Take a close listen to If We're Honest--the stunning, soulful and openhearted third album by Christian music superstar Francesca Battistelli, a GRAMMY® Award nominee and six time Dove Award winner--and you will hear that her latest song cycle is a deeply honest and powerful piece of work vividly reflecting the 28-year-old singer-songwriter's own journey.
"I definitely think the albums I've made have documented my journey from being a young woman to becoming a young mom," says Battistelli. "My Paper Heart, I had just graduated college and moved to Nashville. I was single and had no idea what was in store for me. I think you can hear my searching on that album. There are a lot of songs about trust and trying to figure out what God was going to do in my life. "Of course, Battistelli was headed towards a tremendous and uplifting success story with My Paper Heart, hitting #1 on the Christian charts in 2008, and breaking the Top 40 on the Billboard Top 200 pop charts too. "I'm Letting Go" would become Battistelli's first hit, while "Free To Be Me" earned her a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Gospel Performance.
By the time of her sophomore effort, 2011's Hundred More Years, Battistelli was already an established star in the Christian music world. As she recalls, "By then, I found myself on this very exciting crazy train. I had just gotten married and we were soon expecting our first child. Life was a little bit nuts then, and I think that's reflected on that record, which is a little bit more serious. You can hear me trying to make sense of it all on that album, or at least trying my best." Again, Hundred More Years would prove to be a considerable success, another #1 album on the Christian chart, and a Top Twenty success on the pop charts as well.
Now, with If We're Honest, Battistelli has created her most personal and accomplished musical statement yet. "This album is a really good reflection of where I am right now," she says. "My family and I moved back to Nashville in May, and I went right to work writing for this album. From my perspective, it felt like the pressure was off after that famously terrifying second album and all that was happening back then. This time around, I really just let go of all that self-imposed pressure. Somehow I felt as though I didn't have to prove as much, even to myself, and I think that allowed me to do my best work."
If We're Honest found Battistelli working once again with her longstanding producer and valued collaborator Ian Eskelin. "Ian has produced all my records. His work is constantly surprising me. We've grown a lot over the past six years, and he took this album over the top."
Working in Nashville with many of the same musicians who've graced her previous releases was significantly more relaxed this time. "Since we'd moved back to Nashville, there weren't as many constraints on my time. When we lived in Atlanta, I would have four or five days to be in
Nashville and write. It was like, be creative! And GO!" This time the process felt more like a regular job. For the first time as a mom I was able to leave home at 9 in the morning, get back at 4 in the afternoon, make dinner for the kids and tuck them in too. It was a much easier process for me, and I think that's reflected on the record. I've got a better handle on motherhood now, and there is just more energy and joy on this album, which was needed."
If We're Honest also displays a great rhythmic range than Battistelli's previous work, which she admits may reflect her life living with her husband, drummer Matthew Goodwin. "I did discuss expanding my horizons rhythmically a bit on this album, and a lot of that conversation started because I'm married to a drummer," she explains. "I listen more than ever before to drum patterns. I specifically wanted to stretch out with a lot of different players on this record."
Indeed, while proud to be a leading Christian recording artist, Battistelli is happy to see her musical message connect with all sorts of music lovers. "Some of the most inspiring moments come when someone comes up to you and says, `I wasn't a believer until I heard your music on a TV show or playing in a store, and it prompted me to look you up, to find your music, and eventually to find the Lord.' Sometimes they simply say, `Your music helped me find through a difficult time.' To me that's what it's all about."
For Battistelli, "Anytime you can get your music in places it might not normally be found, good things happen. Just recently, I debuted at the Grand Ole Opry. It was huge for me because I love the people who come to my concerts to see me and are excited to sing along. But it was also wonderful to be communicating with so many people who had no idea who I was. It was so gratifying that the music connected. I was a total "newbie" at the Opry, and it meant a lot to me to be well received. I think stretching is good for artists."
So is Battistelli okay with sinners listening to her music? The singer laughs, and then explains, "If sinners weren't listening to my music, there wouldn't be anyone listening to my music."
more please fran| Posted September 12, 2012
I'm looking forward to hearing some new music from you, I really enjoy listening to you while driving, bless ya!
The Best of the New Millennium| Posted June 29, 2012
After an awesome decade of music in the 90s, Christian music hit a bit of a slump in the 00's....and then...we have Francesca Battistelli. Rather than dishing out the same old lyrics coupled with slow, melancholy music, Francesca hits you with upbeat, heartfelt pop songs about the Lord.
A very gifted, unique musician.
cd| Posted July 05, 2011
Hey girl! I love your new cd and the one before that one too! I really like your songs and I hope one day to see u in concert! :)
What It's All About| Posted April 03, 2011
01 .This Is The Stuff:
Is an upbeat song about the "stuff" that all of us struggle with.The stuff that tends to try and destract us from how much we are blessed. But in the "stuff" it shows us there is purpose even in our confusion and pain.
02 . Constant:
The title basically says it all!
Like the first track on This Is The Stuff.
Constant is about God constant presence in our lives and how he always shows himself in every circumstance.
When we go through the storms, even when we wish we didn't have to he anchors our souls and as Fracesca says "That's all I need to know"!
03 . You Never Are:
"dont be so afraid you think that you're too far but you never are you never are so scared that you're too late too hidden in the dark but you never are you never are."
God's redemption and forgiveness knows no bounds!
04 . Angel By Your Side
This song is a wonderful repersention of how there people there to comfort and help us and be the angel by our sides.
05 . Motion Of Mercy
This song is perfectly describing God's grace toward us.
And how he gave up his own life to save us even through our mess and sin.
06 . Emily (It's Love) [w/ Dave Barnes]
This is a beautiful story of a woman who is struggling to believe.
She's been through so much in her life and no longer trusts it will get better and that God is never going to give up on her.
07 . Good To Know
This is such great song about how it's good to know how much God cares and loves us.
Good to know that no matter how much we make mistakes Jesus blood will always be there to set us free.
08 . So Long
This song is all about how we no longer have to look back at the past.Jesus has changed our lives forever.
09 . Don't Miss It
This is about not letting the pressures of this world suck the joy and content out of us.
There's so much that seeks to steal our joy, peace and fulfillment from us and if we let it we'll miss out on what really matters..
10 . Worth It
This is a great song about what love is and what it isn't.
Like Francesca says in the opening verse..Love's not a feeling
"Love's not convenient
But I know love will change your life
Love takes sacrifice
Love cuts like a knife
Sometimes love will make you cry"
And even through all of that Francesca says:
Love's not easy
But it's worth it
11 . Hunded More Years
This is song I can't help but think was written with Francesca's husband of just over two years Matthew Goodwin in mind.
It's a beautiful description of how much we wish things like our little ones could stay little or how we hope a love will last for hundred years..
We know things won't stay the same always but we cherish it while we can.
Another Awesome Artist| Posted March 31, 2011
Her new album "Hundred More Years" is excellent. From the track "This Is The Stuff", which has reminded me on many occasions to count my blessings and be thankful for them, to "Hundred More Years", which reminds me to focus on time with my family and cherish my time with them, I could listen to the whole thing over and over and over.