Soaking Up the Son | Posted August 06, 2013
Tammy Trent has weathered more than her share of life's storms. On Sept. 10, 2001, her husband was lost in a diving accident while the two were vacationing in Jamaica. It was not until the next morning that his body was found.
After having her husband's death confirmed, Tammy soon got word about the terrorist attacks back home. She found herself suddenly widowed, her world turned upside-down. And because all flights were grounded, Tammy was temporarily stranded in Jamaica with only her father-in-law for comfort.
God is faithful through the good times and the bad. So on Sunny Days, her sixth album, Tammy Trent celebrates the promise she now wears tattooed on her wrist, Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
The record begins with a carefree summer soundtrack, "Sunny Days." Replete with dance beats, electronic sounds, and a brief rap break, the song finds Tammy at the beach where everything is blue skies and sunshine. She happily basks: "I'm grateful the storm is at an end / and I'll have sunny days." The song acknowledges that joy comes from God who sees us through the rough spots: "Favorite song's on the radio / and it makes me think of You / How You never let me go / always carry me through / ‘til I see sunny days."
The tempo remains upbeat with "Glow in the Dark," a reminder that hope is never lost, that we are never alone. Tammy announces, "I want you to know that you glow in the dark / He is the Life bringing light to your heart / A fire can burn, all it takes is a spark."
"We're Letting Go" is full-on dance party! Turn the music up, leave fear and worry behind, and get on the dance floor. The message: Trust that God is in control and live with abandon, celebrating the freedom He provides.
Next up, Tammy slows things down a tick by reprising "Welcome Home," a song from her 1997 album, You Have My Heart. In its updated clothes, the song not only fits nicely on this vibrant project, it's an album highlight. Tammy shines on the hopeful story of a returning prodigal. Think Point of Grace with a beat.
The next segment of the record is devoted to worship. First up, a faithful cover of Hillsong United's "You'll Come," originally sung by Brooke Fraser. Although Tammy's performance is earnest and emotive, the hookier, more spirited "Fall At Your Feet" that follows is more effective and more suited to the overall sound of the record. In fact, the track is so strong, that "Your Grace Is Enough For Me" suffers slightly by comparison. While Tammy's vocal is powerful and pretty, the song is unfortunately hindered by the distracting beat. What could have been a breathtaking worship moment is undermined by the production.
It's back the party as the CD returns to form with "I'm Running," a straight-ahead dance pop love song to the Savior. There is an unfettered musical energy that captures the essence of the lyric: "So I'm running straight to You / with all my broken pieces / The fact is I'm on empty / if Your love does not consume me."
Tammy mines musical gold on her autobiographical testimony to God's faithfulness, "Stronger Now." The chorus is as undeniably catchy as its message is comforting: "You are here / and I'm stronger now / No more fear / I've finally found ... / a safe place to fall." How terrific to hear a song about Godly empowerment! Many will be encouraged by Tammy's impassioned, resolved profession of her safety and strength in Jesus.
The album closes with the breezy "Don't Let Him Be The Last To Know." It's a fine bookend to the album opener. You can imagine that the sunny day has come to an end and our protagonist has become thoughtfully somber: "When the day succumbs to night / and when the clouds come seal the light / and when you're down and feeling low / Don't let Him be the last to know." Tammy encourages us to take our troubles directly to Jesus, "When lack of faith becomes your foe / promise He'll be the first to know." Tammy sparkles on this well-written, straightforward number.
Closing Thoughts:
Tammy Trent's recording career began in 1995, and most of her work to date could be categorized squarely in the adult contemporary genre. So listeners may be surprised to hear that her latest release, Sunny Days, is unabashedly pop, closer to Brit Nicole than Point of Grace. Having written eight of the ten tracks, the album is fiercely personal for Tammy. She has translated her experiences into hopeful, high-energy songs that confidently point to a loving God who is always able to carry us through life's storms into sunny days. Now, let's hold tightly to that promise, turn on the music, and dance our cares away!
Song To Download Now:
"I'm Running" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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