Charmaine - Love Reality
Posted April 02, 2010
By ChristianManifesto,
GENRE: POP/ELECTRONIC
LABEL: IN:CITE
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 30, 2010
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5
The first time I heard Charmaine was back in 2007 when she was a back-up singer for Rebecca St. James while touring with Vicky Beeching & Delirious?. I distinctively remember RSJ stepping aside and giving Charmaine the microphone to sing a song she herself had written. When she started to sing my first thought was cynical, not towards her, but to RSJ. I really wondered how someone with such an amazing voice was singing back-up?! When I found out the song was available on her debut record from inPop called “All About Jesus”, I rushed to the merch table to pick up a copy. I was impressed with her vocals, but the sound was your average RSJ, ZoeGirl, Point Of Grace (pre-country) fare. Now it is 2010 and Charmaine is releasing Love Reality; a bold but simple record that will easily find itself on my “Album of the Year” list.
If I could sum up the overall feel of the record in one word it would be “epic”. From the opening strings on “Tell Me”, the music conveys a feeling of grandeur that is rare amongst Christian musicians. The quirky piano pop song, “Love Reality” is a far cry from most of the other pop songs out in the CCM market, and that could not be a better thing. The exquisite, “Run” is certain to get you tapping your feet with its EuroPop style. “Tokyo” is the lead single off of the record and its message is one for everyone; “If home is where the heart is, than mine is lost at sea…” ultimately resolving, “It’s all amazing with You… if home is where the heart is, then my heart is in Your hands”. While the musings are simple, they are effective. “Fighting Furies” features a Frou Frou like string arrangement and hyperactive synth beats. The heaviest song on the record is, “Not Fair”. The song is not a downer, rather it is a pick-me-up, but it is unlike any of the other songs found here. Even the electronic sitar infused “Epiphany” stands out amongst its musical peers as a ganuine piece of art.
This is symphonic pop at its absolute best. With its prominent strings and piano throughout, it is easy to get lost in the soundscapes and the sonic joy being emitted from your headphones. The Aussie songstress is a beautiful breath of fresh air in a world of claustrophobic, overly shepherded pop. Love Reality is a must own this year.
Brian Hall's Review
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today! View All Music And Book Reviews By ChristianManifesto | View ChristianManifesto's Profile
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