To the Glory of God - Album Reviews

[Natasha]

Firstly I must say a thank-you to Kristyn, who kindly sent me “To the Glory of God.” It was a lovely surprise to get the album so soon, and I must say the packing with the advertisement of the CD on the outside, is extremely clever! Not to mention that the whole CD and insert were created by an awesome designer and are very professional looking!

The album itself beings with “To the Glory of God” which is a great album starter and it brings out the album’s theme very well. It is quickly followed with the very lovely song “Gesu Bambino.” Like the first song it has a theme tune and then a piece from a well-known hymn in this case, “O Come all ye Faithful.” Kristyn is I believe the 3rd person I have heard singing this piece, the first by Placido Domingo and the second by own amazingly talented and gorgeous sister, Crystal. As I admitted to Kristyn, I am of course biased to my sister’s version, lol. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

I’ve never heard “I am thine, O Lord” before which is one of the things I enjoy about listening to Kristyn; she sings beautiful music that isn’t sung by everyone else. It is a very nice song and hopefully Kristyn will popularize it! The next song is “Jesus Paid it All.” I had heard another song similar in lyrics but with a different tune, so it is interesting to compare the two. “A Still Small Voice” is the song that originally made me a fan of Kristyn. I just love that song! And again it’s a song that I’m guessing will be new or at least fairly so for most music fans, and that is such an up in my books!

It is followed by Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” Kristyn makes a commendable effort (with help from Alyssa McIntyre, her debut partner) to try and make the song her own. The thing is that like with “Ave Maria” and “Amazing Grace” which have been recorded and performed so many times, there just isn’t much you can do. Fortunately though she follows it up with the lovely Easter song, “In the End of the Sabbath.”

“The Holy City” is doubtlessly the stand-out track from the album. Maybe because it was recorded first and brings with it the enthusiasm of the start of a new project. Kristyn’s voice is full and confident throughout and the high notes are the best on the album!! It is definitely my favorite! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

“The Melody Within” is the song that got Kristyn singing and Alyssa McIntyre guests again. The music and lyrics are truly inspirational and I absolutely love the song! It would be nice to hear Kristyn sing this song live and see her enthusiasm and expression. When she does perform it, I would suggest filming it and putting it up on the official website.

To close the album Kristyn sings the song, which I’ve heard, is her favorite, “Jesus is my song of Grace.” It truly is a wonderful song and my second favorite off the album. The message is just wonderful and it is also the perfect song to bring the album to a close. Lovely!

Overall “To the Glory of God” is a good debut album with a great message and a wonderful selection of songs – not to mention a charming and talented new artist! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

One suggestion I will make for future releases is for Kristyn in regards to timing and tempo. At different songs and parts of songs throughout the album there are sometimes very obvious differences in timing between the artist and the pianist, and I suspect that it is because Kristyn wasn’t actually in the studio when the backing tracks were created. My advice would be to make sure she is present when the accompaniments are being recorded, and if possible to actually sing live in a different room in the studio so the pianist can hear her through his earphones, and know exactly how she wants each piece to be played. Also, to feel free and let go of the operatic sound and let her natural purity and clarity shine through on non-operatic arias!! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Again thanks to Kristyn for sending this album to me! I really do so appreciate it – and for the gracious autograph as well! I know she has recorded with “Center Drive Singers” and sung with many other performers, but it’s very exciting to see Kristyn with her own record! On behalf of my whole family I would like to say congratulations, best wishes and God bless Kristyn! Never forget your message of singing to the glory of God.

Hugs everyone,
Your Tashi

[BarefootSoprano]

Hi Tashi-

First, I would like to thank you for taking the time for writing this thoughtful and intelligent assessment of my CD. Lol…it is good to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Thanks for writing them down so I could see! I encourage everybody else to do the same…lol. It is good to see what your supporters and friends think. I am very appreciative.

Recording this album was tremendous learning experience. I learned a great deal and will be excited to put to use what I learned when I record my next album.

There are parts of the CD that I myself am not happy with. But my voice instructor told me that when I am 100% happy with everything on my CD I will be on my way down…lol. And I agree with you that nobody can touch Josh Groban’s version of “You Raise Me Up”….he is simply amazing and would be an absolute honor to work with him one day.

I’m so very glad that you enjoyed the CD and I hope that others will as well. As my voice teacher once told me, 1/3 of your audience will love your voice, 1/3 will detest it, and the other 1/3 doesn’t care either way!

