Daniel Kirkley
Let Love Win
Centricity
Grade - B

            Daniel Kirkley is a good example of how hard work and determination can still pay off.  His back-story includes a leap of faith with regards to his education, an internship in the music business, and eventual placement on the stage. All of this led to his first independent release in 2003 and the eventual signing with Centricity.  And it all started basically as Kirkley expressed his desire to follow God’s leading to his questioning parents who worried about his eduction.  However, as Kirkley affirmed that it was from God’s leading that he was acting from, with the support of his parents, he set out on a new journey of faith and the fruit of that faith is “Let Love Win.”

            Kirkley is an amazing vocalist and his combined talents of classical vocals and pop sensibilities make the CD attractive.  For example, you have the emotive and edgy “Let Love Win” and the more laid back and inspirational “Make It Beautiful.”  As a writer, Kirkley is only credited for co-writing four of the tracks on “Let Love Win.”  Nichole Nordeman wrote the title track itself and another stand out track is “My New Dawn,” which was written by producer Matt Bronleewe.

            The rich quality of Kirkley’s vocals and the song selection makes “Let Love Win” an excellent label debut.  I would look for Kirkley to further develop his own writing as well as greater collaborations in the future.

- Ken W.