Sounds like … easy-going pop with a slight southern slant; evoking shades of Steven Curtis Chapman, Randy Stonehill, Kenny Loggins, and John Denver
At a glance … a poignant and encouraging concept album that pays poetic tribute to the singer/songwriter’s wife.
Concept albums are somewhat of a rarity in Christian music, so it’s especially ambitious for an indie artist to embark on an interwoven, thirteen-track journey. The theme: one Christian couple’s marital covenant. Though a record of love songs may summon visions of Michael Bolton, Everyday with You is surprisingly free of schmaltz.
Ironically, Ames co-wrote the album with one of Bolton’s previous collaborators Bob Halligan Jr., known in Christian circles as the leader of Ceili Rain and as a Rebecca St. James’ collaborator. Halligan and Ames’ “Champion”—bearing some resemblance to early Randy Stonehill—is centered around the Christian understanding of marriage being built on the foundation of Christ. Ames also teamed up with pop star Jill Parr to pen the title track, a comforting acoustic rocker evoking Kenny Loggins.
Besides paying tribute to his wife, Ames also loads Everyday with You with encouragement for married couples—from those suffering everyday relational issues to those on the verge of collapse. This encouragement regarding communication and restoration gives broader appeal and takeaway to what was written as a collection of personal love songs.
For more information, visit www.christopherames.com.
Others worth noting:
Devyn
Love’s All Around 4 StarsStyle: pop/dance; Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, Jump5
In a nutshell: At 17, new pop artist Devyn is in a unique position to be a role model to younger listeners while also connecting with an older audience because of her enchanting voice. Similar to Kelly Clarkson, Devyn shows on this 3-song EP that she’s just as proficient on guitar-charged pop/rockers as she is on power ballads.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/missdevynrocks.
David Santistevan
Near 3 StarsStyle: praise and worship/adult contemporary; Clay Crosse, Wayne Watson, Richard Marx
In a nutshell: This praise project is carried by calming vocals, ambient instrumentation, and atmospheric arrangements. Though somewhat sleepy, the dozen tracks are crafted with pristine production and are ideal for quiet times and devotional settings.
For more information, visit www.davidsantistevan.com.
To be considered for “Indie Spotlight,” send a CD and press kit to: Christian Music Today’s “Indie Spotlight” C/O Andy Argyrakis 465 Gunderson Drive Carol Stream, IL 60188
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