Nate Huss isn't your normal, average, everyday pop/rock artist. In fact, he's the total opposite. This 21 year old Arizona native was born into a "United Nations family," otherwise known as a family of many races. At first, Nate only played music and wrote songs as a hobby. But now, with a debut album under his belt, he's ready to show the world what God has done in his life and what he can do for others. But is this album distinct enough to be stand by itself?

The energetic "Spotlight" opens up the debut, setting the stage for an upbeat pacing. "Down To Love" tones that pace down a notch, but still keeps the beat rolling as Nate delivers a message of how God is love and how we need to love others with that same love. The title track expresses how God is always with us, while the rock-infused "You Still Know My Name" reveals how our Savior knew our names before we were born and even before He took our place on the cross. The orchestrated sounds of "Hold Me" expose Nate's talent as a vocalist and songwriter as well as putting the listener into a state of wonder and reverence at how God will carry us through life's storms and tribulations. The symphonic melodies of "While You Wait" show that Nate can slow things down at any time, therefore keeping in control. The final track is a slow acoustic song written and dedicated to Nate's birth mother, whom he has never met, giving the album a proper curtain call.

I have to admit, this debut is quite impressive. I hesitated at first and even had doubts, mainly because of the opening track, which I didn't feel meshed well with the other tracks. But as I listened to more of the album, I recognized the vocal, musical, and lyrical skills of Nate Huss. With a little more practice and improvisation, I believe that he can be confident enough to release a solid and even more memorable sophomore project, offering just what this young artist will need to find some signature ground in today's vast music scene.

- Review date: 5/12/07, written by Laura Sproull