Can you believe it's been 20 years since BarlowGirl released their debut album? The iconic hit track, "Never Alone," sometimes feels only a few years old. And yet, here we are, two decades from the band's debut and over a decade from the band's final song. Remember the band's decade or so of music to celebrate this milestone and highlight some of our favorites.
"Never Alone"
What a song to introduce the world to BarlowGirl. While not technically their first single, it was their first to break out and achieve notable success. Starting as a haunting piano ballad, the song explodes into a driving rock song after the first chorus. Showing that girls can rock, too, the song achieved significant airplay and even received a gritty music video after the release of the band's sophomore album. Alyssa Barlow's vocals balance smoothly while carrying the emotional grit of the song's lyrics, singing of trusting God even amidst feeling forsaken. It's hard to believe this song is turning 20 years old when it still sounds relevant.
"I Need You To Love Me"
A poignant and emotional ballad, this song and its accompanying music video helped cement BarlowGirl's position as a significant player in the Christian pop and rock scenes. The 2000s saw a lot of melodic and emotional rock ballads find success. This song helped define the band's sound and strengthen their impact on Christian music. Thematically, its plea to be loved by Christ served as a fitting follow-up to the success of "Never Alone."
"Million Voices"
Serving as the title track to the band's third studio album, How Can We Be Silent, "Million Voices" is a rocking single. It employs a haunting choral vocal effect on the chorus, amplifying its message of standing up for what you believe in. The song's militant lyrics strongly visualize the album's theme of speaking up against evil: "'Cause we're a million strong and getting stronger still/They'll remember we were here/With a million voices breaking silence 'til/They'll remember we were here."
"Hallelujah (Light Has Come)"
"Hallelujah (Light Has Come)" is an original Christmas song from the BarlowGirl's only Christmas album. The song's slow pace evokes a contemplative atmosphere that builds perfectly to the choral vocals on the chorus. The song is an underrated original recording among contemporary Christian Christmas music and serves as a praise and worship song with Christmas themes. Its triumphant climax is spine-chilling and is perfect for a Christmas service on a cold December night.
"Beautiful Ending"
With BarlowGirl nearing the end of their run as a band when this song dropped, its bittersweet atmosphere fits well. Coupled with a memorable music video, "Beautiful Ending" sings about finishing our lives in the friendship of Christ. Spending eternity with Christ can make the ends of our earthly lives joyful. The song examines the conflict of clinging to Christ amidst our sinful natures. "And it scares me to think that I would choose My life over You/Oh, my selfish heart divides me from You/It tears us apart...At the end of it all, I want to be in your arms." It's a definite highlight in the band's catalog.
"Hope Will Lead Us On"
A final single was released as the band's swan song—a triumphant finish proclaiming how the hope of Christ will continue to guide us through our lives. "Hope Will Lead Us On" is a fitting conclusion to a solid musical journey. The song showcases their signature sound, fusing rock and pop. Here's hoping there will be another musical chapter to add to their story one day.
What songs from BarlowGirl were your favorite? Did you ever wonder what became of the Barlow sisters after their tenure as a band ended? Well, our friends at WayFM interviewed them a few years back on The Wally Show. Watch that interview below.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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