Joyful Sorrow is basically Steven and Heather Zydek, who write all of the songs and music, sing, play guitar, bass, percussion, and keyboards. It is a home studio project, produced by Steven in their basement, and has that feel to it.
Largely inspired by Catholic saints, and by nature, Quietude is mostly forgettable, neither standing out because of brilliance, or making you cringe because of ineptitude. Mostly, it feels like a long lost album from the 70's, with a hippie-like sensibility behind the music. "Death Hung with Flowers" is the standout, with "The Window" running a close second. Nothing else in particular made me want to hear it again, but by the same token, nothing was bad enough to make me want to rip the CD of my player, either. In short, that makes it a lot like most CCM.
2.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis April 2003Reviewed by Kriss StressIt's almost unsettling the way Heather Zydek's voice manages to float like cream atop a cappuccino over a bed of relaxing folk music. Her voice is haunting to say the least and the elegance of it is enough to conjure the images of foggy dreamscapes and quiet movie scenarios. Matched with husband Steven Zydek's own rich vocals, it's obvious that Joyful Sorrow isn't deficient in the area of vocal…Opus 2003Reviewed by Jason MoreheadThe use of icons in the Orthodox Church has often been seen as somewhat controversial (to put it mildly) by other Christians, especially those of a more Evangelical/Protestant bent. And while some abuse of this practice might exist (but then again, name a Christian practice that hasn't been abused), the concept of icons is, at its core, a beautiful thing. Those who create icons believe that when…
