Search - Sarah Masen :: Carry Us Through

Underappreciated Masterpiece lost amongst all the bad CCM

Robert J. Donahue | Delphi, IN, USA | 03/23/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Every Song A Keeper is rare enough praise in any genre, let alone the wasteland that is CCM ("Contemporary Christian Music"--which some would, not without reason, argue is neither Contemporary, nor Christian, nor Music . . . discuss amongst yourselves).



Charlie Peacock's production is sparse and pure and timeless, bringing the focus ever on Sarah's voice, her words. And the voice speaks as much as the lyrics do, and the lyrics have just enough substance to satisfy the Christian Music Police, and just enough space between the lines for multiple layers of feeling and meaning to seep and shine through.



This is clearly an unheralded Woman of God, in an era in which the "heralded" "Women of God" are at least 95% hype, stagecraft, makeup, and rehashed sunday school content. Not Sarah, she wrestles with demons, the REAL demons we all face, not the cartoon characters invoked by the Benny Hinns of our sad, sad time. She's got the cojones to live with ambiguity, to find glimpses of God where the light don't shine, to sing through laughter and tears at the same time, not for Nashville-production-effect, but because singing through these paradoxical states of expression is what it is all about when you are both a solid Christian and a solid artist. And she's both, thank God Almighty."

Triumphant Avoidance Of The Sophomore Slump!

Robert J. Donahue | 05/28/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Well,I gave a glowing review to Sarah Masen's debut album,and when I heard she released a new one,all kinds of things raced through my head.So many artists release a marvelous debut only to follow it up with something less tasty. Well,I had faith and bought "Carry Us Through" with only the knowledge of its' first single, "Wrap My Arms Around Your Name".I had heard it on the radio and fallen in love with the swirly melody and layered style.Well,Sarah has grown up from a pop hit factory to a confident artist with a unique vision. The production is a lot more complicated on this record,with more than just your usual backup track. Mandolins,keyboards,organs and even a bass harmonica are used along with the usual guitar,bass and drums to create a sound that,while it still conjures up similarities to Sarah McLachlan,is rather reminiscent of the sophomore effort from Jars Of Clay. The music,at its best,is reflective,ambient and beautiful. This is evident in tracks like "Beautiful Dream Visions" and my favorite, "Tears Like Flowers",which reminds me of U2 meets Peter Gabriel. The only downside is that I was immediately captured by less of the songs. The title track may be shooting for quirkiness,but I found the harmonicas and bluesiness somewhat contrived and cheesy. Overall,though,I was impressed by the entire CD...I particularly love the way that certain songs bleed into one another,like "75 Grains Of Sand" and "Jenni's Face" which are two songs that made me look at my own songwriting and say,"I want a song like that!" If you liked the first album,and are ready for a step forward,pick up a copy of Carry Us Through. It does not disappoint!"

Absolutely Lovely

Susan J. Gardner | Kentucky | 06/01/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Sarah's CDs are my favorites--at work, to relax with in the evening, to fall asleep to at night. I had the good fortune to meet this lovely young woman and her family through a mutual friend, and it was easy to see that she puts 100% of her being into her work. The peacefulness, spirituality, and compassion of her music is an honest reflection of the artist herself. I highly recommend ANY of Sarah's work."