Fair Trade Services
Release Date: September 29th 2017
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Jasmine Murray– Jasmine Murray EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- No Other Love
- Fearless
- Into Words
- Who You Love
- Closer
- You Belong
Recently signed to Fair Trade Services, Jasmine Murray, vocally similar to Mary Mary, Mandisa and Nicole C. Mullen, is one of 2017’s shining stars, and is sure to be one of the biggest vocalists in the coming years in the Christian music industry. After being a finalist on American Idol in Season 8, Jasmine has seen doors open in the coming years that God has orchestrated beyond her wildest dreams, from singing live on various talk shows to singing Obama at the National Prayer Breakfast one year. This year, Jasmine has unveiled her debut single “Fearless”, another step into becoming the person God intends for her to be; and the result is 3 minutes of pop goodness that speaks about a topic that we all can relate to- fear. Just this week, Jasmine took another step in showing the world her prowess as a singer, with the release of her debut self titled EP. Featuring “Fearless”, her new single “You Belong” plus 4 other future fan favourites, let’s dive in and dwell upon the greatness encompassed in these six melodies of worship to our Lord and Saviour.
Released in February this year, “Fearless” holds nothing back lyrically, and is a 3 minute CCM guitar led melody, diving deep into our darkest fears that keep us up and night. Fear is something that chains us down and stops us from living life. Thankfully, Jasmine relays to us in her big, booming voice that ‘…I wanna be fearless, no holding back, no backing down, fearless, because I believe You’re with me now, bring on the unknown, lead me and I’ll go, come set me free, God, I want to be fearless…’. We can be fearless despite our circumstances, because of who is in our corner, and that is Jesus Christ- the Lord of Heaven and of Earth! A powerhouse inspirational ballad similar in atmosphere to “Overcomer” from Mandisa, Jasmine’s debut single was very popular on radio, and thus far has reached millions of listeners far and wide, maybe impacting even more lives.
With the first single peaking about fear, in the album closer and the second single “You Belong”, Jasmine delves into the concept of belonging, and the notion that we as humans worry that we aren’t good enough for God, when in fact we belong to Him as sons and daughters, and ‘…you don’t have to be afraid, hope is your everything…love has carried you this far, safe in your father’s arms…’. CCM in nature, and driven by strong synth, stirring guitars and explosive vocals; Jasmine relays to us that we are accepted into the body of Christ already, so we don’t have to be afraid or feel unloved. More subdued and reflective than “Fearless”, this inspirational ballad is sure to impact many, and hopefully will be one of the year’s most played songs, more so than “Fearless”.
The rest of the four offerings from Jasmine on this near-flawless EP, further reiterates how brilliant she is at capturing the audience’s attention, and creating a God moment amongst the simplest of song arrangements and recordings. EP opener “No Other Love” musically has like a remix/electronic/dance club atmosphere, and lyrically speaks about Jesus’ love, that no other love can compare to the vastness and eternity that the love of Jesus possesses, as Jasmine passionately reiterates that living in Jesus’ love is sure to provide healing and life to the full; while inspirational piano led ballad “Into Words” features Jasmine at her most honest and vulnerable, fervently crying out that ‘…I can’t put You into words, cause I know it’s not enough, it will never be enough, Your grace and mercy are so much more, more that I deserve, forever I will serve You…’, as we as Christians are convicted to pray this prayer along with Jasmine, admitting that we are weak without our Lord and Saviour, but with Him we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. “Who You Love” is probably the most CCM of the album, as Jasmine powerfully belts out a Mandisa-esque melody vocally, as we remember that we are who Jesus loves, therefore we can come just as we are to Him, because of everything He’s done for us; while the final brand new track is 3 minute pop tune “Closer”. With Jasmine ardently crying out, asking God to pull us closer than ever, and draw us into His love, we are glimpsed into an inspiring prayer, where what we long to do is be in communion with the One who loves us like we could never imagine. Well done Jasmine for inspiring us and creating enjoyable melodies that are sure to impact listeners in the coming months and years!
“…There are so many people who struggle with fear, anxiety, doubt, and worry. Maybe you’re the ten-year-old girl who’s afraid to say her speech in front of her class. Or maybe you’re a woman who feels like she’s not good enough at work or not good enough as a mom. People tend to think they’re alone in their struggles because no one else seems to be talking about it. But that’s so not true! It’s just so tough to know what people are really struggling with or going through, because our tendency is to look like we have it all together. I struggle with those exact same feelings…we cannot overcome fear on our own. If we try – like I have – we’re going to fail. But when we believe in Him, He promises us courage and strength…and He’ll empower us to know that through Christ we are conquerors, we can overcome anything, and that we are called to be bold and fearless in every way!…” What can I say about Jasmine Murray’s new EP that I haven’t already? Resonating with fans even right now, this is sure to be a breakout year for Jasmine. After hearing Jasmine’s thoroughly enjoyable and celebratory self-titled EP, in my opinion “Fearless”, “You Belong” and the rest of the EP should be on everyone’s iTunes rotation or on any other media device; the subject matter of God making us fearless and us overcoming adversity is a bonus! Now, time to dwell upon how Jasmine’s full length album (maybe releasing next year?) would sound like! Keep up the amazing work Jasmine!
3 songs to listen to: No Other Love, Into Words, You Belong
Score: 4/5
RIYL: Mandisa, Nicole C. Mullen, Avalon, FFH, Francesca Battistelli