My Paper Heart Deluxe
by Francesca Battistelli
Reviewed by Dale Lewis
"The
themes of trust, dependence and taking risks are clearly evident
throughout these tracks. A hope-filled, positive vibe permeates the
entire collection."
Inspired
by legendary jazz greats and contemporaries like John Mayer, Sara Bareilles
and Nicole Nordeman, singer/songwriter Francesca Battistelli pens common
sense, non theology-heavy lyrics and then weaves them into pop, soul-infused
music appealing to listeners of any age. Her music genre includes jazz,
rock, gospel and lots of R & B. Francesca’s music has also been
featured on several television shows and movies.
Nominated for 10 Dove awards and a Grammy, her 2008 release, My Paper
Heart,
is now packaged in a Deluxe edition. This new release includes two additional
tracks as well as four dented fender sessions of her favorite titles. These
four songs are more like enjoying her music in a relaxed, acoustic setting,
a coffee house per se rather than a major concert . . . an experience versus
a performance.
Having grown up in the 70s and 80s, Francesca reminds me of a young Kathy
Troccoli. Francesca matches Kathy in soulful passion, upbeat energy and transparent
authencity. I was hoping for a few more ballads from Francesca. With the
added dented fender sessions, we get a tiny glimpse of Francesca singing
a ballad and how the lyrics can soak deep within the soul.
On the title track, “My Paper Heart,” Francesca tackles the fragility
of the human heart with the underlying theme being, ‘I am forever safe
in His hands.’ I
believe “Time in Between”
would be an excellent addition to a Good Friday or Easter service for the
simple reminder Jesus’ life was so much more than just Bethlehem and
Calvary.
The themes of trust, dependence and taking risks are clearly evident throughout
these tracks. A hope-filled, positive vibe permeates the entire collection.
A message of truth and purpose is more important to this young artist than
awards or an ever increasing collection of top radio hits. As she notes, “Ultimately,
I want to be an encouragement as an artist and a fellow believer.”
Reviewer favorites include “Free to Be Me,” “My Paper Heart,” “Beautiful,
Beautiful” and “Time in Between.”
I don’t think you have to be a Francesca fan to enjoy her music, just
a fellow Christ-follower wanting to join her in celebration and worship of
the Almighty!
Nominated for 10 Dove awards and a Grammy, her 2008 release, My Paper Heart, is now packaged in a Deluxe edition. This new release includes two additional tracks as well as four dented fender sessions of her favorite titles. These four songs are more like enjoying her music in a relaxed, acoustic setting, a coffee house per se rather than a major concert . . . an experience versus a performance.
Having grown up in the 70s and 80s, Francesca reminds me of a young Kathy Troccoli. Francesca matches Kathy in soulful passion, upbeat energy and transparent authencity. I was hoping for a few more ballads from Francesca. With the added dented fender sessions, we get a tiny glimpse of Francesca singing a ballad and how the lyrics can soak deep within the soul.
On the title track, “My Paper Heart,” Francesca tackles the fragility of the human heart with the underlying theme being, ‘I am forever safe in His hands.’ I believe “Time in Between”
would be an excellent addition to a Good Friday or Easter service for the simple reminder Jesus’ life was so much more than just Bethlehem and Calvary.
The themes of trust, dependence and taking risks are clearly evident throughout these tracks. A hope-filled, positive vibe permeates the entire collection.
A message of truth and purpose is more important to this young artist than awards or an ever increasing collection of top
Reviewer
I don’t think you have to be a Francesca fan to enjoy her music, just a fellow Christ-follower wanting to join her in celebration and worship of the Almighty!
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