For Love of You EP - Audrey Assad

Sparrow Records signed Audrey Assad early this year, and since then she has been all the buzz in the industry. Not taking their chances here, and while they have a media headstart, they are releasing a ridiculously short, and somewhat unconvincing EP to give the listeners a taste of what’s coming. I’ll admit, it wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be.

Although titled the “For Love of You EP,” this 2-song CD is more of a single introduction than a full-blown album. The title track and lead single proves to be a big worship anthem, taking the style of Laura Story and mixing it with Natalie Grant sounding vocals. While it’s a nice feel overall and the lyrics are worth your time, I wasn’t totally impressed with the unoriginal production it featured. But even though; it is a very appealing tune that most CCM fans and Christian radio stations will find a good addition to their playlists.

Up next comes the mid-tempo “The House You’re Building,” and it was this one that caught my attention. Its Amy Grant-esque sound was unique and I enjoyed it as a change from the power praise feel from earlier. Sounding similar to “Winter Snow” from last year’s duet Chris Tomlin, the mellow closeness of the words will appeal to the listener off the bat.

So while this is a VERY short taste of her upcoming full-length album, it has me looking forward to it already. Her vocals are Female Vocalist of the Year quality, and that fused with her traditional writing style, I think she could be the next big thing. ~ Christian Lingner