Search - Jeni Varnadeau :: No Hesitation

Not a bad sophomore effort

03/16/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jeni Varnadeau was part of the talented Class of '96 of new Christian artists. Her classmates included such talents as Plumb, Fleming & John, Sarah Jahn, the Waiting, and many others.Varnadeau's first disc was distinctive and stood out as much for the lyrical depth she invested into her songs as for her vocal stylings, which are squarely planted somewhere between Cyndi Lauper/Sam Phillips on one side, and Sheryl Crow/Alainis Morrisette on the other.Varnadeau is as much of a poet as Jewel and personally, I think she's better.There's little to dislike about NO HESITATION. The album is still deep, engaging, and fun to listen to. But I can't help thinking it could have been better in one regard.In her first disc, I got the feeling that the music was 100-percent Jeni. It was her style, her sound. In NO HESITATION, I feel the looming, ominous presence of market-minded producers tainting the disc.There's one song that could easily be mistaken for an Amy Grant tune. Another that could pass for Margaret Becker. And I'm worried that was intentional, not on Jeni's part, but on behalf of the studio folk.Jeni Varnadeau is best when she's free to show off her own sound, her own voice, her own personality. And for much of NO HESITATION, she does just that. But there are some exceptions, and I for one hope it does not become a trend. In 2000-2001, when Jeni gets around to her third disc, I'll be the one hoping that it's 100-percent pure Jeni, and not 80-percent Jeni/20-percent Jeni sounding like someone else."

Jeni is a great woman of God singing to bless Him!

08/21/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was really impressed with Jeni's NO HESITATION. I've had the pleasure of meeting this adorable, sweet, godly young woman, and was impressed with her humility and grace and love of God! I was encouraged when I listened to her album, and I believe that you will be too if you buy her CD's. She's giving her all to uplift, glorify, and honor Jesus Christ, and draw others to Him as well. She's an inspiration to me, and I was blessed to meet such a great woman of God who is using her talent completely for our Precious Lord!!! My admonition to all, is to keep seeking and serving Jesus with every part of you. He can use a willing vessel in wonderful ways, as we see with Jeni Varnadeau. Search His Word and follow Him, and you'll be blessed."