Laura Allen - Standing CD Review

Standing is an outstanding collection of ten songs that cleverly fuses together a blend of modern country with Christian pop/rock to produce something quite magnificent. The songs on this album have a fresh feel about them; they are both uplifting and full of emotion. They offer the listener an intoxicating mix of power, passion, faith and humanity. Laura’s vocals are powerful and aggressive when needed on lively songs yet delicate and warming to the soul on softer numbers, which speak of faith and religion.

The album gets off to a cracking start with the opening number entitled Georgia. This is a lively song written by Laura. The chorus is catchy and the music is upbeat throughout. This is a typical singer/songwriter song. Listening to this opening number you know that you are listening to something special. It is the first of many treats on this delightful album.

Riverside, again written by Laura, is another punchy song brimming with angst. This song has quite heavy backing music but it never gets in the way of Laura’s vocals, which are strong and forceful throughout. Comparisons could be made between Laura’s vocal style and that of the pop singing sensation Avril Lavigne on this number.

Like A Rose is a slightly slower number than the previous two songs. The chorus is quite beautiful and packed full of emotion and passion. Laura’s vocals really invite the listener to pay close attention to the lyrics and to feel the passion that oozes from every word that she sings. This song is one that will linger in the listener’s heart and mind long after the last note of music has been played.

I Walk sees the mood of the album change once again. This song is another one with heavy backing music but it never overshadows Laura’s lovely voice. Laura dedicates this album to Jesus and I believe this song has been heavily influenced by religion and her faith.

Hide Away is more of a dreamy number and sees a change in mood and style once again. Laura’s vocals have a much softer feel to them on this song. There is a nice use of the piano on this track giving the song extra depth and character. Listening to this highly attractive number I find myself drawing comparisons in style and sound between Laura and the talented Australian singer Delta Goodrem. This song is possibly my favourite song of the ten songs on this album because it is totally different to the nine other songs. The music and lyrics resonated with me and this song touched a special place in my heart.

Coram Deo was written by Laura Allen and arranged by Rocky Presley who also produced this album. This is another top quality song that oozes with strong emotions. This song has a fantastic string interlude three quarters of the way through. The use of the strings in this song gives it an extra special dimension and a really clever and sophisticated sound.

I’m Still In Line is another song where religion and faith seems to have influenced the lyrics. The lyrics and music for this song were written by Laura Allen and Rocky Presley.

My Window, written by Laura, is a hauntingly beautiful song, which features more fantastic string instrumentation. This is a lovely ballad that you just wish as a listener would go on for just a little bit longer so you can hear more of Laura’s angelic vocals.

Blessed, once again written by Laura, is a song that deals with the subject of faith. This is a gentle number that touches on religion but never rams religion and/or faith down the listener’s throat. This song is quite lovely and very delicate in style and tone. Laura’s voice is soft and vibrant.

Dream completes the ten songs on this fabulous album. Laura’s voice is fragile and so honest on this final number. Dream is a light song to end the album on but the lyrics are still bursting with emotion and passion. As Laura’s voice finally disappears and the music fades away into nothing the listener is left crying out for more, much more.

Standing is an exciting album because it is full of carefully crafted songs that fill the listener with emotion and gives the listener a chance to reflect on faith and religion. The ten songs on this album vary in style and pace giving the listener an enjoyable ride. Laura’s song writing talents are evident throughout this album as are her vocal talents, which speak for themselves. Laura’s vocals are heart warming and angelic one minute yet full of angst the next. This album screams out quality. This is a truly charming album jam packed full of magical songs, which convey great depth and maturity. Each and every one of the ten songs on this album are good and worthy of a place on this album. Music at its finest!