Main Review
Listening to music was never a big thing for me growing up. I hardly ever listened to it, and had only a couple of favorites. I
liked to sing to myself more than anything. (I still do, but I’ve since learned to appreciate music in a big way – hence, this
review and others like it!) Now, contrast that with a life spent immersed in music, like 18 year-old Cortni Bilderback. Her
family already has a ministry of Southern gospel music, and now she’s branching out on her own, with The After Party, a
fun collection of songs that encourages Godly living and attempts to change the mindset.
“Trophy Man” is a very modern, hip-hop song that wouldn’t stand out on a regular radio station with the sound alone. It’s
the lyrics that make the difference. Unlike similar songs, this one confronts the lie that says all a girl needs is a good-
looking guy on her arm to say, “I’ve made it.” Rather, a man who cherishes you and loves God is the only thing that
matters. “After Party” invites us to get a head start on celebrating heaven right now. But aside from the clean lyrics and a
reference to wearing a “white robe”, there’s nothing overtly Christian about it. “Sunshine” starts out with a lounge beat (as
in pre-recorded keyboard demo songs) and is a simple cheer-up song, believing in better days ahead.
“True Love”, the album’s first single, is a sweet song about someone who’s been hurt and abandoned so many times.
Could she finally have found the real thing in Jesus? The conclusion is yes. “Love Is Always Waiting” is a soft
encouragement to prodigals that they are not alone. Love (as in “God is”) will never abandon you, but will wait with open
heart and arms like the father in the parable. It’s been said before, but you can never say it enough. “Alone With You”
addresses God, and for a song about intimate prayer that produces, it’s not the soft acoustic melody you’d expect, but
rather a poppy R and B beat. Still, the message is sound; have faith, God can do anything we pray for. And when we do,
we reach a higher level of awareness.
“Dream Big” is a powerful encouragement for those who have little or no faith. When we come to God, we have a tendency
to ask for the minimum. We should know by now that God can give us any heart’s desire, if we only ask. Why ask for less
than the best? “Change Me”, co-written with one of her family members, is a beautiful prayer asking for redemption,
complete with a “thank you” at the end. Comfort is given in the tender song “God Knows”, which is sure to touch you in
your season of need. The song is from one friend to another, reassuring them that God already knows what you can’t or
won’t say to Him.
“Ruin Me” asks God to defeat us when we’re trying to win in our sin, pride and fear. Surrender has many obstacles but
until we face the truth, do what we can and let God do the rest, we’ll never be free or real. It’s half-worship, half-pop, and
wholly true. Lastly, “Walls of Glass” jazzily reminds us not to covet, or equate our material wealth with our worth. We are
more our possessions.
Closing Thoughts
For one so young, Cortni Bilderback is very gifted; chalk that up to her childhood. Her debut is the product of years of
practical experience. Yet there’s no denying that there’s more at work here than mere talent. The After Party is a candid,
heartfelt celebration of that yearning for something more than we are told and sold by the world.
Review Written By: Laura Chambers [laura.chambers@christianmusicreview.org] on 5/10/2011
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