Sarah Masen

Item: Sarah Masen
Author: Tim Sharpe

(1996)

Reviewed by Tim Sharpe

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Label re:think RecordsThe LighthouseJuly 1996

alternative rock folk rock pop pop rock

Christian music is changing.

The industry is growing and diversifying. The contemporary/pop music that's been popular since Amy Grant's debut is stepping back from the forefront as newer styles step forward. Yes, Christian music is definitely changing. No longer are the established artists necessarily the leaders. These days, sometimes the new artists set a precedent, like Jars of Clay. And sometimes, the established ones step back and help the new ones make those precedents.

Enter Sarah Masen...

Last summer, she blew away Cornerstone '95, garnering the attention of many big names in the industry-not the least of which being an experienced musician/producer named Charlie Peacock. Peacock had been toying with the idea of creating his own record label, and after hearing Masen, his decision was made. Peacock signed her and re:think was born.

For a debut, this is a really solid release. It's not flawless, but there are very few albums out there that are. Masen proves her talent as a singer and songwriter more than a few times over. The overall musical direction is a nice blend of modern rock and contemporary pop, comparable to such artists as Joan Osborne or early Sixpence None The Richer, though Peacock seems to have put his producer's stamp on the album. Masen has a voice that is surprisingly clear for a modern rock singer. It is also rather distinct, though at times she takes a couple Cranberries-esque vocal twists.

To tell the truth, there are only two disappointing songs on this album. "Break Hard The Wishbone" has a great vibe, and some of the coolest snippets on the record. Peacock worked his best to make this into a good song. But, like Out of the Grey's "Weight Of The Words," this song never gets on its feet. It suffers from a mediocre melody and too many vocal twists. "Love" suffers from the opposite. It has a great melody, splendid lyrics, and a perfect chorus, but Peacock tried to work too many productional bells and whistles into this song. The instruments on the verses consist of, among others, a music box, an echoed piano, and a wurlitzer. It only creates a rather incoherent mix.

There are few things in this world as lovely as a soft alternative ballad. "Tuesday" is a perfect example of this. Though not acoustic (which might have been cool), Masen's beyond-beautiful vocals come across with amazing conviction and emotion. She also puts some of the best lyrics of the album into this magical song:

I was running and running without a chance to stop And chat at the sky Finally I stopped for a breath in the evening Suddenly, I was caught by the scenery Painting a picture of you

There's no lack of musical diversity in this album, as is sometimes the case in many modern rock efforts. The only songs with even a slight amount of sonic sameness are "Tuesday" and "Flames Of Truth." "Downtown" is a great mid-tempo alternative tune. "Unveiled Faces" is a radio-friendly, up-tempo pop song. "Come In" has a "Spanish fiesta" feel to it, while "Kissing Tree" is a pumping mainstream-quality number.

Peacock and Masen have created a great record with little to complain about. There's a little something for just about everyone on this album (except the die-hard opera fan, but I digress....). Masen more than proves her vocal and song writing talents, as well as her musical independence. If this project is any indication, there's some great stuff ahead from re:think. As for this album, I know it'll be spending a lot of time in my stereo this summer!