ALBUM REVIEW: SOCKSPIDER.COM
Diane Kay:Help Me Decide
Artwork/Design: 8
Production: 10
Continuity: 7
Sound levels: 10
Songwriting: 8
Overall Rating: 8
Radio Tracks: 5, 7, 9
Best Tracks:
Hold On, My Heart
There's a Rainbow
Website: Diane Kay (dianekaymusic.com)
Diane Kay's Help Me Decide is many things....fragile, deep, Christ-led, intricate, skillfully written, well produced, and soulfully sung; but most importantly, it was meant-to-be.
"DEAR GOD" is a light melodic prayer with a country flair. The listener instantly feels comfortable musically on this smart lead-off track. Eric Copeland's production influence is prevalent and well thought out. The song is non-obtrusive with Kay's intriguing voice the focus, but the instrumentalists are outstanding, complete with counter-melodies and tasty piano. Diane's voice is alone at the end of track one and drops off which was a nice touch that leads quite well into the next song, "WHO YOU ARE TO ME". who has a country gospel feel that lends itself to special music for a church service. It's loving and uplifting. By now the listener is paying attention to the heart-felt lyrics of love and joy for the Savior that permeate this album.
Diane sings beautifully and the first three songs are so interwoven that before you know it you're to the gem of the CD, "HOLD ON, MY HEART". This track is a work of art, an artistic painting of guitar (Mark Baldwin), voice, lyric and pure unadulterated love of being saved by Him. It's a precious moment in time you'll want to hear over and over again, and Diane's voice has wonderful emotion throughout, and though her voice is pretty, it's also full of strength and experience.
"PRAISE HIM" was probably placed at track four so the listener wouldn't be lulled into thinking that every song was similar. There's a Mary, Mary feel to this track and it's likely effective in concert, but this live feel track may have been better placed at the end of the CD where it didn't jolt the listener. The guitar work and organ playing on this song is the highlight! The rap at the end is a bit of a surprise. You do have to give Diane and company credit for the unexpected change of pace as any song written for Him can be used for His glory to reach someone we may have never met.
"IF I GO ALONE" is a strong pop track with a fine melody and Santana sounding guitar. The backup vocals are well-woven and the hook is the strongest of the project. By this point of the CD, most listeners are convinced they have found something special, such rains so true on the following title track, Help Me Decide! The production of Decide is flawless as it breathes life into a song that needs a laid back nature at first, yet also needs the buildup leading up to the life that results in the song's conclusion. I'd recommend this song to any woman who has struggled with an unplanned pregnancy. To share a story like this to the world takes inner strength and great conviction. If you shed a tear while listening, you won't be the only one weeping for the children left unborn, or the mothers and fathers whose lives have been changed by that one decision.
"ME AND JESUS" has a cool groove to it. The lyrics are reflective and the counter-melody is effective at bringing us back mentally, yet moving forward musically. The bridge gives a good change of pace and leads seamlessly into an upbeat instrumental. This has strong radio potential.
"THERE'S A RAINBOW" slows the pace back down into the pretty, melodic Diane-style with a piano led song. There is nothing like a piano and one lone voice and the feeling it can bring the soul. To put this on record is special and not enough musicians realize that sometimes less production can provide much more. Thus is the case with Rainbow. A simply brilliant song from a songwriter's standpoint.
"LEAD ME" changes the pace with a clever chorus and straightforward lyrics. The southern rock guitar is excellent, and the backup vocals and drumming are top-notch. This is not the normal track nine song, and if you're listening on an iPod, you'll be tempted to swap tracks 4 and 9. The chorus is the highlight here, very strong with an almost alternative edge. This is a track that could easily get mainstream CCM radio play.
"A MOTHER'S PRAYER" is a perfect way to end an album that centers on the child within, both from childbirth and the Christ child in our hearts. Diane resists the urge to go sappy, and instead writes a beautifully humble song whose focus is upwards. It's another piano song that stirs the heart and leaves you with the peace that He is in control. Songwriting is a gift, best served from His Spirit and Diane's music is the real deal.
Why do independent artists write albums and produce magnificent CDs when so few get a chance to sit down and listen carefully? It's really a simple answer, it's all for Him and for those people who do get to listen and are positively affected. Help Me Decide is such an album. It's destined to make an an impact on all those who hear it.
LYRICS SHOWCASE
Lead Me
© Diane Kay Coons and Jeff Coons, 2006
Where are you leading me?
Don't know which way to turn
Looking ahead and not behind me
Do I walk on ahead or do I just stand still?
I'm confident my faith will find me
Your Word says to walk by faith
Not by sigHt nor by my strength
I should not let fear control
For by Your spirit I am whole
I'm going your way, please lead me
Why should I worry when You have me in Your hand?
You are the maker of all things
Why should I tarry in the river of distress
When there is power in You, my King?
Your Word says to walk by faith
Not by sight nor by my strength
I should not let fear control
For by Your spirit I am whole
I'm going your way, please lead me
Where You lead I will follow
Where You lead I will follow
Where You lead I will follow
Your Word says to walk by faith
Not by sight nor by my strength
I should not let fear control
For by Your spirit I am whole
I'm going your way, please lead me
Where are you leading me?
Don't know which way to turn
I'm going Your way, please lead me
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