Ashley Cleveland's debut album, Big Town, didn't receive any airplay on Christian radio, to my knowledge. But that's not surprising, given several facts about it-it was released on Atlantic Records, a secular label; not all of its subject matter dealt directly with God; and Cleveland sounds nothing like Sandi Patti.
Possessing a raw, gutsy, and impassioned voice, Cleveland is far from what most listeners of contemporary Christian music are used to. She writes honest music, being as comfortable with singing about her feelings for her husband as she is with singing about her relationship with God. Fortunately, this type of writing has become much more acceptable in the Christian music scene over the last few years.
Her second album, Bus Named Desire, is released by Reunion Records, and differs somewhat from her first project.
Musically, Big Town had a distinct R&B feel, while Bus Named Desire leans more toward the pop arena. Produced by Cleveland's husband, Kenny Greenberg, and Wally Wilson, the album still has some bluesy attitude, but not as much as the last one.
Lyrically, the subjects remain nearly the same. Cleveland sings about love, both human and divine, although this album has less overt references to God. One of the standouts is "Henry Doesn't Care" in which Cleveland writes about the innocence of her son, and how she wishes that he wouldn't learn how to build walls to protect himself against the world's pressures and hurts.
Some of the other highlights include "Better You Get Ready," "Feel Like Falling," and "Water." After listening to this album, it is clear why Cleveland is respected by her peers, both in the secular and the Christian music industry.
Similar sounding releases
1993Wayne WatsonA Beautiful Place
1996Geoff Moore & The DistanceGreatest Hits
1995John SchlittShake
1999Wes KingSignature Songs
1995PetraNo Doubt
1993Kenny MarksAbsolutely Positively
