Reviewed by Trevor Kirk After her acclaimed 1998 eponymously titled debut and appearances on various compilation and concept albums, including ‘The Mercy Project’ and ‘Left Behind Worship’, Jill’s third full album (her second, ‘God & Money’ was an indie release) appears at a time when her personal life, or rather that of her husband, is under close scrutiny, and the recent death of her father hasn’t helped. If all that baggage deflects attention from this release, then it’d be a pity, because this is well up to scratch; good quality, thinking person’s pop, with clear vocals, excellent production and a strong message in every song, and a very impressive cast list along for the ride, including Phil Madeira, Matt Slocum of Sixpence None The Richer, Bebo Norman, Andrew Peterson, and Steven Mason of Jars Of Clay. All the problems that Jill’s faced and overcome in her life have worked together for good: the very first track on the album, released as a single in the USA, “Wrecking Ball” is all about how God uses adversity to build character, and the rest of the album is in the same vein. Not happy-clappy by any means, but well worth your attention nonetheless.
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Released in early August of 2003, this was the first I ever heard of Jill. I had heard ccm radio play a song from this cd, didn't get title: (I still can't recall which song it was, I MUST BE BEGINNING THE AGING PROCESS- LOL) I love her pop styled vocals; she sounds like CCM artist Susan Ashton: the music style also. "Wrecking Ball" starts the songlist; great ccm style. I love "Even Still"; the lyric content anyone can
relate to:well known talent of ccm, Phil Madeira
adds his guitar licks to the song. "Grace and
Peace" is another favorite; this is what ccm is all about!:"HE IS COMING AGAIN!" . Matt Slocum (great songwriter)of Sixpence None the Richer plays cello on
"Sacred"; this song contains the cd title phrase.
CCM artist Bebo Norman duets on "GOD Believes in
you";these are cut to the bone lyrics; great song Jill!
I just love "Wisdom"; again the talented guitar of
CCM's Phil Madeira is heard:another great ccm song!
"The Way of the Fire" is awesome! This whole cd is commendable; this is a collection of songs NO ONE should miss out on! These songs were borne thru
true fires of life: THANK YOU JILL! GOD Bless! - Don