Music reviews

Alisa Turner
Miracle or Not
New One, 2018
There’s something about Alisa Turner’s vibe — her look, the ever-so-slight huskiness to her voice, even her enunciation — that whispers indie ingénue. Which is a good thing, because it actually pairs well with the sound she achieved on “Miracle or Not.” Turner’s beautiful, 13-song full-length debut (which includes the five songs from her 2017 self-titled EP) is a beautiful, honest worship album that should find steady radio rotation. It also happens to include the supporting efforts of some of modern praise and worship’s heavy hitters, including Leslie Jordan of All Sons and Daughters, Stu G (formerly of Delirious?), and Dustin Smith.

Mark and Sarah Tillman
Morning Sun, Rising Tide
Integrity Music, 2018
It took five years, but husband and wife North Carolina worship leaders Mark and Sarah Tillman have crafted a beautiful follow up to their 2013 debut. And by crafted, I mean crafted. “Morning Sun, Rising Tide” isn’t just pretty, it’s original — a breath of hip, creative fresh air for praise and worship. The instrumentation may be unorthodox for the genre — is orchestral folk a thing? — but the message is as orthodox as it comes. Here’s the opening for the fantastic second track: “You laid your body down / Where earth and dust could see. / You broke your skin apart / Like bread for us to eat. / You walked up to your end / Wearing the burden of man. / Into your death you sang / ‘This grave won’t hold my name.’”

Plumb
Beautifully Broken
Curb, 2018
Plumb has released eight albums in 21 years. Her songs have been recorded by Michelle Branch and Mandy Moore. They’ve been heard in feature films and television shows. They’ve been covered by mainstream artists and topped Billboard dance charts. And the 11 on her latest effort are some of her best. At times haunting but always uplifting, “Beautifully Broken” is synth-tinged pop blessed with creative arrangements and Plumb’s simultaneously powerful and delicate voice. The third track, “Crazy About You,” deserves every kudo coming to it.

Eufaula
Between the Hills
Independent, 2018
Thank the Lord 86 people ponied up the $10,000 it took to produce Texas-based singer-songwriter Jordan Whitmire’s debut side project (as Eufaula, her middle name) last year on Indigogo, because “Between the Hills” is fantastic. Beautiful, twangy, slow-strummed country ballads better suited for the porch than the pickup. She says the 10 songs are inspired by the Psalms. That would be an understatement. Half of the lyrics seem lifted directly from David, and the other half might as well be. It works. It’s spiritual. It’s really well done. Here’s hoping for more.

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About the reviewer

Jeremy Henderson reviews music for The Alabama Baptist. He is co-host of Rich and Jeremy in the Mornings on Wings 94.3 FM, editor of The War Eagle Reader.