Carried Away
Closer to You
Glide/Shelter Records
12 tracks @ 48:50

These three young Canadians (the members range in age from 17 to 20), started their musical career on a whim. Sisters Colleen and Pam Walker and their cousin Christine Prankard thought it “would be fun” to sign up for their territory’s “Music Fest,” a church talent competition. They won.

Pam Walker says it was quite a shock. “It started out as just a little something extra to do for fun on the weekends. As we got used to singing in front of audiences together, we also started developing a genuine love for it and through prayer God kept pulling us further in that direction.” Some four years later, Carried Away is out with its first-length CD. Fans of ZOEgirl and Rebecca St. James will really like this record.

Opening track “I Will Live For You” is an uplifting guitar and drum driven rock song, with refreshing lyrics that leave no doubt where Carried Away is coming from. “With every breath, the air that I breathe, I will live for you my God.”

“Lift” is a rocking modern worship song while the PRF-esque “Closer to You” has a fun sing-along backing chorus. “Carried Away” opens with a hint of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony followed by a cascade of guitars. The song also features Jeff Deyo as a vocalist. This song should be a radio single. “I wanna get carried away. I wanna get tossed by Your waves. I don’t care where or how deep.”

“Alive” is a perfect companion piece to the Newsboys recent worship projects.

I haven’t heard much new music this year that’s gotten me excited but this record is worth seeking out. The group’s web site is at www.carriedaway.ca.

- Rob S.