| Relentless | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | February 12, 2008 | |||
| Studio |
| |||
| Genre | Contemporary Christian music | |||
| Length | 51:39 | |||
| Label | Curb | |||
| Producer | ||||
| Natalie Grant chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Singles from Relentless | ||||
| ||||
Relentless is the sixth studio album by contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on February 12, 2008, through Curb Records. [2]
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [1] |
| CCM Magazine | [3] |
| Christianity Today |  [4] |
| Cross Rhythms |  [5] |
| Jesus Freak Hideout | [6] |
Andree Farias of AllMusic said "After surviving two label shutdowns and constant trial-and-error, the powerhouse vocalist finally hit it big with 2005's Awaken , her best-selling fifth studio album. Before that, it was false start after false start—the singer with the big voice and even bigger Christian pop dreams couldn't seem to get her break. But Awaken was different. For the first time, Grant was finally taking the reins of her career, forging a vision of her own, handling a larger share of the songwriting duties, and opting for a more mature, pop/rock-inflected adult contemporary sound. With Relentless, Grant continues this maturation process, displaying even more artistic autonomy, aggression, and adventurousness than before. For a Christian pop diva, she's certainly taking a lot of risks here, parlaying her potent vocals with fierce pop/rock elements, plus the occasional synth effects, urban-pop affectations, and even a horn section or two. At times Grant is a little too indiscreet in her attempts at novelty, like on the soulful, sassy 'So Long', which sounds too much like KT Tunstall's 'Black Horse and the Cherry Tree' to be credited entirely to Grant. Outside of that, she appears most comfortable at delivering substantive, highly polished pop/rock, plus enough doses of Grant's own proven, signature pop balladry to satisfy those who fell in love with her beloved hit 'Held'. As a reference point, you could think of Relentless as the follow-up to Breakaway that Kelly Clarkson failed to deliver after the smash success of that album, except in a Christian pop context. Yes, it's that catchy—perhaps calculatedly so—but it's never banal or contrived, like a lot the radio-geared material being produced in the CCM market." [1] CCM Magazine 's Caroline Lusk claimed "Natalie Grant's latest album, Relentless, is a reminder why she wears the crown of top female vocalist two years running. From the opening strains of the first track to the achingly simple refrain of the last, this 12-song power-packed emotional roller-coaster succeeds at making familiar ideas fresh, compelling and emotive. The pure emotion with which Grant delivers each song indicates she is coming more into her own, not only as an artist, but as a woman, a mother and a daughter of God. Grant should be commended for becoming a vessel of the power of Christ to look on human frailty and folly and shine through with the power of an all-sufficient King. With a solid package of truth, soul, incredible musicianship and production that is at times overbearing, but overall, well-balanced, Relentless earns a spot as an important contribution to the musical world and the body of Christ." [3] Russ Breimeier of Christianity Today stated "Taking inspiration from stories and testimonies shared through Women of Faith's Revolve Tour for teen girls, Relentless is ever bit as excellent as Awaken, this time focused on finding hope amid life's challenges. It also finds Grant successfully varying her sound from track to track. Relentless is a little routine at times, but it's never badly done, and you'll walk away from it remembering the skillful songwriting and poignant messages of the highlights. And how often do pop artists seem to skew too young or old with their pop sound? Grant, in her mid-thirties, appropriately resides somewhere between as an artist that teens and their moms can get equally excited about. How easy it would be for Natalie Grant to return to predictable pop. How fortunate for us that she's forging her own path instead, pursuing excellent pop songs worthy of her considerable vocal skills." [4] Cross Rhythms ' Esther Jones declared "Despite having been quiet for almost three years, the award-winning singer re-enters the CCM scene with gusto and prowess to deliver her finest ever album. Here she breaks out of the worship-orientated mould of Awaken and lands on pop/rock territory with a fine collection of songs in a style reminiscent of Kelly Clarkson's Breakaway. Vocally, Grant runs the whole gamut from rock chick to blue eyed soul diva while the production, from husband Bernie Herms, is top rate. From the uptempo belter 'I Will Not Be Moved' to the soft piano ballad 'Make a Way', her distinct vocals are flawless and cement her status as the