|
Christa Wells [How Emptiness Sings] | Posted March 11, 2011
Known for her unusually poignant, poetic and honest songwriting, Christa Wells is finding her place as an independent performing artist. Christa has written with numerous Nashville artists and had songs cut by artists such as Plumb, Point of Grace, and Natalie Grant. Her songs have been hit singles, including most notably "Held" recorded by Natalie Grant, which received airplay in both Christian and mainstream markets and earned her the GMA "Songwriter of the Year" award in 2006. Christa brings even more authenticity to her lyrics byway of delivering them in her own strong, soothing voice, likened to that of Sarah McLachlan and Sara Groves.
How Emptiness Sings is a 7-track EP with all new original songs, and it is my top album of 2011. Note by note, word by word, each song unfolds like a mirror allowing the listener to see himself in places and circumstances he was previously blind to. She is, at the core, a believer in a relational God, and her songs echo that intimacy. As a listener to Christa’s music, one feels this kind of acceptance. Yet, the honesty of her lyrics refuses to coddle. they point upward and onward, away from self to a God who is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-worthy of praise.
Rather than address the themes of each song, let me just say this is one of the most captivating albums I’ve ever heard. Christa has a vocal sincerity and creativity that rivals Brooke Fraser, Audrey Assad, JJ Heller and Sara Groves, who are my top female vocalists of all-time. Some of the stand-out moments of the album include “Everything Moves But You,” where Christa brilliantly sings the biblical truth, “All the things I pursue, Well, they stay for a season, Then everything moves, Everything moves, oh, My towers fall, But You aren’t leaving me, ‘Cause everything moves but You.” I am a believer and my testimony is that my love for music led me to Jesus Christ due to the Gospel messages of Christian music. This is a great album for your unsaved family and friends. Another highlight is the poignant bridge of “Kingdom Coming,” where Christa confesses, “We are not free if we can’t give freely, If we live to have, we don’t have anything, Oh my heart, it’s good to bleed.” For me, the standout experience of this stellar album is hanging on every note of the gorgeous title track, “How Emptiness Sings.” Christa beautifully phrases our worshipful response as followers of Jesus, “Glory to God, Glory to God! In fullness of wisdom, He writes my story into His song, My life for the glory of God.” Her vocals are so amazing and the lyrics are so transparent and engaging, the song is my choice for song of the year.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I am so captivated by this album, I have to give it 5 stars and every song is incredible. I only wish there were a few more songs, it’s that good. If you like Sara Groves, Audrey Assad, Brooke Fraser, JJ Heller and Sarah McLachlan, then you must get How Emptiness Sings by Christa Wells. For sure, this is the ultimate “gourmet” release of 2011. Do yourself a favor and buy this album immediately.
Comments (0) | Add Comment | Is This Review Helpful? Yes | No |
to add lyrics if not listed.
