Yvonne MarieOut of the Ashes (2012)
By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.
Out of the Ashes is the sophomore offering from independent Christian singer, songwriter, and producer Yvonne Marie. More than an EP but smaller in content than an album, Out of the Ashes might best be described as a mini-album.
Crowned with locks of hair that tumble playfully across her brow, Yvonne Marie appreciates all styles of music and exhibits several on the album’s seven tracks. Her tastes range from the rock steady “New Day” and the Latin flair of “Sing to the Lord,” to the rock-infused title track. Her sweet spot appears to be CCM-flavored melodies as expressed on “Daughter of the King” and “You Are God.”
Yvonne Marie sings with an earthy neo-soul alto, wise but playful, and delivers lyrics like instructional moments—not surprising, since she is a teacher as well as a singer. Her lyrics about living and self-worth, particularly “The Greatest of These” and “Daughter of the King,” likely speak to her experience as a mentor to girls and young women in a program called G.E.M.S. (Girls of Excellence and Magnificent Splendor). The most interesting lyric on the album, however, is the title track, where Yvonne Marie sings about delivery from ashes (hard times) to beauty, a recurring theme on her blog.
The finest musical moment is when Yvonne Marie lifts up “Nothing But the Blood” a cappella, harmonizing with herself. It’s a straight-ahead reading of the gospel song—no flowers or curlicues, no church-wrecking, aisle-walking, Holy Ghost shouting—but nevertheless genuine and heartfelt. “You Are God” and the title track have compelling melodies that mature with repeated listening.
Out of the Ashes makes for pleasant listening because Yvonne Marie has a very pleasant voice.
Three of Five Stars
Picks: “Nothing But the Blood,” “Out of the Ashes.”
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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