TAYA “The Reminder” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Simple Phrase, Middle of It All, The Reminder

Overall Grade: 3.5/5

TAYA, best known for being the lead worship leader of Hillsong UNITED's "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)," is back with solo album #2. Instead of following in her former band's alt-rock stadium pop direction, "The Reminder" finds TAYA charting more conventional waters of popish-balladry worship. Working with an A-team of producers and writers, such as Austin Davis, Hank Bentley, Jacob Sooter, Joshua Silverberg, Bryan Fowler, Cody Carnes, Davy Nathan, Jessie Early Lindsey Sweat, Micah Kuiper, and others, the new album is a reminder that the Hillsong connection is still not dead yet. Many in the music industry are still willing to work with TAYA for this set of 12 new songs.

The album is preceded by the pop-centric "Gonna Be Good," which was released as early as February last year. Taken from Matthew 6, "Gonna Be Good" is a joy-filled reminder for the listener to relax and not worry about missing out, but rather open their eyes to God-reality, where you will find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Delving into Psalm 8:3-4 for reasons that call upon the church to worship, "Worship!" is a buoyant popish number without being lyrically potent. If you want something more UNITED-ish, "Come into the Light," with its synth-created ethereal, is worth listening to.

The ballads occupy most of the tracks and have their highs and lows. "Simple Phrase" is easily the album's best song. Stripping worship back from all the frills, this piano ballad is a sweet love song to Jesus. As the title suggests, it's simple yet so compelling. "Middle of It All," a warm reminder of Jesus' presence in our trials, is autobiographical as TAYA reflects upon her decision to leave UNITED to pursue her own career. Dwelling on the same lyrical trajectory are "My Refuge" and "Burn the Bridges." However, both songs are let down by cliches and overused chords.

Much better is the title cut, "The Reminder." With lyrics like This is a reminder/This is for my soul/When you're in the valley/Remember what you know/You never let me go/I've got history to prove it/Future is secure, this is a song that needs to be on constant repeats. As an album, "The Reminder" isn't perfect. However, if you want a mainstream worship album, the songs here will keep you singing and worshipping. Leaders looking for more heartfelt songs that get to the meat of worship will do well to include "Simple Phrase." A pure worship gem!

 

 

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