TERRIFIC, SMART POP DEBUT
I assume there was a bidding war. And I assume that many were disappointed when Fervent Records was left holding the trophy at stake—a contract with Ms. Francesca Battistelli. The reason for the (assumed) number of suitors? This album is a radio pop goldmine waiting to happen.
My Paper Heart is stunning in its smarts—perfectly crafted for Christian radio with no weak moments from beginning (the charming “Free To Be Me”) to end (the consummate pop ballad “Time in Between”). Even the sequencing, production and vocal work all shine with Battistelli’s perfect smile poised to win over fans young and old.
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The title track is a bouncy piano effort on which she sings, “My paper heart is Yours now/I am learning in Your hands.” That same spiritual submissiveness is found on several tracks—a young artist in awe of a God so grand. “Beautiful, Beautiful” and “Forever Love” continue in this vein, the latter a simple, vertical love song.
It doesn’t matter what is thrown at her, Battistelli handles it all with the ease of an industry veteran, which leads one to believe she’s at least surrounded by them. After all, there’s no way a 22-year-old should sound this good whether singing girl-pop, radio rock anthems or AC ballads. Track after track seems destined for Top 10 status in several genres, making you realize you might as well start practicing how to properly spell her name.
–Matt Conner