Sarah Sadler isn't exactly a new kid on the block. Although at the young age of 19, Sadler has already been featured on last year's Prayer of Jabez project singing a duet with the ever talented Margaret Becker. This year, you may have caught her offerings on the Keith Green tribute Your Love Broke Through or the Our God of Wonders compilation. Sader credits her musical giftings as a hand-me-down from her family. A third generation musician, Sarah is greatly influenced by her father and songwriting partner Gary Sadler, a well-known worship leader and the author of songs "Ancient of Days" and "Lord Over All." Sarah's self-titled Essential Records debut release features catchy pop rhythms and harmonies with plenty of joy to go around.

It's refreshing when you see and hear youth of today stepping out from the norm and striving for higher and deeper things than the world offers. "In our society today, there is this ‘you-owe-me-something' mentality, and I don't agree with that," Sadler says in her official bio. "Nobody owes us anything. There are a lot of takers and not a lot of givers. I want to give more than I take." It's evident from the opening track, "Beautiful" as her soft whispering voice sings "You make me want to be / So beautiful / You make me want to be / Just like you."

With soft and youthful vocals like Sarah Masen was best known for, Sadler voice relaxes against the acoustic pop backdrop of "Best Thing." The rest of the album follows suit, including the upbeat "Hide Me In Your Love," the soft and catchy "Orbit," the delicate "Dreams," the jazzy piano-fueled "Say You Do," the moody "Simply Complicated," or the beautiful worship-centered angelic sounds of the closer, "Down to You."

Sarah Sadler's debut is a solid offering from promising new talent. If you enjoy Sarah Masen, Plumb, or just the sounds of female-fronted pop, Sarah Sadler is worth a listen.

- Review date: 9/7/02, written by John DiBiase