New Review: The CD Reviewer and Christian Rockers Online
Alexandra Celano is a native of Southern California, growing up in a close-knit family with deep-rooted faith. She spent much of her youth performing in school choirs, talent shows and taking piano, guitar and vocal lessons.
When Alexandra first started working on her debut release, I’m Overcome, it was going to be a mainstream country-pop album with secular based songs, but as she worked on her faith pulled her in a new direction with most of the songs now having a spiritual meaning that she hopes will still appeal to both Christian and non-Christians. v All of the songs found on I’m Overcome were written by Alexandra except for “In this Place” and “My Father’s Hands” that were co-written with her husband Bryan Celano. Ed Tree produced the release except for the track, “A Child is Born” that Bryan Celano produced.
This release gets started on a fast note with the up-tempo Americana title track, “I’m Overcome.” The song is filled with lots of fiddle and mandolin instrumentation that accompany Celano’s vocals.
The song was one of my favorites off of the release and right from the start lets Alexandra’s vocal talents shine brightly. The song talks about not understanding everything that’s happening in your life but that’s okay because you know that God has the big picture view in mind and that in the end it will all workout for the best.
After the first track the release switches gears and goes for a country style on, “I Will Go.” Track-3, “In This Place,” offers up a vocal harmony filled country gospel ballad.
The rest of the tracks fall more into a contemporary, singer songwriter style of music. Stand out tracks include, “Let the River Flow” that’s filled with group vocals and African drum parts. This song has a nice world sound as it talks about rejoicing in your blessings and being willing to go wherever and whenever you’re called to reach out to others.
Track-7, “Grandpa,” gets the tug-at-your-heartstrings award. The song is a loving tribute ballad to Alexandra’s grandfather who had a big part in influencing her life, especially her faith.
Track-10 “Dancing Angel - Normita,” is a melodic track that was written about a young family friend who was killed tragically by a drunk driver. The song talks about missing her but knowing that she’s in heaven and that they’ll get the chance to see her again there.
The release ends with the bonus holiday track, “A Child is Born.” The song is about the glorious birth of the world’s Savior Jesus.
When Alexandra was asked about her music she said, “Whether I’m hearing from people who have heard my songs on MySpace and the radio or feeling the intimate connection with audiences in the live setting, I love just knowing that my music is finally out there and having an impact on listeners. For so long, it was just me and my music and a dream to touch people’s lives with it, and I can truly say I’m Overcome with joy that these exciting new opportunities have come my way.”
I’m sure that Alexandra will be hearing from a lot of people as more and more get the opportunity to listen to her very well done and spiritually gifted debut release, I’m Overcome.
Rating: 8.2 out of 10
By C.W. Ross
These reviews can be found on the CD Reviewer and Christian Rockers Online blogs.
