Deeper Life | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio album by | ||||
Released | February 11, 2003 | |||
Genre | Contemporary Christian music | |||
Length | 48:56 | |||
Label | Curb | |||
Producer |
| |||
Natalie Grant chronology | ||||
| ||||
Alternate Artwork | ||||
Singles from Deeper Life | ||||
|
Deeper Life is the third studio album by Contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on February 11,2003,through Curb Records. [1] The entire album lasts for about 49minutes of play time.
Review scores | |
---|---|
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | [2] |
Christianity Today | [3] |
Cross Rhythms | [4] |
JesusFreakHideout | [5] |
Jonathan Widran of AllMusic said "It's too early in her career to know whether this powerhouse singer/songwriter will ever reach the heights of Contemporary Christian Music's other Grant,but a bevy of top producers come on board this sparkling debut to launch Natalie Grant towards this goal. All of these studio wizards (Eric Foster White,Tommy Sims,and Michael Lloyd) are better-known for their secular pop music,and the variety of atmospheres they create poise Grant for crossover pop success. It also helps that the lyrics Grant sings are designed as inspirational,rather than preachy. Torchy tracks like 'I Am Not Alone' and rock-driven anthems like 'I Will Be' could definitely lead both teenagers looking for substance,and adult contemporary audiences,to a deeper examination of important spiritual issues. Grant's wide-ranging pipes (yes,think potential diva) would surely sound great without all the production energy,but nearly every up-tempo tune here is an irresistible mix of pop/rock and modern soul flavors. The title track is all thump and hook,and some of the vocal texturing will remind fans of Point of Grace. Another POG-like tune,'Days Like These',is driven by jangly alternative pop guitars. A few tracks touch on simple exotica,most notably "Love Without Limits" with its swirling flamenco strings. Amidst the playful spirit is Grant's most heartfelt tune,a lush and teary,almost breathless tribute to her father,'Always Be Your Baby' This tune alone indicates that we're dealing with a major new talent whose deeper life extends from the spiritual into the musical." [2]
Christianity Today 's Russ Breimeier stated "In a relatively short time Natalie Grant has earned a reputation for three things rather unique to her five-year career. First,she's released every album on a different record label. Both Benson and Pamplin have since closed their doors—'the curse' will likely end with Curb,which is relatively secure under the wings of Warner Brothers' Christian Music Division. Second,the Seattle-born artist is well known for her protestations about being labeled a 'pop diva'. There is typically a negative connotation to the 'd'-word that flies in the face of Natalie's humble servant attitude and her desire to focus her music on the goodness of God. Unfortunately for her,the diva label is an apt description of her musical styling,which leads into the third unique trait. Despite her diminutive size,Natalie has an impressively big voice with enough nuance to hold her own among any of the classic pop divas (Mariah Carey,Celine Dion,Whitney Houston,take your pick),earning her multiple Dove nominations for Female Vocalist of the Year. Undeterred by collapsing record labels and pop music stereotypes,Natalie admirably presses on with Deeper Life,her third effort,by stretching her own artistic skills. Her previous album, Stronger (released in 2001),featured her first attempts at songwriting by co-writing a handful of tracks. On Deeper Life,she co-writes nearly every song. Additionally,Natalie steps up as co-producer of this album,joining a slew of A-list pop producers and songwriters:Tommy Simms (CeCe Winans,Anointed),Eric Foster White (Jessica Simpson,Whitney Houston),Bryan Lenox (Michael W. Smith,Ronnie Freeman),Bernie Herms (Plus One),and Rob Graves (songwriter and guitarist on Joy Williams's By Surprise ). The approach on this project was to create an album that relied less on programmed pop and more on live musicians,and the results are indeed stunning. I daresay this is Natalie's best-sounding album yet. But we must keep it in perspective. This is still R&B-flavored;adult contemporary pop a la Mariah Carey,Jaci Velasquez,Kelly Clarkson,Jessica Simpson,and many others. It is most certainly not (as suggested by the press bio) the classic rock sound of Sheryl Crow or the modern pop/rock of Avril Lavigne. Christian adult contemporary and inspirational pop speaks for itself—some find it meaningful and poignant,while others find it clichéd and boring. In that spirit,the songs of Deeper Life are best explored for what they are—you'll know by the titles,lyrics,and styles if this music matches or offends your tastes. Nevertheless,there's no getting around Natalie's vocal prowess or the superior production,which means you're bound to be impressed with Deeper Life if you enjoy first-rate pop." [3]
