Main Review
From the first time I heard Nicole C. Mullen’s beautiful voice, I was truly captivated at the true God-given talent that was
bestowed on this remarkable singer. It’s ironic that the word that I used to best describe my first impression of Nicole C.
Mullen just happens to be the title of her new album.
It’s been nearly three years since Nicole released her last studio album, A Dream to Believe In Vol. 2, and in that time she
has been extremely active in both her church and in world missions, traveling to Ghana in recent years. Her new album
Captivated is destined to do just that – captivate audiences and allow listeners into Nicole’s prayer life as she brings
them to the Lord through her music.
There are many stand-out tracks on this new offering including the first single, “Kingdom Come”; which coincidentally
features a duet with one of my favorite male vocalists and perhaps one of the best in the business, former Newsong lead-
vocalist Michael O’Brien. Nicole is able to write her own prayerful words combining them alongside the Lord’s Prayer
(Matthew 6:9-12), which makes to be an exciting anthem track.
Another favorite of mine is, “My Shepherd”; which features the unforgettable message of the 23rd Psalm. The song has a
Jamaican-reggae flavor to it, along with a catchy chorus, “I shall not want / I shall not lack / I shall not do without any good
thing”. This should remind us that when we put our trust and care in the Lord – we’ll have everything that we’re in need of
and more.
Perhaps my absolute favorite on the album, and I think many people who hear it will agree is “My Tribute (My Redeemer)”.
The song combines a few different songs, the first being Fanny Crosby’s “To God Be the Glory” along with Andrae Crouch’
s “My Tribute” and of course Nicole’s own hit song (and one of my all-time favorite songs) “Redeemer”. I don’t know what
it is about this song, but especially around the time of year in which we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, it’s chilling
words remind me that no matter what I have going on in the chaos I sometimes call life – my Savior and my Redeemer
lives! I think what I most like about “My Tribute” is how seamless the transition is between the parts of the song are. Very
touching and moving song that gives me the chills every time I hear it!
Closing Thoughts
There are so many reasons to pick up this album, but none more than the fact that every release I have heard come from
Nicole has done one thing, and one thing very well – lift up and honor the name of Jesus Christ. That’s what I love so
much about Nicole and I love that with Captivated she shares with us her own prayer life with listeners. My prayer is that
Captivated will find common ground in other believers’ lives as it has in mine when I have sat back to listen. Captivated
goes on to remind us why we fell in love with Nicole’s music to begin with… Sheer God-breathed talent in every note of
every song. Thumbs up!
Review Written By: Jay Heilman [jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org] on 4/29/2011
Follow CMR on Facebook | MySpace | Twitter | YouTube | Blogger
© 2004-2011 Christian Music Review. All rights reserved.
|
|
