Beating Time
BURN OUT
By Cathy Burton
Fierce! 2002. £14.99
5 055070 300425
Imagine a solo artist along the lines of Dido and Natalie Imbruglia. The comparisons are obvious; the album is a rock-tinged, beat-driven work carried by Cathy's strong, angsty voice.
Musically-speaking, this is a solid formula, making for an enjoyable listen. In terms of subject matter, the songs are mostly introspective, focussing on the frailty of human emotion. Cathy's music does exhibit a great compassion and sensitivity towards people in tough times. But by her own admission, the music is a soundtrack rather than a sermon. 'I'm just writing a song. I'm not trying to give anyone any answers.'
This is where, for me, the problem lies. Like it or not, Cathy Burton is a preacher. All songwriters to some extent are. Turn on the radio and Cathy Burton's secular counterparts, perhaps most notably Dido, fill our ears and minds with the self-centred worldview which pervades their music. Music is a powerful empathetic force. While sensitivity is a fine thing, there is a case for arguing that Christian music should offer more. In Burn Out, it is not the exploration of painful emotions which is problematic - just take a look at the Psalms. But the Psalms eventually bring us outside ourselves to contemplate a God who gives us his perspective. This is the disappointment of the album: yes, the lyrics hold great compassion, but it does not, most of the time, lead listeners to the real hope that can be found in the Lord. So, maybe preaching is not always fashionable or appropriate, but if you know where hope comes from, why not share it?
Burn Out is at its best on the album's last track, 'Belongs to you'. A more overtly God-centred approach makes for a much more inspiring listen, which, in my opinion, confirms what I have said about the rest of the CD.
