12th
July, 2007
JUSTIN
MICHAEL
Album: Falling Forward
Artist: Sandi Patty
Label: INO, 2007
Enhanced:
No
In a word: Warm
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"There are plenty of reasons to like this record. There is the musical journey that really does reference the sounds of the last twenty years or so, some genuinely honest song-writing, well chosen covers, great musicianship, and, hey, Sandi still has a voice to thrill."
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OK, somebody needs to slap me a high-five! I have listened to an entire Sandi Patty album without my mum making me and I think I may have even enjoyed it. Jury is still out on that, but I can tell you that if you’re a long term fan, you won’t be disappointed here.
The album kicks off by giving the impression that it is a modern praise 'n worship disc with a sound reminiscent of the classic Hosanna recordings - big choir, big string section, guitars way back in the mix - it’s an energetic set with the Hillsong (Miriam Webster penned) tune, Made Me Glad, the Sweeter Medley that includes Sweeter, Blessed be Your Name and Lord, You are Good.
Track five, Step Into The Joy, gives Sandi a chance to get in touch with her soul side, but don’t worry - for those of you waiting for the signiature big voice ballad, they’re just around the corner.
Sandi moves effortlessly from a song dedicated to her step children, In My Heart, to the Jeff Cohen, Scott Krippayne penned, Found and then to a big chunk of Gaither in her aptly titled Sandi's Medley. With two Gloria Gaither tunes from 1983 and 1986 respectively, it includes the essential pops orchestra backing replete with choir, brass stabs and that indispensable big note at the end!
There are plenty of reasons to like this record. There is the musical journey that really does reference the sounds of the last twenty years or so, some genuinely honest song-writing, well chosen covers, great musicianship, and, hey, Sandi still has a voice to thrill.
Sandi is one of the matriarchs of Christian contemporary music and she has stuck around despite some difficult times. It seems that Falling Forward is very much a testimony for her. The final touch is a sweet one in that Sandi sings Grace Flows Down penned in part by Louie Giglio, the head of the Passion movement. It’s as if Sandi tips her hat to the new generation that is taking up a journey she started so many years ago and seems very ready to continue.
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