Nichole Nordeman

Item: Brave
Author: Michael Dalton

Brave

(2005)

Reviewed by Michael Dalton

Amazon Music YouTube Music

Label Sparrow RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2005

adult contemporary ccm worship

The bells and whistles took me by surprise, but Brave is what you would expect from Nichole Nordeman: above average songwriting and adult contemporary pop/rock. At first I wasn't sure that I liked the loops, programming and the flourishes of electronic wizardry. But on repeated listens, the electronic sounds seem to blend more with the acoustic. The sophisticated production, including some brief, creative guitar solos, enhances rather than detracts, making for a more modern, edgier sound. It keeps it interesting, and actually it's not that different from past work. Snippets of retro guitar and high-tech background are all like icing on the cake.

So what is the title all about? Is there someone in your life who inspires you to be brave? In Nichole's case it's her newborn son Charlie. "I say your name / Just your name and I'm ready to jump / Even ready to fall ..." In the extensive song introductions that are a part of the Special Edition booklet, she adds: "Charlie makes me feel brave, makes me want to be brave ... Jesus actually makes it so."

The introduction to "Hold On" tells the story of a woman that drove Nichole "crazy." "She was intensely needy and did a really bad job at hiding her desperation." She was so "exhausting" that Nichole wanted to hide. It reminded me of a similar person in my own life. He was so overpowering that, like Nichole, I withdrew. Nichole later learned that the woman took her life. The song is all that Nichole wished she had said to Meredith.

"Crimson" was inspired by Donald Miller (author of Blue Like Jazz and Searching For God Knows What), "who finally connected the garden and cross for me," Nichole writes.

"Gotta Serve Somebody" is what I would describe as an admirable, techno version of the Bob Dylan classic, which may bring a smile, especially to those who can appreciate an expert and quirky fusion of sounds.

The Special Edition ends with four bonus acoustic songs, which is enough reason to get this over the regular edition. The CD is also enhanced with a series of photographs of Nichole. The bonus songs consist of singing to piano accompaniment. The title song and "What If" are redone and two previously unreleased songs are included.

Overall, the lyrics, which are born out of Nichole's experiences the past couple of years, carry the recording. They relate to the difficulties and longings that are part of our lives. Musically, she has kicked it up a notch with a fascinating fusion of old and new. Fans will not be disappointed. This is a strong effort.

4 tocks