Heather Marsden of Cross Rhythms claimed "This is Natalie Grant's third album and is positive proof that her new home at Curb Records is working well for her. The album opens with the upbeat title track 'Deeper Life',a poppy feel good song that's easy to pick up and sing along. 'Days Like These' and 'I Will Be' are in a similar style without being repetitions of the first song. The songs 'That's When I Give Up (On Loving You)','Live for Today' and 'I Desire' have a more acoustic rock kind of sound—similar to that of Michelle Branch. The bonus track 'No Sign of It' has been featured in the new Gwyneth Paltrow film View from the Top . Deeper Life contains some of Grant's best work,it's a great record with a good message,sure to please her growing number of fans and draw in some new ones." [4]
JesusFreakHideout's Shaun Stevenson remarked "Things haven't always been easy for Natalie Grant. After changing record companies twice,Grant has finally found a home with Curb Records. And now,with the release of Deeper Life,Grant is sure headed in the right direction with a solid third album. Albums are always opening with something upbeat these days,and Deeper Life opens things off in the right direction. With plenty of signature Grant sounds,the song really reflects what this album is all about:seeking the deeper life in Jesus Christ. Natalie Grant sure has something going for her. With this newest album,containing some of her strongest work to date,she's really outdone herself. A solid record,a solid message,and a solid musical base,Deeper Life is sure to please fans of Grant's previous work,and it's also sure to bring in new listeners. Trouble has come to Natalie Grant in the past,but now,there's no sign of it,and her skies are definitely clear today." [5]
No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
---|---|---|---|
1. | "Deeper Life" | 4:22 | |
2. | "Days Like These" | Natalie Grant | 3:26 |
3. | "Love Without Limits" |
| 3:43 |
4. | "Within Me" |
| 4:09 |
5. | "I Will Be" |
| 4:10 |
6. | "Always Be Your Baby" |
| 4:14 |
7. | "That's When I'll Give Up (On Loving You)" | Teren | 4:11 |
8. | "Salvation" | Grant | 3:06 |
9. | "I Desire" |
| 4:12 |
10. | "Live for Today" | Grant | 4:23 |
11. | "I Am Not Alone" | Madeline Stone | 4:52 |
12. | "No Sign of It" (Bonus Track) | 4:02 | |
Total length: | 48:56 |
Chart (2003) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Christian Albums (Billboard) [6] | 25 |
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard) [7] | 41 |
Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
Various | February 11, 2003 | Curb | [1] |
Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, better known by her stage name Plumb, is an American singer-songwriter and author. Plumb has sold more than 500,000 albums and over two million singles worldwide, co-penned songs for numerous other artists, including Michelle Branch, Mandisa, Mandy Moore, Jaci Velasquez, and Natalie Grant, and had music placed in many films and television shows. Originally signed as a contemporary Christian music recording artist in 1997, Plumb is now known as well as or better in alternative rock and EDM, and for the use of her music in film and television than she is in the contemporary Christian music market.
Life, released in 2001, is the second album by the American Christian pop rock band ZOEgirl. "With All of My Heart", "Here and Now", "Even If", "Dismissed" and "Plain" were released as singles.
Emily Williams is a New Zealand-born Australian singer and songwriter. She rose to fame in 2005 on the third season of Australian Idol and became the runner-up of the competition. After Idol, Williams signed with Sony BMG Australia and enjoyed commercial success as a member of the Australian girl group Young Divas. The group released two top-ten albums, Young Divas (2006) and New Attitude (2007), and achieved three top-fifteen singles, including the hugely successful "This Time I Know It's for Real". After the Young Divas disbanded in 2008 and Williams' contract with Sony BMG ended, she began releasing her solo music independently. Williams' debut solo single "Spellbound" was released in 2010, followed by the release of her debut solo album Uncovered in 2012.
"I Can Only Imagine" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written and composed by lead singer Bart Millard, it was originally recorded for the band's 1999 independent album The Worship Project before being included on their 2001 major-label debut album Almost There. The song was the last to be written for The Worship Project; in writing it, Millard drew upon his thoughts about his father's death. Lyrically, it imagines what it would be like to be in front of God in heaven; it opens with just a piano before building to include guitar and drums.
