Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Music Review




Bethany Dillon
Waking Up



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 13 tracks: 53 minutes, 46 seconds
Street Date: April 3, 2007


At the tender young age of fifteen, Bethany Dillon released her self-titled debut album. Here the young singer/songwriter is only eighteen years old releasing her third project on Sparrow Records and some may say that she is all grown up. With much of the material for Waking Up inspired by her recent mission trip to India, Dillon exhibits wisdom and a spiritual maturity far beyond her years.

Waking Up opens with the lead single "The Kingdom." This song remains true to much of Dillon's earlier work but moves into new lyrical territory. "The Kingdom" is just one of many songs that shows Dillon forsaking materialism and searching for the things of God. The next track, "Come Find Me," embraces a similar theme while sounding entirely different than its predecessor. It's actually one of Waking Up's standout moments with Dillon's nearly raspy voice singing softly over a well-produced backing track that is tight enough to compete with any of the songs currently on Christian pop radio. Songs like these are what could help solidify this talented teen's future as one of the industry's leading ladies.

"Let Your Light Shine" sounds slightly reminiscent of Kathy Trocolli's "Go Light Your World" with it's gentle piano intro. This particular song is a great display of Dillon's maturity, showing she's unafraid to question God's grace and love but still expressing gratitude for His gifts. "Let Your Light Shine" even makes good use of a grand church choir in the later half of the song making this a true highlight track of Waking Up both musically and lyrically.

One of the most refreshing things about Bethany Dillon's music is the fact that she doesn't seem to ever buy into the typical musical cliches employed by so many of her young musical counterparts. She shies away from such trappings as tired lyrics, over-driven crunching guitars, or ridiculous amounts of programmed sounds. Her lyrics are honest and vulnerable; her music is soft and sophisticated. Other various tracks from Waking Up also do an excellent job of showcasing her ability to write an upbeat pop song (such as the cheerful title track or "Something There"), as well as create a moving ballad (including "Are You Sure" and the sweeping closing track "On Our Side").

A few years ago, Dillon sang how she wanted to be "Beautiful," then shortly after she seemed to be using her Imagination on her sophomore disc. Even though her earlier days left most music critics and fans breathless, this latest offering of Dillon's is sure to have everyone Waking Up to the work of this fine young artist.

- Review date: 3/31/07, written by Lauren Summerford



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Sparrow Records
. Album length: 11 tracks: 53 minutes, 46 seconds
. Street Date: April 3, 2007
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. The Kingdom
  2. Come Find Me
  3. Waking Up
  4. Something There
  5. Let Your Light Shine
  6. Change
  7. Top of the World
  8. Tell Me
  9. Are You Sure
  10. When You Love Someone
  11. You Could Be The One
  12. Beggar's Heart
  13. On Our Side
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

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

Search JFH



This Tuesday, January 7, 2025
SINGLES
PTtheGospelSpitter Save Your Soul (ft. PreacherMan) - Single (independent)

This Friday, January 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Anthem Edition Promises Kept [Sonlite]
Bethel Music We Must Respond [Bethel]
Procyse, Dave A. Unapologetic - EP [Polished Arrow]
Starflyer 59 Dejame Dormir [Velvet Blue]
Trip Lee Lay Down (Remix Pack) - EP [Reach]

SINGLES
99 APEX On My Way - Single [Syntax]
Big Daddy Weave Let It Begin (feat. Ben Fuller, Megan Woods) - Single [Curb]
Chris Caro & OnBeatMusic Pain Pt. 2 (ft. Dillon Chase) - Single [Syntax]
Gather Worship Revival Generation - Single [Integrity]
JERICKO Prison Break - Single [Syntax]
Natalie Layne Church Kids - Single [Centricity]
New Christian Order, Q-Flo, & outr.cty Warm Up (ft. International Show) - Single [Syntax]
Night Beds Lover's Ledge (Who Have I But You) - Single [Arkansas Blues]
William Murphy Double - Single [Motown Gospel]
Pastor Mike Jr. Amen - Single [Rock City]
planetboom Jesus Forever - Single [Venture3Media]
Planetshakers Good Day (Live) - Single [Venture3Media]
Planetshakers Miracle Worker (Live) - Single [Venture3Media]
Rachel Purcell Show Up - Single [Centricity]
Josiah Queen Can't Steal My Joy (feat. Brandon Lake) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Seph Schlueter Words We'll Sing Forever - Single [Provident]
Sidewalk Prophets Father, Let It Be - Single [Curb]
Jordan Smith The Blood - Single [Gaither]
TobyMac God Did It - Single [Capitol CMG]
Joel Vaughn All I Need to Know - Single [DREAM]
WHATUPRG CIEN DOCENAS - Single [Reach]

Next Friday, January 17, 2025
ALBUMS
Ryan Ellis Real Love [Provident]
Jason Lovins Band Pilgrim Road [New Day]
Southbound I Left It In The Water [Daywind]
Various Artists StowTown Worship Live From Praisefest Branson, Volume 1 [StowTown Worship]

SINGLES
Dan Bremnes Started With You - Single [Curb]
Chad Cory America (feat. Priscilla Shirer) - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!
Listen to the new album from Within Silence!
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images