STYLE: Pop RATING OUR PRODUCT CODE: 81505-15573 LABEL: Independent FORMAT: CD Album DISCS: 1
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Reviewed by Ian Thomson
If you've not heard of this Ohio-based artist, imagine some of Amy Grant's softer songs, simplify the instrumentation a little, and you're getting there. Shaw was once a worship leader in Jacksonville, Florida, and although the content of her songs is too personal and specific for corporate worship, the music here draws heavily on electric church music. Rhythmic electric keys, arpeggiated guitars and dummed-down drum beats create a rather predictable background for Jennifer's impressive vocals. Notable among the 12 tracks is "Higher": its minor key and layered chorus distinguish it from an album that does not include any great diversity of instrumentation or arrangement. And though I am always glad to hear a new Christmas song, Jennifer's Yuletide offering her it didn't seem truly modern. Overall, better production and more imaginative songwriting is needed to lift this out of the pall of mediocrity.