Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Joy Williams
Genesis



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 40 minutes, 41 seconds
Street Date: May 3, 2005


Genesis. Although this word is most commonly associated with the first book of The Bible, the term is often used to describe a new beginning- and there cannot be a better title for Joy Williams' latest album. This 22-year-old has had a whirlwind of a year with her new marriage, new management company, new booking agent, and, of course, a new record. Typically, so many changes can either make or break the career of a performer. The latter is not the case here. Although Genesis fits quite comfortably into the adult contemporary/pop/rock format, it should not be mistaken as a mediocre remake of Joy's previous efforts. As Joy has matured in the past two years, so did her music and the result is a stunning collection of ten new songs.

Beginning with the piano-driven "Stay," Genesis (produced by Matt Bronleewe who has also produced the likes of Michael W. Smith, Jars Of Clay, and Rebecca St. James) is already an incredible leap from that of Joy's self-titled debut and her sophomore record By Surprise. Following the opening cut is "We," (a personal favorite) which explores the inner struggles and insecurities of those who appear to have it all together. The song's catchy rhythm combined with Joy's amazing vocal talents create a track that stands out for all the right reasons. Genesis continues to jump forward without falling as it presses on with the pop numbers "Say Goodbye" (from which the album's title was drawn from) and "Unafraid," both of which do an excellent job showcasing Joy's vocal talents. Another upbeat tune, "Hide," found its place even before Genesis released. Breaking records by being added to 47 radio stations in just one week, it's no wonder this particular song connects with such a vast number of listeners as it reminds all that they "Don't have to hide anymore" or "Face this on your own."

Genesis stays lyrically upbeat and encouraging through the course of its ten tracks. Listeners can even see and appreciate Joy's honesty, especially on "Silence," a song that addresses the reality that God's answers to prayer don't always come right away: "So okay/ Answer me with silence It's okay if You don't say a word/ You're testing me to trust You'll be faithful in this quiet..." Joy addresses a new kind of happiness she's found in life as she sings about her newly found married life in the soft "I'm In Love With You," written to her husband. Williams closes out Genesis with the slow ballad "Child of Eden," where Joy admits she's had her "Adam and Eve" moments in life but falls back on God's love and forgiveness.

For the first time ever, Joy Williams stepped out and co-wrote every song on the record. Alongside this new accomplishment, Joy has never sounded better. Whether it be her pure voice or the quality production and musicianship, Genesis is simply a very good record where most will find that Joy is truly starting to come into her own artistic being. The disc's only downfall, however, is its length - featuring a mere ten songs. But whatever the reason for the smaller quantity of tracks, after one listen to Genesis, listeners are sure to find a home for it… probably right inside their stereos.

- Review date: 4/29/05, written by Lauren Summerford



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

Surprise CD

Buy This CD Online


. Record Label: Reunion Records
. Album length: 10 tracks, 40 minutes and 41 seconds
. Street Date: May 3, 2005
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Stay
  2. We
  3. Say Goodbye
  4. Hide
  5. Beautiful Redemption
  6. Unafraid
  7. Silence
  8. I'm In Love With You
  9. God Only Knows
  10. Child of Eden
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Friday, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
F'rael God's Wheel (ft. TRYBISHOP) - Single [Syntax]
LEON Undefeated - Single [El Rescate Music]
No Vain Glory UNLEADED - Single [Syntax]
REFVGE, Cyfë II & WAY? U P W A R D S ft. Bianca Silver & Josh LeCroy - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes In Harmony & MAYIA My Sister - Single [Syntax]
Anton Scholl Born To Love You - Single [Near Kingdom]
Nathan Sheridan Don't Lose Hope - Single [WieRok]
SNT. VINCENT Feast of the Saints - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas, Essence Natay & Ashleey Barnes Let it Rain - Single [Syntax]
Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)

DVD
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, October 24, 2025
ALBUMS
John Allan untitled EP [Centricity]
Dan Bremnes The Villain - EP [Curb]
Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation]
Fepeste This World Ain't Mine to Change [Velvet Blue]
gio. FINE BY ME [Capitol CMG]
Tyson Motsenbocker Modern Worries [Tooth & Nail]
Smalltown Poets St. Augustine (independent)
Zahriya Zachary Rediscovery [Bethel]

SINGLES
29:11 Worship, Zion Rempel You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM]
Chad Cory, Zacardi Cortez My First Love (Remix) - Single [DREAM]
darthy Juniper Tree - Single [WieRok]
Emerson Day Midnight Hour - Single [Fair Trade]
Good Weather Forecast lows2highs - Single [DREAM]
Grace + Max Rich - Single [WieRok]
Mercy Tribe Music The King is in the Room (feat. Ayiesha Woods) - Single (independent)
Mountains in the Sea You Never Fail (feat. Emily Guy) - Single [DREAM]
Tomb Slayer The Christmas Lamb (feat. Khristian Dentley & Sarah Whittemore) - Single [Tomb Slayer]
The Undertaking! All Smiles - Single (independent)

VINYL
Clear Convictions Endure [Resuscitation]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images