Every once in a while in the music industry comes along a great storyteller. Someone who can involve you in the story as if you were right there when it happens, yet keeps you on the outside just enough to allow you to visualize your own experiences. The latest in that list of storytellers is Joy Whitlock.
Christopher is a Christian, husband, graphic designer, web programmer, photographer, ninja, poet, cat whisperer (though I think my own cats don't speak English). I tend to write as it comes out so I keep the editor quite busy. I have the grammar skills of a Nerf football but it makes sense if you read it over a few times.
Every once in a while in the music industry comes along a great storyteller. Someone who can involve you in the story as if you were right there when it happens, yet keeps you on the outside just enough to allow you to visualize your own experiences. The latest in that list of storytellers is Joy Whitlock.
On Sept 16th Joy Whitlock released her debut CD “God And A Girl“. Whitlock’s blues-rock-folk style (definitely influenced by her growing up in the south) comes mixed with what could almost be the pain of a prodigal returning comes creeping up in her vocals. “God And A Girl” tells a story of a young girl who grew up in the church, took her own journey and then came back home after realizing the power, the glory and grace of God.
The CD is honest - from the self-criticizing lyrics in songs like “Fake” and “Faith Don’t Fail” to the lack of over-processed studio effects on songs like “Psalms”. Whitlock’s “God and A Girl” is simple, honest and different.
Whitlock channels the struggle into song that we as Christians face everyday. We have our doubts sometimes, we wonder what He has planned for us, but our Faith and belief in Him keep us moving forward. “God And A Girl” reminds me of a rough ride down the raging river that life can be. Through faith though, we can cling to that raft with the strength of a hundred men.
This album is a departure from the outsider views about what Christian music should be. Follow along the album and see the journey of Whitlock’s life, songs like “Testify” tells us she still has questions, as we all do but, its okay. He knows our own journeys won’t be easy but He will never put anything in our way that will keep us from slaying our own personal Goliath.
With a raspy, dark edge to her voice, Whitlock shows her influences of artists like Sarah McLaughlin; with her heartfelt honesty she reminds me of Jennifer Knapp. Throughout the album, however, Whitlock defines her own voice and style.
While each song contributes to the great story to hear and learn from, other stand-out tracks that bear mentioning are “Cost of Being Free” and “In This Hour”
Take the “God and A Girl” album, the lyrics and a set of headphones and put yourself in your own world for 14 tracks of self reflection, and listen to the story she had to tell.
For more on Joy Whitlock check out her website and blog at www.joywhitlock.com
Christopher is a Christian, husband, graphic designer, web programmer, photographer, ninja, poet, cat whisperer (though I think my own cats don't speak English). I tend to write as it comes out so I keep the editor quite busy. I have the grammar skills of a Nerf football but it makes sense if you read it over a few times.