Christian pop star of our time. Lyrically, the album addresses a number of issues; struggling with cancer ('Our Hope Endures'), finding hope in the midst of life's difficulties ('Make It Matter')—a power pop song with an R&B kick, and 'Let Go', about living in the moment. Let's hope Grant takes this advice herself and can enjoy the success this album will surely bring." [5] Nathaniel Schexnayder of Jesus Freak Hideout remarked "Rather than stick with one or two simple genres, Grant tests her limits as she brings a variety of styles to the playing field, including pop, medium rock, adult contemporary, and even a hint of hip hop on one track. Surprisingly, there are no real worship songs this time around, save for the hymn 'In Christ Alone'. One thing that sticks out (and what made her popular in the first place) about Grant's music is her emotional and (occasionally overly) dramatic songs, and she certainly doesn't mess with success. However, while Natalie Grant offers hopeful anthems throughout Relentless, the songwriting isn't flawless. Except for the over stocked ballads and over dramatized tunes, her album is both surprisingly musically sound and diverse, making Relentless a solid listen from beginning to end. However, the album as a whole is not its without faults because in the midst of the sweet sound of her songs there is lacking lyrical depth, and some of her songs could have used more substance. That aside, Relentless should please fans and also attract new ones." [6]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I Will Not Be Moved" | Natalie Grant | 3:50 |
| 2. | "In Better Hands" |
| 3:38 |
| 3. | "Make It Matter" |
| 3:45 |
| 4. | "Back at My Heart" |
| 3:47 |
| 5. | "Let Go" |
| 3:59 |
| 6. | "Perfect People" |
| 3:38 |
| 7. | "Our Hope Endures" |
| 4:24 |
| 8. | "So Long" | Grant | 4:35 |
| 9. | "Wonderful Life" |
| 3:51 |
| 10. | "Safe" | Shankel | 4:19 |
| 11. | "Make a Way" | Grant | 6:25 |
| 12. | "In Christ Alone" | 5:32 | |
| Total length: | 51:39 | ||
| Chart (2008) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Billboard 200 [7] | 81 |
| US Christian Albums (Billboard) [8] | 2 |
| US Top Catalog Albums (Billboard) [9] | 32 |
| Region | Date | Format | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | February 12, 2008 | Curb | [2] |
Relentless was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year at the 40th GMA Dove Awards. The album's second single, "I Will Not Be Moved", was also nominated for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year. [10]
A Christmas Album is the fifth studio album and the first Christmas album by Christian music singer Amy Grant. The album was recorded in nine studios in mid-1983 and was released later that same year.
Behind the Eyes is the twelfth studio album by Christian music and pop music singer Amy Grant, released in 1997.
Deeper Life is the third studio album by Contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on February 11, 2003, through Curb Records. The entire album lasts for about 49minutes of play time.
Love Liberty Disco is the eighth studio album by Christian pop rock band Newsboys, released in 1999. In stark contrast to the band's usual pop rock sound, Love Liberty Disco focuses on 1970s era-inspired sounds and disco.
Awaken is the fourth studio album by contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on March 22, 2005, by Curb Records.
Believe is the fifth studio album and first Christmas album by Contemporary Christian music singer by Natalie Grant. It was released on October 25, 2005, through Curb Records.
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.
The Lost Get Found is the third studio album by Britt Nicole. It was released on August 11, 2009, and features the Christian radio No. 1 songs, "The Lost Get Found" and "Walk on the Water". It debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Christian Albums Chart, and No. 62 on the Billboard 200, a career high for the singer.
Crystal Aikin is the eponymous debut album by Sunday Best first season winner, Crystal Aikin. The album was released on January 13, 2009, in the United States.
Kerrie Roberts is the debut album by American contemporary Christian musician, Kerrie Roberts. The album was released on Reunion Records on August 24, 2010. Kerrie Roberts peaked at No. 27 on Billboard's Christian Albums chart. In addition, the following singles peaked on the Christian Songs chart.
The Road is the first studio album by Contemporary Christian-Worship musician Tricia Brock, released on June 7, 2011 by InPop Records.
Between the Dreaming and the Coming True is the fifth studio album by contemporary Christian musician, Bebo Norman. The album is the fourth with Essential Records, and his sixth album overall including his first independent release. This album was released on September 19, 2006, and the producers are Jason Ingram, Bebo Norman and Glenn Rosenstein.
