Sandi Patty [Songs For The Journey]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
You know, when I first got a copy of Sandi Patty’s new album, Songs for the Journey, I have to admit, I wasn’t very excited. Maybe that’s partly because I have never really been into the female soloists (I’m just being honest here!). I think on the exception of Nicole C. Mullen, there are not too many that would into my ‘favs’ category. But after having listening to Sandi, I understand why she has won so many Dove Awards for Best Female Vocalist of the Year and more, totaling 39 in all. Sandi is a truly gifted vocalist and I think her work on Songs for the Journey has solidified her status as ‘legend’ in the CCM industry.
Sandi hadn’t always had that status though. I mean, everyone has to get their start somewhere. Yes, actually Sandi got her start as a back up singer to Bill Gaither and the Bill Gaither Trio in the early 80’s and her career took off from there.
Having said that, her new record has many tracks that are sure to soon become fan favorites. The first track “Praise To The Lord, The Almighty” is just simply amazing, with it’s orchestra-laden intro all the way through and to the end. Very uplifting piece. The next two tracks, both classic hymns, with “Through It All” and “Be Thou My Vision” are two great examples of Sandi’s powerful and beautiful voice. I am a sucker for the hymns, so I always enjoy hearing updated renditions of the ‘old school’ music. I especially like the Irish bag-pipe/flute intro for “Be Thou My Vision”. Not since Selah’s recording of this song have I heard such a beautiful and gracefully flowing version.
The message of “My Tribute” is amazing! I think we should all write our own tribute song to God, whether it’s spoken (for those of us who can’t sing) or sung (for those who can sing!), because you know what? We owe everything to God. Everything. Sandi says it especially well when she says, “To God be the glory for the things He has done”. Amen.
Well let’s increase the tempo… a lot. Yes, the album speeds up (awesome) with the next track “Operator”. The bluesy pop/rock track was one that I found very exciting to listen to. It reminded me of a lot of the up-tempo Southern Gospel music my wife Shannon likes to listen to. The concept behind the song is very interesting as well. Calling through the ‘operator’ and asking for Jesus. “I’ll pay whatever the calls costs”, I think is what the verse said, but it was an exciting and thought-provoking song.
I could go on about the record, but the bottom-line is, I though musically it was refreshing. It was something different. I love some good rock and pop music, but it was a breath of fresh air listening to something different this time around. Of everything I have read on Sandi Patty, the message of her music has never been in question. Which is good. After all, what is Christian music without Christ? You know?
Songs for the Journey seemed to be a personal one for Patty as well, consisting of songs and style of music that has influenced her journey thus far. I think even for those folks out there that are not familiar could relate to and even enjoy some of the songs on the album.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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I can’t really say I was a fan of Sandi’s prior to listening to Songs for the Journey and I can’t say her music would be something I would listen to regularly, but I have to say, she has the talent, she is anointed and I really honestly believe her music can and will make a difference in a believers life. I enjoyed the album, and I think anyone who hasn’t listened to her music yet should give it a chance and listen to something different. For those of you who are long-time fans, I don’t think you will be disappointed with her new effort. Great job!
Rating: 8.8 out of 10 (88%, B+)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/sandipatty_songsforthejourney.html
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