Search - Bethany Dillon :: Waking Up

An All Around Triumph

K. Anne | Ohio | 04/08/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fans and critics alike have always been interested in the music of Bethany Dillon. From a young age she brought songs that were mature and easy to listen to without being bland or cheesy. Now 18, Bethany Dillon brings an album that steps far beyond the expectations of her listeners and wakes fans and critics alike to God, life, and love.



The album opens with the strong single, The Kingdom. With its catchy chorus, strong vocals, and stirring lyrics, The Kingdom opens the album in a way that creates interest for the rest of the album. The next song, Come Find Me, starts with a beautiful piano intro and builds to present a soothing song about the redemption of God based on a passage in Deuteronomy. Following Come Find Me is the title track, Waking Up, which holds upbeat, energetic lyrics speaking of the joys of waking up to God. Something There showcases Bethany's vocal abilities in a song with energy. Let Your Light Shine begins with calm vocals accompanied by piano and ends with Bethany's voice accompanied by a church choir in a prayerful song of worship. Change is a song of thanksgiving that brings just the right amounts of energy and calm to the elements of praise. Top of the World is an energetic song that fans of pop music will enjoy and shows her vocal abilities. In Tell Me, Bethany challenges herself vocally, enhancing the song's power. Are You Sure? brings a slow, thoughtful love song into the mix of more relaxed upbeat songs. When You Love Someone, featured also on the Bridge to Terabithia soundtrack, is an upbeat radio-friendly but highly relatable song about letting someone you love down and how to fix it. You Could Be the One follows with a vocally-interesting love song. Beggar's Heart, written while Bethany was on a trip to India, speaks of the way God changes the heart and feeds it truth and leaves the Christian wanting more. You Are On Our Side, the final track, is a stirring song about the true character of Jesus. It is the most impressing song about who Jesus truly is that has been recorded in a long time.



Overall, Waking Up is an amazing album, full of impressing vocals, lyrics, and music. For the fans of Bethany Dillon, it is another impressive chapter of her career. For potential fans, it is a prime example of what Bethany Dillon is capable of and where her heart is. This is one album that everyone should listen to. There is a song on it for everyone-- young and old, fans and critics alike."

Bethany's best album yet.

banjonomad | USA | 04/07/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's easy for artists to get stuck in a rut of similar lyrics and sounds. Bethany hit a bit of this in her last album (Imagination), but has pushed herself hard (with the help of producer Ed Cash) to get out of that slightly medeocre sound. Bethany's voice is strong, controlled and passionate. Her lyrics are incredibly creative and thought provoking. The songs on this album will not dissapoint you...I have had the album for two days and just can't stop listening to it. She explores melancholy avenues (Beggar's Heart, Are You Sure, You are on Our Side) as well as upbeat, folksy sounds (On Top of the World, When You Love Someone, Let Your Light Shine). She sings from the heart and is transparent and honest before God - that's what I appreciate most about her. The girl loves Jesus...and that shows up in her music. He truly has blessed her with amazing, original talent."

Can't stop listening

Gina Ostlund | Seattle, Wa | 04/15/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I heard Bethany Dillon play live for the first time at a tiny gig with Shaun McDonald in Tacoma, Washington, I sang along to her every song. And now, with the release of "Waking Up," I can't help but keep singing along. Bethany's music is REAL, striking me with a heart-wretching reality--- reminding me to hang on to my Joy. The album titled song "Waking Up" reflects a dynamic relationship with God that is present in her debut album with "Beautiful". In Bethany's new cd you hear awe-struck, God affirming messages develop in her lyrics, voice, and talent as a strong Christian artist that began early on in her career. Its no wonder to see her three albums work to reveal the most miniscule wonders of God. I am ever-so greatful to hear living and inspired words embodied in Bethany Dillon's music."