Word Label Group
Release Date: June 15th 2018
Reviewed by: Jonathan Andre
Francesca Battistelli– The Breakup Song (iTunes/Amazon mp3)
Track Listing:
- The Breakup Song
Francesca Battistelli is a household name. No, seriously, she is. An only child from her hometown of New York City, Francesca has delivered some of CCM’s most heartfelt and compelling songs over the decade long career in music thus far. Starting off with releasing her debut album My Paper Heart in 2008 under Fervent Records (well, that will be her second, if you don’t include her indie album Just a Breath in 2004), Francesca has shown to us her lyrical and musical prowess throughout the many album releases and chart-topping songs since her thrusting into the limelight at age 23. Now with 3 albums, 1 Christmas album, an extended album and a lot of radio singles later, we are met with what I reckon is one of the most popular female CCM artists ever since Amy Grant and Rebecca St. James back in the day. From the encouraging ‘Beautiful, Beautiful’, and the poignant ‘Free to be Me’, to the ever encouraging ‘This is the Stuff’, the originally written Christmas melody ‘You’re Here’ and ‘Strangely Dim’, loosely inspired by ‘Turn Your Eyes’; Francesca’s music has reached far and wide, evident through songs that have touched our hearts over the years. Fervent Records even released a 15 song best-of compilation last year in 2017, comprising of the ‘best of the best’ (inclusive of a newly recorded studio track, and a new Christmas song). Now in June 2018, this New Yorker, only child, and mother of 4, has released her new song ‘The Breakup Song’- no, it is not a song about breaking up in terms of a human relationship, but rather, the song is breaking up…with fear! Catchy and upbeat, even heartfelt and poignant, Francesca’s new song is a must have for any fan of her music. And maybe, just maybe, we are to be blessed with another studio album from Francesca in the near future?
Now as we go down to the music and the lyrical highlights of this 3:24 minute song, we are met with a melody co-written with producer David Garcia and MercyMe frontman Bart Millard, as the song itself is a personal one for Francesca- Fear is a universal struggle. We all deal with it in different ways, but it holds us back from truly living. I came to the point where I decided I wanted it out of my life for good. This song is my anthem, and I pray it encourages others to break up with fear too. As we are met with the heartfelt emotion that comes along with the poignancy of the words ‘…sick and tired of being sick and tired, had as much of you as I can take, I’m so done, so over being afraid…’, we are brought to the place where we realise that fear itself can be as crippling as anything else, and can be a major factor in what often sets us back on a daily basis. Fear can be the downfall of many in many circumstances, and this song is a declaration to kick fear to the curb. While the song itself doesn’t mention anything about Jesus, and thus, can be played on mainstream radio, ‘The Breakup Song’ nevertheless is an encouragement, and God still works through the song and moves through it just the same. In a similar musical and lyrical vein to that of Blanca’s ‘Real Love’ or anything on the latest Finding Favour album Farewell Fear, ‘The Breakup Song’ is upbeat, empowering, and a song that can be sung in just about any circumstance, not just when fear is upon us. The song, written from a place where we realise what it really means to cast away fear in Jesus’ name, and live a life full of hope and love rather than fear, condemnation and judgement, I am reminded of a few bible verses when hearing this song- 1 John 4:18-19, where it says that perfect love casts out fear, alongside 2 Timothy 1:7, where we are met with Paul reminding us all that God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but rather that of a sound mind, discipline, self-control and love!
Gathering success and admiration throughout her 10 year career on Fervent Records thus far; Francesca’s presence in the CCM industry is certainly felt. One of today’s most popular CCM artists, along with Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, Casting Crowns, MercyMe and Tenth Avenue North to name a few; this New Yorker with Italian background has unveiled a sturdy and powerful collection of songs, alongside this new one, that has spanned years and years. Francesca’s presence within a male-dominated music industry is certainly a role model for many listeners and fans all over the world, and alongside artists like Meredith Andrews, Natalie Grant, Kari Jobe and Britt Nicole, Francesca has continued to give us great music with a power-pop and worshipful influence. One of CCM’s most honest and poignant songwriters and performers, I myself am excited for whatever Francesca does in the future- and if her new album is anything like ‘The Breakup Song’, then count me in, to listen to an album I reckon could be a standout in 2018 when the year is said and done!
Francesca’s infectious personality and fun musical arrangements added to the serious and relatable lyrical content is enough for her music to be as popular as it currently is. A great maturity and lyrical development since her debut will certainly continue in the future, and with her 3rd album If We’re Honest being my favourites of hers ever, ‘The Breakup Song’ sets the bar high for her fourth album (whenever that may come), and already has me eagerly waiting with anticipation and excitement. Well done Francesca for your music career til now, let’s listen to ‘The Breakup Song’, as well as her best of 2017 Greatest Hits collection, let us look ahead in anticipation to whenever her new album releases!
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Natalie Grant, Britt Nicole, Mandisa, Jamie Grace, Love & The Outcome