Customer Reviews

Stronger

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

 

 

A sophomore album is sometimes the hardest for an artist. It can either make or break that artist. For instance, if an artist had a very successful debut album, and their sophomore album wasn't near the quality, the artist could disappear from the music scene all together. However, if the artist has a so-so debut and releases and spectacular sophomore album, the artist could be the biggest in the industry. Now lets take a look at Natalie Grant. Claimed to be the next big Christian Diva, Grant's debut album came out to decent critic reviews and even lack-luster sales. Now, with a new label and a new outlook on ministry and her place in the industry, Grant comes back with a sophomore album that should solidify herself as one of the top females in the industry. This album starts off with two radio-friendly pop tunes, "What Other Man" and "Keep On Shining". Natalie really knows how to sing a pop song and really shows off on these and others like "Anything" and "Don't Wanna Make a Move". However, Grant TRULY shows off her stellar voice on the big ballads, such as "If This World Lost All It's Love", "I Love to Praise" and "Only You". Grant teams up with none other than New Artist of the Year, Plus One, for one of the albums highlights, "Whenever You Need Somebody". Other great songs are the Cindy Morgan-penned lyric "Finally Home" and "Such a Wonder" (which has to show how much Grant is stretching as both an artist and a vocalist). Grant truly is one of those underrated artists in the industry and definetly deserves the title of "Christian Music's Best Kept Secret".

I was extremely hesitant about buying this album. I liked the hit single "Keep on Shining" but I did not know any thing else about Natalie or "Stronger". Well, obviously, I went ahead and bought it and I was not disappointed. So, let's evaluate. Natalie is not a studio prop. This is definitely a great voice this lady has. Her control, clarity, and talent are evident. However, the Mariah-esque runs and octave changes were just not made made for Natalie and get a little redundant. Still, even these are remarkably well done. The tunes are catchy, at turns danceable and soaring, punchy, and smooth. Some well crafted ones, and Natalie writes and co-writes several. Of course,"Keep on Shining" is my favorite, but "Whenever You Need Somebody"(featuring Plus One) and "Anything" are close seconds. Stylistically: wide range of styles from teen-pop "Anything" and "Don't Wanna Make a Move" to worship anthem "I Love to Praise" to stirring heart-stoppers like "Finally Home" All in all, a good album with it's successes and failures combined. I recommend it!

Natalie Grant truly surprised me as this was the first CD of hers that I had the opportunity to buy. Here she allows us to see that she is in the league with the other popular Christian ladies AMY GRANT (no relation that I know of) and CRYSTAL LEWIS. Natalie has a very powerful and soulful voice which allows us to observe that she is blessed by GOD which is a feeling that pervades throughout the entire CD.

1)WHAT OTHER MAN is a midtempo that is a great start. Natalie really gets deep on this song as she shows the significance of loving and worshipping JESUS. Great start!

2)KEEP ON SHINING is a kinda fast song that has a beautiful beat and is arranged great as well. Of course, there are great vocals here as well.

3)WHENEVER YOU NEED SOMEBODY is a ballad that Natalie works well and is a duet with PLUS ONE. Though this song could be deemed secular, it still does a nice job of showing the love of GOD. It has a very powerful climax.

4) ANYHTING is a fairly fast song that talks of self-empowerment through of course GOD. Once again, remarkable vocals.

The rest of the songs are comprised of ballads and faster songs and continue in the formula of praising and worshiping. Natalie continues to show throughout her truly GOD-given gift.

Okay, I will be the first to admit that I am not the biggest fan of any religous albums. It is not because I am the anti-christ, no (though I may been called it a few times), it is just because I hate to say a song on a religous album is bad. It just seems wrong. But, alas, my stance have changed and no matter what anyone says if your singing or song is bad, reguardless of what genre, it's a bad, period.

Luckily, Natalie Grant does not have that problem. Oddly enough she was the first artist to bring my faith (no pun intended) back into Contemporarily Christian music.

Grant is a vocalist, and trust me, she can sing. With a voice that infuse the thoughts of Minnie Riperton, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Grant is Christian music's diva and thank God for it.

On her second album, "Stronger", Grant seems more free with her vocals and more attuned with her message. On her debut album self-titled album, Grant's vocals were angelic and powerful, but they seemed restraint in the delivery of her message. Now Grant is stern in her vocal and lyrical approach and it shows in each track.

On "What Other Man" Grant sings of her love for God and how no other man besides him can offer her true happiness or true salvation. Grant is in true form her delivering her Carey-like vocals in a way that bring chills to the listener's arm (at least I got them).

On "Whenever You Need Somebody" a duet with Christian music's own boy band, Plus One, Grant delivers a song that is poised to be one of the best duet ever sung. Plus One's vocals are amazing and mixes well with Grant (Oh, God, have I found two religous artist I like).

The only misstep on the album is Grant's somewhat redudant vocal gymnastics. On three songs back to back Grants uses the same approach of high, higher, and "oh my God my grandma's China are breaking". Though a powerful approach, one might see it to be a bit Celine Dionish.

"Stronger" is an amazing album with positive, reassuring songs and a voice that delivers them well. Maybe this cold heart of mine can welcome more religous cds in my cd collection. Maybe.
3.5/5

'Stronger' by Natalie Grant is a very enjoyable album.

Natalie has a beautiful voice that can create some really amazing sounds. Her best known songs on this album are 'Keep on Shining' and 'What Other Man'. These really highlight the talent that she has. There are several other good songs on this album, as well.

Although she may not be as well known as some other artists, Natalie has a great sound and the ability to do really great things with it.

I'm not a huge pop fan, however Natalie's voice is full of passion and helps God's love move you. The track, "Anything" stands out as by far the best track. That track is worth the cost of the CD. Look out Christina A. and Celine! I hope Natalie's songs can cross over to secular pop. Her songs have a great message and she is as talented as any top 40 artist.

I thoroughly enjoy listening to this CD. It is full of energy but also great for one on one time with God.

This CD was a very uplifting experience. She has done a wonderful work here.

Im not sure what the producers of this album were doing but it just didnt work for me. They didnt seem to be using her vocals to their full potential. They seemed to be making a more dance pop oriented album and that is not what Grant should be singing. The songs had some powerful lyrics but again seemed like dance songs or something. I would definetly check out her other CDs but this is not one of her best.