Andrea’s blog

Andrea Emmes
I’m On My Way          

Andrea Emmes’ story is another powerful one of a talented, beautiful person whose life is going uphill and then life happens and starts a mudslide.  This is the story of many God-loving Christians who have never forgotten Him along life’s road but were given a brazen reminder as they slid down the hill pushing Him back into the forefront of their minds. It is a story that never grows dull because it is a joy to hear the uplifting triumph of the soul at the bottom of the muddy hill get up and start the ascent once again.Emmes is all ready a seasoned stage performer but now her own heartfelt words are exquisitely sung with passion instead of a rehashing of some other composer’s pop or cabaret tune. 

The two biographical ballads “Beautifully Broken” and “I’m On My Way” are excellent.  Both of these gems hold mass appeal but at the same time touch each individual listener with their reverent honesty.Not wanting to just deliver an album of slow adult contemporary standards, Emmes showcases her vocal diversity with the rock anthem “Lost.”   Reminiscent of Rebecca St. James with her powerful mid-range, smooth lower register and occasional girly squeak at the end of phrases, this fun tune is heavily guitar driven but could use more drums to pump up the backbeat.  Another great power pop tune, albeit a little slower, is “You Are.”  Emmes pulls out all the stops with falsetto jumps and a whole step modulation for extra dramatic emphasis as she belts out the chorus: ‘Cuz You are Holy / You are wonderful / You are Father / King of Kings / Cuz You are Jesus / You are my true God / You are Mighty / God, You’re everything.’

Emmes range is a gentle mezzo-soprano that is easy on the ears but can also pack a punch.  She holds back when appropriate but can also control it and deliver during a more heavy-handed tune.  Because of this, the stark instrumentation on “Meet Me Here” works with its quirky keyboard and Emmes’ lilting vocal stylings with appropriate vibrato.  However “Don’t Cry” could use more production.  Emmes melody and vocal delivery could stand out much more than just what an acoustic guitar has to offer.  The track that holds the most subdued energy is “Thank You.”  This soulful, gospel number slowly builds up the excitement levels in anticipation of an explosion of praise – which never comes.  But in a way, it works because the listener is left yearning for more.  In a live setting no doubt this anthem could go on for thirty minutes with Emmes leading the shouting and hand clapping in a triumphant victory over life’s setbacks thanks to our heavenly Father. 

All ready garnering radio play on select Christian stations, time will hopefully bless Emmes as she continues her climb up on the hill and reaches more listeners with her inspirational story and music.  She knows all too well that God controls her steps and she is “on her way.”-Kelly O’Neil

Cross Rhythm-www.crossrhythm.co.uk

Andrea Emmes – I’m On My Way

Published Friday 3rd October 2008

Reviewed by Tom LennieAndrea was born in Hollywood (a little-known town in Florida!) and worked for a time singing with Walt Disney World MGM Studios/theme parks. Quickly developing a passion for writing, when aged just 13 she wrote over 35 songs. A move to LA launched her into a stint as a cover musician, touring the country, singing in casinos. This, Andrea’s debut record, ably showcases her gifting as a singer and songwriter – a diverse batch of interesting and pleasant tunes with thoughtful lyrics. The opening “Father” seeks Divine direction in raising a child. With the rock-thrust of the proceeding track, it’s clear that Ms Emmes’ music shuns easy classification. This is confirmed by further listening – quirky pop tunes, several hints of jazz/funk and smacks of inspirational. It’s especially on these latter, semi-acoustic piano-based numbers that the singer shows her vulnerability – as she openly expresses the love, joy and pain (“Beautifully Broken”) of life in general and the ups and downs of walking with the Lord in particular. Christ is unquestionably the central focus here, and a couple of tracks comprise pure heartfelt adoration. Ably produced and making use of creative instrumentation, this is a worthy debut.

ITunes

By Infinitemus

Ms. Emmes displays a great depth of understanding and emotion through her music. Each selection is its own “story,” and yet they blend together to make a thoughtful, insightful and expressive whole.  A wide range of both vocal performance and genre is found here…very simply “Intelligent music”. A heartfelt expression from an artist who uses a lyrical approach to define herself and describe her life.  The listener is engaged by mental and emotional pictures that stay with you long after the CD has finished playing. You’ll find yourself humming along to your favorite songs throughout the day!

