Jill Phillips was voted CCM Magazine Readers' Independent Artist of the Year in 2002. Amazingly (or maybe not so), despite receiving praise from both critics and fans for her first two albums (a self-titled release on Word Records and the independent God & Money), Jill Phillips, like so many other worthwhile artists, has failed to receive radio air play or impressive record sales. Hopefully that will change with this, her third album, and her first single, "Wrecking Ball"--an infectious acoustic pop-rock number, reminiscent of Patty Griffin, about picking oneself up off the floor:
Piece together these little mysteries
It isn't hard to see the writing on the wall
Triumph and tragedy, only God can be
Both the builder and the wrecking ball.
Phillips's music might best be described as falling somewhere between that of Bebo Norman, who makes an appearance, and Pierce Pettis, whose song "God Believes in You" is covered. The seemingly ever-present Phil Madeira is on hand to lend his various instrumental skills, as is Matt Slocum, who contributes a nice cello track to the simple but moving song "Sacred." Steve Mason of Jars of Clay fame even shows up to do some vocals.
Writing on the Wall is both encouraging and thoughtful. Phillips sings of faith and God without ever becoming trite, a difficult achievement in the CCM world more often than not. The album is very focused, dealing mainly with the renewing of one's faith, so it does get repetitive lyrically, but at twelve songs and just over 40 minutes it doesn't really overstay its welcome.
While this isn't a great album, it is very good and a solid addition to Phillips's catalog. Jill Phillips is a name to keep an eye on in the coming years.
3.5 tocks
Similar sounding releases
2003Jill PaquetteJill Paquette
2000Brenda WeilerFly Me Back
2001Jennifer KnappThe Way I Am
1998Sarah MasenCarry Us Through
2005Brandi CarlileBrandi Carlile
1998Margaret BeckerFalling Forward
