ALBUM REVIEW

Wendy Jepsen :
Song of the Bride

Immanuel sets the tone for the whole album with a contemporary style and uncompromising worship of our Savior. You have to be a big fan of live praise and worship to appreciate spoken word during a recorded project. Immanuel is probably quite an effective track sung live, yet as an album opener this fine CD may lose half the listeners as the spoken word breaks the continuity the song has otherwise built. Song of The Bride is an uplifting album and listeners would do well to listen on as Jepsen's voice and songwriting style are mesmerizing later on.

Be Still is gorgeous and the acoustic guitar and string arrangement enhance Wendy’s sung-from-the-soul vocal. This song could receive rotation on inspirational radio and certainly would be picked up by many internet radio sites. Faithful follows suit and was placed well next to Still in song order. Wendy does many of her own backups, which is not uncommon as many producers like the wall of sound behind the lead vocal, and it works well on Faithful. Her lead is longing and full of surrender, perfectly matched to the lyrics.

Be Thou My Vision is one of nearly everyone's favorite hymns. Wendy's arrangement takes it to a whole new level without losing the appeal of the original. There's a joy here that many renditions of this song neglect. There are so many subtleties here that it bears a second (and third and fourth) listen. Brian Eichelberger's violin resists the temptation to take center stage, and instead allows Wendy's joy to spring forth. The background vocals come across as another instrument, giving the song a full sound. Put on a sweater because this one will give you chills.

On the heels of the classic hymn is Wendy's own hymn, Be My Vision. It's a wonderful transition, but it's definitely modern. Mark Maxson's electric guitar solo is superb and does not break the flow of the song. Jepsen's voice reminds me of a young Leslie (Sam) Phillips, one of the very best in the mid 80's Christian music scene.

Take My Eyes is another beautiful ballad. You can almost see Wendy sitting on a stool with her eyes shut, singing from her heart into a microphone with a lone guitar strumming along. She'll open her eyes at the end though (*g*, listen closely to the song). Great song! All I Desire drives the point home that our Lord is the focus of this record with words from Scripture and a strong praise melody. To have this song sung in Heaven one time would be the pinnacle for any songwriter. Perhaps David (from Psalms, the probable worship leader) will consider this one, but for now the churches definitely should!

Only You continues the tone of this inspired project and the Chorus has the best hook on the album. The production stands out on Only You and putting it as track 9 is a bit of a surprise, but it will lure the listener to the end of the CD for sure. This is a truly beautiful chorus that will give you Spiritual chills (again). This is easily the best track on the album, and you'll find yourself singing it with her. I Remember You has a nice songwriter style and effective production as you wait and want to hear what lyrics Wendy is going to sing next. Rests can be quite effective if done correctly and this song will take your breath away by its pure worship feel.

My Beloved is a love song for Him with a spiritual flow whose moving violin backs up the acoustic sound. If you are not relaxed by this point of the CD, you have had too much coffee. The final tracks are a barrage of beautifully written songs. The song order is a little confusing because the back half of this album is anything but fillers. Tracks 9, 10, and 11 simply can't be improved upon.

Bride continues in the tender, worshipful vein. It could have been the gem of the album for most listeners, but there is a break in rhythm and continuity with the introduction of a child's voice. From a radio play perspective, the innocence of the child on Song of the Bride is not enough to overcome this break, but from a Mother's eyes, it is surely precious. Bride could easily be adapted to church worship, with a choir singing the child's part. The chorus is sweet, well sung, and beautiful! One of the joys of being an independent artist is being able to stay true to His word without worry about a #1 hit on Billboard, and Wendy obviously did this song for Him.

This second CD release shows leaps and bounds improvement and musical growth from her debut, Sanctuary. If you passed Wendy on the street you could never fully see the beauty she holds within herself, but His love is so evident on this disc. Fortunately Bride provides a view to the soul we should all emulate.