Customer Reviews

SARAH MASEN

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When this CD came out, I listened to it every day for over a year; it was, and still is, that good. A great blend of music, a fantastic showcase of Sarah's songwriting, singing, and Charlie Peacock's production. It includes a video of All Fall Down, and video clips of Sarah sharing her thoughts about each song, which of course helps the listener to get even more into the music. She even includes a little personal scrapbook of pictures of her growing up with short audio comments on each. The weakest point on the CD is the one song not penned by Sarah, "Love". This CD is a must-have for anyone who appreciates good music, whether a believer like Sarah or not.

I was in a record shop in Los Angeles one day in 1996 when they put on this album. Immediately I liked it, and bought it. This is my tenth year playing this album (seasonally), and I never, ever get tired of it.

The music consists of an earthy, mellow guitar-based sound, mostly electric with some acoustic. This style of music is the kind of music I like to listen to in the fall, especially October. I play this album to death every October like some people play their favorite Christmas album every December.

I love every song on here, but I play "All Fall Down" probably five times or more than any of the other songs. Beyond that, it's hard to nail down other favorites, I like them all so much.

I have two other Sarah Masen albums, the two albums she made after this one. The follow-up, Carry Us Through, was a vast disappointment, ruined by overproduction. This untitled album is not overproduced at all, having the perfect amount of production to make it simple yet complete. The album following Carry Us Through, The Dreamlife Of Angels, was better, with the production pulled back to appropriate levels for Sarah Masen's music, but the tunes don't stick with you like the ones on this untitled album does.

The song "All Fall Down" is also found on the compilation album "One Point Oh."

This album is a gem, perfection in mood, sound, and thoughtful delivery.

I purchased this CD on a whim, contemporary Christian music is not something I'm usually into. Having said that I'll admit this self-titled CD 'Sarah Masen' is an enjoyable, upbeat, easy listening -10 track- collection not only performed by this young artist, but 9 of the 10 tracks are also composed by Sarah.

Trying to compare Sarah's voice and style with someone you might be more familiar with, I'll describe her as Alanis Morissette without the anger and angst. This was a tough call, I also hear hints of Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan in her vocals.

What I like the most about Sarah is the thoughtfulness and depth she puts into her compositions. Her lyrics are an honest reflection of someone who while pursuing her convictions and beliefs isn't afraid of asking questions and re-evaluating the process along the way. My personal favorite song is -track 3- 'Flames of Truth.'

Sarah Masen is one of the most underrated Christian artists on the market in my opinion - discovered by Michael W Smith he obviously saw the talent and depth to her lyrics that so many artists are lacking. This is one of my favorite CDS.

In the summer of 1996 I went to a church retreat,and one of the things I liked was that the bookstore would play various Christian artists over the speakers on the patio.I heard some good things,some bad things,but one CD caught me,and it was this one! Finally,a singer that I could simply say I liked their music! She reminded me a little of Sarah McLachlan,a little of Shawn Colvin,yet she was individualistic enough to carry her own name. I bought it after hearing "Downtown",the song that all my close friends agree is the strongest track on the album. Sarah's voice is all at once adorable,strong,spirited and quirky...and for a 20 year old college student,very sure of herself! The lyrics MEAN something,sending a message of faith that goes beyond "I love Jesus and life is good". Sarah wrote all the songs herself,except "Love",which is a brilliant Victoria Williams cover,and played acoustic guitar. Sarah's sense of pop is translated perfectly by producer Charlie Peacock...swirly, soulful,yet you can still tap your feet and sing along to such catchy tunes as "All Fall Down", "Break Hard the Wishbone" and "Come In" (the last of which is based on a Shel Silverstein poem). Out of the 10 tracks, I only found one that I didn't like,and that' just a matter of personal taste. The enhanced portion was pretty cool. It contained interview footage,pictures and the video for "All Fall Down". All in all, this CD lived in my stereo for quite a while!

I was in a music shop one day, feeling sorry for myself and wanting to buy some new music to cheer me up, when through the shop's stereo system I heard lyrics that summarised my life. Sarah Masen was singing "...I'm losing myself in my search for you, I'm reaching through the flames of truth..." It was at that time that I was struggling with God, feeling that I was losing my identity the more I got into Christianity. Then, all of a sudden someone was singing all about it! I grabbed the CD cover off the sales desk and said to the girl there "I want this album!"

I related more to her first album, but really enjoy her second as well. The style is very unique, I like that. I recommend her albums to anyone looking for some music to chill out to.

Mrs B, if you're reading this, put the CD on, think of Wellington, and give me a call. :)

Sarah has a great voice, and she's an excellent composer. I really enjoyed the words of the songs, and i'm still enjoying them... BUY THE CD. It's Great!!!

I'm by no means a religious man, but I love Sarah Masen just the same. She has a gift for hooky songs that don't sound too preachy, and she's not afraid to rock out every once in a while. Her voice reminds me a little of Merril Bainbridge's (another album you should buy, by the way!), and she's just quirky enough to keep you listening again and again. I highly recommend this album.

Not only does Sarah Masen have good sounds and good writing, but the songs themselves are "deep" enough to almost be therapeutic. At least they have been for me. This is great stuff!

Sarah Masen's debut is great display of a very talented voice. Strewn together with eclectic instrumentation and solid melodies, her debut exhibits confidence in the freedom God gives in life.