Customer Reviews

Life Light Up

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

One of Christian music's most recognizable and prolific female voices, Christy Nockels, was born in Ft. Worth, TX. Together as Watermark, Christy and her husband Nathan recorded five albums with Rocketown Records, including hit songs "Knees To The Earth", "My Heart Your Home" and "Glory Of Your Name". Christy and Nathan have served at Passion Conferences since 1997 and in 2008, they moved to Atlanta, GA to be a founding family of Passion City Church.

Christy released her first solo worship project, "Life Light Up", with sixstepsrecords on June 2, 2009. The album opens up with a new recording of "No Not One", co-written with Brandon Heath and originally released on "What If We". I can't get enough of this new version as it has a techno-style electronic beat and beautiful lyrics and a catchy melody. First single "Life Light Up" is next and is another highlight of the album with the call to live to be a light in the darkest night. I have to say, this is also the coolest album artwork I've seen since "Revelation" by Third Day.

The album slows down for the next several songs, all original songs written or co-written by Christy including an amazing hymn-rewrite original version of "A Mighty Fortress". I can totally imagine singing that song in unison with other believers in praise of our God. After another nice ballad "In Your Hands", written by Molley Moody, are the 3 excellent closing songs of the album. "Marvelous Light" was originally recorded and written by Charlie Hall and Christy does an amazing job of updating this excellent song. Just like "No Not One", the song has an electronic feel and I love this song and new recording. "Hosanna" is originally by Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood and recorded by Hillsong United and also covered last year by Starfield and by Christy on "Passion: God of This City". This is one of my favorite new praise and worship songs of the decade and I can't get enough of the song. I love that two of the premier female voices in Christian music have brought us the best studio and live recordings of this very passionate song. Christy does total justice to the great song and cry to "break my heart for what breaks Yours" in the bridge moves me every time I hear it.

The album closes with another hymn-rewrite of sorts, "By Our Love". The song reflects the biblical truth "they'll know we are Christians by our love". Just like the other slower songs, Christy's tender and powerful vocals are captivating and this song is sweet and moving like "I Saw What I Saw" by Sara Groves. This whole album just gives me goose bumps.

This is my favorite female solo album of the year along with Lanae' Hale's "Back & Forth". The highlights for me are "No Not One", "Life Light Up", "A Mighty Fortress", "Marvelous Light", "Hosanna" and "By Our Love".

I always enjoyed Watermark's releases, so when I found out that half the husband and wife duo would be releasing a solo CD, I immediately knew I'd buy it. And it was a decision I am thrilled I made.

In her solo debut, Christy takes her standard praise and worship fare and infuses it with a pop flavor. While there are slower moments, this feels light and free, much more upbeat than anything she and Nathan ever did as Watermark.

Take the first track, for example. I've been a fan of "No Not One" since I heard it as the disc closer on co-author Brandon Heath's CD. Christy takes the song and ups the tempo, making it much more infection and fun.

And yet it's two of the slower tracks I am most drawn to. "A Might Fortress" isn't the familiar hymn, although it does borrow a line or two from it. The idea is still the same, God is a refuge to those who choose to dwell in Him. Yet the music elevates it to a level of triumphant praise.

"My Master," on the other hand, is a song of surrender. It's a beautiful ballad that draws on an idea from the Old Testament of a servant choosing to stay with a master for all time.

There are two covers of popular praise choruses here. "Marvelous Light" is an upbeat cover that makes you want to move as you worship. I'm not as big a fan of "Hosanna." The version here is mid tempo and quite good. The lyrics just seem a bit generic compared to the rest of the disc to me.

My only real problem with the disc is that, even with tempo changes, the songs begin to sound the same after a while. There's just a bit too much reliance on electric instruments.

Fans of any of Christy's previous work will certainly enjoy this disc. And if you are looking for a new worship artist, be sure to check her out.

My family was really disappointed when we heard Watermark was not going to put out any more CD's, but this new release by Christy makes up for it. If you like Watermark you will love this CD.

Its a awesome CD 10 Stars. Its as awesome as her music with Watermark with her husband. I think she,ll have a long long career if she puts out new songs like theses in the future. I say Buy this CD you,ll be glad you did well worth the wait for sure.

I don't normally write reviews, but I had to for Christy Nockels. I think this album is amazing. It's colorful and it varies in style. Her voice is fantastic. I hope more people hear of her and buy this album.

I rarely like every single song in one CD album, but this one is by far the best collection all in one! I love Christy Nockels!! There isn't one song in this CD album that is not good. Every single song is great and upbeat. You can listen to it years from now & not feel it is outdated.

didn't know this artist much except for one song from another cd-wow what a song writer and singer-powerful christian female vocalist

I love Christy Nockels' music and this is a very good CD. She has such meaningful lyrics and a gorgeous voice. She is also a part of the Passion movement and has songs sprinkled throughout the Passion CDs. She has such a heart of worship. I definitely recommend this CD if you like contemporary worship music.

I was able to see Christy perform many of these songs at the MOPS convention this year. She is fantastic! I was not disappointed when I heard the CD. Her passion and conviction come through in every song.

I love Christy Nockels and Watermark. They have such an outstanding combination of interesting music and profound lyrics--which I would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. This is one of my favorite CD's ever. I think I've learned more about the faith through this band than through any band.