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

JFH Music Review


Christy Nockels
Life Light Up



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 50 minutes, 11 seconds
Street Date: June 2, 2009


Most anyone who's heard the name Christy Nockels immediately brings the husband/wife duo Watermark to mind. Having signed to Rocketown Records, they released four successful albums over the course of six years, and after a greatest hits compilation in 2006, many assumed the Nockels couple was finished with music. However, feeling called back to music again, Christy has returned as a solo artist with a new label and aim, much to Watermark fans' delight.

With several exceptions, the songwriting mastery of Christy and her husband Nathan has returned. While a few covers are thrown in ("In Your Hands," "Marvelous Light," and "Hosanna"), listeners can otherwise expect the same lyrical content as Watermark possessed. While Nathan is ultimately "behind-the-scenes" at this time, Christy's vocals are at the top of her game. They are not necessarily very innovative, but they are passionate and very fitting of the backing music. The album begins and ends on a very worshipful note; songs like "Choose" and "Song Of The Beautiful" are pulled off in pure, unmistakable Watermark fashion and are by far the gems on the disc.

To be honest, tracks like "No Not One," "Life Light Up," "You Are Able," "Marvelous Light," and "Hosanna" seem to be the most lacking on the record, mostly because they tend to follow an AC format very different than the rest of the album. This tends to split the album into two major sections: the songs with acoustic pop leanings and the songs with a very blatant contemporary sound. Watermark always pulled off the former much more skillfully, and it's really a mystery why Nockels decided to pursue this other course in musical progression. Some listeners will recognize "No Not One" as the last track on Brandon Heath's record What If We (here, it's ironically the opening track), and they would also agree that his take on the track is much better performed.

Sixsteps made a wise decision in signing Nockels; its great to have talent like hers (and her husband's, for that matter) back in the industry. While the Watermark name has been left behind, and though there are a few hiccups along the way, Life Light Up is for the most part a rewarding listen and is a welcomed addition to the list of 2009's comeback artists.

- Review date: 10/26/09, written by Roger Gelwicks of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: sixstepsrecords
. Album length: 11 tracks: 50 minutes, 11 seconds
. Street Date: June 2, 2009
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. No Not One (4:27)
  2. Life Light Up (4:24)
  3. Choose (5:25)
  4. Song Of The Beautiful (5:37)
  5. You Are Able (3:58)
  6. A Mighty Fortress (4:50)
  7. My Master (4:08)
  8. In Your Hands (3:46)
  9. Marvelous Light (4:20)
  10. Hosanna (5:49)
  11. By Our Love (3:33)

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



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