Holiday is the twenty-first studio and the first Christmas album by the American band Earth, Wind & Fire, released in October 2014 by Sony/Legacy. The album reached No. 26 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums and No. 8 on the Billboard Holiday Albums charts.
Another Time...Another Place is the twelfth studio album by Christian singer Sandi Patti, released in 1990 on Word Records. Like her 1986 best seller and award winning album Morning Like This, Another Time...Another Place was another definitive album with in addition to her inspirational anthems, there are also some pop elements and uptempo songs. The title song features a duet with fellow Christian singer and songwriter Wayne Watson. It became a successful hit climbing to No. 1 on the Christian AC chart and would win them a GMA Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year and it also won Song of the Year, given to its writer Gary Driskell. The album also features popular CCM recording artist Amy Grant providing guest vocals on the song "Unexpected Friends". In 1991, Patti would win her fifth and final Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album at the 33rd Grammy Awards and wins Female Vocalist of the Year and Inspirational Album of the Year at the 22nd GMA Dove Awards. Its music video won Short Form Music Video of the Year in 1992. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and was certified Gold in 1992 by the Recording Industry Association of America. The CD version contains a bonus track "Rejoice", originally recorded by Christian pop group NewSong.
Le Voyage is the fourteenth studio album by Christian singer Sandi Patti, released in 1993 on Word Records. It's a concept album and it tells the story, done in a musical setting, featuring Patti as a character named Traveler, and she comes from a long line of Sojouners. It has been described as a modern retelling of Pilgrim's Progress featuring songs about traveling on a journey of faith. Le Voyage continues her inspirational sound but also adds some upbeat pop and adult contemporary sounds as well. Patti re-records a new version of "Unexpected Friends," originally from her 1990 album Another Time...Another Place and also features a duet with fellow Christian singer/songwriter and former Kansas lead singer John Elefante called "Home Will Find You." This would be the last album using her last name "Patti." Patti also released a companion book to go with the album. The album would top the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album. In 1994, her music video for the first single "Hand On My Shoulder" won Short Form Music Video of the Year at the 25th GMA Dove Awards.
Special Love is the second full-length gospel album by American R&B singer Deniece Williams released in 1989 on MCA/Sparrow Records. Special Love peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.
The Heart of Me is the twelfth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Kathy Troccoli. It was released on September 24, 2002, by Reunion Records. The album earned Troccoli her third Grammy nomination for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album at the 45th Grammy Awards. The Heart of Me debuted and peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.
Same Girl is the fifth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released in 1987 by Star Song Records. Paris was nominated in two categories at the 19th GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Same Girl. Christian recording artist and guitar player Phil Keaggy provides an acoustic guitar solo on the track "I Feel It." The album peaked at number six on the Billboard Top Inspirational Albums chart.
Cry for the Desert is the eighth studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris, released in 1990 by Star Song Records. The album is Paris' first time working with producer Brown Bannister, who is best known for producing Christian pop superstar Amy Grant's albums and recently produced the Christian rock group White Heart's 1989 album Freedom and features the band's rhythm section of guitarist Gordon Kennedy, bassist Tommy Sims and drummer Chris McHugh. Producer Bannister updated Paris' sound on Cry for the Desert to sound more contemporary pop while still incorporating her praise and worship music. Paris' song "How Beautiful" is now considered a modern day hymn and is used during Easter services during communion. The song is ranked in the Top 20 from CCM Magazine's 2006 book The 100 Greatest Songs in Christian Music. Paris was nominated in two categories at the 22nd GMA Dove Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. Cry for the Desert climbed up to number two on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart.
Where I Stand is the eleventh studio album by Christian singer-songwriter Twila Paris released on April 2, 1996. After being on Star Song Records for more than ten years, Paris signed on with sister label Sparrow Records starting with this release. The album debuted and peaked at number 87 on the Top 200 Albums chart, marking Paris' first time on that chart and number 3 on the Top Christian Albums chart in Billboard magazine. The album's first single "Faithful Friend" is a duet with singer-songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, which they wrote together and placed in the top 5 on Christian radio and Paris' second single "(I Am) Not Afraid Anymore" reached number 1 on the Christian AC chart.
Natalie Grant's latest album, Relentless, is a reminder why she wears the crown of top female vocalist two years running.
{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)