Laura Cooksey- Unshakeable EP (Review)

Laura Cooksey Music

Release Date: January 31st 2012

Reviewed by Joshua Andre

Laura Cooksey- Unshakeable EP (iTunes)

Ok, I’ll be honest; this release just kind of snuck up on me. Jamie Grace and Mandisa both recommended Laura Cooksey from their tweets a week ago, and provided me the link for the album via iTunes. So I guess I have them to thank for this album. Because I bought it and listened to the album straight, and all I can say is that Laura Cooksey’s Unshakeable EP is sheer brilliance! Drawing parallels from her time as a backup singer for Natalie Grant and Mandisa, and also her time on Women of Faith tours; Laura has written a stellar debut, and these 6 songs are as good as any this year from any rising new artist. With pop songs for radio, as well as slower ballads for contemplation, Laura Cooksey, with the help of Hawaiian Tiffany Thurston (see review here) co writing some songs, has memorably released an album that is sure to catapult her to a record label deal in the near future.

The album opens with ‘By Faith’, an uplifting vibrant pop tune co-written with Tiffany Thurston sure to keep listeners dancing on their toes. Not compromising on her message, Laura deftly conveys through her worship that ‘…I’m gonna walk by faith, one step closer to You, I will live by faith, in the light of the truth, I’m gonna love by faith, because You first loved me, and fear will have no place…’ A song about stepping out by faith on things we don’t understand but we know God does; this is an inspiring, down to earth, yet head-bopping first track.

Next up is the title track ‘Unshakeable’, which is one of my favourite tracks on the album. A song where Laura proclaims truth after truth on her album, as well as giving listeners a glimpse of the powerful voice; I have been inspired by this song, as I have been constantly reminded that God doesn’t change, he is and always be. Even when our confidence and faith seem to waver He is always there guiding us and helping us along our walk with Him ‘…You’re high on Your throne, Lord of Heaven, You are in control, King of ages, You will always be unshakeable…’

There have been many covers of ‘Hosanna’ from Hillsong; MercyMe, Selah, and Starfield to name a few. So I was surprised to see out of all cover worship songs, Laura picked this one. However after hearing the track for the 5 minutes, it is clear that Laura makes this track her own! With soaring and captivating vocals and a melody that builds to the final crescendo near the bridge, this is as anthemic as worship becomes. I am now utterly convinced of Laura’s ability, not just as an artist, but also as a worship leader.

‘Rest’ is a slower ballad, driven by the keyboard. Sung from the perspective of God down to us, the song speaks about how we can rest in God and ‘…bring all your troubles, lay them before Me, trust Me and know that you’re not alone…’ This is a plea from God to us, asking for us to draw near to Him, and I can’t helped but feel blessed when I listen to this song that can be used as a vessel to commune with God.

‘The Love of Christ’ is second last, and what a song! Sounding quite hymn like, Laura excels at speaking the gospel, and shows why she could be the next Natalie Grant (she is that good at singing!!), as evident in the chorus ‘…how high, how long, how wide, how deep is the love of Christ, is the love of Christ…’ But even this song cannot truly wrap everything about God up nicely in the 5 minutes. God is so much bigger than songs. However this song does come close; a job well done Laura, this is my favourite track!

The final track, co written with Tiffany Thurston, is a fun pop song, similar to Steven Curtis Chapman’s ‘Do Everything’; basically a song to celebrate God’s goodness in a albeit cheesy and sometimes corny way, of a happy go lucky dance tune. A song about taking the moments and opportunities as God gives them, I can’t help but smile and nod my head from side to side as I groove to this catchy tune ‘…lift your hand from the ground, see the beauty all around, live in the moment for a change, feel the sun on your face, dance around like you own the place, let your worries fade, here we go…’

Another quick listen through the 6 tracks has confirmed my thinking: that Laura is going places! A future Natalie Grant type singer, Laura’s songs are transparent, and it is clear she is a ‘woman of faith’. As evident in her lyrics, Laura has had quite a journey, and her Christian walk has only strengthened her. As Laura has explained in her blog: ‘…In a world where very little in our culture has staying power and the culture constantly encourages immediate gratification, we, as followers of Christ, are called to run a race of endurance, setting our attention not on momentary pleasure, but rather on running and enduring a race of faith that is transforming us from glory to glory- all the way to the finish line, where the ultimate prize is an eternal inheritance: an UN-SHAKE-ABLE KINGDOM. God’s Kingdom…’

I could not have said this better myself! All I can say is WOW! This woman has a heart for God, and I pray Laura that you continue to shine for Jesus! Sparrow, Inpop, Centricity, Word, Fervent, Reunion, Essential, Integrity Music, Fair Trade Services, you better take notice! Laura is going to be here for a while!!

Score 4.5/5

Track Listing