Praise
Seen on:
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Artist: Mela Kamin
Album Title: Summer In My Soul
Reviewers Name: Kelly O’Neil
Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)
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Review Summary:
Summer In My Soul is every bit as bright and sunny as the title suggests. Newcomer Mela Kamin pours her heart and smile into each of these outstanding original dozen songs.
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Review:
Summer In My Soul is a joyful album and Mela Kamin is simply delightful. Not only is her singing a softer version of the bubbly Colbie Caillat, her lyrics are genuine and she has teamed up with a great group of Nashville CCM’s finest. All dozen songs on the album were written by Kamin along with drummer/guitarist Dan Needham and keyboardist Carl Herrgesell. The production is top notch thanks to these two seasoned veterans.
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The title track opens the album with a sunny, Michelle Branch type pop number. Kamin’s singing is pure and clear and the full chorus adds depth. It sets the mood for the overall vibe of Summer In My Soul which is a fun, whimsical, 90’s reminiscent feeling. The songs are light, airy and carefree. Kamin sounds like there is nothing more she would rather be doing than singing these songs she has penned. “What He Does” embodies this lackadaisical style and Kamin sounds cute and playful as she happily sways around with the melody ala Leigh Nash in “Surrounded By Your Love.” A more retro feel is channeled in “Start With One” with the heavy downbeats and synthesizers in the chorus that break the melodic flow of the song and target the listener to focus on the lyrics. Kamin has been singing about the bravado of past prophets when really God has empowered each of us to rise above by starting with one small step at a time.
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It can be challenging to appreciate the great music, song structures and inspiring lyrics all at the same time with these songs. Kamin writes in a friendly, personal style that is flowing with inspiration. The poignant ballad, “I Pray” is a quiet, whispery outpouring of the power of prayer with Kamin mimicking the dramatic nuances of Jaci Velasquez by singing with incredible serene intensity. In “You’re Beautiful” Kamin rocks out more backed by electric guitars and harnesses the Nashville modern cowgirl sound made popular by songstresses Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert. She even ends the song with a cute acapella vocal slide.
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Needham and Herrgesell have finely polished Kamin’s debut and with the help of cellist John Catchings have added some beautiful musical interludes in “I Need To Be” and “Take Me Back.” Any of the tunes on Summer In My Soul would play well on CCM/AC radio but “Take My Life” has the potential to be a standout praise and worship number. It has accessible lyrics, easy accompaniment and a moderate tempo. Plus there is plenty of room for the soloist to lead and embellish the melody and a dramatic call and response in the last chorus into the coda.
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Mela Kamin is not trying to prove or improve a thing with Summer In My Soul – she is writing and singing from her heart and that truly shows in this formidable debut.
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Review by Kelly O’Neil
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From her Co-Writers & Co-Producers:
“I think Mela’s potential is limitless. She is such a go-getter and her drive to succeed is infectious. She just works harder than any other artist I’ve worked with.” ~ Carl Herrgesell
“She has so much tenacity. Most people couldn’t possibly accomplish what she has so quickly.” ~ Dan Needham
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“We certainly appreciated your generosity in providing your time and talents for a wonderful show! Adults and kids sure enjoyed it. What an awesome source of encouragement and inspiration you provided through your music – to look to the Lord through the bumpy roads in life. I truly think your ministry was hard at work that day. Thank you! We were certainly blessed by your voice.” ~ Suzi Smith, Entertainment Chair, MN Walk Now for Autism
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“Mela’s song, ‘There’s Always Hope,’ captures the reality of a life struggling to find healing and peace with both a heart of compassion and of truth. The song became the inspiration and narration for our Healing House video depicting the healing journey of women & children who come through our recovery program.” ~ Mary Akehurst, Healing House, Minneapolis
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“Mela continues to use her amazing gifts and talents to the glory of God as a worship and song leader not only for our three-campus congregation, but also for other churches. Truly her love for the Lord shines through in every one of her words and actions.” ~ Pastor Rod Pudell, Bloomington Living Hope, Shakopee, MN
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“I enjoyed ‘I Need to Be,’ ‘Take Me Back’ and the 60s-pop sensibility of ‘Surrounded By Your Love.’” ~ Rob Snyder, Alpha Omega News
