Stacie Orrico

Item: Genuine
Author: Olin Jenkins

Genuine

(2000)

Reviewed by Olin Jenkins

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Label ForeFront RecordsThe Phantom Tollbooth2001

ccm dance pop pop r&b

Put producers Mark Heimermann, Michael-Anthony Taylor, Tedd T (Tjornhom), and Michael W. Smith together for the debut of ForeFront Records' Stacie Orrico, and the results are bound to be nearly perfect, right? Actually, the better question is this: Is Stacie the Christian version of Britney, Christina, or Mandy in the current rage of younger artists on the secular or Christian music spectrum? No, but a comparison to the funky side of Christina Aguilera or Mariah Carey is in order, since this 14-year-old artist is almost all R&B (her sturdy alto voice lends itself to this style), with most songs (except "Dear Friend") danceable. The singles "With a Little Faith," and "Genuine" are true examples of the tone of the entire project. "Don't Look at Me" is the sole high-energy entry, and it deserves to be a standout. If these songs are pleasing to your palate, get a copy of "Genuine."

It's important to make the comparisons to secular artists because it would be a mistake to buy -- if you're buying a Christian CD for a friend who hasn't heard Christian music -- "Genuine" for a Britney Spears fan. V*enna or Aurora are probably more fitting for that particular genre.

Stacie's debut is incredibly strong from a musical, lyrical and artistic standpoint. I'm not only amazed that she used material by well known writers (the aforementioned producers included), she penned "Dear Friend" and most of the lyrics of her record-breaking (8 weeks at #1 on CHR charts) hit "Don't Look at Me," a scripturally-sound note that she hopes her listeners will see Jesus Christ through Stacie.

What I would have liked to have seen from "Genuine" is something Rebecca St. James does with each of her projects. Related scripture verses stated directly in the liner notes. As this recording has sold well in secular markets, "Genuine" should point young listeners to the Bible verses Stacie is basing her songs upon. The biblical references for her songs are potent, and the omission of references is an oversight that's sorely needed.

The bottom line for "Genuine" is that it lives up to its name. This project may have been well produced and promoted, but what it is not is hype. This note aside, what you see is what you get with Stacie Orrico, as this artist is one whom we'll expect quite a lot from in the future.

4 tocks