Album Reviews

Live for You (Word)

Well, it's officially been declared (by the people who officially declare such things) "The Year of the Kids." Just like in mainstream pop, youth-oriented acts have become a prominent feature on the Christian music charts, with boy bands (Plus One), girl groups (V*enna, ShineMK), and now several new solo artists stepping into the spotlight.

In this corner is Rachael Lampa, a mini-diva with über-producer Brown Bannister guiding her and the influence of Word and Sony backing her. Those kinds of resources translate to such perks as access to cream-of-the-crop writers and musicians and having your strings recorded at Abbey Road -- which would all be window dressing if the girl couldn't flat out belt it. The 15-year-old effortlessly treads the stylistic path between Dion-esque scorchers and celebratory dance-pop ("Live for You", her No. 1 hit, and "God Loves You"). Such tracks as "Always Be My Home" and "Free" reveal subtleties unusual in such a young vocalist, while the gospel-tinged "Blessed" ought to cause Mariah Carey to go, "Whoa."

Often overlooked has been the fact that Crystal Lewis, Amy Grant, and Rebecca St. James (among others) started their careers in their teens, and they've turned out OK. Lampa certainly deserves mention in that company -- she seems to have the stuff to go the distance.

Bruce A. Brown CDNOW Contributing Writer

Kaleidoscope

Rachael Lampa's award-winning debut ushered this powerhouse vocal prodigy on the scene with a bang; Kaleidoscope, the 16-year-old singer's sophomore project, is a much more grown-up affair, both thematically and stylistically.

As with her first record, one is astonished at this youngster's ripe talent and the wisdom of her support team to utilize her abilities to greatest effect. Lampa knows when to hold back (as on the power ballad "No Greater Love," which in less experienced hands could have easily been made a Top 40 cliché), but she lets loose when she needs to, as on the gloriously bluesy "Beautiful."

Overlooking the singer's youth could be dangerous, however: voluptuous layers of backing vocals add a sensuality to "Brand New Life," and Lampa is downright sultry on "For Your Love." This type of musical navel-baring may score points with mainstream audiences, but it will probably raise eyebrows with more conservative religious folks. Lampa is smart to thumb her nose at such critics: Hers is a mature talent ready to bust out of the Christian music box, and as they say, there's no time like the present.

Lisa Zhito CDNOW Contributing Writer