Beating Time
SPEED YOUR LOVE (CD)
By Cathy Burton
Fierce! Distribution
The boundaries between Christian contemporary pop and mainstream chart music have been blurred. Has Cathy Burton produced an album of Christian music to appeal to the mass pop market, or is she making her way in popular music as a Christian? Does it matter?
Cathy Burton shows herself not just to be an emotional and honest performer, but also a talented songwriter with this varied collection, produced by her husband and Delirious? soundman Paul Burton. Here are songs to relate to. I have listened to this CD many times over and I can tell you that it sounds great on a summer's day. This is not a gentle slice of pop, however - here are spiky, hard-edged melodies with tough talking and self-analysis.
Human condition
The guitar-driven, melodic opener 'La La Love' compares favourably with anything you'd hear in the Top 40, and is one tune which will stick in the listener's head. 'Home' is a heartfelt message to a prodigal, beginning tentatively but then carried by gritty guitar and drums: 'I was just curious / If you still talk about me now you're gone / Gone into your new world'. It doesn't convey a message of weakness from God, but shows him to be as persuasive and strong and passionate as the instruments and vocals suggest.
'Falling' speaks of feeling distant from God - gazing at the night sky and feeling wonder, yet, 'My doubting shocks me / Why O why do I feel so empty?...And my life feels cold / Without you near me'. 'Leave me with you' skips through melodic phrases and a lilting accompaniment to describe the first flush of love. Cathy's soaring, effortless voice - occasionally reminiscent of Natalie Imbruglia - makes this uplifting piece a real joy.
Are the blurred genre boundaries a good thing? This is not pigeonhole pop. Neither is there an overt gospel message. It is rather a look through the microscope at our humanness in all its weaknesses and strengths - something which Cathy the songwriter obviously relishes. Don't expect an album of praise and worship or Bible truths, but enjoy the thoughtful musicianship analysing the human condition, through an emotive voice, strong backing - and no 'Parental Advisory' sticker!
Julie Skelton, Guildford
