CD Review: Christine Saunders - Beautiful Life

On her 2003 debut album, "Beautiful Life," Canadian singer-songwriter Christine Saunders graces the listener with eleven beautifully crafted, fresh and stirring cuts that will touch the heart and stir the soul. There is so much about this album that's worth celebrating... first off, Christine's voice, front and center throughout each song, is truly lovely. She has a rich expressive contralto, and enough passion to draw any listener into the emotions, experiences and depths of each song. Her voice will grab you and hold you throughout the entire album. She sings with power, intensity, tenderness, vulnerability, and humor, and always with extreme sincerity and passion.

The first track, "Where Do Promises Go", is a beautiful country-tinged ballad about love gone wrong. Again though, it is Christine's absolute sincerity and stirring delivery that makes this much more than just another ballad. The lyrics, as on all the other cuts, are well thought out and easily related to by most listeners.

"I Will Give You Love" is an up-tempo song whose chorus you'll be singing for hours. You'll notice, as you play the record, how irresistible Christine's choruses are... by the second listen, you'll probably be humming along.

"About Last Night" is a real stunner, showcasing Christine's range, and the sheer depth of emotion she can render.

The following title track is an optimistic beauty, and one can't help but feel good after hearing it.

"Baby In Blue" is another highly intense track, about the bitter-sweetness of teenaged motherhood, and the loss of childhood innocence. This is a truly exceptional song that will leave you spellbound and make you think.

"Five and Dime" is a gem about normal people who are perhaps more complex than they look, just trying to live their lives in their small town where everybody knows everybody. Being from a small town myself, this song is close to my heart.

"Amber's Song" is truly extraordinary, and may bring tears to your eyes. Following it is Christine's version of "Magic", a song I've always loved. Sorry Olivia, but I actually prefer Christine's version of this song. When you couple a great song like "Magic" with a great deliverer of songs like Christine, you have an unbeatable combination!

"1979" is a truly masterful and haunting song, that gets to me each time I hear it.

"Turn It Up" will get you up and dancing, and make you thankful for being alive.

And who could resist "Brown!" It's an absolute delight, and will put a smile on your face. I love the Cajun feel to this closing piece; it adds a lovely touch.

This is an outstanding debut from an outstanding artist. Every song is a winner, and each is totally accessible to the listener, while maintaining exceptional beauty and grace. I commend everyone involved in the making of this album, and this listener, for one, can't wait for the next release from Christine Saunders! Everyone who is a fan of classy pop and soft rock needs this in their collection... you'll treasure it! An A plus album! I can't recommend it highly enough!