Amazon.com Review!

Very seldom have I felt the urge to review a CD online, but I was so compelled by the music of Andrea Emmes, that is was no longer a choice, but an absolute must.

In a world of corporate popcorn that is shoved directly down our throats, Emmes is a welcome change reminding us that music is more than just music, it is emotion.

It is specifically fitting that this is a spiritual album, since the vocals on the first song “Father”, can only be described as angelic. With a fusion of a gospel chorus, the phrase “audible art” comes to mind. This is further emphasized by the inspirational lyrics of “Beautifully Broken” and the urgency & repetition of the message in “I Don’t Wanna”. Track 2, “Lost” reminds us of the fun female rockers of the 80’s: Joan Jett, The GoGos, or The Bangles. Then she turns the album upside down by following the song up with a pure vocal concerto, “Don’t Cry”. No instruments to hide behind here; rather, it is only her and one acoustic guitar. Further illustrating her flexibility, she launches into an authentic blues song, “Meet Me Here”. The brilliance of the meter breaks the rhythm time and time again. Meanwhile, Track 5, “I’m On My Way” shows off the levity of her voice against the deep tones of the piano. Further emphasizing this is track 8, “You Are” where she portrays a childlike innocence before its father. (Quite fitting for a spiritual album.)

All and all, this is s fantastic album for not only fans of spiritual music, but also for fans of music. It is refreshing to listen to an entire album that focuses on the intangible qualities of music, and not on what will sell best to the Brittany Spears crowd. I highly recommend this and look forward to her future works.

Review by Justin Bowler–Los Angeles, CA

The CD Reviewer

By Senior Writer C.W. Ross Artist:  Andrea Emmes
Title: I’m On My Way
Website: http://www.andreaemmes.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/andreaemmes
CDBaby: http://cdbaby.com/cd/andreaemmes
Style: Contemporary
Rating: 8.75 out of 10  To get a true feel for Andrea Emmes’ music you have to know a little bit about her background. Andrea has lead a very interesting life, by the young age of 13 she had already written 35 songs. She was published by the time she was 18. Her 1994 poem “Lord Hear My Prayer” became her first recording, “Father.

Andrea’s performed as a headliner on the Vegas strip, worked as a studio singer on the west coast, and performed as ‘Ariel’ at Disneyworld and Universal Studios singing as, ‘The Bride of Frankenstein.’ 

Her life came to a crashing stop though in 2006 when she sprained an ankle. During treatment for that she was diagnosed with RSD. RSD is a pain disorder that causes the body’s nerves to misfire and send a deluge of pain signals throughout the body.  Andrea has managed to make a positive out of it by really spending time with the God. She says that,”Because of this challenge, my greatest dream is coming true; I have been able to use my gifts for God’s purpose.” 

Andrea says that she is a lover of all music and all styles, but that her poetry and expression comes from the Lord, who is her main musical and life influence.  She list her writing and musical style influences as, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Stephan Curtis Chapman, Take 6, Anointed, Out of Eden, Elvis, Jewel, Lisa Loeb, Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, Toby Mac, Rebecca St. James, Bebe and Cece Winan, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Crystal Lewis, MaryMary, Babyface, Richard Marx, Lionel Ritchie, and Alanis Morisette. I’m On My Way is the debut release for Andrea Emmes.

On it you will find 11 tracks of music that are straight from the heart. Andrea’s music reaches out to both the saved and unsaved with messages of hope, salvation, courage, and grace. The main point is that as long as we keep God first in our life in the end things will work out. Andrea has high-pitched vocals that have an almost a childlike wonderment aspect to them. Her CD Baby page describes her music as, “A cross between Amy Grant and the Little Mermaid.” 

Andrea has also surrounded herself with several fine musicians on I’m On My Way including, Richard Smith, Maia Rodriguez and Chris Mendez. My favorite song picks are, “Lost,” a rocking number with edgy guitar work, the very touching melodic, “Beautifully Broken,” and the last track, “Thank You,” a praise and worship song that features a nice light rock meets jazz arrangement.

I’m On My Way is a very well done release that should put Andrea Emmes on a lot of people’s music radar screens.