Deeper Life (CD - 2003)

Personnel includes: Natalie Grant (vocals); Rob Graves, Dan Petty (acoustic & electric guitars, mandolin, programming); Michael Ripoll, Steve Liewicke , Phil Symonds, Chris Grafagnio (guitar); Mark Douthit, Cole Burgess (saxophone); George Tidwell, Mike Haynes (trumpet); Chris McDonald, Barry Green (trombone); Bernie Herms (piano, bass, programming); Tim Akers (keyboards); Joey Canday (bass, acoustic bass); Brad Albetta, Otto Price, Jackie Street (bass); Steve Brewster (drums, programming); Eric Darken (percussion); Michelle Swift, Terry White (background vocals).

Producers include: Michael Lloyd, Tommy Simms, Eric Foster White.

Personnel: Natalie Grant (vocals, background vocals); Rob Graves (guitar, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, mandolin, clappers, programming); Phil Symonds (guitar); Michael Ripoll (acoustic guitar, electric guitar, nylon-string guitar); Dan Petty (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Jerry McPherson (electric guitar); Nashville String Machine, London Session Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra (strings); Cole Burgess, Mark Douthit (saxophone); Mike Haynes , George Tidwell (trumpet); Chris McDonald, Barry Green (trombone); Bernie Herms (piano, programming); Bryan Lenox (keyboards, percussion); Tim Akers (keyboards); Joey Canaday (acoustic bass); Chris Estes (drums, percussion); Steve Brewster (drums, drum programming); Chris McHugh, Shawn Pelton (drums); Jasen Rauch, Fred Paragano (clappers); Eric Darken (percussion); Eric Foster White (programming); Jovaun Woods, Kimberly Mont, Terri White, Jerard Woods, Lisa Cochran, Michelle Swift, Terry White, Tim Davis (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Danny Duncan; Eric Foster White; David Schober; Fred Paragano; Humberto Gatica; J.R. McNeely; Jeff Balding; Tommy Sims; Bryan Lenox.

Recording information: Avatar Studios, New York, NY; Cherokee studios; Emerald Sound, Nashville, TN; EMI Abbey Road Studios, London, England; Iroquois Sound; paragon Studios; Six Feet Over; SOund Kitchen, Franklin, TN; The Bike Shop, NJ; The Compound, Franklin, TN; The Groove Chamber; The Mix Box, Nashville, TN; The Playground, Peytonsville, TN; The Spank Factory; The Tin Ear, Nashville, TN; Tweeters House.

Photographer: Dominick Guillemot.

Arrangers: Phil Sillas; Chris McDonald; Bernie Herms.

It's too early in her career to know whether this powerhouse singer/songwriter will ever reach the heights of Contemporary Christian Music's other Grant (Amy), but a bevy of top producers come on board this sparkling debut to launch Natalie Grant towards this goal. All of these studio wizards (Eric Foster White, Tommy Sims, and Michael Lloyd) are better-known for their secular pop music, and the variety of atmospheres they create poise Grant for crossover pop success. It also helps that the lyrics Grant sings are designed as inspirational, rather than preachy. Torchy tracks like "I Am Not Alone" and rock-driven anthems like "I Will Be" could definitely lead both teenagers looking for substance, and adult contemporary audiences, to a deeper examination of important spiritual issues. Grant's wide-ranging pipes (yes, think potential diva) would surely sound great without all the production energy, but nearly every up-tempo tune here is an irresistible mix of pop/rock and modern soul flavors. The title track is all thump and hook, and some of the vocal texturing will remind fans of Point of Grace. Another POG-like tune, "Days Like These," is driven by jangly alternative pop guitars. A few tracks touch on simple exotica, most notably "Love Without Limits" with its swirling flamenco strings. Amidst the playful spirit is Grant's most heartfelt tune, a lush and teary, almost breathless tribute to her father, "Always Be Her Baby." This tune alone indicates that we're dealing with a major new talent whose deeper life extends from the spiritual into the musical. ~ Jonathan Widran minimize