STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 132301-19801 LABEL: Provident 736211604293 FORMAT: CD Album RELEASE DATE: 2013-02-25 RRP: £12.99
Reviewed by Tony Cummings
You may not recognise Jenny's name but any long-time Cross Rhythms radio listener will know the voice. As the front lady for Addison Road she demonstrated her ability to sing everything form gutsy pop rockers to moving ballads. And although there is nothing on her first solo album which registers quite as strongly as "The Only Thing" (from Addison Road's 2007 set 'Some Kind Of Spark') or "Hope Now" (2008's 'Addison Road') she shows that she is an exceptional vocal talent with a style which one critic suggested was pitched somewhere between Norah Jones and Taylor Swift. There's a wide range of vibes here, like the shamelessly effervescent "This I Know"; the poignant, worshipful "Broken Hallelujah"; and the electronica-tinged "The In Between". An impressive solo debut from the Dallas-based singer.
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Product Description
We first met Jenny Simmons as the front-woman for the Dove Award-nominated band Addison Road, but after a successful decade together the group realized it was time to pursue new dreams. Now, with her solo début, Simmons takes the next step in becoming exactly who she was meant to be.
Fittingly, The Becoming is about moving forward, taking risks and trusting God to be there to catch us after those frighteningly big leaps of faith. The songs, each penned by Simmons, are refreshingly authentic, using spare arrangements that highlight the raw honesty of her vocals. Tracks like Heaven Waits for Me, with its make-the-most-of-each-day message, and This I Know, a great reminder to put aside our perfectionistic ways, will resonate with anyone and everyone.
But it’s the anthemic Broken Hallelujahs that really highlights how far Simmons has come. She’s no longer the idealistic college student who started Addison Road. Her faith has been tested and her Bible is well worn, giving her stories to tell of lessons learned and a God who is more faithful than we could ever imagine.