Laura Story [Great God Who Saves]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
I had not heard of Laura Story prior to receiving the pre-release for her INO Records debut, ‘Great God Who Saves’, but one thing that stood out most about the new album was her songwriting abilities and great thought-provoking messages.
Just a little introduction to Laura, she’s originally from South Carolina, but has since relocated to Atlanta, Georgia with her husband Martin, where she is a worship leader and women’s pastor at the Perimeter Church (same church as Aaron Shust).
When I first looked at the song listing for the album, it looked like a bunch of titles that would be perfect fits for devotionals. One song that stuck out to me was “Indescribable”. Wow, she covers a Chris Tomlin song! That’s great! I listened to it, and I thought, it’s cool to hear a different take on the song. After all, Avalon had done it before, so would Laura’s version be as good? There is one problem however. Little did I realize, but Laura was actually the one who wrote the song! The first thought in my mind was, “boy am I retarded!” I have been working closely with the Christian music industry for over four years and I didn’t know that! But, I am humble enough to admit that I didn’t know something! And yes, the answer to the question is, it is a good version of the song. I still prefer Chris’ version more, I guess because that’s the one I have heard the most!
One of the catchiest songs on the record would have to be the title track, “Great God Who Saves”. This title in itself is a testimony and witness to those who just happen to catch a glimpse of the album’s title and nothing else. One line of the chorus caught my attention, because it was as if it spoke to me personally. It goes, “In my darkest hour / Your mercy and Your power / Reaching out to me / Great God who saves”. The Lord reaches down even in the darkest of circumstances, and if you yield to Him, He’ll show you why He is truly the ONLY one who can help us when we’re in need and that He truly is the GREAT God who saved us from our sin.
Another track that brings an uplifting and meaningful message is “Immortal, Invisible God”. The words of the chorus ring true in saying, “Immortal, You are not bound by death / You are the living God of every breath / Invisible, you are not bound by space / But Your glory is filling this place”. I think that we try too hard to confine God to a boxed-in area. Rarely do we ever think that the Lord is bigger then us, His purpose and will, are beyond all of our understanding. Is it just me, or does this happen a lot within the confines of our own churches? God is not human; He’s not confined to space. I think that we try to do too much ourselves, and not let work in our lives. It’s like saying, “Lord, I know you said that we should do this this way, but I am going to have to disagree with You on that. I’m going to do this MY way.” Our lives, our every breathe, our everything should be focused on what He wants. Let God work in our lives. He may be invisible, but that certainly doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t rely on Him and give our all to Him. Does it?
The bottom line to my review is, I really liked the message brought forth with Laura’s project. I looked at it as very inspiring, filled with messages of hope, humility and love. I guess my only complaint is the fact that although I think Laura has an amazing voice, I just don’t think her voice could keep up with the music of the album and carry it vocally. It was often drown out by the music. I don’t know if the production work of the album played any part in that, but that was the only thing that I noticed about the record that could have been greater. But, that’s only my opinion!
I think fans of other female solo artists such as Natalie Grant, Nicole C. Mullen and Joy Williams will enjoy this new project from an artist whose name is sure to be one to bring forth great song-writing and positive and uplifting music now and in the future to come! Go pick up this project on March 11th and add it to your collection!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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“Laura Story delivers an album full of hope, humility and love with great song-writing and emphasis on an inspirational message in a world that desperately needs it!”
Rating: 8.3 out of 10 (83%, B-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/laurastory_greatgowhosaves.html
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