Heart (Audrey Assad album): Difference between revisions
m →Critical: restore useless hyphen in quoted text that didn't look like a quotation because half of the quotation marks were missing |
Added to opening paragraph. |
||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
}} |
}} |
||
'''''Heart''''' is the second studio album from [[Contemporary Christian music]] artist [[Audrey Assad]], released on February 14, 2012.<ref>The Marquee Blog. [http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2012/02/13/ahead-of-the-curve-weekly-pop-culture-calendar-35 "Ahead of the curve: Weekly pop culture calendar"], ''[[CNN]]'', February 13, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.</ref> The album features songwriting contributions from [[Matt Maher]], [[Derek Webb]] and [[Sandra McCracken]].<ref>[http://www.louderthanthemusic.com/document.php?id=2856 "Audrey Assad Returns With New Album Heart On Valentine's Day"], Louder than the Music, January 25, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.</ref> The first single from the album, "Sparrow," was released on November 2, 2011 and is based on the classic [[hymn]] "[[His Eye is on the Sparrow]]."<ref>[http://www.todayschristianmusic.com/artists/audrey-assad/news/acclaimed-singer-songwriter-audrey-assad-s-awaited-sophomore-project-resonates-with-heart/ "Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter Audrey Assad’s Awaited Sophomore Project Resonates with Heart"], Today's Christian Music, January 23, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.</ref> |
|||
'''''Heart''''' is the second studio album by [[Christian]] artist [[Audrey Assad]]. It has been met with positive reviews by critics. |
|||
==Track listing== |
==Track listing== |
||
Revision as of 17:54, 13 March 2012
| Untitled | |
|---|---|
Heart is the second studio album from Contemporary Christian music artist Audrey Assad, released on February 14, 2012.[1] The album features songwriting contributions from Matt Maher, Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken.[2] The first single from the album, "Sparrow," was released on November 2, 2011 and is based on the classic hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow."[3]
Track listing
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Blessed Are the Ones" | Audrey Assad, Sandra McCracken, Derek Webb | 3:21 |
| 2. | "Even the Winter" | Audrey Assad, Bryan Brown, Mia Fieldes | 4:43 |
| 3. | "The Way You Move" | Audrey Assad, Christopher Stevens | 3:14 |
| 4. | "Sparrow" | Audrey Assad, Kyle Lee | 3:28 |
| 5. | "Breaking You" | Audrey Assad, Ben Glover | 4:56 |
| 6. | "O My Soul" | Audrey Assad | 4:42 |
| 7. | "Won Me Over" | Audrey Assad, Ben Glover | 3:40 |
| 8. | "No Turning Back" | Audrey Assad, Ben Glover, Traditional | 4:21 |
| 9. | "Lament" | Audrey Assad, Pete Kipley | 3:18 |
| 10. | "Wherever You Go" | Audrey Assad, Matt Maher | 5:47 |
| 11. | "Slow" | Audrey Assad | 3:51 |
| 12. | "New Song" | Audrey Assad, Bryan Brown | 5:45 |
| Total length: | 51:06 | ||
Charts
- Album
| Chart (2012) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 | 86[4] |
| Billboard Christian Albums | 3[4] |
- Singles
| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soft AC/Inspirational | Christian/Gospel Digital Songs | Christian Digital Songs | |||||
| 2011-12 | "Sparrow" | 8[5] | 50[5] | 48[5] | |||
- Weeks
"Sparrow" has been on the Soft AC/Inspirational chart for five weeks, so far.
