Title - ‘Stronger’ (Curb)
Artist - Natalie Grant
A sophomore album is sometimes the hardest for an artist. It can either make or break that artist. For instance, if an artist had a very successful debut album, and their sophomore album wasn't near the quality, the artist could disappear from the music scene all together. However, if the artist has a so-so debut and releases and spectacular sophomore album, the artist could be the biggest in the industry. Now lets take a look at Natalie Grant. Claimed to be the next big ‘Christian Diva’, Grant's debut album came out to decent critic reviews and even lack-luster sales. Now, with a new label and a new outlook on ministry and her place in the industry, Grant comes back with a sophomore album that should solidify herself as one of the top females in the industry. This album starts off with two radio-friendly pop tunes, "What Other Man" and "Keep On Shining". Natalie really knows how to sing a pop song and really shows off on these and others like "Anything" and "Don't Wanna Make a Move". However, Grant TRULY shows off her stellar voice on the big ballads, such as "If This World Lost All It's Love", "I Love to Praise" and "Only You". Grant teams up with none other than New Artist of the Year, Plus One, for one of the album’s highlights, "Whenever You Need Somebody". Other great songs are the Cindy Morgan-penned lyric "Finally Home" and "Such a Wonder" (which has to show how much Grant is stretching as both an artist and a vocalist). Grant truly is one of those underrated artists in the industry and definitely deserves the title of ‘Christian Music's Best Kept Secret’ !
Jon Curtis
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