Pray for Rain

Singer/songwriter Julie de Azevedo makes an interesting outing with her fourth album Pray for Rain. The collection of songs, most of which she wrote herself, are contemporary in sound and feel, yet address some fairly timeless topics, particularly in the area of faith. She touches on balancing life's roles, humility, and thankfulness. One particularly lovely piece, backgrounded by a beautiful piano accompaniment, gives tribute to the Master. Titled "Masterpiece," it describes her willingness to become a work of art through life's trials and obedience to God — "He'll write His will upon my heart/Mold my soul to His design/Adding color depth and light/And polishing until I shine shine shine/Oh my heart is in His hand/He's painting the life He'd have me lead/Through refining floods and flames/He's smoothing edges and seams/And in time time time/Oh this simple life will be a masterpiece." She teams up with famous father Lex de Azevedo for "Healing," a nice ballad with a veiled reference to her "other" career in social work that touches on the need for a higher power when spiritual healing is concerned — "But broken toys will turn to broken hearts/And the time will come when I can't find all the parts/Broken glass to broken dreams/Broken bones to broken wings/And you will need a healing beyond me/You will need a healing beyond me." The only drawback on this album is her slightly nasal sound, which might prove irritating to some listeners. However, it's evident that de Azevedo is going to be a successful songwriter in her own right, all ties to famous fathers aside. ~ Dacia A. Blodgett-Williams, Rovi