Joy Williams
Genesis
Reunion Records

The first thing I noticed about Joy Williams’ latest release is the change in style. Williams has grown up and musically matured beyond what I expected. At one point, when I was listening to the album, I had gotten so lost in it that I had forgotten who it was I was reviewing. With Genesis, Williams is setting new ground, proving that she is more than a label teen pop creation. Further proof of growth is that Williams was more involved with the writing process this time, co-writing with Jason Ingram, Matthew West, Ian Eskelin, Ben Glover, and Jason Houser.

Genesis in general has an adult contemporary feel, but every now and then it’s jazzed up, like on “We”, which is more guitar driven. Myself, I tend to favor the softer ballads like “Beautiful Redemption”, “I’m In Love With You”, and “Child of Eden”. Over all, Genesis is an impressive display of maturity on Williams’ behalf. Thus begins a genesis in her musical career.

- Ken W.