Copyright ©1997, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com
Starting with several measures of a strong country beat and the twang of acoustic guitars, the first cut "Raised on Faith" says Hendley "knows just who she is" as she shares the gospel with a sure-nuff country flavor.
Varying from thumping upbeat to slow melancholy, the songs come from several song-smiths but all have the stamp of Hendley's gospel purpose. Her voice seems best on the slower numbers such as "Believer's Hearts Get Broken Too."
Hendley has a blend of backup singers that give variety to certain numbers. They include Ken Holloway on "That's Where I Wanna Take Our Love," a young couple's statement about wanting to live "tucked way up in the hills" and the good things of country life they can pass on to their children. The Katinas join Hendley to give flavor to the urgent cries of the rockin' black gospel number, "Save Me, Savior."
If Hendley had recorded only "With His Arms Wide Open," the last cut on this CD, it would be enough. She sings in soft haunting tones of the Savior with arms outstretched "to folks like you and me," gathering His fold, welcoming one and all. But she raises goose flesh on the final verse, as she sings of another kind of open arms: With His arms wide open,/He hung there on the cross/With His arms wide open,/that not one soul would be lost.
Yes, Kristy Hendley knows who she is. Never mind that she was second runner-up in the Miss Tennessee contest or a self-esteem seminar leader. She's a Christian first and foremost, and she shares that witness with all listeners.
Copyright ©1997, ProMotion, inc.
www@acloserlook.com