Newcomer V.Rose has just released her self-titled debut album. In stores now, her vibrant Christian music fuses relevant pop, rock and dance styles with Gospel saturated lyrics. Specifically targeted to fans of Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez, at just 22, V.Rose has already shared the stage with the likes of Group 1 Crew, Marvin Sapp, The Katinas, Deitrick Haddon and label mate FLAME.

The album kicks off with 'Not So Average,' a song that literally forces its way out of the speakers in a very orchestral manner, before the electro mash 'Christian Girl' (which includes a shout out for label mate FLAME) comes forth. Sounding a little Jessie J'ish, V.Rose continues on with 'Battery,' which also features the aforementioned FLAME.

A song to get on the dancefloor and to put your hands up in the air to, the FLAME-backed 'Battery' is easily one of the best songs on the album. Fresh, vibrant and chock full of Christian goodness, aside from the latter it's definitely something that you can hear Britney singing! The slower 'Hater' is next, with the distorted 'Run That Way' and the slow, and yet heartfelt 'Dear Adam' following behind.

The young Christian artist then reverts to putting the pop revs back into her songs with the fast-paced 'In Dependence,' before heading straight back to the slower 'Let's Go Home.' A song about finding her way back to the Kingdom, for my money V.Rose is better at the fast, poppier songs. For these slow, ballad-ish tracks are good, but nothing special ie: there's no Demi Lovato with a 'Skyscraper' on here.

The album continues with the piano-intro'd 'Love Pursuit,' which features vocals from John Katina. A soaring, empowering love ballad duet, it is perfect for this album. And said debut closes out with both 'Forgive Me,' an easy to relate to song, and perhaps the most powerfully-religious song (basically, the Story of Christ) on the entire CD, the six minute long 'Cry Holy.'

Russell A. Trunk