound for her.
"Jonah" starts out more slowly, but when the chorus hits it speeds up as she sings "I am through with everything that's not from You. Lord, take away what's in the way so You're the only thing I see. These worldly things - they all will fade but You will stay, You will remain so take away what's in the way what's in the way of You." A catchy little tune, with those lyrics make another favorite.
"Precious" is a beautiful slow song, focusing more on her voice and lyrics, and accompanied by piano. It's a lovely song, and it also stands out as one of the most powerful. Not because of the up-beat instruments and tune, but because of the touching lyrics and her soft vocals. The last song "Darkness Into Light" is another slower song, though it adds in a bit more power in the chorus. The chorus, "I don't know where to go, I've fallen behind. You said You could turn darkness into light. I could use some light tonight," is actually one of my favorite parts of the entire album. It's really quite beautiful.
Paige has created a great debut album, full of different sounds, speeds, thoughts and emotions. If you're into the pop/alternative or electronic scene of Christian music, I recommend this album.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Adam L.Finally there appears to be a response to the current trend of young girls with major recording contracts making bubble gum pop. Enter Paige, a 16-year-old who writes her own songs, has a solid voice, and is a star softball player back home in Texas. Paige's music is more advanced than bubble gum pop. Her lyrics are deeper than anything you'll ever find in a Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera…
