Jimmy Needham - Nightlights

Artist: Jimmy Needham
Album: Nightlights
Release Date: 5/18/10
Label: Inpop Records

Jimmy Needham sure surprised me with his new album Nightlights. A pleasant mix of pop, soul and funk is found on the newest from the singer/songwriter. The music comes across very smooth, accompanied by Needham's delicate vocals, to make the final result a perfect album to relax to, more specifically a great album for spring and summer.

To the music, a funk sound is heard on the opener "Moving To Zion" which tells the story of being raised on virtues such as faith and hope. An already big single under the album's belt is the simple pop tune "Yours To Take." Honest lyrics set to a small set of keys and guitar makes for a song driven by the experience of what it's like to accept Christ, clearly heard in the chorus that says "So this is what it feels like to live life, so this is breathing in for the very first time." The most upbeat track off the album that proves that Needham is not completely focused on a constant sound is the fun "Grace Amazing," which features Trip Lee, who is, yes, the well known Christian rapper. A very upbeat R&B/hip-hop track with a bit of funk thrown in as well makes it an enjoyable listen. Lee's vocal delivery is great which adds a lot to the track as well.

The interesting cover of the well known "How Sweet It Is" comes off as a perfect song for Needham to cover, with good results. Ending with the title track, it turns out not to be a song, but a spoken track. The words that Needham speak hit hard, especially the resounding line that let's the Lord know "Be Thou exalted over my reputation." It's the perfect line to sum up the album and should be applied to our lives as well.

Rating: 9/10 Jimmy Needham's new album Nightlighs comes across as the perfect springtime album, with his honest and refreshing take on music. A sure to be memorable album, Nightlights will come as the year's best pop album to date. Don't get me wrong, Needham has some great talent, which is used to glorify God 110 percent. You couldn't ask for any more than that.

Tracklisting:

1. Moving To Zion
2. Being Small
3. Yours To Take
4. The Reason I Sing
5. Right Where You Are
6. Steal Away
7. Part The Clouds
8. Grace Amazing
9. How Sweet It Is
10. Miss A Thing
11. Just A Heartbeat
12. Light Of Day
13. Nightlights

(Buy Here)