Jordan's Sister, Kendall Payne's debut release on Sparrow Records was well received but within a few years after its release she was let go from the label. The years since have been a time of searching and growing for Payne. The time enabled her to re-discover her passion for life and she frequently returned to her guitar. Even during the dark times after her label released her, she returned to her music and writing.
A turning point came when her friend, actor Zachary Levi (star of ABC's "Less Than Perfect") approached her with an offer she could not possibly refuse. He was so moved by her voice and talent that he offered to finance her second album. The pieces were falling into place and pretty soon the final piece fell into place: a producer was found. The album was recorded in five months with the help of their producer and studio musicians who were brought in as needed.
The final product is one of the top albums of the year. Track styles range from an almost acoustic folk sound to a rock sound to a southern rock sound that tiptoes into country.
The first track, "Scratch" has an acoustic feel to it, which is in stark contrast to the rock sound of "Superstar." This contrasts with the whimsical feel of "Ups and Downs" which is one of the more fun and enjoyable songs of the record. The album slows down for "The Moon" the fourth track of the CD. Another one of the more enjoyable songs on this project is the pop feeling "Little Things". The rockin' feel returns with "Johnny" which has a southern rock sound to it.
Payne deserves major kudos for the Chronicles of Narnia referencing song "Aslan." Aslan was a lion who represented the Christ-figure in C. S. Lewis' epic books. This whimsical song is easily one of the highlights of the CD as Payne sings of "a frightening lion, no doubt / He's not safe, no he's not safe". She also sings that "He's not fair, no he's not fair / When he fixes what's beyond repair / and graces everyone that don't deserve." "Twenty Three" starts off with a haunting instrumental introduction and continues the acoustic-like sound that is found on several other songs on this project. The CD ends with a similar feel in the acoustic sounding "Pray". This song sounds like a prayer for friends as Payne sings "May you find every step / To be harder than the last / So your character grows...May your weakness be / Your only source of pride." She also asks that her friends say these prayers for her.
"Pray," the last track clocks in at 13:09, which is an obvious hint that there is something extra hidden at the end. Sure enough at the 10:06 mark listeners are treated to an original song along with commentary about the song. It is simple and yet amusing and highly enjoyable.
This CD is easily one of the top albums of the year and people should not let the fact that this CD was done independently deter them from listening to this wonderfully enjoyable project. This album will leave listeners anticipating hearing more from Payne in the future.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2005Reviewed by Steve StockmanStill in her early twenties this Californian girl had a deal with Capitol records and a Dove Award in the Christian world, for her debut album Jordan's Sister, before finding herself discarded which is typical of the music industry; sadly both inside and outside the Christian version. Grown has taken time and a lot of growing pains. Here is an album about life's hard knocks and how faith God and…Similar sounding releases
2005Brandi CarlileBrandi Carlile
2004Indigo GirlsAll That We Let In
2003Claire HolleyDandelion
1998Emmylou HarrisSpyboy
2001Jill PhillipsGod & Money
2005EisleyRoom Noises
