Wake The World My Two Days With Beloved Real Music For Real Women

I recently received a CD from a group that for some reason has never hit my radar,  Beloved.

The press kit I received was titled “Real Music for Real Women.” As I am not a woman, I wasn’t sure that I fit in the target demographic to be able to accurately review this CD. Was I ever wrong…..

I decided spend two days with the women of Beloved. I should clarify… that means dropping the CD in the car and listening to it for two days back and forth from the office. Its a quick way for me to really focus on a CD without distraction, other than the driving part.

What a great CD! Kim Gravel, Denise Clark and Amy Goins are collectively known as Beloved, a Georgia based trio who, through an eclectic mix of Rock power ballads, jazz influenced easy listening, and country formats, provide a feel good album that really moves you. During those two days I pulled up to the office and walked in the door with a huge smile on my face. Which for those who know me is very difficult without my morning coffee.

While I can see that their new album “Wake The World” is definitely geared towards the audience for supporting and empowering women of faith, I was very drawn to the powerful lyrics and harmonies. Although the women of this group are more likely of age to be my sister rather than my mother (I won’t ask ages, I know better) , listening to them sing was like sitting down with a mother giving advice to her child about hope, faith and building a relationship with Christ.

“One of my greatest pleasures in life is encouraging people and helping them to accomplish their goals and dreams. I was raised by parents that taught me from a very young age that through Christ, I could do anything I set my mind to. I have realized that not everyone was raised that way so anytime I can, I try to get that message out there. Without Christ, I am nothing, but with Him I am everything,” says Kim.

And that is exactly what this album accomplishes. From the opening “I Dare You” until the last track these women challenge and inspire you to build and strengthen your relationships with Christ, family and friends, for they are your foundation to accomplish your dreams.

The title song “Wake the World” is perhaps my favorite on the CD with the harmonies having me envision a large theater with a wall of choral singers behind them even though there are only three people on the recording. “Wake The World” would be a great addition to any worship service.

Denise explains, “We never want to assume that the person listening to our music already knows and has a relationship with Jesus. The one constant message in all of our songs is that Jesus is the only way to have eternal salvation and a joyful abundant life here on this earth. Everything else can change, but that must stay the same.”

Outside of their recording and touring, Beloved hosts events filled with music, comedy, fellowship and straight talk for women discussing issues impacting their lives.  You can find out more about their upcoming 3rd Annual Women’s Retreat in Atlanta, Ga. on their website. www.belovedga.com.

As much as I enjoyed the music and the time spent with Beloved over the past few days I unfortunately will not be attending but that’s OK - if I ever need their support I know I can find them right here in my CD rack.

Beloved’s CD “Wake The World” hits stores on August 19th.

To find out more about Beloved and their behind the music stories visit their website at www.belovedga.com or www.myspace.com

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