Ellie Holcomb is becoming somewhat of a staple in the acoustic/country space of Christian music. She's released both radio-friendly contributions, such as 2021"s Canyons, as well as multiple kid-oriented EP's under the header Sing (though, full disclosure, I've preferred those over her full-lengths). Her voice serves as a sort of soothing whisper, with not much in the way of "showiness" or pretension. Her writing, likewise, is low-key, honest, and genuine. It's this honesty that shines in her latest project, All of My Days, a swift journey through the Psalms. If you're familiar with Shane and Shane's Psalms projects, or similarly, The Corner Room, you'll have an idea of the format to expect here.

The short album (who knows what constitutes a full-length album anymore?) begins with the stand-out title-track. Opening with just a simple guitar and vocal line, it crescendos as a quiet stream flows into a steady current, with an adventurous chorus melody adding interest and character. Another highlight, "Where Can I Go," showcases the light touches and details that make Holcomb stick out in a fairly crowded field. Little quips like falsetto flourishes in the verse, an ascending melody to join the line "go up to the heavens," or the vocally-packed lyric "you are there," all add up, proving artistic care and quality, all while helping assist in the memorization of said scripture. The lyrics to the album are almost verbatim taken from individual Psalms, but there are a few tweaks for format's sake... "If I rise on the wings of the dawn/if I settle on the far side of the sea/even there your hand will guide me/Your right hand will hold me fast."

"I Lift My Eyes" and "Wait For You" continue this quiet, steady pace, with both songs boasting solid choruses. I was impressed at the assembling of the Psalms in such a way that they feel like normal songs with rhyme schemes and patterns, yet remaining nearly word for word with the Scripture. "Don't Forget His Love" was first released on Holcomb's first-ever record in 2011, and then again on 2020's Sing: Remembering Songs, so its addition here, though obvious on a Psalms record (taken from Psalm 103), isn't all that necessary (especially as the song isn't given a major revision). The only song that really boasts a different style than the rest is "My Heart is Steadfast," and it was at this point I realized I didn't remember Holcomb having such a country twang. Her Nashville roots are on full display here, reminiscent of fellow label-mate Anne Wilson, and showcasing a side certainly different from her Canyons era. The short album closes with the classic "Thy Word," another obvious inclusion, though again, I would have liked a more dramatic reworking.

I am continually impressed with the songwriting, vocals, and most of all, authenticity of Ellie Holcomb. You can tell she not only loves translating these Psalms into music, but that she's singing these songs with her family, and seeking to drill the words and truths of Scripture into the everyday listener. All of My Days is perfectly suitable for quiet moments, devotional times, or to help teach Scripture to young (or old) hearts and minds.

- Review date: 4/27/24, written by Joel Zaloum of Jesusfreakhideout.com