I would like to also tell everybody that To The Glory of God is available to purchase from my website now. You can order it right online by going to kristynmurphy.com/Order%20CD.htm

Thanks once again and God Bless

Kristyn


Edit: I fixed the link by removing the full stop at the end.
Richard

[Natasha]

Well, am I going to be the only one who reviewed the album, lol. You must have your copies of it now, right? I'd like to see what the rest of you fine folk think! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif *hugs

[fusilier23]

TO THE GLORY OF GOD

Sitting in her parents’ living room, in sweater, jeans and sneakers, talking on the phone or paging through magazines, Kristyn Murphy might seem no different than any other American 16-year-old, though her dancer’s figure, soft brown eyes that twinkle with just a hint of mischief in the making, thick brown hair cut in a fashionable bob, and megawatt smile have been deemed distinctive enough for her to win several local beauty contests. Behind this façade, however, lies a gift that most mall-walking, cell-phone-chatting teens aren’t blessed with: her beautiful voice.

That voice is even unique among the niche realm of teen sopranos. There are more than a few out there who are content to follow the already-trod path and imitate the pure but brittle tones made famous as the voice of an angel. If that type of voice is like fine Waterford crystal: beautiful but fragile to the point where you dare not go near it, then Kristyn’s voice is like the best velvet: rich, luxurious, strong, and eminently approachable. It is still an open question as to what adult form it will take, but if it continues to progress as it has in the three years that have seen it go from sounding like a child attempting to sing above her level to genuine concert-level, it is safe to say that it will reach a level that can carry her as a performer long after the uniqueness of youth has passed, as alas, it must in the natural order of things.

In her first solo venture, Kristyn offers To The Glory of God, a collection of religious and inspirational music, neither playing it too safe by singing heartstring-tugging folk ballads nor overreaching by attempting operatic arias that very few singers under 25 can do justice to. Without further ado, the tracks are as follows:

1. To The Glory of God. A powerful song praising God in which Kristyn’s voice gets the space it needs to work up to its full strength, reinforced by the fact that she, unlike some, actually believes what she is singing.

2. Gesu Bambino. The first of three relatively well-known tracks and the only Christmas one. Kristyn is in very good voice, but this track is unfortunately flawed in that she falls out of sync with the piano accompaniment on the refrain and must therefore play catch-up with herself.

3. I Am Thine, O Lord. In some ways this song could almost be characterized as “rapturous,” with the singer proclaiming that she belongs completely to God. Not many could pull this off sincerely, but again, knowing that Kristyn actually believes what she is singing gives the emotional content of her voice the power it needs to make this believable.

4. Jesus Paid it All. This is probably the only song on the album that could be considered a sad one, but at the same time giving thanks to Christ for the redemption. Kristyn’s voice one or twice gets a little unsteady on this one, though whether from emotion or from passing through areas where there is a break in the voice I’m not sure.

5. A Still Small Voice. This one is possibly already well-known to those of us who have heard Tashi and Crystal. Although Kristyn struggles a little with the long melodic arches, she still gets the message across.

6. You Raise Me Up. Although no one can touch Josh Groban’s version of this now-perennial inspirational favorite, this track is where Kristyn really comes into her own on this album since the first track, with her voice reaching its full strength and power. This might have worked better as a solo than a duet, though, since, as with most classical crossover, it’s all about the main melody.

7. In The End of The Sabbath. Probably the most dramatic track on the album, recounting the discovery of the empty tomb on Easter morning. Again, here Kristyn gets the space she needs for her vocal powers to be displayed to best advantage.

8. The Holy City. This is the last of the really well-known songs on this album, and by far the best track of all, although that judgment might stem from the fact that it is well-known and well-liked by singers, myself included. Kristyn does the drama of the vision sung of full justice, especially in the final refrain.

9. The Melody Within. Equally as dramatic as The Holy City, and in this case the duet harmony with fellow singer Alyssa McIntyre adds to rather than distracts from the main melody.

10. Jesus Is My Song of Grace. Kristyn’s favorite, and so far the only non-Christmas piece I have been privileged to hear her perform live. As is the case throughout the album, her message and faith shine through.

