Why is it that lately every all-female group in Christian music gets compared to Wilson Phillips? The now-defunct Rachel Rachel received very inappropriate comparisons. Point of Grace was touted by some as a "Christian Wilson Phillips," which was somewhat of a good description--until Sierra released their self-titled debut.
Perhaps it is because there are three members of Sierra, Deborah Schnelle, Jennifer Hendrix, and Wendi Foy Green. Maybe it is because the album cover of Sierra is just a little too similar to WP's Shadows and Light and Wilson Phillips in concept.
This doesn't mean that they are a total WP rip-off. The vocal harmonies are very impressive. The musical style also takes a slightly different direction--there are definite country vibes in spots.
The music and lyrics come from several combinations of the band members, with the name Connie Harrington, among others, popping up on a few tracks as well. There is also a more instrument-based cover of [Sam] Leslie Phillips' "By My Spirit" as well. Lyrically, there are straight-forward messages primarily about a stronger devotion to the Lord for helping to handle attitudes of piety, confusion, uncertainty and strife. The one track with a more bold statement, "Tearing Down the Temple" has a short introduction in the liner notes explaining that the song is about one of the member's battle with anorexia nervosa, and there is also a (800) help number included.
It is not a boring album, yet I find it a great project to put in to repeat on the CD player a few times while I relax. If you are a fan of female, harmony-soaked pop music, then you will want to at least take a listen to this one.
