Genre: Christmas, Pop/Rock, Worship
For fans of: Kelly Clarkson, Crystal Lewis, Katharine McPhee, Avalon, Avril Lavigne, Tammy Trent
Label: Curb / Warner Bros. Records

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The "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" adage virtually guarantees repeat success in the music industry once a hit formula is found, yet from time to time, an artist steps out of the comfort zone and breaks the mold, discontent to pursue the predictable. Enter Natalie Grant. A powerhouse vocalist, heart-gripping songwriter and charismatic performer, she's eager to push boundaries—sonically, lyrically and otherwise—and she more than proves her intentions with Relentless, her seventh album and first studio recording in nearly three years.

It would've been easy for Natalie, GMA's reigning Female Vocalist of the Year for two consecutive years, to rest on her laurels and make another Awaken. Her 2005 breakthrough recording, Awaken helped Natalie become Christian music's top selling Adult Contemporary female solo artist in 2005 and 2006, gave her a formidable foothold at mainstream radio and media, and made her a household name in Christian music. But this time around, she was determined to keep people guessing.

Like Awaken, Relentless showcases a deep dimension of lyrical honesty and vulnerability—a hallmark of Natalie's music these days—yet sonically, she embraces her more progressive rock/pop side, replete with live horns, grittier guitar licks and the distinct R&B flair of her voice that's often been toned down in the past.

"This time, I wanted to take it old school with lots of live instrumentation," she says. "I love how horns have made a resurgence in pop music, and I wanted Relentless to be more raw and edgy—more authentic and less pristine."

Vocally, Natalie was also determined to push herself. The new richness and robustness that shines through in tracks like the soulful "I Will Not Be Moved" and the country-tinged hit single "In Better Hands" even surprised her a little.

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