Redemptive and Moving
Posted March 25, 2020
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know:
Louisiana-based singer/songwriter Brooke Robertson is releasing her full-length debut album Taking My Voice Back on March 27. Produced by Jeremy Holderfield, the 11-song set—all co-penned by Robertson—showcases buoyant, country-tinged pop anthems alongside poignant ballads, each song a testament to the hope, healing and joy that Robertson is embracing along her journey. It has been one of my missions in sharing the biblical truth behind songs by Christians to help women who are bombarded with negative messages about their identity and purpose to know that their true identities and purpose is found in God.
What it Sounds Like:
The album kicks off with Brooke’s desire to edify and build up believers with her anointed voice and transparent faith. In that way, opening song “Just Be You” reflects her heartbeat to sing about where identity comes from, “Just be you, you’re beautiful, you’re beautiful, there’s no one else just like you, just be you, you’re beautiful just the way you are.” Brooke’s songwriting is real, honest, and vulnerable. The singer herself is positive, determined, and confident as expressed in “Whatever Happens Happens” and “The Real Me.” She understands that true happiness only comes from her relationship with God which these songs perfectly portray. All the songs have excellent messages, flawlessly delivered by Brooke’s sweet and sincere vocals layered over textured and powerful musical arrangements.
Spiritual Highlights:
I am very moved by the personal song “Wait and See.” The song is an emotive and poetic song with Brooke singing to her younger self. You'll be hanging on every word Brooke sings. Brooke’s tender, emotive and powerful vocals take listeners on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear this song, filled with truth such as, “I know the wounds that you’re hiding, just promise me you’ll keep trying, it makes you stronger, just wait and see, where you are and where you’re going has a purpose.” The bridge of “Just Be You” lays out the truths of who we are in Christ, “Unique, complete, there’s nothing missing, He doesn’t make mistakes.” I'm emotionally moved by “Taking My Voice Back.” In the song, Brooke movingly decides to provide forgiveness to her childhood abuser after holding it in for fifteen years, singing, “Gonna learn to forgive you, you’ve taken enough, though I feel alone here, I know that I’m not, I’m taking my voice back.” You won’t be able to listen to the song without getting choked up. I have three daughters and this song moves me deeply. These songs all give insight into Brooke’s walk as a fellow believer.
Best Song on the Record:
This album is filled with several of my new favorite songs, especially the standout title track. I generally rank my favorite songs based on how they move me emotionally. On this album, that includes the songs, “Wait and See,” “Why Are You Waiting” and “Purpose for the Pain,” which is from Brooke to her mother about her difficult pregnancy, singing, “there’s a reason for all this, maybe that’s enough to get you through.” I can’t listen to “Taking My Voice Back” without welling up. You’ll get emotionally swept up in her memorial tribute to her great-grandmother, “See You Here’s” lyrics “my heart skipped a beat, when yours left me...I can’t roll back time to relive all those years, but I can still see you here.” “Taking My Voice Back” is the standout song on this standout project. Watch the emotional music video.
For Fans Of:
Ellie Holcomb, Sara Groves, Brooke Fraser, Audrey Assad, JJ Heller
Final Word:
From my first listen, I was totally captivated by this album. I'm really engaged by Brooke’s emotional vocals and the deep, prayerful lyrics throughout the album. For me, Brooke brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. There are no filler tracks, and this is easily one of my top albums of the year. These are very passionate songs sung with vocal sincerity. Every song will have you hanging on each word that Brooke tenderly sings. Her vocals will soothe your soul. These are truly poignant songs and this album is redemptive and moving. Brooke Robertson is an anointed singer-songwriter, and she has a profound way of examining the deeper feelings buried in my heart and bringing me closer to God with her poignant words, tender singing and inspirational truths. If you are looking for the words to express your feelings to God in times of hurting and pain, these songs are a wonderful companion. I get welled up singing along with several of the emotion-laden songs. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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