Artist:  Meredith Andrews

Title:  As Long As It Takes
Label:  Word Music

Worship powerhouse's second batch much of the same …

Over the past couple of years, worship leader/singer/songwriter Meredith Andrews' contagious brand of pop worship has safely positioned her as one of the brightest new artists in Christian music.  And with her sophomore record, As Long As It Takes, she continues the trend with a set of songs produced to appeal to both her praise and worship constituency and radio playlists.

From the chorus downbeat, "Can Anybody Hear Me" issues an infectious rock/pop performance akin to Britt Nicole and "Live Through Me" incorporates pulsing keyboard intervals in an electrifying, BarlowGirl-worthy halftime refrain.

"My Soul Sings" authorizes Andrews as a Hillsong United contemporary, dispensing a driving, hands-lifted-high anthem similar to her down under modern worship associates and "How Great is the Love," easily the record's brightest track, showcases her sturdy songwriting chops, having co-penned the lovely chorus with Texas worship extraordinaire Paul Baloche, who also contributes a duet vocal for this recording.

Conjuring up comparisons to Natalie Grant in its dynamic and Kari Jobe in its sweetness, Andrews' powerful vocal carries this project from top to bottom.  And though As Long As It Takes boasts clean production from producer pros, Jason Ingram/Rusty Varenkamp (Bebo Norman, Tenth Avenue North), it doesn't cut the creative edge to differentiate Andrews from her peers, creating a wash of sound all too often associated with worship music of recent years.

Andrews is definitely talented and certainly here to stay.  I just hope her catalog continues to diversify over time.

© 2010 CCMmagazine.com.  All rights reserved.  Used with permission. 

**This review first published on April 6, 2010.