Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

JFH Music Review


Hollyn, Hollyn EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Hollyn
Hollyn EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop
Album length: 6 tracks: 20 minutes, 26 seconds
Street Date: October 16, 2015


READER RATING:   


Many new artists come out every year with either a full-length record or an appetizing EP. Some make a great impression, others are not easily remembered by year's end. After first appearing on American Idol and being featured on TobyMac's album, This Is Not A Test, Gotee Records' newest artist, Hollyn, is ready to release her introductory self-titled EP. The question is, does it leave a memorable impression, or will it fade from memory as the year progresses?

The EP begins some light strumming and accompanying "Oh, oh, ohs," with the track "Alone." From the onset, Hollyn steps out of the norm with an honest confession of falling away from God: "Fell for You first day that I met You, never dreamed that I ever could forget You, but black and white make a mess when it turns to grey." This is followed by, "You know me so well, I can be a little punk sometimes," before bringing in a hard hitting chorus that begs God to take both heart and soul and not leave her alone. The song also features Toby's son TRU in the bridge with some of the best work we've heard from him yet. This track is followed by a cover of Lecrae's "All I Need Is You." Too often when a popular song is covered by a Christian artist, they mostly remain within the boundaries the original artist has already set. However, instead of simply covering what Lecrae has already given, Hollyn makes the track completely her own. I may even venture to say it's better than the original.

While these opening tracks are solid, they are barely related in sound. This diversity continues with "Hey Mama," a humble call for the gentle guidance of a mother amidst the chaos and hardships of an adult life. Featuring a completely stripped down sound, Hollyn's soulful voice has a lot of room to breathe, and she uses every opportunity to let it show. Taking command of each note whilst conveying honest emotion, her voice can easily hold its own against some of the majors in mainstream. "Nothin' On You" is a jump back into the hip hop sound from "All I Need Is You." Speaking of the lures and idols of this world, Hollyn proclaims, "Oh, I been around and around the world I never found anything better, 'cause they ain't got nothing on You." The EP then dives into another acoustic-led number, "Steady Me." This one is a little more bouncy than "Hey Mama" and features a surprisingly fitting guest verse from rapper Aaron Cole. The EP ends with the worshipful "Mine." Unfortunately, it's quite an underwhelming closer, bearing a chorus that fails to stand out from the overcrowded pop/worship scene. It's a fine song, lyrically, but it fails to leave an impression overall.

The EP as a whole, on the other hand, does what any great introduction does: leaves the listener wanting more, and gives a satisfying taste of what the artist can do. With a creative sound, impressive vocals, and honest lyrics, despite being a little disjointed, Hollyn is a fresh talent I can't wait to hear more from.

- Review date: 11/18/15, written by Lucas Munachen of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: Gotee
. Album length: 6 tracks: 20 minutes, 26 seconds
. Street Date: October 16, 2015
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Alone (feat. Tru) (3:46)
  2. All I Need Is You (3:12)
  3. Hey Mama (2:45)
  4. Nothin' on You (3:33)
  5. Steady Me (feat. Aaron Cole) (3:08)
  6. Mine (4:01)

 

 

 

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

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

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images