Maranda Curtis “Die to Live” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Sparrow, Run, Lazarus
Overall Grade: 4/5
Three years after her last live album, Maranda Curtis returns with Die to Live. Recorded live in Toronto, these 15 tracks (with 13 new songs) are her most personal songs to date. In between these two projects, Curtis suffered the loss of her beloved mother. Many of the tracks therefore were birthed out of her healing process. To aid her in bringing these songs to live, she has enlisted the help of co-writers such as Phillip Bryant, Bart Orr, Justin Savage, Rich Tolbert Jr., Ernest Vaughan, and Don Moen.
This is Curtis' most adventurous album to date. Unlike many of her peers who feel that they need to open a live album with a thunderous upbeat belter, Curtis begins with a choral piece. Introduced by a piano and strings interlude that last for over two minutes before the choir starts singing, "Never Die" begins the record on a heavenly note. This segues into the sing-along high-energy "Freedom." With the use of acoustic guitars on the folk-leaning "To Know Me," Curtis brings out an intimacy that is affecting.
Current single "Lazarus" brings to life the theme of the record. Standing in the shoes of Lazarus, Curtis sings of what it means to experience the defeat of death in this powerful ballad. The title cut "Die to Live" sounds like a lullaby in the sense that it is delivered with a nourishing warmth. "We Lift You Up," "Overcome," and "Amazing God" are Curtis' attempts at crafting a modern worship song. However, the lack of sustaining hooks in these songs make them sound repetitive and forgettable.
The later part of the record is redeemed by "Run." A re-telling of the prodigal son returning home to the father, this ballad is bound to bring many Kleenex moments. "Sparrow" is easily the album's lodestar. Going for a country-based backing, "Sparrow" is a newly re-written piece of the hymn "His Eye is on the Sparrow." It's refreshing different from anything Curtis has had ever done, and it's performed with verve. Sure, there are some spotty moments, but this record is genuine-sounding, adventurously executed, and soaked with Gospel themes that strike both at the heart and mind.
Tags : Maranda Curtis “Die to Live” Album Review maranda curtis maranda curtis new album maranda curtis news
Hot Trends
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Dante Bowe Criticized for Wearing Questionable Shirt on Instagram
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Watch John Crist's “Tonight Show” Debut Here
-
The Biggest Show in Christian History, "The Chosen," Meets Rave Jesus at "Walk On The Water Remix"
-
Max Lucado Announces New Book "Tame Your Thoughts"
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Dallas Jenkins Begins Filming "Joseph of Egypt," Launching the Expanded Chosen Bible Universe
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Eva Crabb, Daughter of Adam Crabb, Drops Debut Single
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
The Final Season: New Film "The Senior" Tells A True Story of Redemption and Resolve
-
Matthew West and Crowder to Perform at the Ark Encounter – Free Concerts with Admission
-
From Regret to Redemption: Mike Flynt Shares His Story Behind "The Senior" Movie
Most Popular
-
Forrest Frank & Crowder Release New Collab “The Rock”
-
Dante Bowe Criticized for Wearing Questionable Shirt on Instagram
-
Comedian John Crist Announces Engagement to Lydia Fielder
-
Chris Rice Maintains Public Silence Following Abuse Allegations; Focuses on Writing and Speaking
-
Watch John Crist's “Tonight Show” Debut Here
-
The Biggest Show in Christian History, "The Chosen," Meets Rave Jesus at "Walk On The Water Remix"
-
Max Lucado Announces New Book "Tame Your Thoughts"
-
Hillsong's Marty Sampson's Startling Revelations About Brian Houston & His Own Marriage
-
Dallas Jenkins Begins Filming "Joseph of Egypt," Launching the Expanded Chosen Bible Universe
-
Cory Asbury Speaks Out: "Everyone Knew" About Michael Tait Allegations
-
Eva Crabb, Daughter of Adam Crabb, Drops Debut Single
-
William McDowell Walks Away From Car Crash After Black Bear Encounter
-
The Final Season: New Film "The Senior" Tells A True Story of Redemption and Resolve
-
Matthew West and Crowder to Perform at the Ark Encounter – Free Concerts with Admission
-
From Regret to Redemption: Mike Flynt Shares His Story Behind "The Senior" Movie