ALBUM REVIEW

Sheila Swift

Sheila Swift is a passionate alternative/pop Christian independent musician. Her self-titled debut album shows that she has the potential to go quite far in the CCM scene as she is the total package from image, songwriting and a natural knack for writing/singing “now” sounding hooks.

Not Mine starts the album out with Sheila’s expressive voice on top of a scaled down production, but builds into full instrumentation quickly thereafter. This touch is a nice way to introduce the listener to Sheila as a gifted singer. Sheila and Daryl Youngblood have a neat way of writing as the Chorus is more a repeating theme more than a full chorus. Daryl is her producer/co-songwriter and he plays a major part in this debut. I Never Imagined is a special song and a masterpiece! Obviously written for someone dear and departed, the emotions brought out in this type of song are truly the best a songwriter can achieve. Sheila’s voice is so stirring and the cello adds a somber feeling to a guitar-orientated track; a brilliant touch, it blends in quite amazingly.

Kinsman Redeemer is a beautiful and deep track, there is no doubt that Sheila has a faith more mature than her young age. The guitars are scaled back but well played, complete with a classical guitar solo which helps to bring this wonderful mood to the forefront. The production builds up from subtle synths to harmonies and a bigger guitar at the end. Treading Water continues an album whose continuity was well thought out as it plays naturally in the song order. This song is a cry out from the wilderness from a tender Christian seeking the love of our Savior. It’s another superb song with Sheila’s trademark feeling-laden lead vocals giving expression to a clever, clever theme.

Winter is the song young adults will be looking for when they buy the CD. When you pick up the CD and look at it graphically, you think “alternative”. This CD layout is top-notch with a refective edge and brilliant photography. Winter is a sure radio track complete with a haunting chorus that is just phenomenal. All I Can Do has an 80’s Degarmo and Key flavor with the guitar production (the comparison is meant as a huge compliment.) This is very catchy, with a killer hook and counter guitar melodies that just emphasize the strong melody.

Prisoner of Hope continues Sheila’s exceptional lyrical barrage. The photos and album layout match the songs in this project. Many artists don’t do this; they write and produce a great album and then put what looks good as a representation of their music in general, but not a true representation of the album. This debut album does so with style. Prisoner is as good lyrically as Treading Water and really gives us an essence of faith and hope with its own synergy. Thirty Pieces tackles the guilt of Judas. It's written from Judas’ eyes, but there's an underlying message that we have all been in his place, and it hits home hard. From a songwriter's standpoint most songs have a feel to it, you know what the subject matter is going to be when you hear the music, but this song goes against that practice and completely succeeds!

Altar of Faith is beautiful and will definitely be a favorite of the female listeners. The keyboard solo is refreshing and blends well, while the production tricks are outstanding here and throughout this album. New Love paints a musical picture of His salvation to an absolutely thankful artist. There is little doubt Sheila has an unshakable love for Jesus Christ, and we can relate in our own way while listening to the repeating chorus on this pop delight. Down Here is Sheila with an acoustic guitar in hand and a microphone, the perfect closer. It’s a personal song, Sheila unplugged. This is just as good as the fully produced tracks because she’s singing to the Lord and we’re just eavesdropping!

This review is written on the eve of Sheila’s second album and she will only get better and better! For an Independent to do this well on a debut album is rare, you have to be talented and have the correct producer and players in line to achieve this type of ultimate result. Sheila has it all -- heart, style and voice; with proper promotion and foresight with her future projects, she will be unstoppable.