Aracely Bock - Let It Go

Published Tuesday 26th January 2016
Aracely Bock - Let It Go
Aracely Bock - Let It Go

STYLE: Roots/Acoustic
RATING 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
OUR PRODUCT CODE: 159174-23480
LABEL: Grrr GRD3564
FORMAT: CD Album
ITEMS: 1

Reviewed by Matthew Cordle

Aracely Bock is a member of Chicago's Jesus People USA who has in the last few years been through treatment for cancer and testifies honestly, "Life has been an interesting road. Scared of just about everything for most of my life, I've found comfort and strength in God, my family and music." She aims to craft songs "that communicate the miraculous-ness of what life is and the Love from where it comes." This 2013 CD comprises 11 songs that Aracely states are symbolic of the changes in her life due to the cancer. Produced by folk singer Jan Krist and her husband Alan Finkbeiner, the sound is clean and spacious, largely constructed around acoustic guitar and bass with splashes of colour provided by banjo, cello and violin. Songs and arrangements have the earthiness and sonic sweetness of Suzanne Vega, with a couple of more bluesy numbers. It's not always clear what Aracely is writing about; lyrics are not overtly Christian in language but reflect the often grittiness of life. There is often no clear resolution in the stories of the songs, many ending with a level of hanging uncertainty, but then real-life situations often have no simplistic, happy-ever-after Disney-style solutions, but take time to work through. The majority of the songs are in minor keys with a deliciously maudlin feel, and Aracely's vocals weave within the arrangements so very musically. The highlight for me is "Trouble", which is simply beautiful. "When The Time Comes" explores a list of regrets we sometimes hold onto that God mercifully erases. "Look Away" is a somewhat depressing song with a most exquisite vocal. A classy collection of songs well worth checking out if you like folk-orientated music.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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