Reception
Critical
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic (Jon O'Brien) |    [6] |
| Alpha Omega News (Tom F.) | A+[7] |
| CCM Magazine (Matt Conner) | [8] |
| The Christian Manifesto (Lydia Akinola) | [9] |
| Christian Music Zine (Joshua Andre) | (4.75/5)[10] |
| Christianity Today (Andrew Greer) | [11] |
| God Tunes Reviews (Sam Gardiner) | [12] |
| Jay's Musik Blog (Jay Wright) | [13] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout (Jen Rose) | [14] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout (Roger Gelwicks) | [15] |
| Louder Than the Music (Jono Davies) | [16] |
| New Release Tuesday (Kevin Davis) | [17] |
| The Sound Opinion (Lindsay Williams) | Positive[18] |
| Worship Leader (Randy Cross) | [19] |
Allmusic's Jon O'Brien described the album as "a much more organic affair than her Dove Award-nominated debut."[6] O'Brien was a bit critical in saying, "and while a series of unremarkable ballads toward the end sees Assad drift into autopilot, the appropriately titled Heart is, on the whole, an impassioned and sincere affair worthy of joining recent efforts from Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles in the same new Lilith Fair stable."[6]
Alpha Omega News' Tom F. acclaimed "'Heart' is an outstanding release from a truly gifted musician. Audrey has a lovely voice and a profound, poetic writing style. 'Heart' is a brilliant album and the perfect followup to Audrey’s critically-acclaimed debut."[7]
CCM Magazine's Matt Conner noted "if the end of 2012 is described as 'The Year of Audrey Assad,' you needn't be suprised."[8] Conner mentioned how the album "is filled with mature piano-driven songs that speak to the life of faith and love in ways that would make any Sara Groves fan swoon."[8] The track they liked the most was "Even the Winter".[8]
The Christian Manifesto's Lydia Akinola affirmed the album as being "thoughtful, creative, organic."[9] Akinola vows that the album "has it all."[9] Akinola called it "yet another modern-day masterpiece."[9] Lastly, Akinola said it "is not a merely collection of poetic verse put to music. The music itself is deliciously evocative as we are treated to a tapestry of sounds including 70’s soul, whimsical pop and lazy folk influences. Assad’s vocals are incredibly moving; sometimes delicate, sometimes strong- always captivating. Relying mainly on piano and guitar arrangements, her voice is the glue that holds all the facets of the album together."[9]
Christian Music Zine's Joshua Andre tells "what Audrey has accomplished over the past few years would make many other artists proud and happy for her. For me, Audrey as a songwriter and a teller of stories is in the same league as Jon Foreman from Switchfoot, Bear Rinehart from Needtobreathe, and Brooke Fraser; where she thoroughly deserves her place. With metaphors and imagery hiding in each crevice of each song, I am sure I will find more treasures as I delve into Audrey’s heart each time I listen to her warm and captivating voice. It’s hard to believe this is her second album, yet I am sure her third will even top this majestic effort! A Dove Award, or more, it’s definitely a no brainer…"[10]
Christianity Today's Andrew Greer evoked how the album is "twelve tracks solidifying her status as an astute songbird."[11] Greer notes "But piano/vocal-focused tracks shine brightest, adequately showcasing Assad's affective verses, colorful chord choices, vocal uniqueness, and overall excellent musicianship."[11] Greer called the "top tracks" the following: ""The Way You Move," "Sparrow," "O My Soul"".[11]
God Tunes Review's Sam Gardiner mentioned how "her captivating voice, stunning piano and maturity as a songwriter leave me breathless every time I listen to album."[12] Gardiner affirmed "you're sure to see this release nominated for a Dove award -- it's really a no-brainer!"[12]
Jay's Musik Blog's Jay Wright noted "Audrey's stunning vocals and poetic songwriting are even better than ever. Some parts left me breathless by the peacefulness and honesty that Audrey Assad combined very well. Heart will very likely end up at the top of my year-end review list – it’s that good!"[13]
Jesus Freak Hideout's Jen Rose noted that "her sophomore release melds the simplicity and poetry of 70s singer-songwriters, classical piano moments, traditional hymns, and alternative pop, and ties it all together in a voice as lovely, complex, and passionate as the songs themselves."[14] Rose alluded to how the album "keeps it honest, focusing less on a big, modern sound and more on Assad's lovely voice, piano work, and introspective lyrics."[14] Rose indicated how the album is "classy, poetic, honest, and thoughtful, it sounds like the music Audrey Assad was made to create and the album her fans have been waiting for, one that grows more beautiful with every listen."[14]
Jesus Freak Hideout's Roger Gelwicks highlighted how "Assad's overall approach just went from good to great; indeed, Assad pinpointed every aspect from her debut that could have been improved, and Heart is just that much better for it."[15] Gelwicks suggested "as Assad takes far more risks with her compositions and uses less vocal restraint, Heart only benefits from the difference in the evoked passion, and in the same vein as The House You're Buildings ability to gradually grow on the listener, Heart follows suit while upping the ante significantly. The result is another early favorite for 2012; projects from singer/songwriters don't get too much better than this."[15]
