Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review




Natalie Grant
Deeper Life



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks
Street Date: February 11, 2003


Things haven't always been easy for Natalie Grant. After changing record companies twice, Grant has finally found a home with Curb Records. And now, with the release of Deeper Life, Grant is sure headed in the right direction with a solid third album.

Albums are always opening with something upbeat these days, and "Deeper Life" opens things off in the right direction. With plenty of signature Grant sounds, the song really reflects what this album is all about: seeking the deeper life in Jesus Christ. "Days Like These", a song that is almost too bubbly bright, comes next with an upbeat, but more organic, sound.

Things take a drastic turn when the Latin-flavored "Love Without Limits" pounds through the speakers, reminding us that God loves without any reserve. Adding in a little brass instrumentation, combined with drum loops and guitar, Natalie Grant uses her vocals to really bring home the message of the song. Another sudden turn comes with the soft pop feel of "Within Me". This tender ballad gets a little help from the London Session Orchestra, providing a great string background.

The radio hit, "I Will Be" is next on the track list, bringing us back to the upbeat pop reminiscent of "Keep On Shining", a radio hit from Grant's previous album, Stronger. With a completely organic sound, "I Will Be" is a major highlight on this record, and a major highlight in Grant's musical career.

As a surprise for Father's day, Natalie Grant recorded "Always Be Your Baby", a sweet song dedicated to her Dad. While the lyrics are touching, the song sounds too much like "Within Me". "That's When I'll Give Up (On Loving You)" follows, another upbeat song much like the opening to the album.

Completely penned by Grant, "Salvation" is almost out of place on this album. With a Gospel/R&B feel, the song is basically Natalie's testimony: "I gotta talk about it, sing about it/ I can't face the world without it/ Sweet salvation/ It's not magical, not mystical/ It's purely supernatural/ Sweet, sweet salvation."

With the writing talents of Cindy Morgan, "I Desire" is another highlight on this album. A big sound, soaring vocals, and marvelous instrumentation sets this song above the others on the album, and reaffirms Natalie Grant's life goal: to serve Christ. The edgier, rocky "Live For Today" is another track written by Grant with a message of living for the day, and following God's leading.

"I Am Not Alone" begins softly, but really opens up later on when Natalie Grant brings out some more of her smashing vocals accompanied by strings and gentle guitar. The final "bonus" track, "No Sign Of It" has to be one of the best on the entire album. The slightly upbeat "No Sign Of It" was featured in the upcoming Gwyneth Paltrow/Mike Myers film A View from the Top. Grant says the song really describes her career in music – the ups and downs and everything in between.

Natalie Grant sure has something going for her. With this newest album, containing some of her strongest work to date, she's really outdone herself. A solid record, a solid message, and a solid musical base, Deeper Life is sure to please fans of Grant's previous work, and it's also sure to bring in new listeners. Trouble has come to Natalie Grant in the past, but now, there's no sign of it, and her skies are definitely clear today.

- Review date: 7/16/03, written by Shaun Stevenson



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Curb Records
. Album length: 12 tracks
. Street Date: February 11, 2003
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Deeper Life
  2. Days Like These
  3. Love Without Limits
  4. Within Me
  5. I Will Be
  6. Always Be Your Baby
  7. That's When I'll Give Up (On Loving You)
  8. Salvation
  9. I Desire
  10. Live For Today
  11. I Am Not Alone
  12. No Sign Of It (bonus cut)

     

     

    go to main Album review page
    go to Album review archive

     


    (JFH Sponsor Spot)

     

     

                 
Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Buttons, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase! Save for the holidays with code JFH20 at checkout!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, October 29, 2024
SINGLES
Pipe Bomb Hate Club - Single [The Charon Collective]

This Thursday, October 31, 2024
ALBUMS
Neon Horse Habit of Creature - EP [Velvet Blue Music]

This Friday, November 1, 2024
ALBUMS
AWZY Sinners and Saints - EP [DREAM]
Forrest Frank Child of God (Deluxe) [river house]
Future of Forestry Symphonic Christmas (Live) (independent)
Influence Music It's All About You (independent)
The Kingdom Heirs No Better Time [Sonlite]
Limoblaze Young & Chosen (Power Pack) - EP [Reach]
Paul & Hannah McClure Christmas Morning (Re-Release) [Bethel]
Planetshakers Winning Team: Songs For Church (Live) [Venture3Media]
Skillet Revolution [Atlantic]
Sam's the Hero Charlie Cox - EP [Small Step]
Jim "Soni" Sonefeld Light of Joy - EP [Vere]
Ivan Theva Waiting Here for You - EP [Descendent/Provident]
John Van Deusen Anthem Sprinter [Tooth & Nail]
Phil Wickham Hallelujah! It's Christmas! [Fair Trade]
YWAM Kona Music Missionary Anthem - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
Ayo Shamir, YP aka Young Paul Aaron Judge - Single (independent)
Gabby Barrett O Come, O Come Emmanuel (feat. The Piano Guys) - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Brennley Brown Mary, Did You Know? - Single [Provident]
Lauren Daigle Then I Will - Single [Centricity]
Dreamers The Reason - Multi-Single [DREAM]
EJ Swavv I Hate Lucy - Single [Syntax]
Jess Ford This is My Jesus - Single (independent)
FYR FYTR So Simple - Single (independent)
Michael Monroe Pour It Out - Single [Provident]
Seph Schlueter We Sing (Joy To The World) [feat. Leanna Crawford] - Single [Provident]
Skye Peterson, Ben Shive Keep the Feast - Single [Getty]
SNT. VINCENT Confession - Single [Syntax]
Cyndi Thompson Silent Night - Single [County Line]
Thrive Worship Hark - Single [Integrity]
Tauren Wells Making Room - Single [Capitol CMG]

VINYL
Skillet Revolution Vinyl [Atlantic]

Next Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS
Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville]
CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship]
New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM]
Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut]
TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records]
Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]

SINGLES
Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC]
Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty]
Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM]
Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)

VINYL
Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown]
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers]
TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]

DVD
Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images