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Growing up, singer/songwriter Cameron Dezen used to think Christianity was a strange religion with even weirder "born again" followers. But as she befriended Christians who really cared about her, those misconceptions started changing. Eventually she became a Christian herself (in 2001, a year after her independent debut Mary's Daughter), and she married one of those influential believers—musician/producer Matt Hammon (Bob Mould, The Gloria Record, Verbow).

Dezen then began writing with her husband, and released the sophomore album Love + Rescue under his guidance. Her voice is reminiscent of Dido and her writing style similar to Tori Amos, but her vertical perspective draws comparisons to Over the Rhine and Rosie Thomas. All of those influences are wrapped up in the lead cut "Waiting (The Promise)" and "Want You to Know Me." Those cuts and "Hands Up" trace Dezen's faith progression with enough sensitivity to speak to a seeker. When backed by the haunting programming of "Just Like Me" and the luminous melody of "Miami," her voice is even more enchanting and the words seem to jump straight from her heart.

But there are some less compelling moments, characterized by an overly scaled-back, organic production. "Didn't I" is a pretty piano selection, but comes across almost too plain in its rawness. The same is true of the drab ballad "Right, Right Now," and the similar complexion of "Happier" is weighed down by a cheap sounding programmed loop following each chorus. There's room for growth, but there's also enough here to indicate Dezen is on the right track by integrating her newfound faith with such beautiful and poetic expressions.

© Andy Argyrakis, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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