Louder Than the Music's Jono Davies asked "So does Heart match up to Audrey's debut release? Most definitely yes!"[16] Davies referred to "if Audrey's debut album was to show the world what a talented singer and songwriter she is, then Heart does this in abundance, adding an extra edge of maturity. Whilst at times during the album I felt that Audrey has played it a bit 'safe', thankfully just when I started to think that Audrey throws into the mix a stunning song that made me stand up and listen again."[16] Lastly, Davies called "a gentle album with added sparkle. At times there is Jazz, at others there is Soul, and then there is that piano led Groove. Audrey throws in many beautiful songs that can move you to tears, capturing her voice with such clarity."[16] Davies called the "Standout Tracks" on the album the following: "Blessed Are The Ones", "Sparrow", "Wherever You Go".[16]
New Release Tuesday's Kevin Davis suggested "Heart is loaded with meaningful, engaging and beautiful songs and is the most amazing album by a female vocalist I've ever heard. Heart by Audrey Assad ranks with Invisible Empires by Sara Groves and Albertine by Brooke Fraser as a flawless and emotional depiction of the beauty and majesty of our Creator's 'Heart.'"[17] Davies said the album "has completely 'won me over.' From start to finish, all twelve songs weave a tapestry that is artful, engaging, catchy, emotional, and after several listens and goose bump inducing moments, I am convinced that this is now my favorite album, ever."[17] Davies noted "if I’m ever stranded on a deserted island and I can only listen to one album the rest of my days, Heart by Audrey Assad is the album I’ll take with me."[17]
The Sound Opinion's Lindsay Williams targeted how the album "does more than impress, she captures your heart."[18] Williams said "she knows how to pair an enchanting lyric with a melody that tugs at the heartstrings."[18]
Worship Leader's Randy Cross highlighted how the album takes on "serious subjects with a musical lilt—melodically creating a feeling that reminds us while things can be tough, God is faithful. This feeling permeates the entire record. As you listen to important lyrics, you can’t help but tap your toe and feel better about your day, to listen and smile."[19] Cross was happy in saying the album is "reminiscent of Joni Mitchell and Carole King, Heart, is a great sophomore effort by a talented artist whose lyrics are broad yet connected under the umbrella of her faith."[19] Cross was harsh in saying "while Audrey Assad's faith is obviously the driving factor of Heart, not all of the songs are overtly Christian or spiritual in nature."[19]
Commercial
The album sold 7,300 units in the debut week and that was an increase of 185 percent over her previous album. This album reached No. 18 on the overall iTunes chart.[20][21]
References
- ^ The Marquee Blog. "Ahead of the curve: Weekly pop culture calendar", CNN, February 13, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
- ^ "Audrey Assad Returns With New Album Heart On Valentine's Day", Louder than the Music, January 25, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
- ^ "Acclaimed Singer-Songwriter Audrey Assad’s Awaited Sophomore Project Resonates with Heart", Today's Christian Music, January 23, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
- ^ a b Billboard (2012-03-03). "Heart - Audrey Assad". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c Billboard (2011-11-19). ""Sparrow" - Audrey Assad". Billboard. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c O'Brien, Jon (2012-02-14). "Heart album review". Allmusic. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
- ^ a b Tom F. (2012-02-15). "Heart album review". Alpha Omega News. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
- ^ a b c d Conner, Matt (2012-02-01). "Heart album review". CCM Magazine. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c d e Akinola, Lydia (2012-02-14). "Heart album review". Christian Manifesto. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
- ^ a b Andre, Joshua (2012-02-14). "Heart album review". Christian Music Zine. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
- ^ a b c d Greer, Andrew (2012-02-01). "Heart album review". Christianity Today. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ a b c Gardiner, Sam (2012-02-21). "Heart album review". God Tunes Reviews. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
- ^ a b Wright, Jay (2012-02-14). "Heart album review". Jay's Musik Blog. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
- ^ a b c d Rose, Jen (2012-02-12). "Heart album review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
- ^ a b c Gelwicks, Roger (2012-02-12). "Heart album review". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
- ^ a b c d e Davies, Jono (2012-02-22). "Heart album review". Louder Than the Music. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
- ^ a b c d Davis, Kevin (2012-01-31). "Heart album review". New Release Tuesday. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
- ^ a b c Williams, Lindsay (2012-02-14). "Heart album review". The Sound Opinion. Retrieved 2012-02-26.
- ^ a b c d Cross, Randy (2012-02-15). "Heart album review". Worship Leader. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Van Pelt, Doug. "Audrey Assad gets five-star reviews". HM. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ UCN (2012-02-23). "Audrey Assad's Heart Receives Rave Reviews, Highest Sales". Urban Christian News. Retrieved 2012-02-25.