Album Reviews
Movie Reviews
Concert Reviews

Top 10
Resources
Time Wasters
Contact Us

If you aren't already familiar with Rita Springer, you have missed out on one of Christian contemporary worship's most distinctive voices. Hers is most famous for its Melissa Etheridge-esque raw edge. Several tracks on this offering bring that familiar strength to send chills down the spine. But there is another, less-well known side of Springer’s voice that comes through in several tracks of I Have to Believe, which may win over some new fans.

I Have to Believe is the debut recording from new record label, Found Records.  The disc features twelve tracks and is categorized as a “Worship” CD.  While none of the songs are likely to become church-service, worship-time anthems, the lyrics definitely point us heavenward with much more than the typical “You are worthy...I will praise You, and I will do this and that” that so many worship songs get bogged down in these days. As has been pointed out by many others, there is an ugly side of today's “worship” music that seems to focus more on the “me” than the “He,” whether it's a continual demand for God's blessing or talking about how much we are going to do for God. If we all did what we said we would do in such songs, the world would be much better place. Thankfully, this tendency to focus on self is not prevalent on this disc from Rita Springer. She instead is declaring God's existing blessings in most of the songs on this disc.

The title track is a shuffle gospel rocker. Instrumentally featuring B3, the lyrics are about trusting God through good times and bad and recall the promises that God has given.

“You are Good” trades the B3 for mandolins and jangly guitars, and again, the lyrics declare the goodness of God's character. “Captured” features a percussion loop intro and brings the quieter side of Springer’s voice. It has a calming lilt, which is quite a refreshing change from the more edgy sound that has been Springer’s signature sound to date. It's not gentle in the style of Michelle Tumes’ breathy airiness, but it may win some new listeners to the Rita Springer fold. “Rain Down” brings back Springer’s raw edge on this re-make of the excellent song from Delirou5?.This was an excellent song choice for Springer’s rocker voice—a perfect marriage of words and tone. Remakes are risky propositions; it’s often difficult to top the original.  This version at least equals the first version brought to us by Mr. Smith and company.

The next song could have been left off the CD and it probably wouldn't be noticed by anyone.  The first six lines are:  “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of our God.” Here is a song that can irritate with its repetition of a somewhat confusing lyric over and over. “O God of Mine” is a light hymn-like piano accompaniment to Springer’s softer voice. This is probably the strongest track on the CD. The lyrics are at once majestic, truth, and graceful. It's difficult to listen to this song without bowing one's head or reaching one's hands to heaven in prayer. Thanks, Rita Springer, for a spine tingling reminder of what God is.

“Everywhere” is another spirit-lifting song as Springer states the evidence that creation speaks to God's glory. This song features an unforgettable lyric: “Oh the mountains green, stand with faithful feet, raised to point their song and declare You king.” There is an interesting production “feature” in this song. In several places Springer ends phrases quite out of tune with the piano backing. These days, out of pitch singing is almost always corrected in the mixdown process, but for whatever reason, producers Nathan Nockels and Margaret Becker chose to leave these “blemishes” in this song. Springer reminisces about her youth in “Those Were the Days,” giving us a glimpse of what her childhood was like. The last track interestingly mixes both of Springer’s voices, sweet and light, gritty and determined, over a simple piano/cello accompaniment.

All in all, “I Have to Believe” is a strong effort from Springer and a good base upon which Found Records can build a catalog.

Scott Lake 10/8/2005