Karyn Roy Smith's Debut CD Release

When the Stars Come Out, the debut CD from indie artist Karyn Roy Smith, is a well-rounded piece. Smith uses masterfully crafted lyrics coupled with excellent musicians to bring an intimate view of God. It’s a personal collection of songs that reminds the listener how close to God we really can be.

Karyn Roy Smith Relates to God

Many people think of God as a prudish old man. But a read through the Bible shows the passion and intimacy God has for those He loves. The Bible compares the marriage relationship with Christ’s relationship with the Church. It doesn’t get more intimate than that.

When the Stars Come Out sets the tone by opening up with Scandalous. Smith wrote this after reading Scandalous Beauty by Thomas Schmidt. She was struck by the thought that the love of God is so outrageous that it’s scandalous. Many don't feel like they deserve this kind of love and Smith says in Scandalous, “Never did deserve all of this, yet You persist.” One of the most beautifully provocative lines, and possibly the theme of the album, is in this song – “If You truly want to love me outrageously/Just take me/Take me.”

“Let Me Be” is a song that delves into the perfection of God’s love and the imperfection of ours. People can be so wishy-washy and unfortunately that affects our love for God. “But all of your wordplay/Leaves me a little confused/ It’s the same when I hold you/ It feels like a falsehood.” The song captures the struggle that takes place in the heart of many Christians.

Karen Roy Smith on Losing Faith - and Finding It

Through this intimate journey that Smith takes, there are soaring heights and crushing lows. Beautiful Again is a perfect example of both of these. The song starts out with, “Woke up wide this morning/ In a mood of drowning.” Smith doesn’t dwell in this funk though. She ends the song with “Oh time to fly/ I’m reaching forward/ To touch the sky.”

“Luminous Thing” is a sad song about turning your back on God. Losing faith is a sad reality and happens to too many Christians. But there is always hope in God and Smith consistently balances any despair with that hope.

Karyn Roy Smith's Challenge on God’s Love

When the Stars Come Out takes the concept of God’s love being merely one of friendship to the next level. It’s a level that needs to be explored more and will only make our relationship with God that much better.

Karyn Roy Smith uses her sometimes haunting, yet always beautiful voice as a vehicle for this journey through God's love. The music, while not groundbreaking, is on par with any of today’s artists. Her lyrics are as deep and meaningful as Nicole Nordeman's and Smith's voice is as beautiful as Amy Grant's. Smith takes us to a place that many rarely venture, but her audience is better for it.

When the Stars Come Out

Karyn Roy Smith

Karyn Roy Smith in an Orange Dress

Karyn Roy Smith with Pink Flowers

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