The Gospel Truth

 (28 customer reviews)

Chicago based songwriter Susan Werner is known nationwide for her spirited, and often hilarious, live performances. While previous albums showcase Werner's considerable writing chops, THE GOSPEL TRUTH succeeds in also capturing the dynamic performance energy & presence that have long set her apart. Beneath Werner's stunning vocals, which are at times guttural, smooth, and quietly intense, Grammy Award-winning Producer/Engineer Glen Barratt paints a folkie new-grass back drop that hums with organic warmth and Gospel power.

Strip aside the flawless production and performance and let's get to what really makes this record important - the songs themselves. They're some of Werner's best yet . THE GOSPEL TRUTH offers up faith and doubt side by side while examining the truth about God & goodness. Werner claims onstage that THE GOSPEL TRUTH is the world's first "evangelical agnostic gospel album", but the doubtful and devout alike will find affirmation in this joyful approach...Read more

If you havent yet heard of this wonderful, underrated artist, you might need some time understanding what this music is all about.

First of all, Susan Werner sounds like a mix between Jennifer Knapp, Alison Krauss and some Regina Spektor thrown in for good measure. To be sure, this album distinctly reminded me of the first Alison Kraus & Station record, and strongly brought back memories of the Christian classic "Kansas" album by former recording artist Jennifer Knapp.

The tunes here are very muted, toned down, and rely on some beautifully sparse and simple instrumentation, letting Susan's lyrics stand out and speak for themselves. I have got to say, this is one amazing songstress, and the words here speak volumes.

Remember though, that even though the melodies here are catchy and the music is lovely, there is a spiritual, religious overtone to it, as that was the intention. Personally, I think this is brilliant, and the words are generic enough to...Read more

Werner has a beautiful voice, and the way she varies the speed and pronunciation of words--even syllables--is amazing. I appreciate her ambivalence about religion/God. I guess this is close to what is called "spiritual, but not religious." My favorite song--both its message and musical composition--is the energetic "Probably Not," which gets to the root of religious ambivalence or agnosticism.

The clickable graphics displays of seemingly endless choices (and usually syncopated to voice and music) are astounding in design and color.

Only one negative: At times, certain words or syllables are indecipherable to (or too low for) the ear. I don't know if it's her singing or the recording equipment. Helpful, though, is the accompanying insert that has the songs in print.