Artist Info:Discography Album length: 11 tracks: 48 minutes, 16 seconds Street Date: May 24, 2005
Shortly after embarking on her first headlining tour and claiming an impressive seven Dove Awards
for her best-selling Woven and Spun, Nichole Nordeman took a break from the music scene to be a full
time stay-at-home mom. Granted her two-year hiatus may have seemed untimely, but Nordeman returns with
quite possibly her best work yet- Brave. From the first note, she takes her signature pop/adult
contemporary style paired with lyrics based from her recent experiences, creating a true masterpiece.
As soon as Brave opens with the title cut, it's obvious this is not your run-of-the mill record.
Produced by Jay Joyce (who oddly enough is credited with producing Audio Adrenaline's upcoming project),
Brave does an incredible job of exceeding all expectations for Nordeman's fourth studio
release. Though part of her signature writing style, the sheer honesty dripping from each of Nordeman's
lyrics ranks among the most impressive aspects of her latest work. Of course, her beautiful voice and
piano talents contribute greatly to making Brave all that it is.
Brave's title track lends itself as the record's lead single. Written about the bravery
she has found in being a mother, its upbeat chorus and "so long status quo" lyrics make it a major
stand out track right away. Fans of Nichole's earlier work will notice quite a change in her lyrical
content. Previous song themes seemed to be centered around places of doubt and confusion (particularly
evident on Wide Eyed and This Mystery), whereas Brave seems to be the
signal of a resting place and trust found in God's faithfulness. Lyrics such as "Someday all that's
crazy/ All that's unexplained/ Will fall into place" on "Someday" lay as proof of this. Even on
the hypothetical "What If," Nordeman, in a respectful yet confronting way, questions a friend's
unbelief in Christ.
The talented Nichole Nordeman continues to move forward with her rich musical and lyrical content
with the upbeat "Real to Me," then later with the emotional cry of "Hold On," encouraging a hurting
person to not give up. She even breaks up the otherwise original slate with a cover of Bob Dylan's
"Gotta Serve Somebody," which plays around with some funky beats and heavier-than-normal-Nichole
guitars. At last, she finishes up Brave with "We Build"- a soft ballad singing of marital struggles
but her desire to work things out.
I honestly had believed Nichole Nordeman's work could never get any better after the incredible
Woven & Spun. Nordeman doesn't just meet the bar she has raised so high, but actually goes
above it with Brave. Will this kind of project cement Nichole Nordeman's legacy in Christian
music? We can only hope so.
- Review date: 6/30/05, written by Lauren Summerford
Artist Info:Discography Record Label:Sparrow Records Album length: 11 tracks, 48 minutes, 16 seconds
Street Date: May 24, 2005
Artist Info: 
