The year 2000 has seen a frenzy of record companies breaking out younger and younger artists to appeal to the teen crowd. Apart from mega-teens such as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, newcomers like Mandy Moore and Jessica Simpson are making a mark on the scene as female soloists. Never a group to be outdone, but always fashionably late to the party, the Christian music industry has answered in kind with their teen queens, including Rachael Lampa, Stacie Orrico, and now-veteran twentysomething Jaci Velásquez. While they all sound similar to one another and their secular counterparts in some respects, each vocalist has their own unique qualities and styles. Whereas Jaci Velásquez was once billed as "the next Amy Grant" (a moniker she was quick to distance herself from), Rachael Lampa might be called the next Jaci Velásquez.
With powerful vocals, a soaring range, and an emotive maturity that defies her youth, Lampa, at fifteen years of age, has recorded an impressive debut. While fellow pop teen Stacie Orrico leans more toward the upbeat dance pop of the age, Lampa includes more ballads and softer songs that showcase her flexibility in musical styles.
Music powerhouse Word Records has done its job in making Rachael Lampa a near-household name in short order, booking her for appearances on shows such as Miss Teen USA and all the usual publicity outlets. Her debut CD Live for You includes a CD-ROM portion that offers videos, a link to her website, and other bonus materials.
At first listen, one may be amazed that such a young singer can belt out such chops, but upon closer examination, one can still hear a little "teen-ness" in her voice. Of course, this is a "good thing" considering the market Lampa is reaching out to. Brown Bannister and Brent Bourgeois land the production solidly in the teen-pop genre, and veteran songwriters such as Chris Eaton, Bourgeois, and David Mullen contribute plenty of pop fare. Although their provender doesn't draw from the deepest wells of theology, neither is it pure fluff. Cindy Morgan is also a major contributor in the songwriting duties, and if one were to imagine Morgan singing her own songs, this could have easily been a Cindy Morgan album.
Ear-catching tracks such as "Live for You," with its quasi-Latin feel and fiery beat are balanced by beautiful ballads such as "Always Be My Home" and "Blessed." Doubtless, it is a pop album, but with a debut like this, expectations are raised for this young artist to have a long career in the CCM world.
Live for You employs plenty of variety, while still staying in the pop space, with tracks such as "Shaken" and the opener "Day of Freedom." Listeners will definitely find something to like on this CD, and new fans will find lots of resources on the web to learn more about this budding starlet at places like http://www.rachael-lampa.com.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Rebel Base 2001Reviewed by Mark BakerLive for You, Rachael Lampa's first CD contains many incredible songs that have been extremely successful on the radio over the past year, such as "Live for You," "Shaken," and "You Lift Me Up." The fifteen-year-old has incredible vocal range, hitting beautiful notes that give listeners goosebumps. The lyrics, although not written by Lampa, are thought inspiring, although not earth-shattering.…Similar sounding releases
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