Album Review

"True North" - Twila Paris
Sparrow Records SPD1690 © 1999 Sparrow Records
(I got this one at a used-CD store in their $1.99 rack! Go figure!)

One of our more 'laid-back' contemporary Christian artists; her latest release at the time of this review.  Five of the eleven songs only refer to God as "You", which seems to be getting common again (it was especially prevalent during the '70s); but, in this case, it doesn't take away from the strong message of faith and trust in God which has always been a trademark of Twila's music.  The songs are mostly quiet and introspective.

Track Listing:

1 (Y) "Run To You"
Upbeat, for Twila.  Speaks of daily dependence on God, although, to be honest, it's not obvious that she's singing to God.  Without other knowledge, it could just be a song of dependence on anyone - the lyrics just speak to "You".

2 (y) "True North"
Another "You" song; this one is a little more obvious.

3 (Y) "No Confidence"
Good song.  Basically: we trust in God, not ourselves; this makes our lives stand out.

4 (?) "Delight My Heart"
An interesting mood to this song.  The verses are almost a little gloomy, where she's speaking of her life as it is, and then it picks up on the choruses where she tells of what she needs to do to turn it around.

5 (?) "Wisdom"
An almost-great song!  The chorus could be used in church.

6 (Y) "I Choose Grace"
Very laid-back.  Doesn't mention God by name - doesn't need to.

7 (Y) "Could You Believe"
Almost evangelistic!

8 (?) "Daughter Of Grace"
A 'story' song; it's the story of a young lady (Twila?) who finds God after a life of pointlessness.

9 (Y) "Once In A Life"
Another almost-evangelistic song; I imagine it could be, in a live concert, with suitable commentary.

10 (?) "Wondering Out Loud"
A nice song; I'm not sure I could find an event it would be suitable for, though.  It's more of a listen-to-by-yourself song.

11 (?) "When You Speak To Me"
More of an end-of-live-concert song; beautiful!