Out of the Depths - Lara Goudie

Rob Smith | 21 July 2008

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Out of the Depths
Lara Goudie
EMU
2008

As someone who has been referred to more than once as “one of the old guard” – which I’m assured is a term of endearment – it’s exciting to see a “new guard” of Christian singer/songwriters emerging. Lara Goudie is one of this new guard and her debut CD, Out of the Depths, is a powerful testimony not only to her talent but, more importantly, to the grace of Christ.

In fact, singing about her Lord is Lara’s great passion. As she says on her website: “It is because of Jesus that I can call God ‘Father’. It is because of Jesus that I can say with certainty that I will be in heaven when I die. It is because of Jesus, and Jesus alone, that I have eternal salvation. That is why I write songs, and why I love to sing and talk about Him.”

Out of the Depths is designed for listening, rather than congregational use, but is no less edifying for that reason. Each song is soaked in scriptural truth and the CD as a whole touches on a wide range of biblical and pastoral themes. A number of the songs are also deeply personal. For example, ‘One step away’ was written after the death of a family friend. ‘With You’ was co-written with a close friend for that friend’s wedding day.

For me, stand out tracks include ‘Famous Lord’, which is about God’s glory as creator, the title track, which is drawn from Psalm 130, and the catchy and energetic ‘Pray’. Added to that, the production is slick, and at numerous points, spectacular. This is thanks to the creative genius of Phil Gaudion, formerly of the Paul Colman Trio. Lara’s dynamic and distinctive vocal style also gives a freshness and appeal to the recordings.

But don’t just take my word for it. Visit Lara’s website where you can not only purchase the CD but listen to it online.

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