No Official Cover

Nichole Nordeman                                                                        Grade: C

“Sunrise” single

Sparrow Records

Nichole Nordeman is one of my fave artists and she has a new single.  It’s called "Sunrise" and will be on the forthcoming (March 6) release "Recollection:  The Best of Nichole Nordeman."  The song is so new its carrying a 2007 copyright. As I write this before Christmas, it's not even on her MySpace yet!

I listened to the new single through my reviewer subscription to EMI Records material.   "Sunrise" is supposed to hit radio the week of January 7.

Up front, I generally love her music.  Nichole was one of the first CCM artists that I saw in concert (way back in 1998) and her debut CD "Wide-Eyed" was one of the first CCM records that I purchased.  That record is still one of the few CCM CDs that I do not grow tired of playing (right up there with Watermark's "All Things New").

I say all of this because "Sunrise" strikes me as fairly pedestrian.  It explores the important theme of "when I'm down, its evidence that God is around." Nichole dealt with this topic on her song "To Say Thanks" from "Wide Eyed."  That song was sung with passion, had lyrics that were very vulnerable and an engaging tune.

 Here's a sample lyric from "Sunrise:"

"There's a moment when faith caves in . . .But every shadow is evidence of sun. . .You alone can resurrect this heart of mine."

Good stuff but nothing extraordinary or captivating like the words to "To Say Thanks."  Sonically, "Sunrise" represents nothing new.  The subdued verses would be at home on her debut while the punchy chorus reminds me of "Brave."

Also, I am a huge cynic of these "Greatest Hits" records that feature one-two new tracks, as "Recollection" will indeed have TWO NEW SONGS. Yippee.  If you don't have any of Nichole's music, a greatest hits package is a good place to start.  However, if you have most of Nichole's previous releases, skip the greatest hits disk and buy "Sunrise" (if you must have it) at a digital/on-line store.  Be legal about it!

And yes-I have loved reading Nichole's monthly columns for CCM Magazine.

- Rob S.