BEC Recordings
Release Date: June 28th 2019
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Tasha Layton– Love Running Wild (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Love Lifting Me
- Filled Up
- Safe Place
- I Belong To You
- Sound Of Heaven (feat. Chris McClarney)
Way back at the end of 2018, BEC Recordings signed worship leader Tasha Layton – the latest artist in what seems to be a signing spree. Matty Mullins, Stephen Christian, Jorge, Aaron Bucks, River Valley Worship and London Gatch were all presented a spot on the label last year, while Brian Ortize, Free Worship and Battledrums were signed to BEC Recordings over the past few months. Yet this doesn’t mean Tasha was added to the roster just to make up numbers nor for the sake of it. Rather, with Tasha’s debut EP Love Running Wild having released about a week ago, let me just inform you all, that Tasha’s five song project, comprising of already known hits “I Belong To You”, “Sound Of Heaven” and “Love Lifting Me”, plus two new melodies; are compelling pop melodies that add something a bit extra to the BEC Recordings roster. With Tasha’s vocals being simply extremely powerful and strong, moreso than any other debut artist in my opinion; what do you think is my opinion on a release that I’ve been anticipating since the release of the debut single “I Belong To You” in August 2018? Maybe I’m biased, but I reckon that Tasha’s debut is one of the strongest debut EP’s I’ve heard in quite a number of years!
“I Belong With You” is the first single, driven by captivating electronic keys and synth. As Tasha immediately dives in and speaks out confronting eternal truth, that Jesus believed in us and loved us so much even before we believed in and loved ourselves; this melody musically plays it a bit too safe for my liking. Yet “I Belong to You” is nonetheless a compelling and heartfelt song as we hear the unmistakable oozing passion and enthusiasm from one of today’s up and coming artists that is sure to have a great impact in the world today over the next few years at least. I’d say that out of these 5 tracks, “I Belong To You” is the weakest (and even that’s still strong!), so that means this EP is solid gold, right? Yep, you better believe it! “Love Lifting Me”, the second single, is decidedly more pop than Tasha’s first single, and led by stirring guitars and captivating synth; as we are met with a vulnerable prayer, asking God to lavish His love over us so that we can be made more and more like Him, and more and more resilient and able to withstand life’s pressures. However, we are reminded in the chorus that Jesus’ love is already lifting us, already permeating through our very beings. Thus we should have comfort that He is with us, that He is beside us, that He is moulding and shaping us into who He wants us to be. Rather a prayer of asking God to lavish His love over us, “Love Lifting Me” is a celebratory declaration and a thankful cry that we do have His love over us, all the time. “Sound Of Heaven” is the final ‘known’ and ‘recognisable’ track, and probably the most worshipful of the bunch, as Tasha sings along with guest vocalist Chris McClarney to deliver one of the most inspiring and powerful melodies of the year thus far.
Fit for radio at around 4 and a half minutes, “Sound Of Heaven” feels like a Passion or Jesus Culture song- but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as Tasha and Chris trade vocals effortlessly and seamlessly, powerfully declaring that we need Jesus moving in our lives. Essentially a prayer asking God to come and have His Way with us; the guitar led melody ticks all of the boxes that a radio single should tick, and then some more as we are immersed in an exquisite track that I personally can never be bored of. Catchy yet also containing substance and a heartfelt cry to our Heavenly Father, “Sound Of Heaven” is a perfect melody for those of us wanting God to come and change our lives around for the better- or even those of us who take for granted the little things in life that God orchestrates; as this melody is a conscious statement of letting God take over, and take control of our lives. The EP then finishes up with 2 never-before-heard tracks “Safe Here” and “Filled Up”. The former is a vulnerable, reflective ballad/prayer with Tasha earnestly relaying to Jesus that He is our safe place, and that He is our refuge; while the latter is an out-and-out pop track, declaring that we can only be truly alive and free when we are filled up with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. With this EP being fun and emotional at the same time; Tasha need to be congratulated here- we do not know what is next musically for her, but after this project, I’m sure we are all rooting for her, wherever God takes her.
Over the past year where ‘new’ artists released songs and albums, such as artists like Austin French, Riley Clemmons, Aaron Cole, The Young Escape, Koryn Hawthorne, Aaron Bucks, Pat Barret, London Gatch and Mack Brock; Tasha Layton’s latest EP stands tall amongst the rest of these melodies and projects, as she continues on in her mission to make Jesus’ name famous, and to point people to Him. Though we don’t know for sure when Tasha’s full length debut album will release (it has to be sometime this year or next year, right?), we can still jam out to these 5 anthems until such a time when an album does surface. And let me tell you, until that time, I will keep on listening to these tracks and tell people of Tasha’s thoroughly engaging and inspiring tracks. Well done Tasha, can’t wait for you to release your full-length album and bless us all with more songs! Fans of Hannah Kerr, Natalie Grant, Kari Jobe, Sarah Reeves and Mia Fieldes will love Tasha Layton!
3 songs to listen to: Love Lifting Me, Safe Place, Sound Of Heaven
Score: 5/5
RIYL: Caitie Hurst, Natalie Grant, Hannah Kerr, Sarah Reeves, Mia Fieldes, Britt Nicole, Ellie Holcomb