Brooke Barrettsmith [Brooke Barrettsmith]
Posted October 07, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
Like I have mentioned in previous reviews, I have not always been the biggest fan of female vocalists or even female-led rock bands. But, that was back in the day before I myself had given my life to Christ. But since then, the Lord has opened up my eyes and I have become a huge fan of female-led rock bands, such as Barlow Girl, Fireflight, Flyleaf and more recently Addison Road. In more recent time, three others have joined the mix. First it was Meredith Andrews in April, and then Francesca Battistelli in July and now August brings another talented ‘girl-at-the-helm’ in twenty-six year-old, Brooke Barrettsmith.
Barrettsmith is a native of the Chicago-area, and like her city-by-the-lake counterparts Barlow Girl, she can rock it out while still bringing a meaningful and ministering message to her audience.
At first listen, Brooke sounded a lot to me like Fireflight’s lead singer, Dawn Richardson. It’s the musical style that really separates the two and of course the message. Brooke according to the press release for her album, said she had infused a lot of issues she faced as a teenager into her music, which has been credited to her as making her into the woman she is today.
After listening through to the whole CD, a lot of the songs stuck out to me lyrically. The message behind “Farewell” was amazing. It’s a song that reminds us that no matter what we faced in lives prior to salvation, know that we have to let that go and keep our focus on Christ. I especially like the chorus, which says “Say farewell / To all of your mistakes / Forgive yourself / It’s a brand new day.” This to me depicts what 2 Corinthians 5:17. Once saved, we’re a ‘new creation’ in Christ. The former things have passed away. I like the general focus of the song.
Some other songs of note on the album that I found fun to listen to were, “Right Now”, “Quiet My Heart”, “Father” and the piano-driven “Paper Tigers”.
Production on the album, mastered by Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Underoath & The Almost) is done superbly as usual. I think this is one thing that also made the album stick out is the pristine production work done on the album. Definitely worth noting.
Overall, Brooke’s release would fit into the impressive column, but the one thing that it lacked was originality. I know it’s hard in this day in time to release something that is ‘totally innovative and unique’. There are very few bands out there that sound totally unique compared to the next one, but I do give Brooke the thumbs up for the fact that she has an amazing voices and more importantly uses that talent to honor and glorify Christ with her music.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Overall, I liked what Brooke had to offer on her debut. There is definitely a lot of room for growth both musically and lyrically, but I think she did a good job in presenting her own interpretation of the Gospel in her music while at the same time, taking listeners on a journey into her life and the struggles she has had to overcome. I look forward to what Brooke will have to offer in the future and know that after listening to her debut, she will continue to pour her life and her heart into her music.
Rating: 8.4 out of 10 (84%, B)
Review written by: Jay Heilman | Review can also be found here.
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