Provident Label Group
Release Date: February 17th 2023 / September 22nd 2023
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Leanna Crawford– Make It Through / Jesus Is (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Make It Through
- Jesus Is
Leanna Crawford is one of my favourite ‘new’ artists within the CCM realm over the last few years or so- up there with artists like Tasha Layton, Apollo LTD, Cochren & Co. and Pat Barrett, to name a few. Leanna signed to Story House Collective and Provident Label Group in early 2020, and on the back of her moderately successful EP titled Crazy Beautiful You in 2018, this up-and-coming singer-songwriter (in the sense that Leanna hasn’t released a debut full length album yet!), has continued to impress and become an artist that’s certain to follow in the footsteps of inspirational artists like contemporaries Riley Clemmons, Hannah Kerr, and even veterans Casting Crowns or Matthew West. Leanna has always imparted heartfelt songs to people listening- especially with the unveiling of her most recent collection of songs- her label debut 2020 EP that released in May 2020. It has been a few years since I first discovered Leanna, and I can remember back then (in 2018), I knew that there was something about her music that made it powerful, heartfelt, and unique to listen to.
Now in 2023, we see what Leanna has undertaken since- she recently married NBA star Cody Zeller; and as an artist, Leanna has been able to grow into someone confident about who she is singing about, and one who’s not afraid to be a little quirky and weird, because it is often the different that impact people the most. Upon the success of songs like “Crazy Beautiful You”, “Write About it” and “Prince Charming” from her 2018 EP, Leanna offered up 6 new songs from her self-titled label debut in May 2020. From that EP came standout singles like “Funeral” and “Truth I’m Standing On”, alongside a poignant heartfelt duet with Jekalynn Carr, on a song titled “Mean Girls”. Now in 2023, Leanna’s unveiling new music again. She unveiled a lone-single in 2021- “What You Can’t Forget” that was released in August 2021; and Leanna delivered the songs “Before I Knew Jesus” and ‘How Can You Not” at various times during 2022. “Simple” released this past November, and now, she’s unveiled another couple of singles. “Make It Through” and “Jesus Is” are powerful, inspiring, honest, emotional, and personal in every way; and whether it’s part of a bigger project is anyone’s guess. But as Leanna forges ahead and sings about her Saviour and sings about the One who has saved her soul; we are reminded to always be thankful and grateful for Jesus Christ and everything He means to us. “Make It Through” is a track that speaks to our soul, that encourages us that we’re going to make it through life with our friends, family, and with God by our side (and it’s a song that is all the more special because Leanna wasn’t even sure if she was going to release it at all!); while “Jesus Is” is an inspirational and encouraging ballad, where Leanna reiterates that Jesus is indeed enough for us, even if we thank that He isn’t.
While it is not known whether Leanna Crawford’s many, many singles will feature in her full length debut album (whenever that may be!); what I do know is that Leanna’s songwriting and vulnerable style of singing is really one of her greatest qualities as a singer-songwriter, and the emotion shown through songs like “Mean Girls” and “What You Can’t Forget”, certainly carries on to these new songs recently released as well. And it is in light of Leanna’s many hit singles and releases; that I firmly believe that she’s quickly becoming a good role model for young people everywhere. Following in the footsteps of young artists like Hollyn and Riley Clemmons, and musically (and lyrically) reminding me of artists like Matthew West and Cimorelli; Leanna’s music is certain to become one of the artists that I’ll replay on Spotify and iTunes in the upcoming weeks and months ahead. Well done Leanna for both “Jesus Is” and “Make It Through”. Here’s hoping and praying that the Lord uses these songs to bring people healing, hope, reassurance, encouragement, and comfort! A full length album in the future by Leanna? I sure hope so.
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Matthew West, Casting Crowns, Cimorelli, Riley Clemmons, Hannah Kerr, Francesca Battistelli