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I HAD NO IDEA (2001)
The best thing to happen to local artists in recent years is the expansion of the internet. Low-budget indie albums can attract fans worldwide, in many cases out-selling albums with record labels and big money behind them. This presents a situation both dazzling and problematic: homemade new artists don't stop coming, but most are without the complete package of skillful music and intelligent lyrics.Val Halloran, an indie from Florida, is an artist who offers the complete package. Her debut, Forever and Always, proved this; however, her sophomore effort would determine whether or not she was truly an artist. Change was needed to prove that she was not limited to one style. Improvement was also necessary to show that she wasn't at a dead end musically. Questions abound, but one is more prominent than the rest: would she deliver? The answer: yes.
A definite upgrade from Forever and Always, I Had No Idea increases the quality of both musicianship and penmanship. The melodies are more complex, the lyrics are more challenging, and there is a broader range of instruments used. However, the glow of her latest effort does not tarnish the shine of her older material. Rather, I Had No Idea complements Val's earlier work, the result of expert producing (Donald Johns) and arranging (Daniel Clark).
Like Joseph's coat of many colors, I Had No Idea samples a full spectrum of styles. Piano and steel guitar offer hints of country in the opener, "By Your Grace". The next track "Keeper of My Heart", reminds one of adult contemporary artists Steve Green and Twila Paris, though still distinctive in its praise. In yet another style change, "Father" and "Never Ending Life" attempt a pop/rock experiment that plays well. Finally, "My Hope is in You", is an inspirational closer which has the same quality as closers written by Steven Curtis Chapman and Nichole Nordeman. Though this combination of styles may seem random, each song smoothly flows into the next, a smoothness which is accomplished largely with an acoustic, folk-sounding base to the music. All in all, a delightful blend.
Assurance of God's protection and love is the central theme of this album. The title track expresses wonder at God's amazing plan of salvation; "Rekindle the Fire" pleads with God to keep the fire of salvation burning; "Where Would I Run To", proclaims unending devotion to the only One who can save us when we're in trouble. Though the message is often similar, the songs are never repetitive. As each song begins, a new outlook on God's grace is presented, and the listener discovers yet another way to thank God.
Adult contemporary artists often entertain the danger of playing on emotions with sappy songs. Val doesn't even come close to this minefield. Instead, she offers an uplifting and upbeat form of inspirational music as an alternative: what an excellent and enjoyable alternative it is.
FOREVER AND ALWAYS (1997)
In recent years, good inspirational artists have been hard to find in the Christian music market. Often, the vocals of the inspirational artists are "fluffy," without any substance. If not this, the music that they are singing along with isn't enough to maintain the listener's interest. Val Halloran is not like these other artists, however, and provides us with uplifting lyrics, vocals that fit the style of the song, and music that is innovative.From the get go, the music grabs your attention with a mix of steel guitar, acoustic guitar, and piano. "As I Wait" speaks of a longing to be enriched by the Lord, a theme that is carried on in "I Will Be Filled." "Trusting Heart" is a country-like song which reminds us that we won't get anywhere if our hearts aren't trusting the Lord. A testimonial song, "He Was There," thanks our Savior for giving us hope when we are in trouble and for never leaving us. Another similar song is "Purify Me," a cry to God to become more like Him. The next track, "Run Away" is different lyrically than the other songs in that it is speaking directly to the listener instead of God. The two best cuts are "Forever and Always" and "Use Me," two songs that skillfully use the K2000 Strings, Steel Guitar, Keyboards, and Piano. Definitely worth checking out!
Are you a fan of Twila Paris' inspirational music from the 1980's? If so, I'd recommend checking this CD out. While it is not the same style, it is definitely as good and I can't wait to hear more from Val!
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