The twenty-something Sarah Brendel is already successful at home in Germany, but her smoky vocals and genre-jumping skills will play nicely in America as well. Suite checked out both of her 2005 albums and found one quality shines exceptionally strongly on both her self-titled debut and the later "One Day Recordings": her honesty. Her faith is unabashed, boldly worshipful on the first album, equally bold in expressing the darker side on the second.
She keeps it real throughout the debut, on the sweet pop stylings of "Pardon Me," to the blisteringly truthful rocker "Confused." "Breathing In" is passion-pop, a new genre I had to invent just to cover Brendel's joyous and atmospheric homage to the God she so clearly adores, and the feeling becomes contagious as you listen to this well-written album. My favorite track is the bouncy "King I Love," which brings Sixpence to mind, but Brendel makes it her own with the unique lyric repetitions, the worshipful tones and her fresh phrasing.
"One Day Recordings" is a completely different bird, its stark instrumentation beautifully highlighting those clear pure vocals. It opens strong with the lovely imagery and breathy vocals of "To My Glorious." What an intriguing chorus on this dainty sparkler! Her vocals are more raw on "Into Another Land," working nicely on this soaring questioner. I loved the lyrical "I'd Like To Tell You," its power stunning in the simplicity. Brendel's worship on this quiet gem is beautifully melodic and deep, definitely a standout track on this distinctive project.
Maybe Sarah Brendel is busy in Germany but we could use her brave vulnerability on these shores as well. Come back, Sarah.
