Customer Reviews

Wakened By the Wind

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

 

 

During the 1990's Christian music fans had the pleasure of hearing the voice of Susan Ashton frequently grace our airwaves. After paying her dues on backup Susan was signed by Sparrow and at the age of 23 she saw the release of her first record, WAKENED BY THE WIND. With executive producer Brown Bannister, veteran Wayne Kirkpatrick producing, and a solid cast of backup musicians Susan had the studio muscle to make a successful first impression. Solid songwriting and some gorgeous vocal performances ensured that the final product lived up to expectations.

Gentle percussion and an acoustic guitar open "Down On My Knees," a song penned by Kirkpatrick which speaks of prayer in terms of longing, desperation, and dependance. Though understated, it's a stunning way to begin the record, lyrically, and the sound perfectly captures the acoustic-based pop that Susan would become best known for. Traces of folk and country would sneak into her work, but she was always at her best outside of those genres.

"No One Knows My Heart" showcases Susan's voice, demonstrating the emotion she is capable of but not overdoing it or over-singing. Picking up the tempo a bit, "Benediction" follows and is the best song on the album. It's got a cool mid-tempo groove and a great hook and is another example of Kirkpatrick's writing elevating Susan's vocal gifts. She actually contributed to the writing of three of the songs but Kirkpatrick handled the lion's share of the writing duties and it shows. It remains one of the best written debut projects that I've heard.

Other highlights include "Ball and Chain," "I Hear You," and "Land of Nod." "Beyond Justice To Mercy" closes the album, and lyrically it is one of the most poignent moments on the project. Inspired from James 2:12-13, it speaks of the need to show grace because, in spite of our human desire for vengeance, mercy actually brings freedom and heals heartache. It's a beautiful and memorable performance and one of the best songs Susan ever recorded.

There really are no bad moments on this project. And though a case could be made for ANGELS OF MERCY, I believe that WAKENED BY THE WIND still stands as the best of Susan's projects. It certainly was a remarkable debut album. FIVE STARS

susan Ashton first came to the notice of observant Christian music listeners as a backing singer on Wayne Watson's hit "Watercolor Ponies". This 1991 CD became her debut and introduced the CCM world to a thoughtful new chanteuse. Ashton's sound leans toward the acoustic, at times more country ("Land of Nod") in others almost folk ("No One Knows My Heart") with an occasional dash of acoustic blues creeping in.

It established Ashton as a fresh face in CCM thanks to 4 big hits: #2 "Down on my Knees", #4 "Benediction", #3 "In Amazing Grace Land", and #18 "Ball and Chain".

Strongest cuts here are the cry of the hypocrite seeking redemption ("Down on my Knees"), the believer asking for God's sure direction in the midst of change ("Benediction"), and the caution against complacency ("Land of Nod", which also features a sparkling fiddle break from Eric Silver). Phil Keaggy guests on guitar for "Beyond Justice to Mercy", a message many of us Christians don't heed as oft we should. "Ball and Chain" was a hit off the album, where the title comes from (a metaphor for God's spirit seeking out the souls of men).

The misses are few but "I Hear You" is overlong and never seems comfortable in its spare skin. It sounds like it wants to be a big pop anthem instead. "Suffer in Silence" has a weak hook and a reedy keyboard section pushes it into cheeseville.

Bottom Line: A pretty good debut...

3 1/2 stars

I bought this 15 years ago when nobody, including my church friends, had ever heard of her. Of course, it's understandable since this was her first disc. However, despite other great albums (CDs), I don't know if she got the due that should have been accorded her.

Like a number of artists, I thought this first effort always was the best. In fact, I just about wore out this CD I played it so many times. Fifteen years later, I still love it. Every song in here - every one - is spectacular and the lyrics are incredible.

Most of my music collection is comprised of "secular" singers and bands so when I say this is one of the best CDs I have ever heard, it covers a lot of territory. For this disc alone, I'll always think fondly of Susan Ashton.

I recently bought this CD and did not realize that it predated the other CD's that I have featuring this amazing singer. I was so thrilled hearing all the songs on this amazing CD. Wayne Kirkpatrick has a wonderful gift for writing inspiring lyrics and the songs "I Hear You", "Benediction" and "In Amazing Graceland" just bring out the best in Susan Ashton's voice. However, I must admit that my favourite song on this CD is "Beyond Justice to Mercy" which was co-written by Susan Ashton and her rendition of this song is truly awe-inspiring. I also found it strange that only two reviews have been written about this truly wonderful, uplifting CD. I would honestly recommend it to anyone that enjoys great Christian music and especially when it is sung as these songs are.