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MP3 Annie Cretsinger - Just As I Am
9 MP3 Songs
GOSPEL: Contemporary Gospel, POP: Piano
Details:
REVIEW
By chance, I ran across Annie Cretsinger’s music/blog/photo page on myspace.
It turned out to be a happy accident that I’m thankful for.
I’ve known Annie for awhile, she and I were members of the worship team at RiverCity Community Church in Westport. From her myspace page, I was excited to learn that she had recently finished a CD project she titles “Just As I am”. I was anxiously looking forward to listening to her new musical ideas. I knew that she had a crystal voice and gift to communicate but I was soon to learn that she is a unique and compelling writer and pianist. Her music is original, artistically refreshing and provocative. I gave up on “mainstream” Christian music long ago but Annie’s new work makes me completely rethink this and gives me hope about what’s happening in this genre.
Thankfully, there’s no “over-production” here. Simplicity rules; just piano accompaniment and Annie’s unique and refreshing voice rendering soulful, contemplative and sincere worship. Her versatile piano skills truly partner with her tender and sincere vocal style and is worth listening to in it’s own right.
“Just As I Am” is a flowing piece that sounds at once like poetry but soon the chorus turns and brings you face to face with Annie’s deepest thoughts on life and the surrender we all must lose to the Savior to truly know His rescue. No doubt we have all mouthed these words (or something very similar) in prayer. Perhaps many times, over and over again. Annie has captured this heartfelt truth and emotion in melody and rhythm.
There are songs so brilliant that they instantly force you to remember and memorize the chorus melody.
“The Bridge Is Out” is one of those pieces. It’s all about a new story, Annie’s story to freedom. We’ve all experienced a place where there is no clear path, blurry vision or hopelessness. Where does one turn in the dark? How can one cross over when the bridge is out? Annie’s answer is pure and simple; flight. Her voice pierces the air and soars beautifully on the chorus. When you listen to this you’ll find yourself singing along while joyfully remembering the day that God taught you to fly. I did.
“Saving Grace” is a contemplative piece of hope and love reflective of Romans 8 and Psalm 139.
Day to day in a busy world we can lose sight of what’s real in life, Annie’s lyrics point us back in the right direction to God‘s unfailing love. Her words open our eyes (back) to reality with the encouraging reminder; “It was there, it was here, it was there already… Your unfailing love.” I know and pray that this song will encourage you as it did me
After the first few bars of “All That’s Happening”, I realized that it is the artist’s prayer. Listening, we get insight into Annie’s fears, experiences and future hopes. The honest lyrics instantly make me realize and understand that they are also my own fears, experiences and future hopes and probably your‘s also. She beautifully details emotion, doubt and faith, all encapsulated in the frailty of our existence that can only be answered by the Savior.
If you are seeking a fresh sound of encouragement and artistic expression, if you are seeking new insight and hope, give Annie’s music your ear. I was refreshed in my spirit. It’s an instant favorite of mine and her CD may become one of your favorites too.
Mike Miller
https://www.tradebit.com
BIOGRAPHY
Annie Cretsinger grew up using music as a means of survival. There were three ways she knew how to express herself-- writing, singing and playing the piano. So songwriting developed pretty early on with a 2 note song at the age of 6. Through the years she wrote down her struggles and prayers and they developed into more songs. Now she has written and performs around 30 songs at various venues. Although Annie grew up singing at school talent shows and church specials, etc., she never thought that she had enough talent to perform her own compositions. But these are dearest to her and where she finds her passion. It is also the most challenging to her as her songs are filled with emotion. Only recently has she connected with that emotion and performs with more of her heart. She feels that performing her compositions is a risk to her vulnerability, but it is a risk that is worth taking. She wants others to know that they are not alone in the questions of the heart and soul. There are 9 original compositions on her CD, "Just As I Am," in which Annie expresses the hope she finds in a God that accepts her, without her being more or less.
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