|
If singer/songwriter Sara Groves is one thing, it is consistent. She pours her heart and soul
into every song she writes, and her latest collection, Fireflies and Songs, is no exception. Teaming with
renowned producer Charlie Peacock, Groves delivers what may be her most candid and mature album to date.
With Fireflies, Groves delves deep into the complexities of relationships, uncovering raw truths and exposing
snapshots of grace. Marriage, a topic that is no stranger to Groves, takes center stage on "Fireflies and Songs,"
"Different Kinds of Happy," and "It's Me." The great thing about the singer is that she paints a true picture of both the
pain and the joy that married couples experience instead of dumbing marriage down to an unattainable fairytale like so
many songs do. One of my favorite songs on the album, "Twice as Good," celebrates intimate friendship. Other topics
include childhood memories, anxiety, perseverance and suffering, and celebrating one's relationship with God.
Throughout Fireflies, Groves sticks close to the gentle folk music she has become known for. There are a few
instances where songs seem to run together, but because the songs are so good, this is forgivable. Groves does flirt with
bluegrass on "Setting Up the Pins," which makes for a pleasant change of pace. I would be interested to see her stretch
herself even more, maybe into rock territory ala Jennifer Knapp.
Fireflies and Songs is an excellent addition to the Sara Groves catalogue. Those who enjoy mature song
writing and soothing folk music will not be disappointed. Groves, much like singer/songwriter Andrew Peterson, has a
knack for turning small moments from every day life into beautiful songs. Perhaps a line from the song "Setting up the
Pins," sums up the album best, "It can feel simple but it's really profound."
- Review Date: 11/5/09, written by Laura Nunnery Love of Jesusfreakhideout.com
|
 |
|
|
Sara Groves is one of Christian music's best-kept secrets, a thoughtful singer-songwriter that
creates some of the loveliest music you may have never heard. Once you dive into Fireflies and Songs, you find it is some of her most poetic, vulnerable, and transparent music to date.
The highlight of this album is beautiful lyrics that draw the listener in with emotive, literate storytelling.
The opening lines of the title track set the tone right away: "Thirty years ago I was a little girl / Riding in the
backseat of a car / A woman sang 'you don't bring me flowers anymore' / I felt a sadness in my little heart."
Many songs deal with the ups and downs of love, from the sweet love song "Twice as Good," to the heartbreaking
"It's Me," a ballad that ponders the aftermath of anger and pleas for reconciliation. Songs like this don't resolve or
teach a moral lesson, but instead bottle the emotion with a breathtaking, raw intensity. Musically, it's acoustic
piano-folk with a stripped-down feel that lets the lyrics shine. A couple of musical standouts are "Setting Up the
Pins," a delightful tune that sounds like a bluegrass jam, and "Eyes Wide Open," with its strong, dark beat to match
its confessional lyrics. "Joy is in Our Hearts" wraps the album nicely on a tender, worshipful note.
Sara Groves' music is a rare treasure; introspective,
honest, and intimate. If you've never discovered her before, Fireflies and Songs is a great introduction for
this songwriter's beautiful work.
- Jen Rose of Jesusfreakhideout.com
|
|
|
Record Label: INO Records
