Let's fast forward 12 years later were we find the Georgia Peach state resident release her long awaited, and now, critically acclaimed sophomore release, the aptly titled, "My Journey Back". This 12 selection EXTREMELY impressive release, run the gamut from easy listening, lite "middle of the road" rock, lite country overtones, to spiritually inspirational themed songs. It's an album that's a "good friend with a kind message" to one after they've had a long, stressful, and trying day. Let's take our minds on a GOD filled journey, and explore some of the highlights of this magnificent recording.
"Past Present Future", is an uptempo, happy, and "optimistic minded" song. I can tell from listening to it, the rhythm section consisting of the electric bass guitar, acoustic and electric guitar, acoustic piano, and live drums, were recorded live, with very little or no overdubs .... the way music should be recorded ! Angel's lead vocal is very pristine, crisp and clear, and her overdubbed background vocals are on point and on key. The chorus is where she shined the brightest with heartfelt lyrics such as these,"Learn from your past, forget about the future, what's here is the present, nothing seems to last". Excellent start to an overall fantastic album.
"I Wonder", is where we find Angel exploring her country music influences, as the slide guitar performance is as sweet sounding as Angel's 'angelic' lead vocal. The acoustic guitar gently strums, as the acoustic piano cradles you with subtle performed chords, and the drummer holds this all together by not overplaying, but keeping the tempo steady. The electric bass add it's own distinctive flavor that blends extremely well with the overall tone of the song. Lyrics are that of a woman's hurting heart of a cheating, so called, "significant other". .... In other words, a REAL LIFE scenario of a woman that gives 100% to a so called, "man", only to receive "0%" in return. ... and to you all you ladies out there reading this, I'm almost certain you could relate to this :-( ..... My number is (212) 854 - ..... ;-)
"Can't Say", the pace picks up quite a bit in this AOR {Adult Oriented Rock} piece. Everything about this track is "Right On !" in terms of the musicianship, it's production values, the arrangement, and most important, "The Song !" The drummer get to flex his muscles as he plays with more intensity, but brings it down when it's called for. The fuzz toned lead guitar stretches his prowess on the 6 string as he gives this song it's 'rock leaning' edge. .... and once again, Angel's lead and background vocal performance, are what harmonics are SUPPOSE to sound like !
"Surrender", falls in the Contemporary Christian category, and what a great category to be in ! The way Angel layed down her lead and backgrounds vocals, san the Gospel choir featured on this song, one would think she hired first call session vocalists ! ... Nope, that she did not, it's all her ! Once again, the rhythm section, with the additional of an organ, percolates against the inspirational toned lyrics of surrendering oneself to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I hope Gospel/Christian radio ANYWHERE in the world is playing this song ! .... and if you're not, I STRONGLY suggest you do, your listening audiences will response positively to it. That I guarantee you !
"I Wanna Be The One", is the song where we take it take it down just a tad bit. ..... but at the same time, it's an adventurous song in that it'll take one on a journey of a parent raising a child all alone. But instrumentation is fairly consistent of what was heard prior, gently performed piano lines and chords, synthesizer strings, easy and laid bass guitar lines, cymbal rides, and a 'flamenco' acoustic guitar in the bridge, and a gently played triangle. Angel's vocals, lead and background, once again, are the centerpiece of this wonderful creation of music. Very nice !
"My Journey Back" not only represent Angel's journey back to herself, if that indeed were the case, it can represent ANYONE'S journey back to a place of tranquility, back to oneself, back to reality, or back to one's peace of mind. This record is the perfect soundtrack for those life's retrospection's and introspection's, all you have to do is just open your mind, but most important, open your heart and let GOD take care of the rest. That's how to best desribe this incredible piece of work.
Musically Yours,
Ran Man
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