Sherri Youngward returns with her debut release, entitled Six Inches of Sky (available Feb. 26), on BEC Records. Six Inches of Sky is her fourth album and a solid addition to her catalog. This is her first album made without the production guidance of Aaron Sprinkle (of Poor Old Lu and solo fame) and is instead under the helm of the Glitter Twins. Surprisingly enough, the sound of this album is much more akin to Sprinkle's solo work than Youngward's previous albums.
The music has a very dreamy, synth-oriented feel as opposed to the very acoustic guitar sounds of Youngward's previous efforts. The music here is mellow and lush, nicely accompanying Youngward's delicate voice. Former comparisons to Jennifer Knapp and Shawn Colvin still hold while new comparisons to Beth Orton could be made.
This is not a groundbreaking album. There is nothing here that begs to be heard or screams, "look at me!" Instead, like Youngward's other albums, her music is just there for those who take the time to listen. These are songs of faith and inspiration that are confident enough to just be what they are and not try to push the listener to emotional highs. Whereas some Christian music in this vein comes across as "Christianity is Candyland" slogan-ism, this album is more reminiscent of a personal journal that isn't caught up in high-school politics, but of a mature and thoughtful statement of faith and hope.
While former fans of Ms. Youngward might find the music different from what they are used to hearing, it is not shockingly dissimilar. Six Inches of Sky should both please old listeners and draw new listeners to hear this talented young singer/songwriter.
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Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Aaron BellSherri Youngward returns after a few years with a new album on a new label. Her debut for BEC Recordings follows the tradition of other Sherri Youngward releases; she has had albums released on Five Minute Walk Records and an independent release, with beautiful poetic music that forces the listener to feel the passion that she puts into her songs. The album is a mix of acoustic pop, worship,…The Phantom Tollbooth 2002Reviewed by Trae CadenheadMy first exposure to Sherri Youngward came from an old 5 Minute Walk sampler where I heard her songs "Beyond These Skies" and "Matthew 25 (The Broadway Song)", both of which I instantly took to heart and remember fondly after all these years. Now, five years later, Sherri Youngward releases Six Inches of Sky on BEC Recordings, her brand new label home. With this new release, we still hear much of…
