Music Review

Heavenly Places (Un Lugar Celestial) is the debut album of one of today’s most popular contemporary Christian artist, Jaci Velasquez. This Mexican-born singer was then sixteen when this album came out in the market. Heavenly Places was released by Myrrh Records on May 1996. Produced by Mark Heimermann, this album includes the songwriting talents of Chris Eaton, Wayne Kirkpatrick, Dann Huff and Heimermann, among others.

This album is a total makeover of the Christian Music. It is totally different from most of the gospel songs that everyone knows, like “Alive, Alive” and “This is the Day”. Although the album mostly contains classic pop songs, Heavenly Places manages to display plenty of musical variation while still preserving its continuity. It is obviously influenced by (non-Christian) contemporary pop music. The conservative Christian denominations, especially the “solemn churches”, may not like the way Jaci’s kind of music. However, when one would just consider the message that each song brings, it would certainly make one feel the soul of the music.

 Moreover, most songs are personal and intimate prayers for the Lord in pop beat. The songs “Baptize Me” and “We Can Make a Difference” reminded me of the kind of music that M2M and Mandy Moore sing. The title cut, ”Un Lugar Celestial “ (Heavenly Places), has a delightful Spanish/Latin beat which is almost same with J. Lo’s. The percussions-acoustic guitar ensemble would make one tap his/her foot with the beat.  This song reveals Jaci’s regard for her Latin heritage.

The emotion of Jaci’s smooth, powerful voice gives her listener a different kind of meditation. One doesn’t have to be solemn when he/she listens the rhythm and message of her songs. The music itself would remind one of God’s unfading love to His people. The album seems to trend away from overtly Christian lyrics. One can’t find much direct quotations from the scriptures. The scripture or spiritual content is woven through every fiber of the songs.   

Heavenly Places could have been better if it was a live-recorded concert like those produced by Integrity Music and Hillsong Australia. Christian music albums are bought mostly for Praise and Worship reference. The buyers listen to songs which they could teach and sing in church services. It would be an advantage for this album if the songs are appropriate to be sung in church services and not just for personal meditation.

Charisse Mae T. Ampo