Main Review Katelynne Cox is not your typical teenager. At 16, her list of credits includes more than 75 modeling and pageant wins. That kind of takes your breath away, doesn't it? And having the kind of experience she's had, I'd guess she's learned her share of lessons about life and what really matters when the lights go out. One Girl is part secret diary, part prayer journal.
The title song is Katelynne's fast-paced answer to everyone who says that her message can't amaze them and isn't worth hearing. It's a dynamic song that you really have to listen to if you want to hear everything she's saying. It's got kind of a party atmosphere. "15 Minutes" ask us to reconsider our sacrifices on the altar of self-promotion. Is what we're giving away really worth it for a flash in the pan? "As We Go" has great potential for TV, as it tells the story of a girl who doesn't know where she and a boy stand in their relationship. Rather than just deciding what it is and rushing ahead too fast, she'd rather see what happens. (Somebody do a fan video using clips from Sue Thomas: FBEye - this has Sue and Jack written all over it!) "Best Friend", interestingly, is about the reverse situation; she doesn't want to settle for friendship. Katelynne's good at lacing the song with desperation - like she's holding his head still, looking into his eyes and willing him to understand.
"What Do I Know" has a magical quality at the beginning. She wonders if the person she's talking about could be the perfect one for her, and although she sees it one way, she's willing to allow for the possibility that she's wrong. In "Sticking With You", Katelynne promises to be a faithful friend who'll do anything it takes. It's a song that could be God's message to the listener, too. "Prove 'Em Wrong" is encouragement to anyone in a relationship that everyone says is doomed to fail. If your conversion met with remarks like "it's only a phase you're going through" or "you'll grow out of it", take heart. "You And Me" goes back to the realm of dance, a rallying cry for young people to stand up and change the world.
We place a premium on holidays and neglect the "routine" moments. Katelynne proclaims that God can turn any "Ordinary Day" into the best day of your life. The Christian life is anything but boring. "Smile" is an ode of sorts to a friend who's a tangible reminder of God in her life. She wants to let them know that the little things they do make a difference to her. It's one of my favorites on this album. Next, the first single, "Me", is where she realizes that although she's been disappointed, there's a greater purpose in the pain. God is teaching her a lesson and changing her in the process. I can see why this was chosen as a single; it's upbeat and has a powerful message for anyone whose plans didn't work out. One Girl closes with the poppy beat of "You Satisfy". Nothing else is enough to fill up the empty places in your life, heart or soul like Jesus. Surrender is the message of this song. It's the only way to have your thirst and hunger for more filled up.
Closing Thoughts There are many things we can learn from Katelynne Cox: the power of a truth worth hearing; faithfulness that defies popular opinion; looking beneath the surface of our hurts for buried treasure; discovering the missing element in our lives whose absence requires submission to its presence. The irony and strength of One Girl is that its messages transcend its niche to answer the questions of people in any demographic. A stunning accomplishment with a winning sound.
Review Written By: Laura Chambers [laura.chambers@christianmusicreview.org] on 5/14/2011
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