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Hey, wait a minute. Isn't that an echo of A Sacred Journey? Sure enough, there in the CD credits is an acknowledgment of American novelist Frederick Buechner.
That's just one of many pleasant surprises in the songs of Carolyn Arends. Immediately following the title song "I can hear you" on her first CD is her wonderful country hymn to sacrifice and integrity, "Seize the day". It includes lines such as:
"Well I know a doctor,
A fine young physician,
Left his six-figure job
For a mission position."
This single, too--amazingly--has gained radio airplay.
The Vancouver singer-songwriter resembles some of her more popular contemporaries in her clever rhymes and infectious melodies. But the themes of her songs are a breath of fresh air in the midst of much music which seems to glorify individual rights, self-actualization and personal empowerment. In "Altar of ego", Arends makes an eloquent pledge to turn away from the temptations of selfishness toward "Someone so much higher". Later she urges listeners to give up the love of power for "the power of love".
On the latest CD, Feel Free, Arends uses her freedom to accept people as they are and set them at ease; to assure her husband Mark that their marriage is in good shape; and to sing about the love of Jesus. Two gentle songs encourage listeners not to miss the signs of God's existence amid the difficult questions which life brings. Arends shows a disarming readiness to be called "crazy" if people have a problem with her Christian commitment. Music styles on the new CD are pop and folk rock.
In a recent article in Campus Life, Arends said that during her adolescence she struggled with shyness. Since then, she explained, "I've just learned to embrace the person God has made me to be." Perhaps that is what is behind the thoughtfulness of her lyrics.
Arends is not one of the so-called "cross-over" artists who first build up a Christian following by singing about faith, then try for a wider audience by putting out innocuous pop songs. Her lyrics make no attempt to pander to a non-Christian audience. The songs have apparently gained attention because they are well-crafted and friendly.
No small part of the credit for the polished sound of the recordings must go to Nashville producer Brown Bannister. Also lurking in the background is Roy Salmond of the former Christian singing duo "Salmond and Mulder".
It's a great joy to tune in a popular radio station and hear songs about the presence of God in daily life--let alone odes to mission commitment! This is music worthy of our affirmation and support.
GORD NICKEL IS A MISSIONS INSTRUCTOR AT BETHANY BIBLE INSTITUTE IN HEPBURN, SASK.
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