2003 album for one of the most recognizable entertainers, spanning two music genres including Christian & Latin, with seven albums to her credit. Curb Records. 2003.
2003 album for one of the most recognizable entertainers, spanning two music genres including Christian & Latin, with seven albums to her credit. Curb Records. 2003.
Michael Corbel | Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada | 04/01/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I have been a fan of Jaci Velasquez since her debut CD. Her powerful, emotional, heartfelt voice captured me right away. I thought her second, self-titled CD was brilliant with its breathy, Michelle Tumes like overtones. I did feel she faltered a bit with 'Crystal Clear'; however, there were still shining moments that came through on many of the tracks. Imagine the surprise when I walked into my local Christian retail outlet to purchase Jaci's new album, and saw the cover of 'Unspoken'! Here was a rugged, almost defiant woman smiling back at me. Clad in a leather jacket and bluejeans, her long black tresses cropped and disheveled-I had to make sure it was her at first! Quite the makeover. But what about the music? It is still Jaci, no question. However, gone, for the most part, are the bubbling, bouncy, happy pop tunes of old. These songs are stripped down and straight forward in thier delivery. Production is kept minimal, and her voice is choked with emotion. This album is almost uncomfortable to listen to because of its raw honesty. I felt like a priest hearing confession on such tracks as 'The Real Me'and 'Glass Houses'. Jaci means business on this one. She does not flinch in her portrayal of the hurts, pitfalls and shortcomings that one experiences in the Christian life. Judgemental and gossipy behaviour is a prime target of much of her scathing lyrics. Jaci comes across as self-assured, confident and focused in her Christian experience. She knows who she is, where she is going and where she stands with God. No secular sell-out here people! The message is still Christ centered-only, instead of the object of adoration as He has been presented in earlier CD'S, here He is the object of healing and refuge. My personal favourite is 'He' with its Spanish Flamenco guitaur and emotional cries. Fantastic! Here is a CD that can truly be described as real, with no pretentions. Jaci has joined such brutally honest artists as Nichole Nordeman in this outing, and it suits her well! Great stuff! If you want to see and hear Jaci in a new way, pick up 'Unspoken' A.S.A.P!"
Jaci Doesn't Let Herself Be Unspoken!
LeRoy Walker-Sandoval | Jerome, ID USA | 04/12/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jaci has proven to God, the world, and especially herself what a music artist should really be in this spectacular album! The songs on this CD are genuinely expressed by her example, her life. After all, she co-wrote over half the CD, which proved her to be an awesome songwriter. The lyrics are simple in some cases, but they are real, honest, and sincere. Here's the review for each song:"You're My God": This song would make Rebecca St. James proud! The tempo, rhythm, and lyrics are just so cool! A song that expresses God's wondrous presence!
"Jesus Is": Beautiful tribute to the Lord, written by Jaci herself. The chorus is great with the background vocals!
"Lost Without You": This is one of those songs telling how lost someone can be in life, without the One who created life.
"Where I Belong": This one is very inspiring; this one is destined to hit church worship services soon!
"The Real Me": This is probably Jaci's most honest song on the album. It's neat that she says that she is not perfect, but she is a child of God.
"He": This song is awesome! I love the Spanish guitars in the intro. This is one song describing God's compassion and mercy, plus His preparation for us to come home in Heaven.
"Glass House": This is different, but it is a good song talking about not judging and standing up for what you believe, showing who you are.
"Your Friend": This Jaci-produced hit is awesome! I hope she continues to produce more!
"Something": This is a pretty song about personal, sincere concern for others. It's different, but good!
"Unspoken": This song is so true, due to what is going on in the world at this present time. It's a wonderful song of faith and courage!
"I'm Alive": This song is pretty. Jaci wrote this one with one of her faves, Cindy Morgan.
"Shine": A really cool motivational song! All I can say is, "Wow!!![.]" Jaci Velasquez has put in her best effort in each song on this record. Personally, I have found the CD comforting to me, and helping me to strengthen and further relationships that I have. What an impact! God bless you, Jaci!"
Love it
LeRoy Walker-Sandoval | 05/08/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This cd is much more edgy. Its different from what Jaci has done before. Yes...there are adult contemporary ballads, but she also has put in a cool R & B sound. She's even co-written several of the songs on this album.My favorite songs are all the ones that have the R & B edge. "Lost Without You", "The Real Me", and "Unspoken." Jaci gets very personal on this cd, in her song "The Real Me" she talks about how she's human and is learning just like all of us are. In "Glass House" she sings about what its like living under the public eye. "He" has got that latin pop sound, "Your friend" talks about finding your strength in God. The song "Something" talks about a past relationship.Its a pretty good cd, that ranges from adoration for God, to being yourself & dealing with life. Its a step up from what she did last time, and the results are wonderful."
The Best Jaci Velasquez Album Yet!
Teresa Frampton | Michigan, United States | 04/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Jaci Velasquez has had much experience in the music business with many hits and albums, but this is her best so far. Unlike other CDs, I don't have to skip every other song. Every single song is worth listening to and has a powerful message."You're My God" is an upbeat song that praises God for all that he is, and she takes the key change in stride."Jesus Is", "Lost Without You", and "Where I Belong" describe how loving God is, and how comforting it is to be in his presence."The Real Me" is a funky pop song that admits she isn't perfect ("So now you see that I am far from perfect...I will fall and I will make mistakes")."He" describes what God is doing for us on Earth before we go to Heaven. ("He...is working on me. He...never leaves me.")"Glass House" is a song that shows Jaci's strength and independence when people try to bring her down. ("Come on in 'cause I know I can take it...you're not gonna see my shatter.")"Your Friend" is a comforting song that friends can share with each other, or it can be a song from God. ("I will be your friend, who will always care. I'll be the first to catch you if ever you should fall.")"Something" sounds like a love song, asking if the other person felt anything special. ("Didn't it mean something? Surely you have to feel something.")"Unspoken" urges us to reach out to God and to pray."I'm Alive" and "Shine" are songs that joyfully express the happiness of living in Christ and shining your light for Him.This is an awesome CD and I strongly encourage you to give it a listen!"
Her most mature effort!
LeRoy Walker-Sandoval | 04/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Unspoken" proves to be Jaci Velasquez's most mature and personal effort to date. Coming from out of the shadows, the lyrics are poignant in detailing some of Jaci's humanity and allows the listener to relate. Velasquez demonstrates that her spiritual walk is very much the same to any other person, and her struggles are as real as any other's. Many of the songs, which were cowritten by Velasquez seek to showcase her own struggles and the grace she lives under.Musically, Velasquez presents a new sound somehwat edgier than the safe pop sound that she is so well known for. Her vocals are still crisp, nearly flawless, and well executed, though she aims at less power ballads opting for a fresh updated sound, as evidenced on "The Real Me", a true gem, and the flamenco tainted "He". The calm sounds of "Something" "Where I Belong" and "Your Friend" recall the soothing sound of a laid bak summer day. The production overall may surpries old Jaci fans, but this is well worth the listen. Overall, this is a great album if you welcome great artist development, though it is quite a departure from her previous efforts."