Becoming

Beating Time

BECOMING (CD, 2003)
By Christine Dente
Rocketown Records

Christine Dente may be better known as the vocal half of American husband-wife duo 'Out of the Grey'. This, her first solo outing, restrains itself on the whole to gentle musical backing, allowing her voice to take the spotlight with a style very similar to Amy Grant. Christine's honest, open-hearted songs present a series of musical pictures revealing her past, her memories, her hopes and her walk with God.

The title track, 'Becoming', is a piano-led thoughtful ballad voicing a personal struggle to find a sense of belonging - a wholeness granted by her husband's love in whom she has found echoes of the love of Christ. 'Would You Take It From Here' is 'roadtrip' music, with lyrics recognising that our struggles on our own are worthless without handing them entirely to the Lord: 'No more trying to water / Seeds You haven't sown'. In 'Sure of All I Hope For' Christine's colours are nailed to the mast, joyfully reminding herself once again of where our certainty lies. The strong melody of 'How Far, How Much' complements the message of absolute wonder at the depth of Christ's love and his sacrifices for us.

One of the most moving moments in this collection is 'Goodbye', a song dealing with the death of a loved one. The wistful, gentle melody is yet triumphant as she considers that the Lord 'set us free / So we need not be afraid / We need not stay longer than the number of our days'. The accompaniment of strings and piano ripples like travelling water, taking the listener on her thoughtful journey.

Christine Dente's songs on this album reflect a personal voyage, and, as such, can sometimes border on the over-sentimental - as private memories, it is hard for the listener to fully identify, particularly when she sings about her children. However, she has much to say, especially to women, about the varied roles and Christian lives we lead. Christine Dente very obviously has a desire to speak boldly, sharing Christ's love and work in her life as openly and honestly as possible.

Julie Skelton

© Evangelicals Now - May 2004
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