Heavenly Place
Jaci Velasquez/Myrrh (Word) Product numbers: Cassette: 7016995380 CD: 7016995615 Musical Style: Pop
When I first listened to Heavenly Place, Jaci Velasquez’s debut release, I was pleasantly surprised by this artist’s freshness
and vibrancy. Two or three listens later, I was convinced I’d found one of
the more enjoyable new pop releases of the year.
While the album has its
share of radio-ready hits (such as the smooth ballad “We Will Overcome”
and a groovin’ duet with Chris Rodriguez, “Shelter”), it also contains a few welcome musical surprises.
The infectious “Baptize Me” features a mesmerizing musical arrangement
reminiscent of the more creative ballads from Madonna or Cyndi Lauper.
“Un Lugar Celestial (A Heavenly Place)” blends Velasquez’s Hispanic
roots (both musically and lyrically) into a passionate song about the
“little bit of heaven” that God sends us when skies are gray. A song
about prayer, “On My Knees,” gives us a glimpse of Velasquez’s respectable
vocal range. And she shares a heart-felt message of sexual abstinence
on the self-penned ballad “I Promise.”
Production is solid throughout,
and Velasquez’s dynamic vocal delivery helps to keep this release from falling
into the “didn’t I just hear that song?” sameness that plagues so
many pop releases.
Oh, and did I mention that she’s
only 16 years old? Heavenly Place is an exceptional debut from
an exceptional new artist. I highly recommend it.
-- STEVE PAROLINI
