20-year-old Francesca Battistelli is the newest addition to Fervent Records's diverse roster of artists. With an evident passion for songwriting, My Paper Heart really shows the feelings and emotions of Miss Battistelli. The lyrics conveyed on the album avoid the typical "Christian clichés" that have marred so many recent CCM albums. Her piano-pop sound could be compared to the likes of Nichole Nordeman or Sara Groves, but Francesca's music is significantly more light and upbeat than either. In the secular department, however, Francesca has a sound very similar to that of Sara Bareilles. For example, the bouncy, catchy first single, "I'm Letting Go," has a rhythm pattern almost exactly like Bareilles's hit, "Love Song."

The album's opener, "Free To Be Me," is an upbeat, "He loves you just the way you are" style song, with a chorus declaring, "I've got a couple dents in my fender/ Got a couple rips in my jeans…Perfection is my enemy/ On my own I'm so clumsy/ But on Your shoulders I can see/ I'm free to be me…" The funky, organ-driven title track (think NewWorldSon), has a similar message, and serves as a 3-and-a-half minute autobiography for Francesca. Her soothing, raspy vocals get a real chance to shine on ballads like the powerful "Beautiful, Beautiful," and the heartfelt "Behind The Scenes." Francesca does black gospel with ease in the jazzy, churchy "Blue Sky" as well.

However, towards the middle of the album, some of the songs start to run together, and the distinct sound established in the beginning doesn't sound so original anymore. For example, "Forever Love," begins as a soft, piano-laden song, but never gains momentum, and its overly repetitive chorus doesn't help either.

Francesca Battistelli's debut is unique with its organic, piano-fused pop sound through the majority. The album's highlights leave a lasting impression on the listener, but there are some moments where a few songs are only average. Overall, the good outweighs the bad and Francesca is one who is here to stay. Let's just hope she has a bit more diversity in her next effort.

- Review date: 7/5/08, written by Matthew Watson