Love Out Loud

As a huge fan of Jaci Velasquez, I could never say I am disappointed by any of her releases. But this album left me feeling that it doesn't reach her potential. My favorite Jaci album is her debut, Heavenly Place, and with each new release I hope that it's as wonderful as her first album. But unfortunately it never is.

Many of the songs on Love Out Loud aren't bad at all- catchy melodies, smooth beats, and passable lyrics. But it sounds like Jaci is trying too hard to be a pop star rather than relax and rely on her amazing talent. The latin-infused rhythms in "Tango" are fun and exciting, but it seems like she is just straining to be mainstream.

I love the fact that Jaci doesn't restrict herself to one single genre or style, but I do wish we could get even a taste of those indescribable soaring ballads from her original release, like "On My Knees" and "Flower in the Rain". Or even "Imagine Me Without You" from Crystal Clear and "Look What Love Has Done" and "Speak for Me" from her self-titled album. The lyrics alone on those songs are incredibly moving.

Overall, this album is a great addition to any Jaci fan's collection. But it doesn't bring much new to the table compared to her previous releases.

I own all of Jaci's cd's and think they all are great she has a great voice, and great message and this CD is no dissapountment another classic and uplifting entertaining CD if you loke Jaci's other CD's this one will not dissapoint you a must have for anyones collection.

Prime Cuts: Por Escrito, Tango, Jesus (The Way)

Velasquez took a cataclysmal detour with her previous CD "Beauty Has Grace." In a keening attempt to abridge to the younger audience, the songs on "Beauty Has Grace" were a desperate attempt on hard rock in the veins of Barlowgirl and Plumb that totally stripped Velazquez from her individuality and heritage. Naturally, radio saw through the pablum and the album tanked without any hits. After being subsequently being dropped by her major label followed by a divorce and a re-marriage, "Love Out Loud" is her first CD under her self-owned Apostrophe Records. And for this 13th CD in her luminous career, Velasquez has learnt her lesson well. Hence, she has returned to her mother milk of vintage pop with its share of balladry that first nursed her to fame. Re-uniting with Mark Heimermann, the man who was helmed her first three CDs, there's a déjà vu feel to her earlier albums. However, despite a throw's back to yesteryear, Velasquez has opted to pen most of the songs here herself with Heimermann.

For those who have utilized Velasquez's ballads as church solo performances, "Jesus (The Way)" is a future candidate. Though not as ear grabbing as "Imagine Me without You" or "On My Knees,""Jesus (The Way)"is an understated worship ballad of self-surrender. Boasting a stately performance by Velasquez, she simmers in a quiet way with verve for the Lord. Going back to her Spanish roots and sharing the vocal spotlight with new hubby Nic Gonzales, "Por Escrito" is beautiful love ballad that is even made more amorous with the strumming of the Spanish guitar. Using the complementary steps of a dance as a metaphor of the give-and-take of marriage relationship, the relational "Tango" is not a delightful to the ears. But its message has moral repercussions for every couple. While the undeserving nature of true love (be it romantic or divine) is celebrated on the mid-tempo "A Likely Story" that may not have the lush of her trademark ballads but it's still refreshing to listen to.

However, not everything turns on the right direction. The first three tracks are your obligatory pop numbers that are by no means ropey. Yet, there's nothing that really stands out. The title cut, "Love Out Loud" though it expresses a much needed to hear message of living out our faith is let down by its average melody. "Weightless" as the title suggests is a feather light in terms of its melody. Despite its lofty message of resting in God's care, the song just drifts aimlessly from note to note. While "Into the Light Again" may find a re-charged Velasquez on a rock entry reminisce of Plumb or even Pat Benatar, there's nothing that rises above its screeching guitars.

Direction wise, it's good to see Velasquez return to her trademark form. However, material wise, she may do a little better with a Cindy Morgan or maybe Chris Eaton cut or two. If you have been enthralled by her stellar back catalog, this will disappoint. Nevertheless, the ballads are still worth a listen.