CD Review

Reviewed by Bill Bolte

The Simple Side is Canadian artist, Barb Elyett’s debut release on her own label, Aleta Records. Barb was a 2008 Maja Award International nominee in several categories including Best Song of the Year for “Come to Me” and Best Female Artist. Barb was also the lead vocalist for the Ninth Hour Band for two years as well as serving as musical director at her church. She’s also shared the stage with Celine Dion and Michael Bublé.

The Simple Side is a mixture of soft rock, gospel and contemporary Christian music. I hear a little 70’s vibe throughout much album. That probably has to do with the organs and horns heard throughout. The title and theme of the album, The Simple Side, came out of Barb’s desire to get back to the simplicity of knowing who she was at her core. She describes each song as a scriptural “key” to the door of the simple or God’s side of life.

Now, I’ll have to admit that The Simple Side is not the normal style of music that I listen to. I tend to favor the harder end of the Christian music world. That doesn’t mean that I can’t appreciate good talent when I hear it. Barb has a great voice and the band is very tight. Barb wrote 10 of the 11 songs, with the 11the being a self-arranged version of the Lord’s Prayer. It’s a jazzy little gospel number.

One of my favorites is the acoustic, Thorns and Fragrant Roses. It has a great heart to it. The lyrics are deep and introspective. The song has a great message, one of worship, faith and adoration.

So there you go, if you happen to be into Gospel and Contemporary, I'd check Barb out. You can hear samples of her music at her website.

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