After what has felt like a lifetime of waiting for another project from Stacie Orrico, fans have finally been satisfied, and they won't be disappointed. Orrico's newest album, Stacie Orrico, is sure to become a favorite with many. Unlike her previous album, Genuine, which tended to have a couple of bumps and quirks here and there, Stacie Orrico is jam-packed with amazingly powerful songs and lyrics, setting this record far above others of its kind.

Opening with the already hit song, "Stuck", Orrico draws the listener in with a catchy tune and an edge unlike normal dance-pop. "(There's Gotta Be) More To Life" follows, and presents a message about a person wanting more in life. However, I was surprised that Stacie didn't end the song presenting Jesus Christ as the completion of a life. "Bounce Back", also on the Bounce Back Enhanced CD Single, has been remixed for this album. If you've heard "Bounce Back" on the single release, be prepared to be disappointed with the new version. Darker and moodier, I missed the fun, light sound the old version gave the song.

"I Promise" tones down a little bit for a more slow-pop sound, working well. A fun, bouncy, and radio-bound song, "Security" reminds us that Jesus is the real security in our life. Again, I was saddened by a little remixing done on this song as well. A previous mix released on the March Madness Weekend compilation, the bridge contained a small pinch of rap, and it really added to the song. "Instead" is the darkest of the songs Stacie has recorded for this album. Reminding us we shouldn't shun people because they're different, the track encourages us to understand where they are coming from.

Guitars open up "Hesitation", Stacie's call for people to accept Christ. A heavy bass beat kicking in thirty seconds into the song, this one is also bound to be a radio hit. An absolute highlight of the album, "Strong Enough" is a tender ballad penned by Orrico herself. The soft piano and strings make this song a real treat to listen to. Another highlight, "I Could Be The One" is a toe-tapping tune showcasing the pop sound Orrico has become known for.

"Maybe I Won't Look Back", yet again another wonderfully written and executed song, shows us the maturity that has come to Orrico since her last effort. With a bit of an urban flare, Orrico sings about following Christ every day and not looking back. "Tight" has Stacie dreaming of Puerto Rico and knowing Jesus Christ more. Seem like an odd mix? Not really when you hear this definitely ready-for-radio song. While a little shorter than the other songs (ringing in at two and a half minutes), "Tight" is another revved-up dance-pop track. The last song, "That's What Love's About", brings the album to a close with falling rain introducing strings leading into this slow pop song.

Laced with what promises to be a string of smash hits for the young sixteen-year old, Stacie Orrico brings the right combination of edgy pop and urban sounds to create some of her strongest work to date. Stacie Orrico is definitely one of the best out there in this genre and definitely worth hearing.

- Review date: 4/6/03, written by Shaun Stevenson