Overall I’d say the album is excellent for a first time out. There is certainly room for Kristyn’s voice to develop, and it goes without saying that the production is not as polished as it would be with the backing of a major record company and recording studio. These will come with time, hopefully. I strongly recommend this album not just as a keepsake if you are Kristyn’s fan or friend but in its own right. I can also strongly recommend Kristyn as a performer, for she is not only a good artist but a good, engaging, and lovable person. I am hoping this will be only the beginning of a career that will see more albums and the branching out of Kristyn’s recording into areas which she has not yet touched except in live performance, such as Broadway and folk songs, for, though she is most definitely a believer, in her words, “God put all forms of music on this earth.”

[BarefootSoprano]

Well, I hope that you all had a safe and amazing new year I did I had a blast. I performed with my school's chamber ensemble and then came home and watched movies with my big brother and my mum....oh ya and my little nephew. It was fun

Thanks for the review of the CD. It is interesting to see what you all think. It makes me laugh how opposite some people's opinions are. It is good. Thanks for sharing.

God Bless
Kristyn

[roger]

Hi Kristyn,

What can I say? WOW, what a voice, that's what! Your CD arrived recently and it is even better than the clips I have seen and heard of you. The power of your voice compels the listener not only to listen but to accept the message that you were born to convey. The selection of songs is surely perfect for you and every one of them was performed to perfection.

Sooner or later, someone may comment that 'You raise Me Up' has been overdone. I don't agree. It is a magnificent work that deserves to be recorded by as many people as are willing to sing it. Every interpretation is different and your version is as good as any.

I like the fact that the only accompaniment was that of a piano. For a memento CD, that was perfect but slightly more variety would be preferable for a commercial release. My only slight criticism is that your voice and the piano seemed to be competing with one another for supremacy. The piano could have been taken down just that tiny bit. Despite that, every word was crystal clear and I don't think I can say that about any other CD in my entire collection.

I feel privileged to have 'To the Glory of God' in my collection. May it be the first of many that you record.

Take care, Kristyn, and good luck for your future.

Roger

[BarefootSoprano]

Hi Roger!
Thanks so much for the review! I'm am VERY glad that you enjoyed it! hahha...I am very flattered by what you have to say about it

God Bless
Kristyn

[Oksana]

Hi Kristyn!

I finally bought your CD on iTunes, and I love it!! You did an excellent job with all the songs... Your diction, vocals, and expression were virtually flawless. I want to applaud you for an excellent first effort. I’ve written a song-by song review below... I hope you enjoy it!

(Note: since my dad pays for all the music I buy, I try to be frugal with my purchases. Because of this, I left two songs off your CD, both of which I already had other versions of -- You Raise Me Up and Gesu Bambino. The rest of the songs, I bought, because I had not heard them before. So you introduced me to a lot of new music, Kristyn!).

To the Glory of God: A very appropriate and inspiring album opener. It talks about using one’s voice to glorify the Lord, which is exactly what Kristyn is doing. I love the soaring chorus in this song.. It lends a feeling of hope, which is a great way to start a CD.

I Am Thine Lord: My personal favourite on the album. There’s something about the way Kristyn sings “draw me nearer” that really makes you want to be closer to God. That’s why I love this CD... Kristyn obviously believes what she sings, and it makes each song an amazing experience.

Jesus Paid it All: I love the dramatic high and low notes here; this is a compelling song that really gets the message of salvation across.

A Still Small Voice: In other songs on this album, the piano was, at times, a bit too loud or obtrusive. On this piece, however, it really adds to the vocals. The song and its message is simple and sweet. I will listen to it often, because it is an excellent reminder to pay attention to God’s “still, small voice.”

In the End of the Sabbath: This song is hauntingly beautiful... Its slightly ‘darker’ and more dramatic tones fit for Kristyn’s vocals like a glove. My only little problem is that at some points in the song, the words are hard to make out. However, those instances get smoothed out quickly.

The Holy City: I love this track, and obviously, so does Kristyn. She sings it with passion and amazing vocal skill. It’s an all-around fantastic performance!

The Melody Within: An excellent duet, but for some reason, the melody is a bit forgettable to me. I mean, I don’t replay it in my head hours after I’ve put down my CD player like I do with the other songs. I’m sure that will change as I listen more!

Jesus Is My Song of Grace: This is the song that first got me into liking Kristyn’s music, and the album version is just as impressive. What a great way to finish off an awesome CD!

In short, I don’t regret buying this CD one bit. It’s as good as any other in my collection -- Kristyn, you’re a true talent who will go very far. Thank you for sharing your wonderful music with us, and keep singing to the glory of God!

Oksy