Hundred More Years - Francesca Battistelli

Francesca Battistelli burst into the Christian music industry with one of the most successful debut albums in recent history, and she hasn't stopped since. Scoring several chart-topping hits and taking home the Female Vocalist of the Year hardware early last year, the hype has built during the two and a half year span since her first project's release. Now on March 1st she will be introducing her sophomore set, "Hundred More Years."

To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure what I was going to hear on this album. The same light pop feel that defined her on "My Paper Heart," or maybe she'd surprise us and bring out a whole new twist. After listening to it this week I'd say it has a little of both.

The lead single "This is the Stuff" has been playing on the radio for a month now, and though it is different than her usual sound, the song has an upbeat radio appeal that is very enjoyable. The following song, "Constant" might be a little predictable lyrically, but her vocals (think Natalie Grant) take the cake. Though I've always thought she had a very talented voice, she impressed me on this one and certianly has never been better. A couple tracks later, "Emily (It's Love)" shows up, and even if the writing style came across a bit awkward, Dave Barnes special appearence added some flavor to the piece.

So through the ups and the downs on this CD, I'd have to say if nothing else it was a lot of fun. Even though there were a few fill-in songs, (Motion of Mercy and Angel By Your Side both lacked emtion and good punch lines) the greats made up for it in memorable fashion. From the country Taylor Swift sound on the title track and "You Never Are," to the simple but perfect "Worth It," this album feels whole from stard to finish. ~ Christian Lingner

4/5 stars

See You - Josh Wilson

Since Josh Wilson released his debut album in 2007, his knack of creating meaningful but catchy pop tunes has drawn him into my select group of favorite artists. His third album “See You” does everything but remove him from that list.

Starting with the short acoustic tune “Sing It,” Josh makes it apparent from the beginning that he is going to stick with his traditional straight forward lyrics and melodies. The lead single “I Refuse” comes up shortly after and to tell you the truth, this might be one of his very best so far. And there is a reason that I seem to say this with every project of that he releases. His way of being clear and direct (“Fall Apart”) but also including great metophors (“Forest Fire”) at the same time is a writing talent that I don’t see often in this industry.

While some of the tracks aren’t as good as others like any other album you’d hear, Josh always has a way of keeping you guessing the whole running time. From the fast-paced and cheerful “Know By Know” to the beautiful simplicity of his intrumental redition of the hymn “It is Well,” he scatters high points from top to bottow. “They Just Believe” is a nice worship anthem, and though a bit predictable, it’s still a good addition and fills out this twelve-song album.

So overall I’d say this is a good CD for any fan of his music or of Christian adult contemporary in general. It’s not highly emotional or original, but his messages are really what count here, and that makes it worth a listen on its own. ~ Christian Lingner

4/5 stars

The Story of Your Life - Matthew West

Ever since the release of Matthew West’s acclaimed “Something to Say” project, I have been in high anticipation of this follow-up album, and over two and a half years later he is making it obvious that it was worth the wait. Camping out in a cabin for two months earlier this year for the sole purpose of escaping the world and writing songs, it was apparent that Matthew was going for something unique from the start, and I think he accomplished all he wanted and more with this collection.

“The Story of Your Life” kicks off with an upbeat pop title track that certainly puts listeners in the right mood from the start, singing: “this is the story of your life, you decide how the rest is going to read.” The lead single “My Own Little World” comes next, and it begins a string of songs that highlight how we can make the changes that will ultimately change the story of our lives. A light R&B tinge flavors “One Less,” a feel-good song that features an adoption theme, as Matthew’s emotion-filled vocals sing “there’s one less broken heart in the world tonight.”

One thing that stands out here is the closeness of the songs. Matthew draws you right into the brokenness and forgiveness in all the situations he visits and the product is amazing. “Two Houses” could easily relate to foster kids or children with divorced parents, while “Family Tree” touches on the often overlooked topic of breaking out from your family’s past, or maybe just your own. Taking on subjects like depression and abuse, “Broken Girl” and “Reason for the World” are pieces that can’t be without mention and could touch anyone, even those who haven’t gone through the things it specifically brings up.

So even if you haven’t heard of Matthew West or aren’t a big fan of his music, this is one album you might want to take home with you. At least some of these songs are bound to speak and move you. I project this album as one of the best of the year in the Christian pop realm, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Don’t pass it up. It just might help change the story of your life. ~ Christian Lingner

4 1/2 of 5 stars