Outstanding - This is the first review I ve ever posted over many purchases and many years. This CD will not disappoint. It s excellent on many levels, but the writing is just terrific. Get it.
There s talent and then there s Kendall Payne - Sitting in an anonymous hotel room in Sri Lanka, the distant sound of the TV alerted me to pay attention. I stood and watched for several minutes and was instantly captivated by a video from Kendall Payne s previous album Jordan s Sister . I made a note of her name and album in my notebook. Back in Singapore, I bought probably the only copy available here of her second album Grown . Whenever I have time for music, this and Jordan s Sister are definitely on my play list. Yes, this is labeled as contemporary Christian music and Kendall Payne s lyrics deliver the personal thoughts she is trying to convey in a neat tidy, powerful and concise way, whether through a rock track or slower song. I also get the real impression she s not trying to ram a Christian message down anyone s throat either, just telling us what she thinks, which I think people will respect. So this album will appeal to a wide audience in so far as it stands up extremely well as a pop / rock album on its own merit. What this album also achieves (as with Jordan s Sister ) is to rise above the benchmark for many good albums through the outstanding musical and lyrical talent of Kendall Payne which is well beyond her years. Despite not having a regular record label, this artist has a growing following. By listening to her two albums, it is not hard to understand why.
Just had her play at my church today - I m not eliquent, however I m honest and my opinion is that Kendall Payne is an excellent preformer/singer/songwriter. Her music cuts to the heart and moves the spirit. It s enjoyable and worth listening to again and again. I even convienced my metal loving husband to buy her cd. She performed at our church today 05/28/06 and we were able to meet her. She is as down to earth as one can be.
Grown is five stars, SHE s the sixth! - Too often, the fickle and mercenary music business requires listeners to work harder than they should need to in order to find the sort of quality contained in Grown, not to mention Kendall s first album, Jordan s Sister. The one-word title of this follow-up release says it all, for as praiseworthy as her debut was, Kendall Payne truly HAS grown, into an even more engaging, insightful, and entertaining performer than she was in 99. Her literate and challenging lyrics reflect those of an artist well beyond her years, and she does them justice with a voice that is at once comforting, passionate and pure. Each of Kendall Payne s songs is a journey, and she is a beautiful, trustworthy guide. Tim Schoenhals production is truly outstanding. He seems to understand what Kendall wants and needs to convey with her music, and he has helped her shape these songs into a wonderful body of work.
Good CD - This CD is definitely a female pick, but really is heartfelt and raw emotion.