Review Kristi Grubb

Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Reviews | Send mail to The Voice Point of Grace Album Lacks Listening Appeal The new CD is now available in stores. --Album art Point of Grace's new album, "I Choose You," had fans waiting in eager curiosity. The group had not released a new album in more than three years. The sparks of excitement came from anticipation of a new group member, Leigh Cappillin. Last spring, Cappillin, former Truth vocalist and worship leader for Women of Faith, replaced original group member Terry Jones. The new group dynamics have put a different spin on the group's music and ambition. According to their Web site, Point of Grace members said they were more excited about this project than about any previous album. Their plan was to re-engineer the sounds and music and make this album different from previous albums. The lyrics to "I Choose You" are refreshing and focused. They revolve around the position of man before God. In the song "Who am I?" listeners empathize with a broken and humbled woman reaching out to God as she recognizes who He ultimately is: "Who am I to understand your ways? Who am I to give you anything but praise? Who am I to try and solve the mystery behind the heart and soul of all that I believe?" Other lyrics discuss a person's meaningless life without God, pointing out that we need Him. Another song promises hope in justification through God. The songs have a positive biblical message with which people of all ages can identify. Different from previous albums, the lyrics have a mature sense of who God is. Life experiences and suffering are manifest, infusing the songs with reality and enabling people to relate. In spite of the quality lyrics, the "updated sound" of the group is disappointing. The quartet's previously released albums have been set apart by their upbeat rhythms and four-part harmonization. The music is similar to overplayed pop singles such as Hillary Duff's song "Come Clean." In Duff's song, the chorus gets louder as she yells at the sky, "Let the rain fall down!" Point of Grace's style is similar. The chorus is loud in the songs, while the verses have a gentle sound. The women sing the lyrics commandingly as if they believe that if they shout loud enough, maybe, just maybe, the words will reach heaven. Echoing and voice layering is prevalent, but sadly the unique four-part harmonization is scarce. The re-engineered sound is too similar to modern pop, robbing the group of its original flair. The album will be disappointing for past Point of Grace fans. Back to Table of Contents | Back to Main Index Previous Reviews | Top Of Page Send mail to The Voice| Journalism department website © 2004 The Voice. No part of this publication may be reproduced in written or electronic form without prior written consent from the journalism adviser of Multnomah Bible College. All rights reserved.