Since her debut, Wide-Eyed in 1998, the beautiful and talented Nichole Nordeman hasn't seemed to have much trouble making a name for herself. In 2001, after the release of her sophomore project This Mystery they year before, Nichole was given the coveted honor of Female Vocalist of the Year in the Annual Dove Awards. With her 2002 release, Woven & Spun, producers Charlie Peacock and Mark Hammond lend their talents in an effort to strike gold a third time.

Woven & Spun opens with the grand worship song "Holy," as Nordeman cries out, "Only me/ On my knees/ Singing 'Holy, Holy,"/... All that matters now/ is You are Holy, Holy" Her angelic vocals haunt "Mercies New" while her voice powerfully proclaims "By Your wounds, we are healed" in the worshipful ballad "Healed." "Never Loved You More" is an upbeat pop song with a southern flavor. At times her voice bears resemblance to that of Jennifer Knapp or Sarah Masen.

The album highlight for me, however, was her excellent rendition of Peter Gabriel's classic "In Your Eyes," where her angelic voice felt at home singing the song. Woven & Spun is a solid album and shows abundant growth in this artist's budding career. Fans of soft ballads and piano-based pop will find delight in Nichole Nordeman's Woven & Spun.

- Review date: 9/21/02, written by John DiBiase