Brooke Barrettsmith

By Melissa Riddle, Senior Editorial Strategist, GospelMusicChannel.com

It’s pretty rare these days in Christian music to find a woman anywhere near the charts (note to self: step down off the soapbox, this is an album review), much less to find a female pop-rocker of note breaking onto the music scene. So breaking open the cellophane on the self-titled debut of Essential artist Brooke Barrettsmith was met with more than a bit of curiosity. And I must say, this 26-year-old Chicago pop-rocker satisfies not only with some core-solid, powerful lyrics, but also a memorable rock landscape (ala Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Avril Lavigne) to keep the project interesting. No small feat for a new kid. From the echoing rock ballad, “Farewell,” extolling the unconditional love and mercy of God in our lives, to the driving force of relationship lost in “Anymore,” to “More Real,” an anthem that reminds us of Jesus’ powerful presence despite the darkness of the day, Barrettsmith underscores with passion the intent of her message: Don’t be ashamed of your faith. We are weak, but God is strong. Reach for him, and he will come through. A big voice that delivers a big message and delivers it well. Look for Barrettsmith on the Million Voice Tour this fall with BarlowGirl and Jimmy Needham, in support of Mercy Ministries.

brookerocks.com
MySpace

More Street Date...
More August Releases