Indie Rock Show Review
by Sonia V.

Christin Cook – “For The Love” (2002)

Look out Lilith Fair Chicks!  Christin Cook is on her way to indie-chick hall of fame with this incredible new release, “For The Love”.  It’s apparent to anyone who follows her music that Christin has come into her own and has mastered her vocal abilities and songwriting skills on this sophomore release.  A giant leap from her freshman release “Scream Worship” recorded in her teen years, Christin shows growth and maturity as a 20 year old vocalist and songwriter with lyrics that beg for Gen-X TV soundtrack picks – which Christin has already got a jump on.  This project has already been picked up by the TNT popular show “Witchblade”.   Away from the modern worship theme of her former project, Christin speaks to a modern generation in both style and content.  Unless you’re searching for it, the lyrics have a slow way of creeping up on you until you finally realize that this is about God - which is cleverly put for spiritual music in today’s music craze – Christin leaves the “Christianese” behind.

Christin’s style on this project echos that of familiar artists like Sheryl Crow, Lisa Loeb, The Cranberries, Sarah Mclaughlin, Tori Amos, Paula Cole, Over the Rhine & Shawn Colvin and leaves behind the teeny-rock sound for a more mature young adult alternative one.  Some of the hot tracks to keep an ear out for are track 1, “I Need Your Love”, which is a sassy little number easily mistakable for secular and increasingly popular in independent music circles and mp3.com.  Track 2 “Keep Breathing” has a very interesting quirky beginning with “twists & turns” in the melody which shows a lot of creativity on Christin’s part blending lyrics with music appropriately.  “So Close to Far Away” comes “so close” to Over the Rhine in vocal style and The Choir guitar effects.   “Beyond Me” which has already been featured on a compilation CD release with Guitar Girls out of Los Angeles, CA is an amazing ballad speaking of putting it in God’s hands when all is “beyond” our abilities.  A beautiful worship ballad, “Cause of Who You Are” shows Christin’s heartbeat for her Savior and is probably the strongest work in songwriting on the project.  “Sweet Nothings” shows her musical versatility with a jazz ballad feel and Sarah Mclaughlin style vocals.  Needless to say, every track on this CD is well worth the listen and I’m looking forward to more great songs on future projects from this indie girl. 

The production of “For The Love” is more up-close and personal, omitting many of the popular electronic nuances and vocal effects of most music today.  You get the feeling that you’re sitting in a small room or theatre with Christin just a few feet away – it’s real like it should be.  And no wonder, Christin has more of a handle on her music with this project calling the shots as Executive Producer.  Probably the strongest songs on the CD are those she single-handedly penned herself.

Overall, “For The Love” is a very reflective project with lyrics that insist on a listener’s full attention.  So for those who like to just “sit & listen to music” rather than have it as background noise, this one’s a great pick.  Grab your cup o’ joe ‘cause this one’s a great coffeehouse sip.