Bethany Dillon [Stop & Listen]
Posted September 01, 2009
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
Bethany Dillon's Sparrow Records debut stood out, because at only 14, she was a serious writer and artist creating her own material mature beyond her years, with an authenticity of expression and an ability to own the emotion in her music. Similar to Amy Grant and Rebecca St. James, Bethany has grown up as an accomplished artist in Christian music. Bethany is now 21 and married to Shane Barnard of the group Shane & Shane. “Stop & Listen” is her newest studio album. Each of Bethany's first three studio albums impressed me, particularly her singing voice. "Waking Up" really took it up a notch in my opinion with standout songs “The Kingdom”, “Let Your Light Shine”, “Top Of The World” and “When You Love Someone”.
First song “Get Up And Walk” impressed me so much I had to listen to it again immediately. According to Bethany, she read this St. Augustine quote she’d scribbled down a couple months before, “To this you answered me that you are my God, and with a mighty voice you speak to your servant in his interior ear, and break through my deafness.” This inspired me to begin singing the words that start “Get Up and Walk.” The song is catchy and biblical, which really sets the tone for this great album. First single “Everyone To Know” is next and is my favorite song on the album. This song is deceivingly light-hearted sounding, but behind it there’s a very confronting commandment. I often forget what a commandment it is to share who Jesus is in my life and what He’s done. I think it’s a pretty common sentiment among American believers not to want to be too pushy with their faith. Just like “Let Your Light Shine”, this song convicts me to share the Gospel.
“I Am Yours” is based on the story of Hosea and how he was challenged to have faithfulness in extreme circumstances. Title song “Stop & Listen” is another favorite of mine on the album and is based on the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. You can take away a clean house, a finished “to-do” list, or a perfectly ordered life, but you can’t take away the good portion of sitting at His feet and listening to what He has for you. “Say Your Name” challenges me to focus on my prayer time and pray to be known by God. “So Close” continues that theme of taking time to be near to God.
“Reach Out” is the story of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garments and was healed by her faith. “Deliver Me” is Bethany’s personal prayer about her insecurities and her confessions of pride and lack of love. “The Way I Come To You” keeps the personal prayer going where she acknowledges our freedom from sin which comes from God’s mercy and grace through Jesus and how we are “forever changed”. Closing song “In The Beginning” comes from Isaiah 55 and Bethany wrote it while writing for “Glory Revealed II”.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Bethany’s ability to put the words of the bible to song is truly a gift and the melodies and messages of “Stop & Listen” are all catchy and convicting. My favorites are “Get Up And Walk”, “Everyone To Know”, “Stop & Listen”, “Reach Out” and “Deliver Me”. If you like piano-based music like Ginny Owens, Meredith Andrews and Nichole Nordeman, then you must check out Bethany Dillon.
Rating: 9.3 out of 10 (93%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
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