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Give My Life - Reviews
Review by Marshall Thomas, freelance writer, sports journalist and CCM fan:
contact Marshall on
The saying "some things are worth waiting for" could never be more appropriate than for Helen's second full album. An album of love songs that still brings a tear to the eye of a 30-year-old bloke after multiple plays obviously has that extra special 'something'.
A blend of both gentle and up-tempo, undeniably infectious rhythms and sumptuous ballads make a glorious wrapping for 14 songs encapsulating the mixture of feelings and emotions that describe love won, loved up, love passed by, love lost, love hoped for and the One love that is truly Divine.
"Give My Life" represents over a decade of songwriting by Helen and husband and producer Doug, with 11 of the tracks on the album self-penned by Helen alone or jointly with Doug. These include the opening title track, which has one of those 'gently infectious rhythms' also found on the fourth track, "Running Scared", on which Helen duets superbly with Chris Winter, the album's Production Manager and one of a talented set of musicians that help make "Give My Life" such a delight.
Long-term fans will remember Helen and Doug playing universities as "The Promise" and their first song, "My Love Is Strong" is here still stirring the soul 10 years on, alongside a great re-recording of a personal favourite, 'Falling Deep In Love', from Helen's first Album "Safe".
The tempo turns up a notch or two for "My Energy", "Still On My Mind" and the first of two covers, Olivia Newton John's "A Little More Love". As an eight-year-old I wasn't into Olivia Newton-John when this first came out in the late Seventies, but having heard it on the radio in the years since the similarity between Olivia's voice and Helen's is uncanny. This is despite the fact that this modern-day version has, to me at least, got a harder edge to it, which is what makes it so good.
Shania Twain's "You've Got A Way", from the album "Come On Over" and the soundtrack for "Notting HiIl" is simply divine, as are all Helen's own ballads, especially "Just Keep Dreaming". Speaking of 'divine' and 'dreaming', although this is an album of love songs largely dealing with human 'romantic' love, Helen's (and Doug's) love for Jesus and His for them are an undeniable influence. This is reflected in the aforementioned "My Love Is Strong", "Is This What You're Waiting For" and the closing track "You Are My Father".
In the final track Helen sings 'Together we can make the dream come true' and says the album is her 'jewel for Him'. "Give My Life" is indeed a gem and a 'dream come true' for Helen, for Doug, for all those who have worked to see this project through to fruition amid many health-related challenges, and for many, many friends and fans in the UK and throughout the world. It is an album that shall hopefully gain Helen a whole new legion of fans. Get your Christmas shopping started early. Buy it for all those you 'love', whether it's a girlfriend, a boyfriend, your husband, your wife or another member of your family.
Finally, God willing, it will not be another six years before the next album from Helen Jayne McKellar.
Review by Geoff Howlett, Never For Nothing CCM Fanzine (Jan 2002)
contact Geoff on geoff@howlett113.freeserve.co.uk
HELEN JAYNE McKELLAR : Give My Life. (CD £11.99 from http://www.helenjayne.com/)
As one of those who have held Helen in their prayers regularly over the last few years, I am so pleased to be able to review this album. Through the heartaches and struggles of a long illness, Helen has kept the Lord at the centre of her life, along with the love and care of her husband and family. The resulting album is a little more low key than her previous release but offers the listener the chance to bathe in Helen’s warm vocals. The opening title track is a choppy pop affair that instantly won my heart and a place on my radio playlist. “Let Me In” follows as a nice ballad, and the laid back duet on “Running Scared” is simply divine. Helen re-works the old Olivia Newton John “A Little More Love” and sounds just like the lady herself – Stars in their Eyes are calling! However, on Shania Twain’s “You’ve Got A Way”, it’s definitely Helen and what a sweet rendition it is. I also like the chart sounding “My Energy” and “Still On My Mind”, but wasn’t so keen on the rather bland sounding “Is This What You’re Waiting For”. In parts, Helen’s vocals remind me a lot of Cherri Keaggy and that’s no bad thing. One thing’s for sure, Helen is back on track. 8/10.
HELEN JAYNE McKELLAR : Prayer For America. (CD £3 from http://www.helenjayne.com/)
The events of September 11th in New York last year will be etched in our hearts forever. However, through the horror, death and destruction have come many shining lights and, most of all, hope for the future. Many artists have felt moved to put their feelings into words and Helen’s “Prayer For America” is one. The main song is centred around us being at a loss to come to terms with the event itself. All we can do is to ask God to give everyone involved the strength to carry on. It’s a touching ballad that will mean a lot to many. All proceeds from the sale will be distributed equally between the American Red Cross National disaster Fund and the British Red Cross Afghan Crisis Appeal. For £3 plus postage, that’s not a lot a bad thing, is it?
© Geoff Howlett 2002
Review by John Baugh, for Cross Rhythms Magazine (Jan/Feb 2002)
contact Cross Rhythms on www.crossrhythms.co.uk
Yes, before you ask it is the same Helen Jayne whose 1995 album 'Safe' was so prominant way back then (see CR24). CR65 has the full story on where she has been in the intervening time so I can stick to the CD in question. It's pop, pure and simple pop, all bright and shiny. There is an overall musical feel much like 'Heart in Motion' with crossoverable (if that is a real word) lyrics to match. But please, let's not get bogged down in who is the 'you' in each song - let's just enjoy. Clearly Helen retains her ability to write memorable melody that connects with listeners (a couple of the songs here have already registered on various MP3 charts) while her lilting delivery is as sweet and sensitive as ever. 8/10.
© Cross Rhythms 2002