A Solid Introduction | Posted July 16, 2012 Staff Reviewer
Born and raised in the small town of Mobile, Ala., new artist, Katie Gustafson grew up around worship music. After moving to Nashville and becoming more involved in leading worship, she decided to write her own songs, and thus began the start of her music career. Introducing Katie Gustafson is an EP complete with seven songs written by her.
The opening track "Isaiah 55" is Gustafson's version of this well-known Bible verse. Although at first it resembles a Shania Twain-like sound, she ends up making it all her own. Her summary of Isaiah 55 really gives listeners who may struggle with it a better understanding and way of interpreting it.
The second song is entitled, "Amazing God." This is one of my favorites on the EP. Although the lyrics are fairly simple, the chorus is extremely catchy. With her smooth voice and the upbeat tempo, you can't help but sing along and shout how amazing our God really is.
Another one of my favorites is "Beautiful Jesus (Love Over Me)." This song has a slower tempo, but immediately inspires you to have a more intimate setting with Jesus.
Next is "Wonderful To Me." This track starts off sounding like an '80s movie soundtrack, but eventually Gustafson's style comes into play. Yet again another catchy chorus makes it hard not to sing along.
"Hallelujah to The Lamb" starts off a little bit different than the previous tracks: without the guitar. The feel of the song is more intense and serious. Although this is my least favorite track, it brings it back to an Old Testament feel in stating "Hallelujah to the Lamb."
While listening to the next track she really catches your attention with her soft and quiet voice. "Be Still My Soul" reflects on something I think everyone has gone through: the struggle within your soul to calm down and know that God is going to take care of things.
The ending track is a perfect reflection on how everything goes back to God. "Back To You" is a beautiful song speaking of the joy God has brought not only to Gustafson, but also to all of us. It touches on her struggles when apart from God, but then speaks of how only He can fill her up, and so she is brought back to Him.
Closing Thoughts:
Before reviewing this album, I had never heard of Katie Gustafson. I have to say that with a couple listens, I have quickly added her songs to my iPod. While her sound is catchy, I'd like to see a little more depth lyrically. Still, the catchy choruses and simple lyrics make Introducing Katie Gustafson a decent first album.
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