Take Me Away (CD - 2004)

Personnel: Sarah Kelly (vocals, acoustic & electric guitars); Matt Guilder (cello, keboards); Mike Payne (bass); Adrian Walther, Aaron Jenkins (drums); Nate Blackstone (percussion).

Personnel: Sarah Kelly (vocals); Matt Guilder (keyboards); Matt Payne (drums); Nathan Blackstone (percussion); Mike Payne (electronics).

Audio Mixer: David Thoner.

Recording information: Cartee-Day Studio; The Guatamalan Studio.

Unknown Contributor Role: Mike Payne.

Not many Christian singers can find the same kind of vocal fire for God that secular singers use to express their emotions at jilted lovers, but this Rockford, IL, native adds a much needed grit to contemporary Christian music. On anthemic, simmering rock-blues crunchers like "Please Forgive Me," she gets you to feel her need for God's grace like few artists in the genre ever have. Her press materials tout this side of her artistry -- which immediately compels the listener on the opening power ballad title track -- as Joplin-esque, but as befits a spiritual singer, Sarah Kelly also has a more ethereal side that draws from the Sarah McLachlan and Norah Jones type of emotional subtleties. "Living Hallelujah" and "All I See" contemplate all the Christian questions you've heard before, but in a wistful, soul-searching way that will inspire those who like a gentler approach. Somewhere in the middle are the straightforward rockers that combine the best of these styles. Another great selling point is Kelly's great songwriting ability, which could easily create a few contemporary worship standards from some of the material here. ~ Jonathan Widran

Initially a reluctant performer by all accounts, Sarah Kelly credits God with helping her to let go of her fears and share her talent with the world. Listeners owe the Lord some thanks as well, since Kelly is possessed of an unusually powerful voice, unlike anything else in contemporary Christian music.

Equal parts Alanis Morissette and Janis Joplin, with a touch of Billie Holiday thrown in for good measure, Kelly's vocals alternate between gale-force wails and gentle, rough-hewn lyricism as the mood suits her. Though the album (executive produced by CCM star TobyMac) bathes Kelly's bold singing in sprightly modern-rock grooves, the vocalist's obvious love of older musical styles shines through. "Life Is" matches a Led Zeppelin-like heavy groove with singing that recalls Holiday's smoky sensuality, while the acoustic-based "More Than Anyone" is reminiscent of 1970s arena-rock power ballads. A potent debut from an artist obviously filled with the Spirit, TAKE ME AWAY is for listeners who like their Christian music imbued with unrelenting passion. minimize