Sarah Masen is one of a select number of artists who have been able to gain support in the Christian AC market as well as the alternative/underground subculture. The reason for this is her ability to create heartfelt, emotional, and honest songs that are valuable in both their musical and lyrical qualities. Carry Us Through is an album that has Masen's heart written all over it. Though the songs are, for the most part, at a slower pace than those on her re:think records debut, they contain more passion than her previous work. The new album does not seem to be directed toward any specific audience, but instead carries a broad spectrum of musical styles, and, when completely dissected, gives the listener a slice of life.
The opening cut, "Seasons Always Change," reflects Masen's growth as an artist. Her vocals have a more breathy and expressive feel, and the musical arrangements are far more complicated than before. Though Masen's acoustic guitar is the basis for most of the tracks, a host of talented musicians provide a backdrop that enhances rather than overpowers her vocal and lyrical presence. Be sure to listen for Jerry MacPherson, Jimmie Lee Sloas, Charlie Peacock (who also produced), and Christine Dente. "The Double," "75 Grains Of Sand," and "Beautiful Dream Visions" bring the spice to the album with their upbeat playfulness. "75 Grains Of Sand" displays amazing production, especially vocally, and doesn't suffer from a lack of well thought-out lyrics.
The tension is evidence That I am alive and able to respond To the movement of Spirit, the good, the terrible Mercy I cannot see without closing my eyes.
These words reflect the underlying theme of the album: the learning and understanding that is found in the trials and everyday experiences of life. "Beautiful Dream Visions" calls to mind the quirky and versatile vocals and lyrics of Victoria Williams, as Masen displays her ability to portray a wide range of emotions through her voice.
The weakest track is the title cut, which seems to be Masen's attempt to cram as many musical styles as possible into one song. The remaining songs are reminiscent of the "adult alternative" artists, like Sarah McLachlan who have been receiving a lot of buzz lately. The standout cuts are "Wrap My Arms Around Your Name," a musical prayer that makes good use of strings, piano, and incredible lyrics, and "Fragrance Of Pink," a fairy tale type song that combines beautiful imagery with strikingly honest phrases.
I'm crashed by the nature of freedom... I'm broken from my fallen condition So come catch me in love again and again. I'll spin light around Your name forternal again I'm confessing my needs.
"Stories In My Pockets" is Masen's reflection on life as an artist, and portrays her hope to make music, not for the sake of selling it, but for the sake of expressing herself. In this song, and throughout the album, she invites the listener to take part in this "experiment in abstract dreams."
Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Chris ParksThe music world is a strange place. With little or no warning, artists can be plucked from obscurity to become popular. Two years ago, Sarah Masen was a college student who wrote songs which she played at her church or in coffeehouses. Now she is a singer/songwriter with one indie album, a major label release that got her Dove Award nominations and a number one radio single, and now a new album…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by Jerry B. Ray Jr.For the follow-up to her self-titled major-label debut, Sarah Masen could have played it safe and followed the same acoustic-pop formula that had already worked so well for her. After all, Sarah Masen was a critical and commercial success in the Christian marketplace, and even made some inroads into the mainstream, with Ms. Masen being featured in a tour of Borders bookstores and with songs from…The Phantom Tollbooth 1998Reviewed by James StewartThe alterna-pop sounds of Sarah Masen's self titled release on Charlie Peacock's Re:Think label won Sarah a number of fans, and set up a great deal of demand for her previous indie release. This album looks set to build on that popularity--especially here in Europe where she plans to follow up appearances last summer with a longer tour this year. My one problem with the Sarah Masen album was that…Similar sounding releases
1998Margaret BeckerFalling Forward
2002Shana Morrison7 Wishes
1999Kendall PayneJordan's Sister
2000Brenda WeilerFly Me Back
2004Sara GrovesThe Other Side of Something
2003Jill PhillipsWriting on the Wall
