Ginny Owens
Long Way Home
Rocketown Records

From the very beginning, with “Without Condition,” released in 1999, Ginny Owens has been elevated to a higher level of Christian music stardom. As evidence of her immediate success in 2000 when Ginny was awarded the Dove Award for New Artist of the Year. From the spotlight position, Ginny has struggled, learned, and blossomed. That much is evident from the depth and maturity of her writing. Her journalistic style of writing exposes her weaknesses, struggles, and joys, and has earned her much respect.

Additionally, on her fourth studio album, “Long Way Home,” Ginny has taken significant steps outside of her usual boundaries by taking on duties as co-producer. What results from this shift is a more dynamic project that is lyrically strong, and more vibrant sounding. There is more of an emphasis on the music as Ginny recorded with her live band for the first time I believe. Additionally, her vocal range goes from the more soulful to light and lofty and the songs have a nice natural rhythm to them. Overall, Long Way Home shows great growth and maturity on Ginny’s behalf. Songs like “Fellow Traveler,” “Long Way Home,” and “Tyranny” have really brought this project home for me.

- Ken W.