Independent
Release Date: March 30th 2018
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Heather Schnoor– All In EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- All In
- Loved Again
- Good
- All In (CB Remix)
- Good (CB Remix)
“…I was in a really unhealthy environment, feeling like I was enabling so many things that didn’t represent who I was or who I longed to be. So I ended up taking some time away from the country music world, and eventually walked away for good. A lot of people were surprised and confused because labels were showing interest, but I was not fulfilled…my favorite place in the world is the ocean. It’s the water, the sunsets, the mountains. I feel closest to God when I see that huge never-ending body of water. It was there that I had a pivotal conversation with the Lord. I was tired of all the distractions blurring my focus and the lukewarm lifestyle I was living. I wanted to be all in with my community, with my church, my friends, my family, but more importantly with Him. So it was there, as the waves tumbled onto the shore, that I surrendered to the Lord and said ‘I’m All In’…” I reckon if I were to ask anyone whether they knew who Heather Schnoor was as an artist, they’d probably wouldn’t even know who I was talking about. While that’d be very true, as Heather isn’t that well known (she has only released one EP in 2012 prior to this year- and my brother Jon reviewed the album here!), that’s all about to change with her inspiring and thought-provoking new EP All In. Featuring 3 brand new songs and 2 remixes, Heather is back from the ‘wilderness’ so to speak with plenty of personal stories that are sure to impact the lives of many who listen. Sure, she isn’t on a label, and yes, Heather’s music isn’t that publicised in comparison to other signed Christian artists. However All In EP is definitely one of the releases you need to check out so far this year- and you will be pleasantly surprised.
Driven by keys and pulsating drums, the title track starts off proceedings, as this heartfelt and personal ballad has Heather fervently declaring her re-commitment to Jesus, asking Him to ‘…take these trembling hands, take this broken past, I will not hold back anymore, where You walk I’ll go, let Your will unfold, and I shall not fear for I am Yours…’. Emotional and honest to the core, Heather’s offering is bound to strike a chord with at least one person- and for that reason alone, I reckon “All In”, though perhaps underrated, is much needed in today’s society, as a declaration that we can say, so as to reaffirm our faith with God, saying that ‘yes God, I know there are and will be hardships, but today, I’ll still choosing to be all in with You’.
“Loved Again” follows, and is a bouncy, happy-go-lucky, cheerful piano led 3 minute pop tune, where Heather passionately reiterates that we all can be loved again by Jesus, and not defined by our past hurts and past regrets- instead we can rest in the arms and security of Jesus our Saviour; yet it is “Good” that is the most impacting and THE song you should listen to (if you only listen to one song from All In EP!). In “Good” Heather wrestles with many questions, and voices what we all ask on the inside- is God really good when there are so many things in my life that are wrong, or things around the world that are wrong? And while the answer can take another blog, or even blog series (and even then I’m not really qualified to answer such a loaded and heavy multi-layered question!), Heather reassures us that God is indeed good and true, and ‘…still the one who sets me free, so I will bring my every burden, and You will meet my every need ’cause You are good…’; reminding us that He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and even when it seems like our world is falling apart, Jesus is right beside us, guiding us through the storms and moulding us in to better people as a result of our hardships. Maybe this song is controversial, but I say it’s needed. We all need to hear that God is good, and Heather’s song is a joy to listen to, especially in this current political climate.
While it remains to be seen whether Heather will sign to a major Christian label, and while we do not know when Heather will release her full length debut album, one thing is for certain- that Heather’s music will keep going on to influence lives, and for that reason alone, I reckon that you all should check out this EP- Heather Schnoor’s music may impact your life as well. While the future is unknown for Heather, it will still be a ride and a journey- so well done Heather, for this enjoyable and resonating EP; I can’t wait to hear what God has for store for you in the upcoming months and years!
3 songs to listen to: All In, Loved Again, Good
Score: 4/5
RIYL: Natalie Grant, Nichole Nordeman, Meredith Andrews, Kari Jobe, Christy Nockels