akin to Sandi and Twila

Living Forever (ADM)

Angela Dailey

By Robert Gruber

Sweet, strong and buoyant, Angela Dailey's voice is a true gift from the Lord, a "pleasing fragrance" to the ear. With this voice, she offers up praise and adoration to her God and we who hear are blessed indeed. Living Forever is a diverse, uplifting collection of contemporary Christian tunes, delivered with unmistakable clarity and conviction.

Expertly produced and arranged by Jeff Lippencott, Living Forever has the pristine, radio-ready sheen (hard to believe it's an "indie" project!) and smooth instrumentation common to this "style of music.

Opening this ten-song set is "You Are," an emphatic song of God's might, sung powerfully over a rolling, rhythmic arrangement. "God is Faithful" is mellow, atmospheric, with slippery keyboard passes and cool percussion, boosted by a children's choir on the choruses.

Certainly the most touching song, "Did the Lillies," offers an interesting perspective on the crucifixion of Jesus, calling to mind the scripture, "the creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed" (Romans 8:19). The lyric is modest, but there's a depth to lines like, "You made them all/With just one spoken word/Before there was a single ear to hear."

Other songs include the jazzy, Larry Bryant-penned "By the Hand of the Lord;" "Stop, Look and Listen;" a bombastic, high-church rendition of the classic "Shall We Gather At the River" replete with blaring trumpets; and "Simply Me" a song written by Angela herself.

Overall, Mrs. Dailey maintains a firm, yet loving grasp on her abilities. Every note is in place — there is no excess, no wigged-out grandstanding. Living Forever is a premiere showcase for her talent and a wonderful starting point for a successful ministry in music. Fans of Sandi Patty, Twila Paris, or just good inspirational music in general will take a shine to Angela Dailey.