Nichole gives us a bit of the back-story about "Real To Me," saying it actually "started with a series of late night phone calls with my good friend, Jill . . . she started telling me about this tension she'd recognized in her life. There seemed to be this giant disconnect, she'd noticed, between how meaningful and inspirational Christian books/music/Bible study/church services can be . . . but how irrelevant all that seems in real life. . . We talked about how some days we just feel like hollering up to God: 'Listen. I really appreciate all the stuff that's being written, and spoken, and sung about you . . . it's great, really . . . but just for one minute, could you be really REAL to me?' These talks found their way into this hopeful song. It means a lot to both of us."
I reviewed Nicole's CD when it first came out this time last year. Here is that review as first posted on Christianmusic.About.com.:
"Over the years we've come to expect great things from Nicole Nordeman, and "Brave" does not disappoint. The aptly-titled project centers around the theme of stepping out in faith, facing down your fears and is, as usual, overflowing with honesty. Nordeman doesn't back off from taking musical risks here; note the gutsy techno-edged cover of "Gotta Serve Somebody." Whether you like her version or not, you gotta give her props for risking it.
Standout tracks include the challenging "What If," daring unbelievers to take the bold step of considering Christ's claims, and the stunning "Crimson," melancholy and rich. "We Build" speaks to the challenges and the commitment of marriage, standing finally as a new kind of love song, one that endures. The beauty of "Hold On" flows from its eternal truths and Nordeman's simmering, restrained vocal powers. Another triumph of courage."
