Thankfully, today it is pretty common. But back in 1999, any Christian that
was releasing music on a "secular" record label was criticized by the
conservative Christian camps. Even then, though, we saw the value of
creating music for the larger community. Even non-Christians can connect
with the music of Christians, and Kendall Payne is a great example. The
critics praised her album, and now we are finally getting around to tell you
what we think.

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JORDAN'S SISTER - KENDALL PAYNE (1999)
by Hollie Stewart

Kendall Payne can join the ranks of artists who have received a lot of flak
from the Christian community. When her debut hit the scene, eyes began to
narrow. Countless evangelicals questioned her faith, wanting to know why a
Christian would write a song about abortion ("It's Not The Time"). Some
youth groups avoided her completely, because a "secular" record label
wouldn't sign a real Christian. I remember smiling while reading an
interview that said she would rather pour water into the desert than add to
the already-overflowing ocean. If a song about abortion could provide hope
for girls stuck with unwanted pregnancies (the number includes girls within
the walls of the church), why not engage a larger audience with a typically
taboo topic? This young woman's boldness attracted me to her album
immediately. Kendall Payne is unafraid to tackle life and call it
acceptable for art. Jordan's Sister established this singer/songwriter as a
pioneer in her own right, melding enough sarcastic wit and musical
creativity to keep the feet tapping and the brain thinking.

Let's begin with "Supermodels," the prime example of Payne's cocky charm.
Peppy guitar distortion, banjos, and a Wurlitzer (who knows what a Wurlitzer
is? Raise your hands and let me know) launch the song, and Payne begins
with her common-sense wisdom: "The summer sun has come to stay / Bikinis,
tans, outrageous legs / They're all retarded and they all look the same." I
join the hordes of women everywhere in massive applause. A silly sing-song
quality covers this track in a drive-with-the-windows-down flair, yet
there's deeper truth buried underneath this catchy melody: "Think it over
once or twice / What lasts the longest in this life / Character, or rock
hard thighs? / And in the end do you believe that beauty lies in what you
see / Because if you do then baby / You've been deceived." There is a
greater purpose in this song that, on the surface, teases supermodels.

In fact, greater purpose lies sprinkled throughout this album like hidden
gems. "Modern Day Moses" asks, "If there is greatness out there to be
achieved / I want to be more than someone who just passes through this life
/ I want to stand up for what is right." Payne raises a cry of revolution
in "Formerly Known As," shouting, "I will not be bound by what they tell me
I can be / I will not stay silent / I will speak my liberty." Talk of
finding deeper identity fills "Closer to Myself," where Payne asks God,
"Shed me yet another coat of skin / Mark me with ash until I'm clean again /
'Cause I'm so sick and tired of being sick and tired / I know I can love
You, I know I can." Yes, she addresses God in a lot of these tunes. She
even presents the gospel in a simple, straightforward fashion: "Death on a
cross, it was I that was lost / Oh this God has been life to these bones"
("On My Bones").

While some Christians choose to hide their beliefs when signed by major
labels, Payne leaves her faith out in the open, cloaking it only in
imaginative imagery. And thanks to the funding of Capitol Records, the
musical construction of Jordan's Sister is second to none. Producer Ron
Aniello made sure every measure was full of all the potential it could hold.
So now there exists a finished product featuring astounding imagery, daring
vocals, and top-notch music quality—all mastered to promote a girl whose
heart is seeking God. I'd say that's quite a road to travel. Kendall Payne
has reached beyond simply being Jordan's sister, and has instead cut her own
trail. I hope to see other artists of this quality crossing into areas of
the music industry where the light of Christ is desperately needed.

Read more about Kendall Payne at cMusicWeb.com:
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/kendallpayne


MORE NEW STUFF ON cMUSICWEB.COM

Review: Arriving - Chris Tomlin
http://cMusicWeb.com/worship/christomlin/arriving.shtml

Review: Regeneration - Superchic[k]
http://cMusicWeb.com/modernrock/superchick/regeneration.shtml


AVAILABLE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 (at cMusicWeb.com or your local music store)

PURCHASE THIS MUSIC AND MORE AT GRASSROOTSMUSIC.COM:
http://www.grassrootsmusic.com/?associateid=249

DREAM - BEBE WINANS
BeBe Winans is an old name in Christian music, and Dream presents a new
sound for the artist. Instead of continuing his R&B-fueled hits, Winans
delivers a disc full of easy listening pop, complete with lush piano and
soft guitar.

THE INCREDIBLE WALK - PHANATIK
With the advent of the fully-loaded Cross Movement Records we get solo
albums from most of the members of The Cross Movement. The latest is
Phanatik, who delivers an disc full of allusions to the spiritual life as a
walk.

I WISH WE ALL COULD WIN - THE AFTERS
If there's one band the labels want to be the PICK OF THE WEEK, it's The
Afters. These guys have survived the independent scene as Blisse, which
sounded to me like a cross between Fono and Luna Halo. However, with the
release of their major-label debut, I Wish We All Could Win sounds like the
same watered-down pop you get from MercyMe and the likes. There are some
good songs, but if you're looking for a better disc, try Blisse's indie
release.

UNDISGUISED - KARA WILLIAMSON
The label wants you to think so, but I don't think Kara is a new artist. A
couple years the Vertical Music label released Kara, a no-last-name
worship/pop album. It did not sell very well, but I think this time she's
back with a last name and a bit more marketable music. Her disc brings
energetic pop with smooth vocals to a radio station near you.


Thanks for reading this week's cMusicMail, and we'll be back next week with
even more great content. If you have any comments or questions, please reply
to this e-mail or send them to webmaster@.... We'd love to hear
from you!

Dan Ficker
http://cMusicWeb.com/
a different approach to music
AOL IM - dMusicWeb