Amanda Falk Beautiful Avante Records Pop 10-02-2007

SCORE 84%

Although she is not well known in the States, I have been a confirmed Amanda Falk fan since first hearing her fabulous debut self-titled album, for which she won the 2006 Juno Award for Best Contemporary Christian Album. That album was more ballad-heavy, pensive and introspective, but it worked beautifully.  Beautiful is bouncy pop, more radio-friendly, but its lyrics are just as intelligent and honest, Falk’s signature element.

Falk’s lyrics are not overtly spiritual, but instead cover the reality of God in a more organic approach. The upbeat opening title track addresses the supremacy of internal beauty over the culture’s relentless drive for the external, a significant theme in Falk’s ministry. Songs like the melodic “Lonely” and guitar-driven “World of Everyone” address cultural isolation and longing, while the lovely string-laden “We All Cry” confesses to the fragility of life over tasty guitar treats. The lovingly arranged “Fragile” brings country-mate Carolyn Arends to mind with its sharp lyrics and pure vocals, and the compelling “Can I Just Come” also reveals thoughtful construction, a Hammond B3 simmering quietly below the melody line.

Not all listeners will know Falk is singing of God on the lilting, radio-friendly “First Dance,” but her implications are still clear and powerful, while they are less lucid on the image-rich “Diamond.” However, the lush, nuanced “This Is Love” comes across like a prayer, a standout track thick with passion.

Amanda Falk explores new territory with Beautiful, not necessarily conquering but certainly planting her flag with confidence and aplomb.