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Not Jaci's big return | Posted June 24, 2008
I was highly anticipating this latest album from Jaci. Her recent albums have disappointed me (ever since Crystal Clear), but I was hoping this album would be Jaci's big comeback. With Jaci's big voice, a producer like Mark Heimermann (who produced her first three albums and other numerous albums that I enjoy), and all the publicity, I was expecting big things. But while overall the album was better than just the few songs I heard ahead of time on her myspace, I'm afraid this will not mark Jaci's return.
I have a few issues with this album:
- First of all, Jaci sounds like she's holding back. I keep on waiting for her to belt it out, and maybe I've been watching too much "American Idol" these days, but Jaci has a beautiful powerful voice and so many times on the album I kept on thinking, where is the intensity of that voice? This was most evident to me on "Jesus (The Way)." Perhaps this song was supposed to be a soft melodic song, but I felt like this beautiful worship ballad could've been more powerful with Jaci belting it.
- Jaci's voice lacks passion. On a video posted on Jaci's website, Jaci revealed she recorded this entire record while being pregnant and so "you hear a lot of emotion in there for sure." The ironic thing is that I didn't hear that emotion and passion.
- Some lyrics lack depth. I found myself enjoying beginning verses only to find they were often followed by a cliche and uninspiring chorus (ex. "Nothing But Sky," "Love Out Loud," and "Jesus (The Way)".
Despite my disappointment over the aforementioned issues, there are a few redeeming moments on Love Out Loud: I love the latin flavor of "Tempo" (regardless of the lack of lyrical depth). I miss the Latin sound from Crystal Clear and was excited to hear its return. I also enjoyed "Into the Light," and the strongest moment on the album by far is "It's Not You, It's Me," which avoids all of my dislikes noted above. This song is one I would listen to on repeat.
Overall, it's not Jaci's big return, but it does have some great moments.
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August 21, 2008, 19:56PM
i totally agree! ever since crystal clear, it hasn't been so crystal clear. LOL..
But she stated in a recent article in the Miami Herald tahts shes' already working on "two new babies", a new English album (besides Love Out Loud) and a brand new Spanish one. Lets pray that she excel vocally. I miss her great voice! The only problem though is shes pregnant for the second time, so let's hope she does all the recording before shes closer to giving birth.. and it would be very wise if she worked with different producers for a change, maybe with the ones that work with Natalie Grant or something.. |
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