Christine Dente is no new girl on the block. Dente is half of the renowned husband/wife pop duo Out of the Grey. The duo spent over ten years on the CCM scene leaving a lasting impression on the contemporary pop audience. In 2003, Christine has ventured out on her own to tell stories close to her heart in a way she could only do solo. While it may look like Christine has forsaken her Out of the Grey days, her husband Scott is in fact not too far behind his wife. Christine's debut solo project Becoming is produced by her husband, and what a fantastic project the team has made once again.

Her voice soothes the listener on Becoming, presenting a set of songs bringing a sense for a bright Spring day and a peaceful safe haven to escape within. Dente's style is accessible and simple and finds a pleasing compromise between polished production and a more stripped-down approach. Christine's vocals are friendly and inviting, rivaling genre-mates like Sara Groves or Sarah Masen.

The title track serves as an appropriate lyrical introduction for Dente's new venture on her own. The honesty and frailty on Becoming is especially evident on "Gotta Go Through," a song expressing Dente's painful experiences with witnessing friends struggling through their marriages. The hope in Christine's vision for "Gotta Go Through" points to Jesus as the solution to life's most unbearable struggles. "Take It From Here" is a folksy wake-up call to her Christian peers to stop taking the moral decline of our society lying down and to take action. "Summer" is a delicate reminisce of childhood moments as she compares it to the length of a fleeting summer season. "How Far, How Much" is an album highlight - a beautiful piano piece that supports Christine's thoughtful revelations of Christ's sacrifice for us, His children.

Christine Dente offers something more dynamic and deeper than she was able to through her work in Out of the Grey on Becoming. The delicate acoustic and piano compositions match her equally sensitive and soothing vocals beautifully. If you're looking for something a little tamer this Fall amidst the flurry of significant rock releases, Christine Dente's debut solo effort is a collection of songs crafted with such tender consideration that makes this release one of the best of its kind this year.

- Review date: 10/7/03, written by John DiBiase