Personal and worshipful Posted September 17, 2020 By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know For worship leader and speaker Tasha Layton, the road to discovering her artistry has been a long, exhilarating one. And the journey that’s led her to the present has been hard, exciting, painful and incredible all at the same time. From her small-town roots to being on the road with Katy Perry and working as an in-demand session singer in L.A. to moving to Nashville and recording her debut Christian album, Love Running Wild in 2019, Tasha’s story is as vibrant and strong as the singer herself. Into the Sea is her follow-up release and was preceded by the stirring title track.
What it Sounds Like Into the Sea is best described as an intimate personal worship experience with an inspirational and uplifting tone. The album tells the story of redemption and relying on God’s plans being higher than our plans as each song gives a glimpse of how Tasha offers her Psalm-like prayers to God. The reflective opener is a wonderful prayer-song capturing Tasha’s heart for God, allowing us to eavesdrop on her deep thoughts and musings about God’s goodness. Tasha’s engaging music and thought-provoking lyrics are something to truly savor, and her powerful vocals will remind you of some of my favorite up and coming artists, Riley Clemmons, Leanna Crawford and Caitie Hurst, both in vocal tone and subject matter.
Spiritual Highlights A sincere desire for the presence of God and to see His Kingdom on earth is found in every song. Each of her songs are about proclaiming her dependence on God throughout this stirring album, which stirs my heart, mind and soul to bow before Jesus, our Savior. God’s promises us in His Word that His mercies are new every morning. Whatever situation you are facing you can know that God is with you, always. That truth is tenderly portrayed in “Good Things” as she prays, “I know that You have good things planned for me.” Many of the lyrics in “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok)” give me words to pray such as “Though the mountains may be moved into the sea/Though the ground beneath might crumble and give way/I can hear my Father singing over me/It’s gonna be ok,” which is especially comforting in this time of anxiety as we all face this pandemic together. These songs give insight into Tasha’s walk as a fellow believer.
Best Song on the Record I generally rank my favorite songs based on how they move me emotionally. On this album, that's the acoustic recording of “Into the Sea (It’s Gonna Be Ok),” which I can't listen to without welling up. Tasha’s emotive and powerful vocals take listeners on an emotional journey that gives me goose bumps every time I hear the song, filled with truth. I also can’t get enough of the tender acoustic version of “Safe Here” and I lift my eyes and heart to Heaven every time I hear the song. You can sincerely sing these prayerful lyrics, and cling to the truth of these powerful songs. Every song will have you hanging on each word that Tasha tenderly sings. Her vocals will soothe your soul, and the vertical lyrics will direct your attention and focus on Jesus.
Final Word Tasha Layton 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. All the songs are memorable, personal and worshipful. The songs express her prayers to God allowing listeners to eavesdrop on her vertical offerings and captivating ballads, one of Tasha’s strengths. I get welled up singing along with several of the emotion-laden songs. Tasha’s tender and gorgeous vocals keep me hanging on every word she sings. She invites listeners into her life by sharing what's on her heart. She has captivating and catchy songs filled with inspirational lyrics. Tasha brings sincerity and relatable themes that get deeper with each listen. This is truly a moving and prayerful album.
