Christian Retailing Article (June 10, 1996)

Heavenly Place by Jaci Velasquez, POP Myrrh Records (Word), 701699-5380 cassette, -5615 CD; release: May

       Although she is a newcomer on the music scene--and only 16 years old--Jaci Velasquez is sure to be around for a long while.
       Velasquez shows a surprising level of vocal maturity. She approaches the lyrics with a charming sensitivity and gentleness, and it's easy to sing along with her catchy pop tunes.
       At times, Velasquez sounds like a mixture of Rebecca St. James and Cheri Keaggy. On other occasions, she does a great impression of the late secular artist Selena, especially on "Un Lugar Celestial (A Heavenly Place)."
       Listeners will enjoy "Shelter," the energetic duet with Chris Rodriguez. It's definitely a hit. But the best cut on the project is the stirring ballad "On My Knees" which is quite a showcase. A listener might with Velasquez had applied more of this song's type of vocal strength to the rest of the album.
       With the exception of "On My Knees," Heavenly Place is produced by Mark Heimermann--the same producer who has worked magic for dc Talk and Michael W. Smith. It's a project that people of all ages, particularly teenage girls, will enjoy.
               -- Mark Smeby