Kathy Troccoli

Item: Sounds of Heaven
Author: Vanessa Crooks

Sounds of Heaven

(1995)

Reviewed by Vanessa Crooks

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Label Reunion RecordsThe LighthouseSeptember 1995

adult contemporary ccm pop

There was much rejoicing several years ago when Kathy Troccoli resumed her recording and performing career after a long sabbatical. Indeed, the subsequent projects, Everything Changes and Kathy Troccoli, served to expand her already established following, while also gaining attention from both the mainstream and CCM industries. The content on Sounds Of Heaven, the latest effort from Troccoli, is more overtly spiritual than either of those other recent releases. This is an album that is sure to edify and encourage many in the Body with its powerful lyrics and polished music.

Many may consider Sounds Of Heaven the "real return" of Troccoli, as it finds her doing what she does best-passionately singing about her love for God and her walk with Him. Many years ago, Troccoli began her music career as a lounge singer, and to this day her best delivery comes on the more soulful torch-songs; they allow the honeyed vibrato and fervent expression of Troccoli's well-placed voice to shine. When Troccoli directs her attention to the "sounds of heaven," it seems to bring out an added emotional depth in her voice. "I Will Choose Christ," and "Missing You" are among the songs which exude this special quality. Like Everything Changes and the self-titled project, this album focuses primarily on ballads, anthems, and mid-tempo songs. However, while the other two projects suffered from too many stand-alone ballads with a surfacy, radio-friendly format, Sounds of Heaven draws its cohesiveness and strength from having songs which expound on a common theme. Producers Peter Bunetta and Rick Chudacoff (who have done such a fine job with touring companion, Clay Crosse) and Brown Bannister (who also worked on the "first phase" of her career) expertly target Troccoli's gifts, making the most of her vocal and interpretive ability and providing just the right musical backdrop.

Lyrically, Troccoli contributes to the writing on six of the ten songs. Again, we haven't seen this kind of personal input since prior to her sabbatical, and it does make a difference. Troccoli communicates best when she speaks from her heart and draws on her own experience. "May I Be His Love" eloquently expresses her desire for her life and music:

I want to live my life for His glory And to hold His word in my heart To let His Spirit fill every part of me ...May I be His love for you May I lift your eyes toward heaven May I come to you and lead you to His light.

"Each Moment" is a stirring prayer of dedication:

I abandon myself to Your will You know it frees me Knowing that You'll lead me Each moment I breathe It's You that I need.

"I'm Gonna Fight For You" shares Troccoli's gift of encouragement and reminds us of the importance of intercession:

Faithful is the Lord In the darkest hours of night To keep the flame of hope alive ...And I'll get down on my knees for you I will believe for you I'm gonna fight for you.

Sounds Of Heaven captures the depth of Troccoli's artistry and is the most inspiring and worshipful project she has produced in a long time.

There are not many voices that are as distinctive as Troccoli's, and it is pleasing to find that Sounds Of Heaven is a fitting vehicle of expression for her talent. Michael W. Smith often mentions that he's amazed by how consistently his audience states that their favorite part of his stage show is when he's alone, playing on the piano. What makes that most simplistic part stand out above all the production? Perhaps it's the same things that give Sounds Of Heaven its added dimension-calling and heart. Smitty was born to play piano, Troccoli was created to sing ballads and torch-songs, as the passion from her mellifluous voice will attest. Sounds Of Heaven is a showcase piece that centers on the intimacy and power of Kathy Troccoli.