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Whether it is the ethereal vocals and instrumentals of Erin Hutchison's "Even Though" or the challenging lyrics for the title track "Out of the Box" you keep asking yourself, "Why haven't I heard of this lady before?" 

Hutchison the lyricist paints word pictures and tugs at your heart strings while her passionate vocals pose the question "Why Did This Happen" (track 6). At some time in our lives we have all echoed the singer's words "What did I ever do to deserve this?" A good producer will tell you that the difference between a competent singer and a good or great singer comes with hearing the conviction in the vocals. You get the sense in listening to "Why Did This Happen" that these are not mere words to a song but speak from Hutchison's own life. 

The same conviction carries over into the song "Hero." Society often thinks of heroes as celebrities or those in the spotlight but the real heroes are the ones that often go unnoticed. In one spot the singer says, "I hope you are my hero" and in another "I wish you could know you are my hero." The lyrics serve as reminders to all of us to remember to say thank you while the opportunity to do so still exists.

Producer Eric Copeland weaves his magic to create some beautiful arrangements and create an orchestral feel for many of the songs on this album. "You're Not Alone" is more like a rock symphony and producer and singer rise to the occasion with powerful but not overpowering instrumentals accompanying Hutchison's powerful vocals that challenge you with every word.

"Out of the Box" the title track blends the violins of David Davidson and David Angel while cellist Bob Mason accompanies Erin Hutchison who plays the piano. Jerry McPherson and Mark Hill appear on lead guitar and bass respectively. 

The final track "How Big" if given the proper exposure will eventually be added to the CCLI listings­mark my words! This song echoes the Psalmist's heart as reflected in Psalm 8; however the words are not borrowed but flow from the pen of Hutchison. "How big are you God? Just how big? / And how small am I? / The same holy hands that gave life to me / Created the earth and the stars in the sky / How great are you God? How great is your love? / And why would you care for me?" / The song mirrors the heart of this twenty-six year old from Paris Illinois and undoubtedly draws upon her experience serving for several years as a worship leader. 

As the disc spins you think you have discovered the best song on the record until the next one grabs you. Will I recommend this album? There is not a doubt that I will. Would I buy a ticket to this lady's concert? Once again without hesitation I would issue a resounding yes. Erin Hutchison is not only a treasure to be discovered but she is a gift to be shared with friends.

By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved

Joe Montague is an internationally published journalist / photographer. His ministry is dedicated to the memory of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18. All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague. 

Erin Hutchison is a singer/songwriter/worship leader out of eastern Illinois who exhibits some versatility on her debut record Out of the Box.  Vocally, she engages in worship styles in the mode of a female Andrew Peterson or Caedmon's Call, but then also pulls off radio friendly pop in tunes such as "The Truth is Out There."

The title track, "Out of the Box," employs an expansive musical buildup much like old Sandi Patty songs, but Hutchison's voice here more resembles Rebecca St. James or Crystal Lewis, a restraint that is welcome.  The rest of the disc travels familiar ground, going back and forth between corporate worship tracks and attempts at being "personal".  

Hutchison has some ability as a vocalist, and admirably, has chosen to write her own songs, but there is something missing here, and it's hard to pin down.  Out of the Box just never gets to the level of drawing me in.  There isn't anything egregiously bad about it, but Hutchison may need something to push her to another level.

Brian A. Smith
23 January 2006