NEW MUSIC
[ SELECTIVE HEARING | Robert Berman ]
NICOLE C. MULLEN JORDAN FELIZ WILD HARBORS
Like Never Before Future Monument
Mullen shoots for wide stylistic variety on her The third offering from Jordan Feliz and Chris and Jenna Badeker deliver a tight pop
chief producer Colby Wedgeworth is very country duet sound with plenty of insight
much of the present moment; a soulful, tasty into life and faith. Though this is their debut
collection of synth-driven confections in the album under this group name, both have over
vein of Imagine Dragons, OneRepublic, or a dozen years of experience in the music
Maroon 5. “All Along” gives us a toe-tapping world. Andrew Osenga sits in the producer’s
autobiography of Feliz’ life story so far. Power chair, keeping the mix clear and the vocals
ballad “180” tells a tale of repentance and front and center. Jenna is a strong belter in
redemption, as does “Changed,” adding a the Carrie Underwood department, while
Bruno Mars-type retro-R&B groove to the Chris has a clear tenor recalling Josh Ritter;
mix for extra fun. Feliz’ supple tenor shows together the two resemble a less twangy
equally fine form on the demanding falsetto Sugarland. Songs like “We’re Getting Better”
of “That’s the Life” and the layered harmonies and “House on Fire” consider the ups and
of “Count That High.” A gospel choir nicely downs of married life. The quiet acoustic
augments
latest release. She’s got Beyonce-like pop
R&B (“Like Never Before”). She’s got the
Great American Songbook (a trio version,
dedicated to her dad, of the jazz Irving
Gordon standard “Unforgettable,” classily
arranged similarly to the duet version between
Natalie Cole and her own dad Nat King Cole).
She’s got an acapella Fugees-style French
version of “It Is Well With My Soul,” and
“Arise” (partially in Spanish), and a worshipful
rendition of the Nigerian praise song “Olorun
To Da Awon Oke Igbani” (“O God, Creator of
the Ancient Hills”) in the Yoruba language.
The tom-heavy “One,” featuring guest stars
like Jeremy Camp and Calvin Nowell, is an
instant pop hit. She even remakes her own
funky 2008 earworm “I Need a Brainwash,”
this time with assists from Max and “Li’l Jo-E”
Mullen. Altogether, it’s a fresh collection and
a worthy addition to her storied discography.
track ballad “Abigail” is a touching prayer for a
urges us to find God’s love in the “Pages”
“Faith,”
while
another
severely ill baby. “Water” paraphrases the
of Scripture. Shimmery piano-based closer proverb that “An entire sea of water can’t
“Blank Canvas” rides a “People Get Ready” sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship.”
rhythm, inspiring us to make the most of the “Alone Together” rides a reverbed surf guitar
days that God has given us. riff in cautioning against a marriage in which
the two people are “alone like stars: side by
side together, but still a million miles apart.”
“Battle” uses a rousing “whisper to a roar”
arrangement c alling on Jesus to aid us in the
struggle with sin.
94
May 2018
WorshipMusician.com