Posted on: September 12, 2009 Posted by: anfnewsacct Comments: 0

Christian music has always been a part of my post-youth life. I was first introduced to the music of the Newsboys back in about 2000, and ever since then, I’ve been attempting to find the best and brightest in the genre. Alexandra Celano’s 2009 release “I’m Overcome” came to us just a few days ago, and I have to say that it may just be the best Christian album of this year.

This is due to the fact that Celano is able to touch upon all the distinct twists and turns that the genre has taken over the course of the last twenty years, while adding a number of different stylistic flavors from secular music to make for something stellar. The disc’s introductory track, “I’m Overcome”, feels as if Amy Grant and Dolly Parton had a meeting of the minds, while the instrumentation uses country, sixties pop, and even hair metal for fonts of inspiration. “In This Place” showcases the vocal acumen of Celano, using little more than her harmonies to make for a song that is hauntingly brilliant. During this track, shades of sixties pop hobnob with a much more rich Americana tradition, ensuring that all will enjoy the track.

“My Father’s Hands” shows the consistency of Celano’s ability, while the instrumentation rises and swells to provide the perfect support to the vocal component of “I’m Overcome”. “More Than A Man” shows that Celano does not falter at the later reaches of the album, with a deliberately-paced track that showcases Celano’s narrative ability. “I’m Overcome” is one of the best Christian albums of the year because it simply puts out a way for listeners to find the glory of God, without all of the glitz and unnecessary flash that has invaded the Christian scene of the last few years. Each of the 11 tracks on the album is glorious, and I feel that the Christian faith will be further bolstered any time Celano chooses to let her feelings and thoughts be captured on this media.

Top Tracks: I’m Overcome, In This Place

Rating: 8.5/10

Alexandra Celano – I’m Overcome / 2009 Self / 11 Tracks / http://www.alexandracelano.com

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