In 2002, Rachael Lampa released her second album through Word records, entitled Kaleidoscope. After listening to her first album, it may hit you when you hear Kaleidoscope that she may have modernized her sound too much and lost some of the heartfelt, deeply resonating vocals that were characteristic of her debut. However, after a few listens, fans are likely to enjoy this album all the same.

Musically, her first two albums are very different. Her first, Live For You, has a unique orchestral feel which went very nicely with her voice and struck me as quite original for someone of her age. Her sophomore album is more experimental, with every track harbouring it's own sound and style, bearing a more electronic feel. Lyrically, however, both albums convey Rachael's love for God and her need to turn to Him through trials in life quite boldly.

The opening song of Kaleidoscope, "Savior Song," is about a time when she was searching, "There was a time / I was lost, I was blind / I was searching for something I could not find," and was found by her Savior. It goes on to tell the story of Jesus and how He can change anyone's life. The verses are quite R&B with a more pop-driven chorus, with a lot of musical stabs and accents.

The second song, "I'm All Yours," is an acoustic pop song of commitment to God and a declaration that nothing else in the world matters. The first song that might sound somewhat reminiscent of something found on Live For You, is "No Greater Love," a slower song about how humbling God's love is and how much it can change your life. Lampa sings, "No greater love than this / That You should lay down Your life / For someone such as me / I'd spend a lifetime wondering why / The Beauty of Heaven is here in my heart."

The album has a few more unique tracks, "Beautiful" being more gospel and reserved; "Sanctuary" has vocally fast paced verses and a memorable chorus that chants, "Free my people, Lord;" and "Give Your Heart Away" is similar in style to "No Greater Love," and holds an important message to those people who want to follow God. Finally, the closing song, "A Song For You," is a heartfelt love song to God, with Rachael declaring her love and need for her Savior.

I prefer Rachael's first record Live For You to her sophomore effort, Kaleidoscope, but this album rates very closely and is a must have for any fan of Rachael Lampa's music.

Review date: 3/28/06, written by Marc Daly for Jesusfreakhideout.com