Jaci Velasquez - [Unspoken]

Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Having been the darling of the CCM scene as a teen artist, won critical acclaim in the Latin market and this year starred in her first movie Chasing Papi, it would have been an easy move for Jaci to create something that was unreservedly headed for crossover. Instead she returns to the CCM scene with an album that sees her growing up. Perhaps it’s been the troubled family situation with her parents’ divorce or just the pressures and criticisms which come from being a successful artist but it seems as though Jaci has poured more of her soul and guts into these songs and it pays off. From the opening catchiness of “You’re My God” successfully aimed at radio and the uncompromising message of “Jesus”, you know straight away that this is a winner. There are times when she sounds spookily like Amy Grant vocally but it’s been interesting to see Jaci grow in confidence since her debut and begin to take more control of the songwriting for her albums. The understated funky groove of “Lost Without You”, “Your Friend” and the R&B pop feel of the title cut are all a sign of Jaci creating edgier music and this is most welcome. There’s still enough fluffy pop to keep previous fans happy and there’s the Latin-tinged “He” to keep that market happy but overall ‘Unspoken’ is the sound of Jaci spreading her wings and this is the perfect chart-friendly Christian pop album.