Pressing In

While her name might not be familiar to many, Anadara Arnold released her debut album, Into the Unknown, on the Spring Hill Worship label in 2005. Her song, “The Name”, co-written with Joe Beck and Billy Sprague, was nominated by Worship Leader Magazine for “Best Scripture Song” the same year. September sees the talented Ms. Arnold releasing her independent, sophomore project: A Little Closer. Ms. Arnold’s vocal quality brings to mind Diana Krall and Ann Wilson (Heart) during their more pop/tranquil moments, but there is an overall resonance with songstress k.d. Lang’s style. Her voice and delivery is quiet and sensitive, conveying a delicate strength. Anadara’s compositions tend toward being relationally-oriented, with several having an obvious inclination to the vertical, but avoid relying on excessive sentimentality. The overall tone of the album is balanced between a mature, reverent introspectiveness and an innocent, child-like joy. The music of A Little Closer is mature, contemporary pop. Guitar and piano, with the restrained use of keyboard, strings and drums, create a blithe and spacious soundscape. If you enjoy the faintly urban pop/jazz-flavored works of artists Michael McDonald, Christopher Cross, and Shelby Lynne, as well as the reflective and quietude endeavors of artists Margaret Becker, Natalie Grant, Jadon Lavik and Aaron Shust then, by all means, give a listen to A Little Closer.