Only You

Christian singer/songwriter Karyn Williams covers a lot of musical bases on her debut album. Power ballads, gospel testimonies, bouncy pop tunes, indie rock excursions, and more can be found here. What unites this diverse material are her vocals—sweet and light with an underlying strength—and the fervor of her spiritual message. With such CCM veterans as Chris Bevins, Barry Weeks, and Keith Everett Smith handling production, Williams combines the youthful radiance of Britt Nicole with the seasoned gravitas of Natalie Grant. Those with a taste for upbeat, God-centered pop will connect with tunes like “Banner” and “Every Good Thing.” “Waiting in the Rain” and the title track are piano-centered hosannas with the feel of personal confessions. On the rockier end of the spectrum is “Possible,” an exuberant anthem of empowerment set to a palpitating beat. The empathetic heart of Williams' message comes through most clearly in “Hey There,” a string-draped ballad sung with Michael Tate. The album’s high-gloss sound doesn’t disguise the sincerity and natural talent that Williams brings to it.