Geared Towards Kids, Impactful For All
Posted September 19, 2017
By CaitlinLassiter_NRT, Staff Reviewer
For every artist, music is a vehicle for sharing their story--and Tim Timmons has a powerful story to tell. Over fifteen years ago, the singer/songwriter was given five years to live due to an incurable cancer diagnosis. In the pain and uncertainty that followed such a life-changing event, Timmons began to pour himself into music, sharing his inspiring journey of faith strengthened in difficulty through songs that challenge listeners to live as though God's promises are true, even in the face of hardship.
Now with several impactful studio albums behind him, Timmons infuses those same themes into a children's project, Who I Am. Inspired by his 10,000 Minutes movement/blog started in 2015, the album seeks to remind kids (and parents too) of who they are in Christ and what it would look like if we lived that out all week long--a message Tim is especially passionate about.
Kicking off with the title track, "Who I Am" offers the first taste of the high-energy pop goodness that fills the whole album, backed by lyrics that speak to both kids and adults: "I won't let fear call my name / I won't be shaken or afraid / Jesus, I'm confident in who You say I am." "Reflections Of You" continues the 10,000 Minutes theme by challenging listeners to represent Jesus with their lives, not just during Sunday's church service but throughout the rest of the week too.
Catchy "A Beautiful Thing" encourages with a singable reminder of the Lord's affection for His children, while equally upbeat "I Will Follow You" and "King Of Forever" touch on the sovereign ability of Christ to lead our lives. "I Surrender" is a highlight on the album, mixing deep lyrical content with a fun melody for the best of both worlds.
A special treat for CCM fans, former Sanctus Real lead singer Matt Hammitt makes an appearance on "The Name Of Jesus," lending his raspy vocals to the track as a phenomenal addition. Examples of the stellar sonic creativity that makes this project a success, "We Know" and "Center Of It All" keep the tempo up and continue to give listeners lyrical substance wrapped in feel-good tunes. Bringing the album to a close with revamped versions of a few songs from Tim's last record Awake Our Souls, "All I Really Want" is featured alongside a live version of "Everywhere I Go."
The Bottom Line: Who I Am is the epitome of a children's project done right. Creative production meets memorable melodies to create high-energy moments that will no doubt pull kids in, while also packed with profound lyrical truths made simple to sing along with. Still, the best part of this album is its wide accessibility. Though it is very much geared towards kids, it also carries enough substance for adults to enjoy too. A record that will infuse infectious faith and danceable joy into all who hear it, this is Timmons in his element.
Song To Download Now:
"The Name Of Jesus" (Get it on iTunes here.)
View All Music And Book Reviews By CaitlinLassiter_NRT | View CaitlinLassiter_NRT's Profile
|
