The twelve tracks on her new "If You Want Me To: The Best of Ginny Owens Collection," releasing on August 8, cover many of her best songs, but even better, the project presents a sampling of Ginny's enormous style range. Another positive is the way the album builds as it progresses. But she's got plenty of great material to choose from, after 3 Dove Awards. She begins with a few early Ginny O tunes, the twangy "Free," and "I Am" from "Something More." "If You Want Me To" is live, with a lovely intro by Michael W. Smith, Rocketown founder, and a very personal time of testimony by Ginny. The overall effect is a big energy lift, both musically and emotionally. Can anyone really resist the sweet spirit of Ginny Owens? No one who breathes air, I'm sure.
"Remember Me" is another standout, a piano ballad with Mark Schultz, rendered movingly, a bed of strings carrying their passionate vocals to a full crescendo before fading quietly. I've always liked Ginny's soulful vocals on "I Wanna Be Moved," from "Without Condition." "Wonderful Wonder" is a new version of the original on "Long Way Home," more of those oh-so-smooth vocals. I also enjoyed the inclusion of the teched out "Something More," if for no other reason that to hear Ginny go R&B. The popular "Call Me Beautiful" is classic Ginny O, soft vocals packing powerful passion and purpose, as does "Fellow Traveler," again from "Long Way Home."
I was thrilled by the inclusion of the fervent "40 (Rhythms of Remembrance)," its percolating tech-groove contrasting so nicely with Ginny's mellifluous tones. "Live Once," is soulful Ginny, highlighting her bluesy powers. She's full of surprises, and "Best Of" represents her wide range beautifully. The closer, "Open Arms," is another new song, this time electric Latin. Who saw that one coming? This project will hopefully introduce new listeners to the astounding Ginny Owens, What a treat they have before them!
