FamilyFans Music
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Another
Journal Entry
Barlow Girl / Fervent Records
Fan Appeal: Teens to adults with a taste for clean girl-rock
With their self-titled debut success, fans of this sister-act
trio wondered what to expect with their sophomore release, Another
Journal Entry. The project has
been criticized as having less radio-appeal as their first effort, which was
definitely a tough act to follow. Still, I have come to appreciate a more
personal side of Becca, Alyssa, and Lauren Barlow. Perhaps I’m just a sucker
for solid girl-rock harmonies, but the more I listen to it, the more it grows on
me.
Upon first listen, many of the tracks caught my attention
lyrically. As I looked into it further, I found out that many of the songs on
this album were pulled from their personal journals – thus the title.
The album starts out hard with “Grey,” a no-compromise
message based on Revelation 3:15 and “Let Go,” a punchy question of personal
trust in the faithfulness of the Father (and a number one hit). “I Need You to
Love Me” is a no-surprise rock ballad, but I found it captivating. Apparently
so did lots of people as this became the second track on this project to top the
charts.
At first I enjoyed the remake of Chris Tomlin’s praise
powerhouse “Enough” because I just love that song. But, the more I listened
to those crisp vocals that are so easy on the ears, I found myself hitting
repeat more often than not.
The real gem on the CD is “Porcelain Heart,” a
piano-driven, haunting prayer to The Creator. I kept expecting it to go
somewhere else musically, but the lyrics and melody had me on the edge of my
seat. “Five Minutes of Fame” is fun to listen to and there is a special
acoustic mix of their number one smash hit, “Never Alone.” I still prefer
the original, but enjoyed the fresh perspective.
If you’re not a real fan of girl-rock, you may not
appreciate this project, but when I feel someone’s heart and soul in a
project, it gets my attention right off. The personal nature of the lyrics and
even the extra content on the enhanced CD section make me feel like I know these
girls a bit better, and I sense a genuine longing to know and follow God. If you
like Plumb, Superchick, or Evanescence you may grow to really appreciate this
project like I did.
FAMILYFANS RATING: B+
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