Jill Parr's fierce spirit shines through the wailing rockers of her Whiplash Records debut, "Me Again." The good news is that her gutsy music reflects that spirit.
Jill Parr has been active in the Christian music scene for years, chalking up 5 radio hits, numerous tours, and a Billboard Mag critic’s pick, but “Me Again” comes from a different perspective. After years of dancing to the industry’s tune, she says she “decided to get fiercely independent and make the record I needed to make and let the chips fall where they may.” That explains the distinctive unconstrained vibe on “Me Again.” From the first techno-laced strains of opening pop rocker “Reach” and on, Parr exhibits a triumphant liberty that is contagious. “Reach” is thick with sound, thanks to the looping genius of her husband, producer and co-writer Brian Hardin, whose solid touch permeates every measure. Parr herself has a pair of lungs that just don’t quit, and the heart to go with ‘em. “Reach” is a sizzling call to press on, with deeply inspiring lyrics: “I’m no longer comfortable living a harmless life/ I’m standing counter to that, I’m not afraid of the fight/ I’m tired of coming up short, I’m tired of losing the faith/ This is a revolution, this is my revolution.”
She makes her way through several more excellent pop-rock tracks before coming up on “Have a Little Hope,” a cleverly-written invitation to New Hope. Take note of her distinctive phrasing, and oh those wailing vocals! The following track “Just the Way I Am” slows things down at just the right moment. The ballad’s lustrous arrangements give Parr’s airy vocals room to shine in a big way.
“County Line” draws a line in the sand between faith and fear. Supported by edgy guitars and rock solid beats, Parr wails her way through this mid-tempo rocker. A live version of this song closes out the album; her vocals come across with a very accessible warmth on the live cut. Inspired by John and Stasi Eldredge’s book, “Captivating,” “Where I Belong” is another joyful wailer of affirmation and faith. Parr shares much of herself in these songs, in the hope of leading women out of the mundane and into liberty. If anybody can do it, it’s this wailing woman of faith.
Don’t miss the percolating rhythms and mysterious sonic beats of “Nothing Less, Nothing More,” shades of Joni Mitchell. Also must make mention of the aggressive and challenging “Rock Star,” an in-your-face motive-check with insightful lyrics: “You thanked a God you barely knew/ For making all your dreams come true/ The CD tanked/ You’re on the brink/ Fall to your knees/ Begging God, please please, please please.” Gutsy, this Jill Parr. Hardin’s looping colors the nicely nuanced worship track “You Surround Me,” bringing the album to a close, along with the live cut of “County Line.”
“Me Again” comes with an additional enhanced CD, containing several videos, Jill’s song-by-song commentary, and some Whiplash promo, among other things. A nice addition, but even without this bonus material, Jill Parr’s “Me Again” is well worth the price of admission.
