Customer Reviews

My Paper Heart

5 star:		(43)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I get a little tired of hearing the Christian Britney wannabes on the radio, because so many of them have that bubble-gum pop voice that was perfected by Disney and other teen pop producers, and now it dominates the young female end of the Christian contemporary music (CCM) perspective. So it's refreshing and downright pleasant to hear a voice like Francesca Battistelli's that isn't over-dubbed, that is so natural and gutsy and heartfelt that you just want to listen over and over again. Add to that Miss Battistelli's wonderful song-writing (she wrote or co-wrote every song on the album), and you've got the makings of a true sensation.

Honestly, I got hooked when I first heard "I'm Letting Go" on AirOne a few months ago, and I searched out her web site and found out when the album was coming out. Having listened to the album several times through now, I believe that that song wasn't the strongest entry. I think "Unpredictable" is a stronger entry for the CCM scene, while "Beautiful, Beautiful" will be a long-player on the CCM top 40 once it gets released as a single. "My Paper Heart" reveals a vulnerability that is usually only simulated in the regular pop music world. "Blue Sky" has a funky soul feel to it, and it really demonstrates her vocal range and the versatility of her vocal tone. My only lament for this album is that the softer Christian stations may not pick up on Miss Battistelli because she is a bit more rock and soul than soft-rock. Her song-writing ought to get some attention, however, because she doesn't just keep repeating the same worn-out praises that litter so many CCM albums.

This album ought to be a top seller pretty soon. So why only 4 stars? With this young lady's amazing voice, I would have liked a nice stripped-down ballad that was more acoustic and less electric.

Bravo, Francesca! I pray you'll stick with the same faith and music for many years to come.

I had listened to a few Christian artists in the past like Michael W. Smith, but had never really gotten into Christian until I heard Fransesca. Her vocals arent overglamourized, her music strikes a chord with me, especially her songs "forever" and "free to be me". Now Im getting into Natalie Grant, Third Day and the rest. Her CD cover has a great color scheme, she and her crew really seem to know what they are doing. I wish she had been on the scene earlier, or I had heard of her earlier, she's definitely 5 stars.

I had never heard of Francesca Battistelli before I saw her here on the Amazon.com best seller list (in the top 100) for Christian music. I really enjoyed this CD. I'm torn for my favorite track between I'm Letting Go and Behind the Scenes.

I'm Letting Go deals with the issue of letting go of what I thought my life would or should be and accepting the true purpose for my life. It's not about giving up on dreams, but about getting hold on the positive dreams and eternal vision that God has for us.

Behind the Scenes tells the truth of our frailty. Similar in message to Casting Crowns' song titled Stained Glass Masquerade, this song reminds everyone that everyone is liek everyone else. There are no perfect saints. Our strength to overcome comes from our unity with one another.

The other tracks are also very uplifting. I find myself looping through the entire track list. Certainly, there are a few songs that may appeal to personalities different than my own, such as the title song My Paper Heart, but even it reminds us that the ripping experiences of life can show us the way to God regardless of our personality.

Great for a debut album.

I had never heard her before, but figured I'd give it a try because it looked fun. I LOVE it!!! It's very encouraging and upbeat. Fun music. Great words. I was planning to give it to my parents, but now i think I want to get one for myself!
I hope to find more cd's from Francesca Battistelli in the future!

'My Paper Heart' by Francesca Battistelli is a very good debut by a great talent.

I had heard her singles, 'Free to Be Me' and 'I'm Letting Go' and really liked them. Then I heard a third hit, 'It's Your Life'. At that point, I decided that I needed to buy her album. I am glad that I did as there are several other gems on it.

The theme is centered on God throughout. There is one love song also, but for the most part, this is a CD that focuses on spiritual issues. Ms. Battistelli has a beautiful, distinctive voice with light rock music.

This is an album that will not disappoint. I definitely recommend it.

...but Britt has beats and Francesca has a more pop rock feel-though mostly poppy.I agree with most reviewers, you buy it for the one song and end up enjoying them all.

I am so impressed with Francesca Battiistelli's debut album "My Paper Heart". From the opening song "Free to be Me" to the haunting closer "Time in Between" this new artist exhibits a depth and maturity that is rare in one so young. Every song has a positive life message that gives hope and lifts the spirit. Whether a Christian or not, the message is life-affirming and a ray of hope in a dark world. Her achingly soulful and smoky vocals are original and very fresh. I think she is a breath of fresh air in the Contemporary Christian music scene. By the way, she was just nominated for 5 Dove awards which is a record for a new artist. That should tell you something! Definitely get this album. You won't regret it!!!

I love this album and think its an excellent gift for Christian women of all ages. The music is exciting and moving and Francesca has a beautiful voice!

The cd was in perfect condition when i received it, but the case was cracked. The cracked case really isn't a big issue to me or probably most people these days, and I am pleased with my purchase. I would deffinately recommend this cd.

Francesca Battistelli had aspirations of being a Broadway singer and has parents in the music business. That music background and aspiration is apparent in this solid debut for singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli. The debut single I'm Letting Go is so catchy you can't help but sing along and admire the great melody and music. The best comparison I can think of is Love Song by pop singer Sara Bareilles and her musical and singing style also reminds me of Natasha Bedingfield and Leona Lewis.

My Paper Heart is more than just the great song I'm Letting Go. In particular I really enjoy the opening track Free To Be Me a nice upbeat anthem that girls can relate to and find motivating. Another anthem is the Revolve Tour song It's Your Life which is another highlight. For me the two songs that really demonstrate Francesca's potential and great singing voice are My Paper Heart which has such a great transparency and maturity for such a young singer and my favorite overall song is Beautiful, Beautiful which really sounds like a Broadway show-stopper with these great lyrics: "Now there's a joy inside I can't contain, But even perfect days can end in rain, And though it's pouring down, I see You through the clouds, Shining on my face". I'm really impressed by this solid debut and look forward to more by Francesca Battistelli.