Wakened by the Wind

Track Listings

1. Down on My Knees

2. No One Knows My Heart

3. Benediction

4. Ball and Chain

5. I Hear You

6. Land of Nod

7. In My Father's Hands

8. In Amazing Grace Land

9. Suffer in Silence

10. Beyond Justice to Mercy

Wakened by the Wind, Music, Susan Ashton, Adult Contemporary, CCM, Gospel, Gospel/Christian Music

Average customer rating:

CCM wakes up to a new talent

The Best of Susan Ashton.

What a benediction!

A Gorgeous, Five-Star Debut

Wakened by the Wind
Susan Ashton
Manufacturer: Sparrow Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music
General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music
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Susan Ashton

Distant Call

So Far: The Best Of Susan Ashton Volume 1

Angels of Mercy

Along the Road

ASIN: B000008CZN
Release Date: 1992-10-28

Tracks:

Down On My Knees
No One Knows My Heart
Benediction
Ball And Chain
I Hear You
Land Of Nod
In My Father's Hands
In Amazing Grace Land
Suffer In Silence
Beyond Justice To Mercy

Customer Reviews:

CCM wakes up to a new talent.......2005-03-11

susan Ashton first came to the notice of observant Christian music listeners as a backing singer on Wayne Watson's hit "Watercolor Ponies". This 1991 CD became her debut and introduced the CCM world to a thoughtful new chanteuse. Ashton's sound leans toward the acoustic, at times more country ("Land of Nod") in others almost folk ("No One Knows My Heart") with an occasional dash of acoustic blues creeping in.

It established Ashton as a fresh face in CCM thanks to 4 big hits: #2 "Down on my Knees", #4 "Benediction", #3 "In Amazing Grace Land", and #18 "Ball and Chain".

Strongest cuts here are the cry of the hypocrite seeking redemption ("Down on my Knees"), the believer asking for God's sure direction in the midst of change ("Benediction"), and the caution against complacency ("Land of Nod", which also features a sparkling fiddle break from Eric Silver). Phil Keaggy guests on guitar for "Beyond Justice to Mercy", a message many of us Christians don't heed as oft we should. "Ball and Chain" was a hit off the album, where the title comes from (a metaphor for God's spirit seeking out the souls of men).

The misses are few but "I Hear You" is overlong and never seems comfortable in its spare skin. It sounds like it wants to be a big pop anthem instead. "Suffer in Silence" has a weak hook and a reedy keyboard section pushes it into cheeseville.

Bottom Line: A pretty good debut...

3 1/2 stars

The Best of Susan Ashton........2004-07-08

I recently bought this CD and did not realize that it predated the other CD's that I have featuring this amazing singer. I was so thrilled hearing all the songs on this amazing CD. Wayne Kirkpatrick has a wonderful gift for writing inspiring lyrics and the songs "I Hear You", "Benediction" and "In Amazing Graceland" just bring out the best in Susan Ashton's voice. However, I must admit that my favourite song on this CD is "Beyond Justice to Mercy" which was co-written by Susan Ashton and her rendition of this song is truly awe-inspiring. I also found it strange that only two reviews have been written about this truly wonderful, uplifting CD. I would honestly recommend it to anyone that enjoys great Christian music and especially when it is sung as these songs are.

What a benediction!.......2004-04-05

I've recently rediscovered Susan Ashton and have come to the conclusion that this is some of the most awe-inspiring music I've heard. Why is there only one other customer review for this album?!! Everything about these tracks is near perfect---the song-writing, arranging, instrumental performances from some of Nashville's best, the production, and finally, Susan's incredibly pure and transcendent voice, singing lyrics in a truly inspired way that could turn a stone-cold atheist into a fervent believer (okay, I can dream can't I?). The peak of the album for me is "I Hear You" which is a song about the experience of God's glorious presence whereby He speaks (when least expected) to believers in times of quiet devotion and meditation: "And when my soul hits the mark, and the light splits the dark, I hear you; and when my heart starts to move, I know that it's You I hear...."

I am always left with the feeling of having received a special benediction after hearing this music. I'm amazed that songs like these can be swept under the rug of our ever-changing, always looking for the next new thing-culture. This is classic material that truly glorifies God in its aesthetic and spiritual excellence. Her next two albums---Angels of Mercy and the self-titled one---are just as good. Her fourth album, A Distant Call is where Susan began to explore "secular" music, and although a fine recording in itself does not have the spiritual essence of the first three. However, some of the tunes are Christian and are excellent as well.

A Gorgeous, Five-Star Debut.......2003-07-07

During the 1990's Christian music fans had the pleasure of hearing the voice of Susan Ashton frequently grace our airwaves. After paying her dues on backup Susan was signed by Sparrow and at the age of 23 she saw the release of her first record, WAKENED BY THE WIND. With executive producer Brown Bannister, veteran Wayne Kirkpatrick producing, and a solid cast of backup musicians Susan had the studio muscle to make a successful first impression. Solid songwriting and some gorgeous vocal performances ensured that the final product lived up to expectations.

Gentle percussion and an acoustic guitar open "Down On My Knees," a song penned by Kirkpatrick which speaks of prayer in terms of longing, desperation, and dependance. Though understated, it's a stunning way to begin the record, lyrically, and the sound perfectly captures the acoustic-based pop that Susan would become best known for. Traces of folk and country would sneak into her work, but she was always at her best outside of those genres.

"No One Knows My Heart" showcases Susan's voice, demonstrating the emotion she is capable of but not overdoing it or over-singing. Picking up the tempo a bit, "Benediction" follows and is the best song on the album. It's got a cool mid-tempo groove and a great hook and is another example of Kirkpatrick's writing elevating Susan's vocal gifts. She actually contributed to the writing of three of the songs but Kirkpatrick handled the lion's share of the writing duties and it shows. It remains one of the best written debut projects that I've heard.

Other highlights include "Ball and Chain," "I Hear You," and "Land of Nod." "Beyond Justice To Mercy" closes the album, and lyrically it is one of the most poignent moments on the project. Inspired from James 2:12-13, it speaks of the need to show grace because, in spite of our human desire for vengeance, mercy actually brings freedom and heals heartache. It's a beautiful and memorable performance and one of the best songs Susan ever recorded.

There really are no bad moments on this project. And though a case could be made for ANGELS OF MERCY, I believe that WAKENED BY THE WIND still stands as the best of Susan's projects. It certainly was a remarkable debut album. FIVE STARS

Music:

Music

Music

1. Down on My Knees
2. No One Knows My Heart
3. Benediction
4. Ball and Chain
5. I Hear You
6. Land of Nod
7. In My Father's Hands
8. In Amazing Grace Land
9. Suffer in Silence
10. Beyond Justice to Mercy