Meredith Andrews [As Long As It Takes]
Posted March 02, 2010
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
Produced by Jason Ingram and Rusty Varenkamp, the duo that also produced Word Records recording artist Meredith Andrews’ debut record The Invitation, As Long As It Takes is the result of a two year wait since the release that launched the hits “You Invite Me In”, “You’re Not Alone” and “New Song We Sing.” She was accurately described as one of Billboard Magazine’s “Faces to Watch” in 2008. For me, Meredith brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. My favorite albums are the ones that continue to provide new revelations over time by savoring them and The Invitation paved the way for that experience. As Long As It Takes is in that same mold and is fitting as the title track is based on Meredith’s experiencing the pressure of song-writing, “I was empty and tired and feeling this pressure. It's the music industry and when you're writing for your sophomore record, they say that's the hardest to write. I was trying to prove myself. Okay God, this is where I am. I'm helpless. I'm empty and dry, but I'm just going to sit here until you fill me and wait until you speak and until you move me.”
I think I can safely say in my opinion that God answered Meredith’s prayer of faithfully waiting on Him. I didn’t think it was possible, but somehow this album has topped The Invitation. I find that what I liked most about Meredith’s first album were the amazing album tracks that weren’t singles like “The River” and “Who Is Like You,” which in my opinion are equaled with standout songs “Never Move On” and “In Your Arms,” which was co-written with Jared Anderson of Desperation Band. There are also many songs that I expect will make their way onto Christian radio, starting with the lead single “Can Anybody Hear Me?”, which has already climbed into the Top 20. “Live Through Me” and “My Soul Sings,” co-written with Stu Garrard of Delirious? are in the vein of “New Song We Sing” and “You Invite Me In” and I hope to sing those songs with fellow believers in the near future, along with closing song “How Great Is The Love” which was co-written by well-known worship leader Paul Baloche, who also recorded the song on his album Glorious.
As Long As It Takes includes eleven new tracks from the singer-songwriter who wrote or co-wrote every song based on her life experiences. “Come Home” was written for Andrews’ younger brother. “What It Means To Love” was inspired by a life changing encounter with a young orphan boy diagnosed as HIV positive, McKinsley, that Andrews met on her first trip to Haiti.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you like Natalie Grant, Nichole Nordeman and Bethany Dillon, then you’ll really enjoy Meredith Andrews. If you are looking for one of the top female solo albums of the year, then look no further than As Long As It Takes, which currently holds a spot in my top 10 albums of 2010 and will be hard to replace as I’m sure it will continue to challenge, inspire and move me. This is truly a great album and uplifting worship experience.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10 (95%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
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