 Audrey Hatcher Woodhams
Mysterious You
Released October 2006
reviewed by Christa Banister
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Sounds like … folk pop in the vein of Carolyn Arends, Jonatha Brook, Susan Ashton, and Patty Griffin
At a glance … beautifully crafted lyrics and subtle but striking musicianship make Mysterious You a standout effort.
Like many aspiring artists, Nashville's Audrey Hatcher Woodhams moonlights as a songwriter for other acts, such as "All My Praise," which she penned for inspirational trio Selah. The song became one of the group's signature worship ballads and a number one hit on Christian radio.
That accomplishment is certainly noteworthy in itself, but Woodhams clearly has a good thing going on her own too as heard on her recent release Mysterious You. The folksy sound isn't anything that hasn't been explored before by Patty Griffin, Jonatha Brooke, Carolyn Arends, or Susan Ashton. But the subtle girl-with-a-guitar musicianship is still an ideal foundation for her gorgeous expressions of praise.
"Evidence" gets things off to a promising start as a catchy declaration of God's glory that sets the tone for the rest of the project as Woodhams explores the more mysterious nature of God. With the moody, melancholy strains of "Spirit Move," Woodhams offers some of her most thoughtful lyrics as she sings about the God who breathes "life into the dust on the ground," later crying out for the Spirit to "come restore all that was stolen."
It's her decidedly non cookie-cutter approach to worship that ultimately makes the project shine, whether it's the thoughtful musings on faith and forgiveness in the plaintive "Liars & Theives" or the weary ramblings of the downtrodden in "Oh Jesus." While simple enough for the church to sing, songs like thse are refreshing in the depth they add to familiar themes of worship.
Though she's released several Indie projects in the past, including a live project recorded at Wheaton College, the recently married Woodhams is particularly excited about her experience working with producer Stephen Leiweke (worship artists Joel Engle and Matt Papa, plus American Idol contestant Chris Sligh).
"Of all my albums so far," she says, "I'm happy to say this one is the most about God and the least about me. Every song is 'God-ward,' worshiping Him, learning to trust and believe His love even in the midst of His mysteriousness. I hope that when people hear them they are uplifted and that they want to move closer to Him."
For more information on Woodhams, check out www.audreyhatcherwoodhams.com or www.myspace.com/audreyhatcherwoodhams.
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Audrey Hatcher Woodhams
Mysterious You
Released October 2006
reviewed by Christa Banister
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