Andy Kirk is the second of 1CN Records' two artists to come out with an album in the span of less than a
month, (the other was Jonathan Lee, on April 20 - he co-wrote some of the songs on this album,
including the title track). Though relatively young at 22, he's already rubbed songwriting elbows with
several notables. Wake Up My Soul, his label debut, is not incredibly innovative lyrically, but it is genuine.
Everyone who knows their Bible will recognize the 1 Corinthians 13 references in "Love Is The Only
Thing", but if you're not a Christian, you could interpret it as any kind of love. The song never mentions
God by name or by inference (unless you equate God with the "love") It's got a worshippy drum punch,
though. "Beautiful" is clearly worship. A song of adoring that uses many cliches - though who hasn't?
"You Are God" highlights God's uniqueness and stands out because of the emotion Andy puts into it.
"Wake Up My Soul" cries out for a sleeping heart's awakening. The ends of the chorus lines are bent
upwards sonically where you wouldn't expect them to be. Andy's cover of "Healer" is one of the strongest
songs on this album. But then, I'm a sucker for any song with a chorus of background voices somewhere
in it.
One song that's different is "Let Justice Ring". It's a song of action asking God to give us mercy for the
broken world, as well as a comfort for those who are broken. Most songs that tackle these subjects pick
only one of the two for one song. "Remarkable" and "Strong God" are good corporate songs, partly
because of their long bridges. "Wonderful Saviour"'s "bridge", however sturdy, is a dead end; I would've
liked to hear a chorus reprise, a la "Indescribable", not just tinkle tinkle. The last track, "Falling In Love
With You" is very emotional. I bet it's awesome live.
Closing Thoughts
There are no real duds on Wake Up My Soul, although if you're a "nothing new under the sun" cynic, skip
this CD. The rest of you will probably find at least one new favorite among these 10 songs.
Review Written By: Laura Chambers [laura.chambers@christianmusicreview.org] on 5/10/2010
|
|
