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Lest any think I switched sides with my Guns N’ Roses review on November 12, attention now turns to two very different, yet both immensely rewarding, new recordings by Christian artists who aren’t household names. Much to the detriment of households everywhere.
First, we have Rosalie (yes, she has a last name). She’s a modern-day Southern gentlewoman; a loving wife and mother who loves Jesus and sings about Him. Her debut album is titled “Abiding in Your Presence.” It’s the audio equivalent of inviting a friend over to sip sweet tea and rejoice in the Lord together.
Stylistically, “Abiding in Your Presence” is relaxed pop mercifully minus saccharine. No singer-penned songs are on the album; originals are coming on future releases. Instead, the songs are, for the most part, old friends performed with reverent passion.
And how refreshing is it to hear a traditional hymn in 2022?
The production is straightforward and uncluttered, letting the songs and the singer speak for themselves. Rosalie is not a bombs-bursting-in-air kind of singer. Instead, her pleasant, warm voice isn’t polished to excess. It invites the listener to identify with her in awe of the Lord, not her vocal gymnastics.
There is welcome sincerity without overwrought histrionics in Rosalie’s earnest singing. We’ve all heard the expression, “I can hear a smile in your voice.” With Rosalie, you hear the faith. This isn’t a vanity project or someone trying to emulate any given pop star. Instead, this is listening to a friend and fellow churchgoer as she sings the songs you both know and love.
Next, we have Rachel Wilhelm’s new EP “Mystery Canticles.” The marvelous Mrs. Wilhelm’s music frequently airs on Cephas Hour, and with good cause: his musical and liturgical skills are unparalleled in today’s music. That said, she has managed to outdo even herself on this new release.
The four songs each focus on one crucial Old Testament figure: Deborah, Jonah, Daniel, and Job. The first track, “Deborah’s Song,” is breathtaking on all fronts. An achingly beautiful melody tops delicate minus cloying preciousness light classical-influenced instrumentation. Lyrically, Wilhelm superbly blends straight Scripture with poetic grace.
O kings hear a song that reaches the Lord:
a woman standing tall to lead;
The earth quaked and trembled, the sky bled its store
When God marched out to wield His mighty sword.Read Related Also: Super Bowl MVP Puts Balenciaga on Blast – and Puts Kim Kardashian to Shame
Those who love You will rise up
Burning brightly, shining like the sun
While Your enemies perish
They will tumble to the ground.They fought from the heavens, the stars from their course,
The torrent of the land swept them away.
Is there none to carry the will of the Lord?
The people flee before the pounding horse.Those who love You will rise up
Burning brightly, shining like the sun
While Your enemies perish
They will tumble to the ground.Most blessed is a woman, a wife with a peg,
When asked for water gave warm milk.
And as he lay sleeping, she hammered his head,
He lay still, he sank, there he fell dead.Let Your enemies perish,
They will fall and never rise again.
Those who rest by Your river
Will recount Your righteousness.
Will recount Your righteousness.
Will recount Your righteousness.
The other three songs? They’re equally superb.
In a disintegrating world filled with “leaders” addicted to power and their lies, hearing the Truth has never been more necessary. Fight back with the utterly superior. Make room for both “Abiding in Your Presence” and “Mystery Canticles” in your music library. You won’t regret it.
”Abiding in Your Presence” is available direct from Rosalie via eBay. “Mystery Canticles” is available from Rachel Wilhelm via her Bandcamp page.
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