Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Sara Groves
Past the Wishing



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 9 tracks
Street Date: 1998


They say the best songs come out of real life experiences. And for Sara Groves, it's all about being real. Past the Wishing was originally released as a gift for her family and friends in 1998. Through word of mouth, the popularity of the album grew, finally coming to rest as a very solid beginning for an emerging artist.

"Past the Wishing," a highlight on this album, starts things out upbeat and thought-provoking. "Everyday Miracles" continues the lyrical superiority of the record, but starts to slow down the tone of the album. The piano-driven "Stir My Heart" comes next, asking God to reveal Himself during tough times and periods of doubt.

The traditional acoustic folk/pop sound of Groves continues in "Rain." She tackles a tough subject in a tactful way in "Song of Solomon," speaking truthfully about today's immoral condition concerning marriage and what God has designed marriage to be. "Help Me Be New" is a soft-spoken track, led by piano and backed up by a little electric guitar and gentle percussion.

"Awakening" starts to drag the album down a bit. There isn't a solid chorus we return to, and the lyrics come across as not much more than rambling. The song rescues itself with these lyrics being simple, but at the same time very deep, accompanying a piano-led tune. "Testimony" brings back the folk/pop feel, and gives the story of a person coming to Jesus Christ. The record closes out with "Glory Come Down," a plea for God to make each one of us holy as He is holy. The song shifts gears in the end to become simple expressions of praise and thanks to Jesus, bringing the album to a fitting close.

Throughout, Sara Groves maintains a reality in her music unlike that of many other Christian artists. Her songs are about things people go through every day in their lives, making her music meaningful and relevant. On the whole, Past the Wishing is a worthy debut album. It brings comfort and challenge to the place they are needed most: the heart.

- Review date: 2/8/03, written by Shaun Stevenson



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: (independent)
. Album length: 9 tracks
. Street Date: 1998
. Buy It: Amazon.com (Original Release)
. Buy It: Amazon.com (Re-Release)

  1. Past the Wishing
  2. Everyday Miracles
  3. Stir My Heart
  4. Rain
  5. Song of Solomon
  6. Help Me Be New
  7. Awakening
  8. Testimony
  9. Glory Come Down

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax]
I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax]
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images