Real is the fourth studio album by Puerto Rican reggaetón recording artist Ivy Queen, released on November 21, 2004, by Universal Music Latino. Initially to be Queen's debut full-length English-language studio album, it featured collaborations with hip hop and fellow Latino artists Hector El Father, Fat Joe, Getto & Gastam, La India, Gran Omar and Mickey Perfecto. The album was primarily produced by Rafi Mercenario, and included guest production by American producer Swizz Beatz, Puerto Rican producers Ecko, Noriega, Monserrate and DJ Nelson. The executive producers were Goguito "Willy" Guadalupe, Gran Omar and Ivy Queen.
Awaken is the fourth studio album by contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on March 22, 2005, by Curb Records.
"I Need You" is a song written by Dennis Matkosky and Ty Lacy and recorded by American country pop artist LeAnn Rimes. It was released on March 20, 2000, as a single from Jesus: Music from and Inspired by the Epic Mini-Series. The song spent 25 weeks on the US Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 11, and it was also successful outside the US, reaching the top 20 in Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. A music video was released in 2000.
American recording artist LeAnn Rimes has released 17 studio albums, ten compilation albums, one live album, one soundtrack album, three extended plays (EP's), 60 singles, nine Christmas singles, 16 promotional singles and 22 album appearances. Rimes has sold over 37 million records worldwide to date, with 16.5 million albums and 5.5 million singles certified by RIAA. Rimes was ranked the number 17 Best Selling Artist of the 1990-99 decade by Billboard. She was also ranked at number 184 on Billboard 200 Artists and number 31 on Country Artists of the 2000–09 decade.
Relentless is the sixth studio album by contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on February 12, 2008, through Curb Records.
OK Now is the second studio album by American singer and songwriter Jon McLaughlin. It was released on October 7, 2008, through The Island Def Jam Music Group.
{{Infobox album | name = Believe | type = studio | artist = Natalie Grant | cover = Believe by Natalie Grant.png | border = yes | alt = | released = October 25, 2005 | recorded = | venue = | studio = | genre = Christmas | length = 45:27 | label = Curb | producer = | prev_title = Awaken | prev_year = 2005 | next_title = Relentless | next_year = 2008 | misc = {{Singles
| name = Believe | type = studio | single1 = Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town | single1date = November 2005 | single2 = [[I Believe] | single2date = November 2005 }}
Stronger is the second studio album by Contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on June 12, 2001, through Pamplin Records, and was re-released on February 26, 2002, through Curb Records.
"Word of God Speak" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by Bart Millard and Pete Kipley, "Word of God Speak" uses sparse instrumentation, featuring only piano and strings to accompany Millard's vocals. The lyrics to "Word of God Speak" reflect on the idea that it is impossible to speak of an infinite God with a limited vocabulary.
Natalie Grant is the eponymous debut studio album by Contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on April 14, 1999, through Benson Records.
"The Change Inside of Me" is a song by Christian rock band MercyMe. Written by MercyMe and Pete Kipley, it was released on May 2, 2003 as the third single from the band's 2002 album Spoken For. Described as a power ballad, the song incorporates a rock sound featuring guitar and drums; it has also been described as a pop rock and adult contemporary song. The song was received positively by music critics, who praised the song's hook and sound, and peaked at number eight on the Radio & Records Christian AC chart.
Big Blue Sky is the second studio album by contemporary Christian musician Bebo Norman. The album was the first with Essential Records, and his third album overall including his first independent release. This album was released on May 15, 2001, and the producers are Ed Cash and Bebo Norman.
Capital Kings is an American pop, EDM, and Christian pop act. The group went on hiatus on January 3, 2018 before returning on July 7, 2023 with the single "Higher". The group consists of producer-rapper Cole "Saint X" Walowac and producer-singer Jonathan "Nevada" White who was briefly replaced by Dylan Housewright.
Hurricane is the eighth studio album from contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It is the ninth album of her career, and it was released on October 15, 2013 by Curb Records. The album was produced by Bernie Herms. The album achieved commercial charting successes and garnered acclaim from music critics.
Be One is the ninth studio album by American contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. Curb Records released the album on November 13, 2015. She worked with Bernie Herms and Robert Marvin, in the production of this album.