Melanie W. (novelwriter) from SURFSIDE BCH, SC Reviewed on 6/29/2007...
This is a nice solo debut from one of the leads behind the popular Christian group Avalon. I highly reccomend this if you are a fan of either Avalon or Jody McBrayer's vocals on the songs he does in Avalon. Nice upbeat and modern tempo.
CD Reviews
Very Moving
Jared I. Adler | New York, NY United States | 12/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I Can't believe, more than a year after its release, I'm the first person to review this stellar album by Jody McBrayer. If you're familiar with Contemporary Inspirational supergroup Avalon, then you already know Jody's fabulous voice. "This Is Who I Am" is a wonderful companion cd to all of Avalon's amazing music. Jody soars throughout all 10 tracks on this CD. New song "Never Alone" is getting some recognition on the charts, but why stop there? You haven't lived until you hear Jody's amazing ballads "Love Can Break Your Fall" and the majestic "There For Me" (written by David Foster, Diane Warren & Mariah Carey!) Mariah did this song as a B-Side for her Glitter CD, but Jody takes this song and blows her version out of the water. This CD is worth the price for "There For Me." Also, liked hearing a very different approach to the Kim English's dance classic "Unspeakable Joy." Pick up this CD today and let the spirit run through you..."
This CD is Awesome!!!
Jared I. Adler | 06/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I went to an Avalon concert (which was GREAT) and Jody sang "Unspeakable joy" from his solo CD. The song was so much fun that it made me want to check out his CD. Then I read in an interview that "American Idol" #2 guy (Clay Aiken) said he played Jody's CD all the time. And finally when I read other reviews here on Amazon.com I was convinced. So when I first got this CD it was kind of strange, maybe because I love Avalon and expected to hear all Avalon-style music, which this is not (except for a couple of songs). But after I listened to the entire thing, I was hooked! I play it in my car ALL the time. And when I think I'm going to change it, to listen to something else, I just can't bring myself to doing it. I'm not a musically savvy person but all I know is that the music sounds great and Jody sounds even better. The lyrics are different/refreshing and still carry a powerful message. I've recommended it to so many people I should be getting a $ commission :-) And so now I recommend it to you. Hope you enjoy it and are blessed by it as I have been!"
Great for Christian music... better for mainstream!
Jared I. Adler | 09/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We've been waiting and it has finally arrived. Someone in Christian music has finally dared to go above and beyond the [norm] and create some music with production qualities equal to those in the mainstream market. Jody McBrayer, of the vocal group Avalon, has finally gone it alone and has made a signifcant breakthrough. From the opening, pounding beats of the title track, to the Craig David inspired "Take a Step" and Spanish influenced guitars of "Never Alone (Nunca Solo)," to the inspired ballads "To Ever Live Without Me" and "Love Can Break Your Fall" (a song begging for use in a romantic comedy soundtrack), and the gospel overtones of "I Never Knew," each step is carefully crafted and demonstrates high caliber vocals and production values. Jody McBrayer, who has writing credits on about half of the album, has brought Christian music fans what we've been waiting for... a record full of songs worthy of mainstream airplay (mainstream labels, are you listening?) with an uplifiting, Christian message. We can only hope that the Christian music community realizes the worth of this breakthrough album and embraces it with the attention it deserves."
A must for your car CD player
Jared I. Adler | 10/09/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"We love this album. It is fun, thought-provoking, contemporary,
and appeals to everyone in our family, ages 4-44.
Jody has a great voice and has made some incredible song choices. Very eclectic and very powerful. An inspiring collection of songs to lift you up and deepen your faith.
This and "Oxygen" are among the best that Christian music has to offer."