By: Lindsay Williams
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Brooke Fraser
Albertine
Sony/BMG
Pop
04-09-2007
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SCORE
 
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HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL
Brooke Fraser may not be a household name in the States, but she should be. In her New Zealand homeland, however, Brooke is an irrefutable superstar. Not that you would know it from the achingly vulnerable Albertine, produced by Marshall Altman (Matt Nathanson, Marc Broussard). While the singer/songwriter moonlights from time to time as part of Hilllsong United (she attends Hillsong Church in Australia), the real treasure lies in the simplistic beauty of this exquisite solo endeavor.
Her voice, reminiscent of Christy Nockels (yes, it’s that lovely), is absolutely angelic. Her songwriting is unmatched. These songs ring true with poetic depth akin to the writings of C.S. Lewis (see track No. 6). Fraser expresses her thoughts in a fresh, intelligent way, at times amidst the sparsest melodies. Central to the entire album is a theme of hope, charity and social justice, the centerpiece being the title track. “Albertine” was inspired by a young girl Fraser met on a trip to Rwanda. Fraser’s words in the song sum up this artist’s exercise of learning how to love people well: “Now that I have seen, I am responsible/Faith without deeds is dead… I will tell them Albertine.”
Whether crooning about love in general or about injustice, Fraser’s songwriting continues to point back to the Love the inspires her obvious creativity and wisdom. Although, subtle at times, this is perhaps what makes this disc so enchanting. A record for believers and non-believers alike, it’s an unabashed statement of faith. These songs will stir something inside your soul, revealing the heart of this exquisite young artist. Don’t miss the truth these songs possess.
–Lindsay Williams
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