Kansas [10th Anniversary Gold Edition] (CD - 1998)

Personnel: Jennifer Knapp (acoustic guitar, background vocals); Tyler Burkum (electric guitar); Matt Slocum (cello); Jim Hoke (woodwinds); Greg Herrington (drums, percussion, programming).

Audio Mixers: J.R. McNeely; Skidd Mills.

Audio Remasterer: Dan Shike.

Photographers: Ron Keith; Kerri McKeehan Stuart.

In the late 1990s, Christian singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp released her debut album, KANSAS, which created a small sensation amongst gospel and CCM fans. Knapp's earthy, just-folks alto and straightforward pop approach was just what young listeners wanted in their devotional music. The album went gold and also landed on many "best-of" lists for that year. This ten-year anniversary edition includes all the original hits--the beautiful waltz "Hold Me Now," the country-tinged "Martyrs and Thieves"--as well as remastered versions of "Whole Again" and "Undo Me," and eight delightful bonus tracks.

In the late 1990s, Christian singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp released her debut album, KANSAS, which created a small sensation amongst gospel and CCM fans. Knapp's earthy, just-folks alto and straightforward pop approach was just what young listeners wanted in their devotional music. The album went gold and also landed on many "best-of" lists for that year, based on the strength of the beautiful waltz "Hold Me Now," the country-tinged "Martyrs and Thieves," as well as the hit singles "Whole Again" and "Undo Me."

Kansas, the first Gotee Records release from singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp, is an album rarely paralleled in the gospel genre. The edgy yet vulnerable folk-rock and alternative CCM mix serve to create a guitar-driven, almost gritty sound, resulting in comparisons between Knapp and fellow Lillith Fair performers Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge. The project is framed by the a cappella melody "Faithful to Me," which both opens and closes the album. "Undo Me" and "Romans" are clothed in highly rhythmic, acoustic guitar rock, with "Romans" being the more upbeat, less intense of the two. The project's highlight is the song "Hold Me Now." The track, a lyrical parable of sorts, is as close as Knapp comes to a gentle, acoustic ballad. ~ Ashleigh Kittle

Kansas, the first Gotee Records release from singer/songwriter Jennifer Knapp, is an album rarely paralleled in the gospel genre. The edgy yet vulnerable folk-rock and alternative CCM mix serve to create a guitar-driven, almost gritty sound, resulting in comparisons between Knapp and fellow Lillith Fair performers Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge. The project is framed by the a cappella melody "Faithful to Me," which both opens and closes the album. "Undo Me" and "Romans" are clothed in highly rhythmic, acoustic guitar rock, with "Romans" being the more upbeat, less intense of the two. The project's highlight is the song "Hold Me Now." The track, a lyrical parable of sorts, is as close as Knapp comes to a gentle, acoustic ballad. [Gotee's 2008 reissue included seven tracks.] ~ Ashleigh Kittle minimize