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JFH Music Review




BarlowGirl
Another Journal Entry



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 11 tracks: 40 minutes, 44 seconds
Street Date: September 27, 2005


Sophomore slump. Every artist cringes at that term, especially after having a highly successful debut and an excellent first year at radio. BarlowGirl not only snagged the title of 2004's best selling new artist but also watched their single "Never Alone" become a heavy-hitter on the airwaves, making for an awesome start in music for the band. Now, a year and a half after the release of their self-titled project, Becca, Alyssa, and Lauren Barlow have readied Another Journal Entry, which is an amazing follow-up to their first offering. With rock numbers that rock harder and ballads more beautiful than anything on BarlowGirl, this trio has shown great growth and artistic discovery.

Another Journal Entry doesn't waste anytime getting down to business. Immediately it launches into "Grey." The song starts by proclaiming "Grey's my favorite color, black and white has never been my thing" before coming to the realization "I cannot be blind no more, numb to what I'm living for." "Grey" instantly displays how much the girls have grown and presents itself as a standout track through its punched up guitar work from Becca Barlow and upfront lyrics. Another rocker, "Let Go," ensues, which is also the first single from the album. Shortly down the way, BarlowGirl offers up their standout soft piano and string ballad "Porcelain Heart." Bassist/keyboardist Alyssa Barlow emotionally cries out "Were hearts made whole just to break...please mend this porcelain heart of mine." Though this is a memorable track, it wouldn't be a true BarlowGirl record without more likeable upbeat, rock-based numbers. BarlowGirl strikes back again with "5 Minutes of Fame," which notes the folly of compromising to earn more fame. Drummer Lauren Barlow was an excellent choice to sing lead here, adding that certain "quirky fun" element that the song wouldn't be complete without.

Based on the same Scripture passage, "Psalm 73 (My God's Enough)," is perhaps Another Journal Entry at its most aggressive. Todd Agnew makes a guest appearance here with his growling voice at work in the background. Agnew's contribution offers a different edge, especially on the chorus which is slightly reminiscent of the early Gregorian chants. Though his voice doesn't quite mix with those of the Barlow's, it still is enjoyable, exploring territory not treaded before by the band.

The majority of the songs from Another Journal Entry are original for this particular work (eight of the eleven are new) with a couple of worship favorites thrown in. "Enough," of Chris Tomlin fame, displays the girls beautiful harmonization abilities, keeping true to BarlowGirl's sound. A cover of David Crowder Band's "No One Like You" is a joyous celebration of who God is. BarlowGirl's own major hit "Never Alone" even gets slightly revamped with the radio remix fitting in the final page of this Entry.

Despite cute, bouncy numbers such as "Pedestal," "Superstar," and "Clothes" being fan favorites from BarlowGirl, anthems of this type will not be found here. Themes such as satisfaction in God alone ("Enough," "Psalm 73"), trusting Him ("Let Go"), and loving Him as well as being loved by Him ("Thoughts of You," "I Need You to Love Me") are key to the lyrical direction of Another Journal Entry. That's not to say this is in any way a letdown, rather this collection displays a new maturity and incredible growth in lyrics, music, and vocals since their debut.

Breaking new ground isn't a foreign concept for BarlowGirl. After all, this threesome broke down walls by successfully earning their way into Christian rock as the premier all-girl band. The release of Another Journal Entry should only help build on BarlowGirl's impressive start, as well as their growing fanbase. Without a doubt, an exciting future is in store for these three rocking sisters.

- Review date: 9/16/05, written by Lauren Summerford



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. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Fervent Records
. Album length: 11 tracks, 40 minutes and 44 seconds
. Street Date: September 27, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Grey
  2. Let Go
  3. I Need You To Love Me
  4. Enough
  5. Porcelain Heart
  6. Take Me Away
  7. Psalm 73 (My God's Enough)
  8. 5 Minutes Of Fame
  9. Thoughts Of You
  10. No One Like You
  11. Never Alone (Radio Remix)
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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
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This Friday, October 3, 2025
ALBUMS
BASECAMP Beautiful Like the Truth [Polished Arrow]
Pat Barrett I've Got A Fire [Capitol CMG]
Elan Brio Millennium Funk (independent)
Kristene DiMarco MEMORADUM - EP [Bethel]
Heath McNease Autumn Sessions, Vol. 2 (independent)
Mystical Death Carnation EP (Remastered) [Rottweiler Records]
Matt Redman Life & Breath [Integrity]
Thrive Worship Jesus Song - EP [Integrity Music]
Bay Turner Better Days - EP [Centricity Music]
John Van Deusen As Long As I Am In The Tent of This Body I Will Make a Joyful Noise Pt. 1 [Anotherland]

SINGLES
Gabby Barrett Ain't Supposed To Be - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Mark Bishop Time To Let Go and Let God - Single [Sonlite]
Franni Cash Church Clothes - Single [Capitol CMG]
ChristianXXII & Futuristic Already Won - Single [DREAM]
Damian Back To You - Single [DREAM]
Dex the nerd who loves Jesus Salvation - Single [Syntax]
Drenae To the Cross - Single [Syntax]
Emerson Day This House Won't Fall - Single [Fair Trade]
Chris Ekiss Life's Biggest Questions - Single [Provident]
The Forerunner Manifesto (independent)
for KING + COUNTRY World on Fire (feat. Taylor Hill) - Single [Curb Records]
Forrest Frank JESUS IS COMING BACK SOON (feat. Josiah Queen) - Single [River House]
Vic Lucas Make a Way - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory MOVE YOUR BODY - Single [Syntax]
Nathan Oswalt MAKE UP YOUR MIND - Single (independent)
Drew Parker Blame Jesus - Single [Warner Music Nashville]
Razzie SHORTCUTS - Single [Syntax]
Shamash The Gulf Between Us - Single [Rottweiler]
Anne Wilson Carry Me - Single [Capitol CMG]
Zahriya Zachary Stay - Single [Bethel]

VINYL
Bleach Live/The Lost Show Vinyl (independent)

Next Friday, October 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]

SINGLES
Holly Brand One Thing He Wouldn't Do - Single [Integrity]
Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
Drakeford Writing on the Wall - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Back to What's Natural - Single (independent)
Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible Praise You For Eternity - Single [Vineyard]


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