Review and More

Our Review

Christian music star Natalie Grant has incredible pipes, a voice so flexible and explosive that she blows off the roof on Believe, a rock-solid holiday release with a double personality. On the one hand, this album is fabulous for those who favor robust gospel/pop with a big-band production feel; the first three tracks will have you hopping! "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" is especially lively, with Grant contributing some cute asides. On the other hand, those you prefer more introspective, slower-paced numbers will love cuts like "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and the "Silver Bells/Savior Came for Me/O Holy Night (Medley)." Believe genuinely has something for everyone!

The album's ten pieces nicely blend the old and new. The title track "I Believe" is Grant's own creation, a precious piece with limited accompaniment, starkly beautiful in its simplicity and heartfelt message. The "Silver Bells/Savior Came for Me/O Holy Night (Medley)" is a fascinating and seamless mix of the secular and the sacred, and Grant pulls it off with artistic aplomb. The offering ends on a terrific note with a talented chamber choir providing support for Grant's emotive gospel presentation on "Sweet Little Jesus Boy."

Believe may make believers of you this holiday season. Thank you, Natalie Grant, for a vocal dynamic that is sweet dynamite!

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2005)

More

From the liner notes:

Produced by Bernie Herms for Soulfuel Productions

Vocals: Natalie Grant
Piano: Bernie Herms, Pat Coil
B3 Organ: Jamie Kinney, DeeDee Holt
BGVs by Natalie Grant, Da'dra Crawford Greathouse, Nirva Dorsaint, Melinda Doolittle, Steve Crawford, Maurice Carter, Jovaun Woods, Kimberly Mont, Gerard Woods, Anthony Evans
Drums: Scott Williamson, Dan Needham, Lamar Campbell Bass: Danny O'Lanerty, Joey Canaday
Horns: Mike Haynes, Mark Douthit, Chris McDonald, George Tidwell, Dennis Solie, Barry Green
Guitars: Mark Baldwin, Adam Lester, Michael Rippoll, Pat Burgeson
The Nashville String Machine
Chamber Choir: Vanessa Jackson, Margaret Brediman, Patti Thomas, Anne Neff, Shelby Strickland, Angel Larock Sietto, Carol Moseley, Ken Nelson, Ron Jensen, Greg Thomas, Paul Roark, Tom Romines, Chris Simonsen, Bill Kirby, Bart LeFay

From the Web site:

Natalie's Fun Facts

Birthday: December 21
Birthplace: Seattle, WA
Hero(s): My Mom and Dad
Favorite Cuisine: Chinese and Italian
Favorite Junk Food: CANDY! good n plenty's and hot tamales
Favorite Hobbies: Shopping and Reading
Favorite Song: It Is Well With My Soul
Favorite Season: Fall
Favorite Holiday: Christmas
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Movie: The Grinch, with Jim Carrey
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite Team: Tennesse Titans
Dream Vacation:Italy
Bad Habit: Driving Fast

[C]ritically acclaimed artist and three-time Dove Award nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year. . .

Natalie Grant

Believe

Artist link

Track List