Avalon

By Debra Akins, contributing writer, GospelMusicChannel.com

When your 15-year recording career has successfully produced a whopping 21 chart-topping singles and numerous Dove Awards, GRAMMY nominations and an American Music Award, it can be risky to step ever-so-slightly out of your comfort zone to try something new. But that’s exactly what Avalon has done on Reborn, the group’s aptly-titled 14th recording. Avalon’s rebirth comes in many forms including a new label home with E1 Entertainment and new group member Amy Richardson, whose husband Jeremi joined the group in 2007. The powerhouse quartet is now comprised of two husband-and-wife teams, with the Richardsons joining founding member Janna Long (the only original Avalonian remaining) and her husband Greg to create that signature wall of vocal sound for which this group is known.

But perhaps the most important element to Avalon’s metamorphosis is the group’s union with modern rock producer Ian Eskelin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart, Francesca Battistelli), who along with Barry Weeks steered Reborn into bits of uncharted territory for Avalon. Incorporating a more aggressive guitar-driven sound than we’ve heard on earlier Avalon efforts, Eskelin creates fresh moments with driving pop-rock melodies and new, creative treatments to the group’s stacked harmonies. Each song also seems to draw equally upon the strength of Janna, Greg, Jeremi and Amy as soloists – an easy task since any of these four can (and do) vocally knock it out of the park whenever they want.

Album highlights include the first single, the melodic “Arise,” which builds to a crescendo of harmonies. The driving “Fragile,” worshipful “You Are Holy (Isaiah 6)” and “Angels,” along with the catchy pop of “California” are standouts. For me, one of the album’s strongest tracks is the beautifully-written “Stay,” with flawless, soaring vocals by Greg and Jeremi.

Avalon will always be known for its polished pop sound and dynamic vocalists (some of the best in the industry) – but they should be commended for stretching here. Whether an oft-too-cynical industry can listen with an objective ear remains to be seen, but dedicated Avalon fans will find much to like on Reborn. And it should attract a group of new fans as well. A great, fresh effort from one of Christian music’s mainstays.