Album Reviews
Movie Reviews
Concert Reviews

Top 10
Resources
Time Wasters
Contact Us

One person reviewing Gravity?Love called Sandra McCracken a songwriter’s songwriter.  I think I understand what he meant.  If husband Derek Webb’s songs tend toward the pointed or prophetic, Sandra’s are equally strong in originality and artistry.  Her songwriting is what you would hope for from a Christian artist: creative, intelligent and free of cliches.  Her writing is comparable to that of Sara Groves.

Whereas Derek is more direct and overtly Christian, Sandra is more poetic and subtle. One has to stop and think about what she is saying to fully grasp the meaning in the lyrics.  She shares an ability with her husband of being able to bring a fresh perspective to such common themes as our relationship to God and our life in this world.  

The music is a combination of folk, pop and light rock.  There’s even a slight country sound on “Longway Home,” with its pedal steel guitar.  The band, which includes Derek, is excellent.  Derek’s subtle background vocals provide wonderful harmony.  There’s a nice mix between piano ballads like “Portadown Station” and “All The Miles” and the more up-tempo tracks like “Gravity.”

One of the pleasant surprises is “Goodbye George,” the only song not written by Sandra. The opening acoustic guitar sounds a lot like “Here Comes the Sun” by George Harrison, and once you hear the vocals, you realize that it’s no accident.  This is a beautiful tribute  and goodbye to Harrison that draws on phrases and thoughts from his life.   

“Broken Cup” with its an infectious melody and lyrics that point to the inadequacy of things would be right at home on one of her husband’s recordings.  “Chattanooga” is a great, turn-up-the-volume road song.  

These thoughtful, poetic muses are woven with a rich tapestry of sound.  Sandra and Derek make a great team, and Derek certainly helps make her shine.  But the spotlight is on Sandra, and she shows that she is more than adequate to stand in it.  Aspiring songwriters or those seeking to improve their craft can listen and learn.  Maybe that’s what it means to be a songwriter’s songwriter.  

Michael Dalton
October 19, 2006