Main Review
Jamie-Grace stunned the world earlier this year with her Gotee Records’ EP Hold Me, featuring the blockbuster single by
the same title. Her acoustic pop music, encouraging lyrics, and amazing vocals made her an instant “click” with Christian
music fans. Now, Jamie-Grace releases her debut full-length, One Song At a Time. The album focuses on seeing
yourself the way God sees you, and remembering that you are here for a purpose. But even with fun, and sometimes
quirky music, Jamie-Grace hits the nail head on with this project!
The short “Fly Away” opens the album, with effects that make it sound like an old recording. Then, featuring the
unmistakable TobyMac, the smash hit “Hold Me” follows, a fun acoustic track speaking of the love for how God holds and
cherishes each one of us. Of course, it goes unsaid, that TobyMac added a ton to this track! “With You” is extremely
creative lyrically and quite humorous, speaking of the distractions of life. Especially enjoyable is the hilarious opening
verse: “My left brain is racin' free/ and ADD's been chasing me all day/ wait, what did You just say?” It then goes on to
speak of the wonders of being in God’s presence, with an acoustic pop/swing twist that was very enjoyable.
”Show Jesus” is TobyMac-style musically, and speaks of someone who shines their light brightly for all the world, and the
desire to be just like that. But it’s “Come to Me” that sticks out at this point, slowing things down and borrowing lyrics from
Matthew 11:28 and reminding us to find our rest in Jesus. Jamie Grace’s vocals were perfect for this track, being low
throughout the main portion of the track but showing us a few high parts as well.
“God’s Girl” should remind the listener of Group 1 Crew’s slower music, as this catchy pop track speaks of being totally
sold out to God, and being a “God girl” (“I'm a God girl that's who I be/ from the top of my head to the soles of my feet/ I
can't deny it/ wouldn't even try/ I'm Your girl In a crazy world”). A piano ballad, “Holding On” speaks of trusting in God’s
Word even when the fight is hard and we want to give up. The string backing was gorgeous as was the way the track
progressed throughout.
With plenty of fill-ins and a hand-clapping drumbeat, “You Lead” speaks of choosing to follow God’s leading even when
there is turmoil all around. Following is the title track, musically diverse and made perfect by the background “la la’s” and
the catchy but serene tempo. Lyrically, this title track is fun, speaking of having fun and playing tunes on the guitar. Nothing
Spiritually-rich is offered, but it most certainly is a great listen.
“1945” is a bit bland at first until the chorus which is mostly made up of drums and simple guitar strumming.
Nevertheless, the lyrics are very fun and creative, speaking of what it would have been like to have been born in the 50s or
60s, but remembering how God placed us each in the time we were for a reason and a purpose. It is also a bit
autobiographic, as Jamie-Grace shares through the last verse: “And lovely 1991/ That's the year that I come from/ And I
wouldn't wanna trade it for another time/ I love this life yeah/ I love this life.” Lastly, One Song At a Time ends with “Not
Alone.” Haunting, and mostly piano, this closing track speaks to a hurting child, telling them that they are not alone, and
that Jesus Christ is always there for them.
Closing Thoughts
Jamie-Grace’s debut full-length on Gotee Records is certainly a good one! She isn’t afraid to use her creativity on average
acoustic pop to turn it into a catchy track with a positive message, all the while making for tracks that will be hard to get out
of your head! For fans of TobyMac and Group 1 Crew, check out Jamie Grace’s One Song At a Time album as soon as
possible!
Review Written By: Jay Wright [jay.wright@christianmusicreview.org] on 9/1/2011
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