Getting even edgier is Made Me Whole. Though this album shows off Ryland's ability to write and sing across genres, having variety is great for radio submissions, but for a listener it can sometimes feel a little disjointed. Whole is a good example of that, continuity-wise it might have set better against one of the more rock-influenced tracks instead of between two pop-praise songs.
You are Love is a love song to the Lord, with a vocal full of thankfulness and adoration backed up by an emotional guitar. The guitar is the best part of the song, with a catchy George Harrison-ish guitar that will stick with you long after the song is over. The lead is very good as well. This is the only song with heavy background vocals and they're excellent. There's a female voice set in the background that tempers his lead, making it seem more tender and befitting the lyrics. There is very nice production here, bringing it all together.
Walk This Road asks the important question, "What if today was the day?" It's the first of a block of four songs that are top-notch. Are you ready to meet Jesus? It's a really good question. If we're honest, most of us aren't, even if we're Christians. There's unfinished business, unconfessed sin, and probable regrets. I'm sure this is an excellent closer in concert, bringing the audience to a reflective silence. It's unusual to find an album where the best four songs are also the last four songs. Russell seems to be saving the best for last, or maybe he's feeling comfortable enough at the end to be completely himself.
Tucked way back in the #10 spot is the masterpiece, All I Need. It's a little confusing why this wasn't one of the lead-off songs, as the feel to it comes across as his soul laid bare and his definitive style. Ryland's vocal is excellent here, with a complete and transparent surrender to the Lord. All grapples with the hard questions of the Christian life, when life is difficult and things don't go the easy way. It's a very powerful and moving song, and bears many repeat listenings.
On the heels of the best song of the album is another strong cut, This Love. What fun! As deep and heavy as the previous cut is, this song is light and easy-going. The jazzy, smooth little ditty will have you smiling as you move about. It's a celebration of the freshness and comfort we find in His love. The vocal here uses Ryland's upper ranges and falsetto, and he has just as much power here as in the mid-range. There's even a little scat tagged onto the end.
The album closes with an admonishment for unity in the body of Christ. Beliefs has a full sound, with brass backing up the clear vocal, and a gentle percussion complementing this priceless production. It leaves you thinking, and wanting more of this sound.
As a first solo album, Russell showcases his diversity across many styles. Yet it is those songs that are pure and from the heart that have the most impact. He has a strong enough voice to sing any style, but it is the worship songs that really showcase his talents. As a debut this is a very strong record. His sophomore release will be a must buy as RR settles into his own sound. Waking Up To A Dream is the fulfillment of a believer's reality, that we will one day wake up with Him in Heaven. Singing a new song with Russell in the mean time will fill our present time quite nicely.
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