Home
Brooke Barrettsmith
Self-Titled
Essential Records
Grade – B-
Brooke Barrettsmith has a rich family history of involvement in the arts. Her father was a professional Blues drummer, her Grandmother sang on the Chicago Broadway stage as well as Opera, and Brooke herself took classical voice lessons in college with ambitions of making it to Broadway. Lastly, like many others before her, Brooke was also a contestant on the infamous “American Idol.” I may have to start watching the show just to familiarize myself with the influx of Christian and mainstream artist pouring out from the ranks of the contestants.
Her family history and her training explains the musical side of Brooke and it helps to understand why her self-titled is as solid as it is. The second part is the intensity of the message that is a major plus on the album. Brooke herself is given credit with co-writing the entire CD and there are some familiar names credited with helping – Aaron Sprinkle and Jason Ingram – as well as a couple of co-writers I am not as familiar with – Rob Hawkins and Adam Smith.
The tracks that stand out the most for me are “Quiet My Heart,” “Father,” and “More Real.” The track “More Real” exemplifies the message of the CD, “Jesus, You’re More Real.” More real than anything the world has to offer.
Where the album falls short, is that on a few tracks the music sound overly familiar. I found that a couple of songs, “Right Now” and “Farewell” sounded a lot like labelmate Krystal Meyers.
For fans of chick-rock (is that even politically correct?) Brooke Barrettsmith’s Essential debut is well worth checking out. For fans of contemporary gospel rock alone should also find the album acceptable.
Ken W.