Julie Elias - The Dreamer Review Posted April 20, 2023 By JJFrancesco_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need To Know Julie Elias is an independent singer/songwriter. Her newest album, The Dreamer, was birthed in the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a 5-year absence of new music, Elias offers a jam-packed 16 track release full of both originals and covers, with styles that cover a broad range of styles.
What It Sounds Like
Julie Elias doesn't fit too easily into a musical box. Songs like "Free" and "The Dreamer" prove to be Contemporary powerhouse tracks, while "Mojave" packs in some rock energy. Covers of "You Make Me Brave" and "Goodness of God" show that Elias can deliver a rousing rendition of worship standards. "Stampede" and "Radiant Love" balance pop and country sensibilities to produce choruses that soar. Whether Elias is turning up the guitars to drive home a rocking energy, mixing in sweet pop synths, or adding a flair of country, she rises to the challenge. Her strong vocals are able to fit into a lot of different styles easily, sounding crisp and clean without sounding pitchy or overproduced. Without the meddling of record label influences, Elias can better showcase her own vision for her music.
Spiritual Highlights
Born from the struggles of COVID lockdowns, a lot of these songs carry worshipful messages of hope. "Free" can work both metaphorically for the freedom found in Christ as well as the freedom of exiting isolating. The title track sings of how God loves and encourages us to follow the dreams He's placed on our hearts. These songs all speak to the darker places that many of us find ourselves in trying times, and how Christ is the Light that can illuminate the way forward.
The Bottom Line
With a varied musical signature, Julie Elias has provided an album that is both energetic and reflective, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser for those who discover it.
