This song makes me want to just jump up and dance for the Lord. great song
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I bought this CD in March of this year and I have just about worn it out. Karin's writing ability makes this cd a precious  instrument in my daily worship. I have one in my car also That I listen to every day. She is one talented Lady and when you listen to Better Day, you will know she is dedicated to inspire you and help you have a Better Day.
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The first thing that strikes you about this Album is the cover art  Karen is just a very photogenic lady  this is a good thing LOL ,  The album contains ten tracks  all written and composed and performed by Karen. This in itself is a rare thing these days to find a totally original album for there is usually at least 1 cover track in most Albums these days.

        The Alum is released under the Rushing Winds Records label and the production of the album is impeccable it’s very evident that time was taken to ensure the best production on every track vocals and harmonies and instrumentation are faultless throughout. A real credit to the engineering of Gary Rushing.

The Album opens with  “ Jesus The One And Only “ a nice mid to uptempo praise song that’s immediately lets you hear the quality & timbre of Karen’s voice. This leads into a slow acoustic feel with the second track  “ I won’t Let Go” which is a soothing acoustic ballad that Karen sings effortlessly.  Track 3 “ God Of Endless Grace “ Shows the soft rock side of Karen with  good use of vocal harmonies and a good driving bass this one gets your feet tapping. “ Broken Bridges “ track 4 takes you back to a more mellow mood with a meaningful piano based ballad. My second favorite track on the album is  “The Road Less Travelled “  track 5  A good song lyrically and has a light almost Celtic feel to it especially with the flute intro. Track 6  “ Rock Of Ages “ sees Karen rocking it up a little  Good vocals here and nice use of the Hammond type organ really fills this track out. Now my personal pick for best track on the Album track 7  “ Keep On Living “ it catches you right from the start with an interesting guitar based intro Vocals are excellent throughout  and keeps you interested without being too busy, the chorus chord progression wise reminds me of Eric Clapton’s  “ Knocking On Heaven’s Door “ maybe that’s why I like this one so much I’m a big fan of Clapton LOL. Track 8 is “ Close To Me “  an intimate ballad that works well.  Then comes track 9  “ Who You Are “ which to me is the most commercial track on the entire CD and if released as a single to radio in my opinion would do very well. The Final track  number 10  is “ Good And Faithful One “again a good track both lyrically and musically  and provides a fitting end to what really is a most engaging CD.  This being my first encounter with Karen Shadbolt and her music would definitely lead me to wanting to hear more from her.

                  All in all this is a well produced and excellently performed CD that would easily grace the collections of most good  discerning Christian music fans .
                    Derek McCorkell
                          for
                True Spirit Powered Radio
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