Music Review: This Mystery by Nichole Nordeman

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: More powerful lyrics

Cons: "Why"

The Bottom Line:

Bonus track is weak

But rest of the disc still strong

As she shares struggles




Come Ponder This Mystery

Nichole Nordeman's debut CD hit the Christian market and immediately captured everyone's attention with her honest, powerful lyrics. This Mystery, her sophomore release, created lots of buzz. But would it live up to her debut? Happily, the answer was a resounding yes.

While her first release was a unique pop/alternative blend, this CD is more standard pop. A couple songs, most noticeably "Help Me Believe," sound like they'd fit in on her debut, it never feels like Wide Eyed Part 2. Nichole loves the piano, so it is still featured prominently in all her songs with drums, guitar, strings, and other instruments helping as needed. And there are lots of pop hooks to please pop fans.

Lyrically, she's still struggling with the wonders of Christianity. Her passion comes through clearly, making for some powerful songs.

For example, "Tremble" looks at how we approach God. Too many Christians, myself included, have forgotten this is the creator of the universe we worship. The song is a passionate cry apologizing for blurring the line between us and God. It is upbeat but written in a minor key and sounds very haunting.

The next two songs are an interesting study in contrast. "Fool For You" is a profession of almost blind faith in God despite what the critics may say. While it admits doubt, it comes back to accepting God solely on His Word. It's a fun mid-tempo piece that is easy to sing along with. Following it on the CD is "Help Me Believe." As you might expect, this slower number is a prayer for faith, specifically childlike faith. While not a ballad, the focus musically is on the piano with just simple drums keeping the rhythm. While these two songs are worlds apart, I must confess to identifying with both of them on a regular basis, sometimes just hours apart.

My favorite track on the disc is "Small Enough." A duet with Fernando Ortega, it's a slow ballad with just piano and strings. It's a cry to God for His presence in the mist of struggle. This isn't a song about doubt, but the need to feel His intimate presence right now. It sounds absolutely stunning. I can put this song on repeat for hours.

This CD also contains a cover of Stevie Wonder's song "As." While I've never heard the original, Nichole does a great job with it. It comes out as a modern pop song with synthesizer almost as strong as piano. Unless I've read the notes on the CD recently, I completely forget it wasn't written for this project.

The only misstep is the final track. Billed as a bonus, "Why" is a live recording with just piano and Nichole's voice. The song is about a girl who gets caught up in the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion. The problem is the verses just don't work. They feel like they have no rhyme, rhythm, or melody. The choruses, however, are powerful and work extremely well.

While some artists experience a sophomore slump, Nichole Nordeman produced a CD equal or better then her debut effort. With fun music and powerful lyrics, This Mystery is a project not to be missed.

CD Length: 48:40

Tracks:

1. This Mystery

2. Tremble

3. Fool For You

4. Help Me Believe

5. Small Enough

6. Lookin' at You (Lookin' at Me)

7. As

8. Home

9. Please Come

10. Every Season

11. Why