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Sheryl Stacey's self-titled debut CD has gotten her much recognition, as it was nominated for a 2000 Juno Award in the "Best Gospel Album" category. After listening to it, I can fully understand why it was nominated, and cannot understand why it didn't win. Filled with songs of praise and worship, the CD
covers so many emotions and feelings that it's impossible not to fall in love with the music. From the upbeat tunes such as "Generation" and "For You" to the slower ballads like "Why" and "Worship You," Stacey covers topics everyone can relate to.

In the opener, "Abba Father," Stacey sings about how God is always with us through every event of our lives, and how she wants Him to know how much she loves Him. "What can I do to make you see how much you mean to me? How can make it up to you, Abba Father?"

"It's Time" is a slower tune with a powerful chorus featuring background vocals that fill out the song perfectly. "Fields of Flowers" is another quiet song that opens with her singing alone, and builds to a more powerful
sound as guitars and background vocals join her. It is a beautiful song, to say the least.

The next track, "Why," is one of the best tracks on the album. In it, Stacey mentions many trials and tribulations that people face in the world, from sickness to death to war and tears, and then asks "why?" It's
one of the most truthful songs I've ever heard. It's not the most uplifting song, but it certainly grabs your attention. She does, however, end on a hopeful note: "Some day we'll look into His eyes. Jesus knows the reasons why. And He's come to wipe each tear we cry." Those lyrics, along with her clear, strong voice, piano, and acoustic guitar, are likely to bring a tear to your eye.

"Why" is followed by one of her best known songs, "For You." It's an upbeat song that you can imagine dancing along to at a concert. With the fast guitars and drums, poppy vocals, and happy lyrics, it's definitely a song that'll take away the tears from the previous song and make you smile.

In "Wait," Stacey's voice sounds different than on any other track. The song takes on a gospel sound as the chorus hits. As much as I can appreciate gospel, I do prefer the other songs to this one.

The last three songs are all equally beautiful. All featuring piano, a slower beat, and strong lyrics and choruses, they stand out amongst the others. The lyrics in "You Don't Care" will make you think and will touch you as Stacey sings, "He was born for you, he mourns for you. He wore a crown of thorns for you. But you don't care. He cries for you, he died for you. And in three days he was alive for you." My personal favorite of the album, "Worship You," is the followup to this. It features only piano and her sweet voice, yet it is incredibly compelling. The lyrics are personal, yet anyone can sing them: "I love you Lord and I will lift my hands up to you."

The last track, "In Your Arms," is a great track to end the album. Again, with the meaningful and influential lyrics, and Stacey's outstanding voice, you can't help but just sit and listen. In fact, the whole album has
that effect on you. It's ear-catching, and so inspiring you'll want to listen to it over and over. And every time you do, you'll find yourself getting more meaning from it.

Jessica Heikoop 6/5/2001