The Edge of the Divine

Artist: Sandi Patty
Label: Stylos Records
Genre: Pop, Contemporary

By Lindsay Williams, contributing writer, gmclife.com

She is the most awarded female vocalist in Christian music, and after over 30 years in the music business, since her first days of touring with Bill and Gloria Gaither, Sandi Patty’s voice is as pure and pristine on her latest release as it was on her first. The phenomenal vocalist gives the classic “Sandi Patty” style a bit of a makeover on The Edge of the Divine (Stylos). Longtime fans will enjoy this collection of upbeat songs and soaring ballads produced by Chance Scoggins (Mandisa, Women of Faith).

“Faith Dancing,” “Times Like These” and “Makes Me Wanna Pray” find Patty attempting to modernize her sound with danceable grooves, with the latter being a song written and recorded by Christina Aguilera. Who would have ever thought Sandi Patty would cover Christina Aguilera? Fans of Mandisa’s latest effort will likely enjoy this project, as many of the tracks share similarities to her mix of ballads and energized pop.

Tried and true Patty fans need not worry that there won’t be any signature songs. There are plenty of powerful ballads that showcase the strength of her voice, including the lovely mid-tempo title track. One of the highlights on the album is “When Life Gets Broken,” a powerful duet with former Point of Grace member Heather Payne. Payne, also known for incredible vocal ability, combines her beautiful soprano with Patty’s for an unparalleled tribute to grace for the broken – a theme woven throughout the release.

Patty’s voice also shines on hymn standards “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” and “We Shall Behold Him,” which include massive orchestration that remind listeners of Christmastime.

The lyrics and music lend itself to Patty’s target audience, the women she’s speaking to at Women of Faith conferences across the country. It’s evident that she’s comfortable in her own skin, and through sharing her unique perspective on themes like grace, brokenness, value and forgiveness, Patty vulnerably opens herself up, inevitably connecting to her peers – women and mothers journeying on this faith walk together.

It’s doubtful that these songs will break any new ground or storm up the contemporary radio charts; however, fans of Sandi Patty won’t have a thing to complain about as her brightest gift still shines just as brightly as it always has. She continues to grace the world with her voice, one song at a time.