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JFH Music Review



Stephanie Smith
Not Afraid



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 39 minutes, 48 seconds
Street Date: May 27, 2008 / December 23, 2008


The newest addition to the Gotee Records family, Stephanie Smith, seems to be a perfect fit for the label's diverse line-up of artists. Smith's upbeat pop/rock style is perfectly crafted to reach a young audience of teens and tweens as well as garner some serious radio play. Smith's debut, Not Afraid, could position her as Christian music's newest breakout star.

Not Afraid, as a whole, is a very solid debut record. Most of the tunes are enjoyable and share a positive message. Stephanie Smith seems to be focused on encouraging and reaching young women, especially teenage girls. The opening track, "Beauty" kicks off the album proclaiming "Hello world, here I am today/ I didn't feel like putting on make-up, is that okay?/ And you know what else? I didn't do my hair/ And I didn't take the time to figure out what to wear...beauty is in you, so just embrace it, you don't have to chase it." Smith's non-conforming message set to rock music is similar to the likes of BarlowGirl and Krystal Meyers. While no doubt written with good intentions, "Superstar" is a slightly overwhelming song, nearly shouting, "You know what you are, a superstar!"

Though these few songs are seemingly cliché for a young female musician to write, Smith at the same time offers several excellent songs for the listener's pleasure. The title track and "Waitin on You" both have a strong upbeat rock vibe to it, much like a good deal of Not Afraid. The power pop sounding "Over It" tells a heartbreaker that it's time to leave, while "In My Eyes" is a straight-up rock song admitting personal pain. "You Alone" and "What If I Made a Mistake" are both gentler tracks, displaying Smith's beautiful and versatile voice.

Stephanie Smith seems to be off to a strong start with a popular single at radio ("Not Afraid"), a good deal of media coverage, and many upcoming tour dates. She is a great young talent with a positive message who has a bright future ahead of her.

- Review date: 5/25/08, written by Lauren Summerford of Jesusfreakhideout.com



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CD

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. Record Label: Gotee Records
. Album length: 11 tracks: 39 minutes, 48 seconds
. Street Date: May 27, 2008 (iTunes) / December 23, 2008 (CD)
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Beauty
  2. Superstar
  3. Not Afraid
  4. Renew Me
  5. You Alone
  6. Waitin On You
  7. Over It
  8. In My Eyes
  9. What If I Made a Mistake
  10. Love Out Loud
  11. First Words (Bonus Track)
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
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Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
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Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

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