Sounds like … post-hardcore pop/rock with some punk, in the same vein as Avril Lavigne, Paramore, Flyleaf, Kelly Clarkson, and a female-fronted Anberlin.
At a glance … Brooke Barrettsmith's self-titled debut offers well-written and produced hard rock songs from a strong and spiritual female singer, though it relies heavily on familiar industry standards.
It could be said that people with a history of panic attacks should never be in the same room as American Idol judge Simon Cowell. But that's exactly what Illinois native Brooke Barrettsmith did in 2006 when she auditioned for the hit show despite a long battle with serious anxiety attacks. Although Barrettsmith got cut in the Hollywood rounds, she learned from the experience and continued to hone her skills. Eventually, she signed to Essential Records to record her self-titled debut album with industry veteran Aaron Sprinkle producing.
In the press materials, Barrettsmith describes herself as the female Jeremy Camp. With a style that's a little less worship and a little more post-hardcore, her sound is actually much closer to Anberlin (also produced by Sprinkle), Paramore, and Flyleaf.
The album opens with the hard-hitting rock song, "Right Now," followed by the single "Farewell," and though both are well-produced and performed, neither brings anything new to the table. In fact, "Right Now" sounds borrowed straight from Anberlin's Never Take Friendship Personal album, with paralleling guitar riffs, ideas, and production.
The strongest tracks are surprisingly found in the album's second half. In the punk-paced, Avril-styled "Anymore," Barrettsmith speaks honestly about a personal relationship which ended and left her feeling betrayed. There's genuine passion to it ("I don't even know you anymore!"), showing a more complex style of writing and offering the kind of raw emotion missing from some of the earlier tracks.
Throughout the album, Barretsmith sings powerfully and displays Kelly Clarkson-like vocal chops that took her far on American Idol in the first place. However, her attack in singing can be abrasive, as is the case with the rock ballad "Quiet My Heart." The lyrics are also a mixed bag; at times, she sounds relevant and original, at others, she pulls from the usual stock Christian catchphrases.
Barrettsmith's songs do offer hope and spirituality from the perspective of a strong, young woman. Being a youth leader at her local church, Barrettsmith's music adds another venue in which she is influencing youth in a positive way. Her single "Farewell" calls us to, "Say farewell to all of your mistakes/Forgive yourself/It's a brand new day."
Though this album feels a little familiar in lyrical expression and style, there's still enough for listeners to genuinely like in this rocker chick's personality and message. It's a debut that's worth a listen, and hopefully the stepping stone to a more ingenious follow-up.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Christianity Today on Brooke Barrettsmith
Former American Idol contestant Brooke Barrettsmith
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Artist Spotlight
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Coming September 23rd! Pre-Order your copy!
Sunset is about the power of family love, and the healing miracle of redemption. As John Baxter makes plans to marry Elaine, one of the Baxters enters into the most trying season of all. During a time of renewed love and hope for the future, the Baxters try to come together to establish the sacred ground of marriage and to chart a course for the future. Memories of times gone by meet with the changes of today in a story that proves only the support of faith and family can take a person into the sunset years of life.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
#1 on the New York Times Best-Seller List
"Mack" Philips took his three children on a family camping trip while his wife visited her sister. Just as they were about to leave the campsite, the two older kids decided to take a last canoe ride before heading home. As their canoe overturned, and Mack went to help them, his back was turned and the unspeakable happened. Mack's youngest daughter,Missy, was abducted by a known child predator. After a massive search, evidence of Missy showed up at an abandoned cabin. Although they never found her body, everyone knew the worst had happened. For the next four years "a great sadness" fell over Mack and his family, until a note from God showed up in his mailbox. What happens next will move you to a greater understanding of God's unfailing love for us all.
Article by The Christian Post
Zonderkidz to Publish Faith-Based Berenstain Bears Books
By Rhoda Tse
Christian Post Reporter
Wed, Jul. 09 2008 05:20 PM EDT
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The popular and much-loved Berenstain Bears will be saying their prayers and going to Sunday school in a new faith-focused series to be published by the children’s division of Zondervan.
The new series of children’s books, authored by Michael Berenstain, will include 12 new titles – with the first four releasing nationwide on Sept. 30. Titles include “The Berenstain Bears and the Golden Rule,” “The Berenstain Bears Go to Sunday School,” “The Berenstain Bears Say Their Prayers,” and “The Berenstain Bears - God Loves You!”
"I'm delighted to join with Zonderkidz in the creation of books designed to serve the needs of families of faith," commented Berenstain in a news release. "Over the years, my parents and I often heard from Christian families how much they appreciate the values-based themes of our books. By dealing with religion through the fun and laughter of the Berenstain Bears, we hope to nurture these families in their goal of raising children secure in their faith."
A 2006 study by the Barna group showed that 43 percent of children made their professions of faith before the age of 13 and that 2 out 3 Christians professed their faith before the age of 18. The study also showed that younger children who call themselves Christians are more likely as adults to describe themselves as deeply spiritual, give more money to the church, and engage in lifestyle evangelism.
“This study shows us why what we’re doing at Zonderkidz is so important,” Zonderkidz Vice President and Publisher Annette Bourland commented in a news release celebrating Zonderkidz’s tenth year of publishing. “Our books and Bibles give children a head start with faith-based resources, so they can be more committed to their faith as adults.”
Founded in 1998, Zonderkidz is the leading publisher of children’s Bibles and Bible storybooks. It currently has more than 900 titles in print.
