My Paper Heart [Import]

I get a little tired of hearing the Christian Britney wannabes on the radio, because so many of them have that bubble-gum pop voice that was perfected by Disney and other teen pop producers, and now it dominates the young female end of the Christian contemporary music (CCM) perspective. So it's refreshing and downright pleasant to hear a voice like Francesca Battistelli's that isn't over-dubbed, that is so natural and gutsy and heartfelt that you just want to listen over and over again. Add to that Miss Battistelli's wonderful song-writing (she wrote or co-wrote every song on the album), and you've got the makings of a true sensation.

Honestly, I got hooked when I first heard "I'm Letting Go" on AirOne a few months ago, and I searched out her web site and found out when the album was coming out. Having listened to the album several times through now, I believe that that song wasn't the strongest entry. I think "Unpredictable" is a stronger entry for the CCM scene, while "Beautiful, Beautiful" will be a long-player on the CCM top 40 once it gets released as a single. "My Paper Heart" reveals a vulnerability that is usually only simulated in the regular pop music world. "Blue Sky" has a funky soul feel to it, and it really demonstrates her vocal range and the versatility of her vocal tone. My only lament for this album is that the softer Christian stations may not pick up on Miss Battistelli because she is a bit more rock and soul than soft-rock. Her song-writing ought to get some attention, however, because she doesn't just keep repeating the same worn-out praises that litter so many CCM albums.

This album ought to be a top seller pretty soon. So why only 4 stars? With this young lady's amazing voice, I would have liked a nice stripped-down ballad that was more acoustic and less electric.

Bravo, Francesca! I pray you'll stick with the same faith and music for many years to come.

I had listened to a few Christian artists in the past like Michael W. Smith, but had never really gotten into Christian until I heard Fransesca. Her vocals arent overglamourized, her music strikes a chord with me, especially her songs "forever" and "free to be me". Now Im getting into Natalie Grant, Third Day and the rest. Her CD cover has a great color scheme, she and her crew really seem to know what they are doing. I wish she had been on the scene earlier, or I had heard of her earlier, she's definitely 5 stars.

I had never heard of Francesca Battistelli before I saw her here on the Amazon.com best seller list (in the top 100) for Christian music. I really enjoyed this CD. I'm torn for my favorite track between I'm Letting Go and Behind the Scenes.

I'm Letting Go deals with the issue of letting go of what I thought my life would or should be and accepting the true purpose for my life. It's not about giving up on dreams, but about getting hold on the positive dreams and eternal vision that God has for us.

Behind the Scenes tells the truth of our frailty. Similar in message to Casting Crowns' song titled Stained Glass Masquerade, this song reminds everyone that everyone is liek everyone else. There are no perfect saints. Our strength to overcome comes from our unity with one another.

The other tracks are also very uplifting. I find myself looping through the entire track list. Certainly, there are a few songs that may appeal to personalities different than my own, such as the title song My Paper Heart, but even it reminds us that the ripping experiences of life can show us the way to God regardless of our personality.

Great for a debut album.