Sara Groves

Amy Grant started off singing Christian rock, as did Creed and Vertical Horizon. Today these artists have crossed over into the pop and alternative rock worlds respectively. Sara Groves is a traditional Christian artist, blessed with a soft yet strong voice. Will she stay in this genre, or will the promise of commercial success from MTV sway her? For now, she seems to be holding her ground.\nConversations is Groves' second album, following 1997's Past the Wishing. "Conversations" starts off slow with Groves' passionate voice sailing through the speakers. The piano, guitar and mandolin carry Grove's vocals along, giving her a beat. "The Word" is an up-tempo piece with strong percussion and subtle background vocals, letting Groves' intense voice come through particularly strong.\nEach song demonstrates Groves' strong convictions to religion and life in general. "Painting Pictures of Egypt" a heartfelt, inspirational piece, keeps a beat with percussion and lyrics that, aided by Groves soft vocals, carry the song along. "Hello Lord" is a beautifully sung ballad, and although Groves practically sings in a whisper, her clarity and tone make the vocals stand out.\n"Generations," a topper on the inspirational music charts, blends the singer's voice with the percussion and piano. "This Journey is My Own" lets Groves shine with minimal backing vocals and band, showing off her range. "How Is It Between Us" really moves differently than the other pieces, allowing Groves to groove with the beat of the drums. \nMany of the tracks are inspired by Bible passages or conversations with reverends, which when interwoven with vocals and piano turn out all the more powerful.\n"Know My Heart," "Going Home" and "He's Always Been Faithful" are also fine additions to the album. The album's final track, "Tent In the Center of Town," is a live recording, which I wouldn't have known if it were not for the applause in the beginning. The song plays quietly yet forcefully when Groves really gets into it. If you can get past the religion and focus on the musicianship, Conversations is a great album for anyone looking to be inspired.