Bloom Records
Release Date: November 22nd 2011
Reviewed by Joshua Andre
It is rare that three songs from an artist will tell so much. Usually a ten or more track album may suffice for a new artist, and even then, listeners may or may not be sold on their vocal ability, music, or lyrical content, maybe well into the third or fourth album. This was the case for me with Third Day (Time), Rebecca St James (Pray), Nichole Nordeman (Woven and Spun), and Steven Curtis Chapman (Speechless). However after listening to Tiffany Thurston’s 3 song EP (these three being the first original songs I have heard from her); I am completely sold and amazed on her worship style, voice and lyrics.
It is not that Tiffany Thurston is a new artist by any means. Truth be told, the Hawaiian Thurston has been touring with the Revolve Tour as well as performing background vocals for Dove Award winner Natalie Grant. And she also has released two independent albums- L.I.F.E (Love, Inspire, Forgive, & Eternity) in 2007, and Worship EP, in 2010, comprising of 7 cover worship songs. However, in my opinion, this self titled EP is what will put her on the radar of perhaps EMI CMG, or Provident, or Word Label Group, or all three. This is the EP, in my opinion, that will catapult her and propel her into the ministry God wants her to be in. Her sound is definitely unique, and it is not hard to see through this self titled EP that Tiffany has a heart to influence the world through music. And it is evident to see that she is succeeding.
On the morning of the 22nd November, I was on my twitter page, and I saw quite a lot of comments and mentions regarding Tiffany’s EP. Comments spread across all hours of the day and from many different people. So I decided to buy the EP from iTunes. When I finally had the chance, and listened to the whole 10 minutes, I listened to the whole album again. It was that rich in lyrical content as well as music and vocals.
The album opener ‘Wake Up’ starts off with a declaration that ‘…There’s a hope that heals the pain of yesterday, and the past is the past and the future is now, just wipe those tears away…’. Tiffany also challenges listeners to live life and that time is running out. This may in fact be a metaphor that we may not know when Jesus is coming back, it may be today, or tomorrow or in a few years. So we should all live as Christians fully to the calling God has given us, and ‘wake up’. A sobering thought for any non-Christians to. Right off the bat, Tiffany does not shy away from the gospel, which is a bold and well respected move. The second track, ‘Brave’ had my toes dancing from start to finish. An uplifting song, which encourages the listener to be brave and take chances, knowing that God is with you every step of the way: ‘…though I feel all alone, I’ll put my fears in the grave, gonna see what I’m made of, it’s time to be brave…’ Manwell Reyes of Group 1 Crew also makes an appearance on ‘Brave’, once again showing that he is one of the best Christian rappers of today, apart from TobyMac and KJ 52. ‘Brave’ fits rights at home on Christian pop radio, most likely as a single.
But it is Tiffany’s album closer, ‘Higher’, which literally gave me the chills, and is my favourite. In my opinion, this song is what Tiffany’s heart is all about. These lyrics are the most personal on the album, as Tiffany sings about God who give us strength in our pain. She proclaims that ‘…Your ways are higher than we know…’ and that God holds everything and that ‘…it’s in You I can stand…’ I particularly found myself in awe of the bridge, in which Tiffany lets her voice take over, with a heartfelt prayer to God, ‘…here are the ashes, here are my pieces, pull my together, Your grace never ceases…’. After the duration of the song ended, I had to replay the song again, as it was so rich in truth and I found myself in awe of Tiffany’s vocals all the way through, but particularly in this song. She may well be the next Natalie Grant.
Seeing that this EP is a snapshot of a full length album released in 2012, I have only one piece of advice to the reader. Do yourself a favour and buy this EP. Tiffany is sure to release something in 2012, which will be a gem! But until then, I will continue to listen to the EP, and marvel at Tiffany’s heart and her voice. Tiffany you are a genius! May God bless you in the years to come! 2012 is your year!
Score: 5/5
Track List
1. Wake Up
2. Brave (featuring Manwell Reyes of Group 1 Crew)
3. Higher
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