by Jenny Bennett
When you listen to Latin pop sensation Jaci Valasquez's big voice and even bigger message, it's clear as day why she's earned three GRAMMY nominations, six Dove awards and numerous other accolades.
Her latest album Love Out Loud, releasing today, opens with two of the strongest songs on the project, although it’s hard to identify the strongest on such a well-rounded collection. The catchy, lilting Nothing But Sky has radio hit written all over it, combining an admission of pain and heartache (it takes time to find forgiveness) with the realization that now there's "nothing but blue sky around me".
It's one of several songs on the album that speaks about forgiveness, yet Jaci was able to creatively bring a different twist to each one. More on that later.
Any of us who’ve been in a long-term relationship know exactly what Jaci’s singing about in It's Not You It's Me. The passion in her voice on the chorus (Hold on, I would miss you so much. Don't go over something so little) and its memorable melody make it also well-suited for radio.
The momentum continues with the title track, Love Out Loud; the song was wisely chosen as the one that thematically ties the whole album together. To Jaci, loving out loud means just what you would expect. It's a call to action to join your brothers and sisters in taking the message of Jesus Christ out into the world, and the song is the perfect lead-in to the next two tracks, beautiful, prayerful tunes and the project's praise & worship songs, Jesus (The Way) and My Alleluia.
Are you with me so far on Jaci's multiplicity? If you're keeping track, that's one uplifting, roll-your-windows-down pop song, one for romantic love, and three for Jesus.
All this and we haven't even gotten to the best song on the album yet. Weightless, one of the other forgiveness-themed songs I mentioned, communicates the feeling of an enormous burden being lifted off your shoulders when guilt is replaced by acceptance. Expertly arranged with solid harmonies and echoing background vocals, supported by a driving piano line, the song has that “wow factor” that comes with the territory of a truly unique work.
Tango and Por Escrito take listeners back to Jaci’s Latin roots, a delightful deviation from the Houston, Texas native’s fairly traditional American pop style that’s found throughout the rest of the album. Tango is an energetic and light-hearted song that as you can imagine, makes you want to get up and dance, and Por Escrito, a traditional Spanish lullaby, soothes the soul.
A Likely Story and Into the Light are the other two songs on the album related to Jesus and His forgiveness, and while not as strong as the others in that category, they still offer unique interpretations of that idea. With a brief instrumental Outro, a reminder of the first track Nothing But Sky that began the project with a bang, the album comes to a close and is tied together with a neat bow. More importantly, it makes you want to go back to the beginning and listen again.
Even if you haven't heard of Jaci Velasquez until now, Love Out Loud would be a great way to discover her remarkable talent and ability to inspire.
jacivelasquez.com [1]
MySpace [2]
Jump to: LaRue [4]
Back to: Gaither Vocal Band [5]
