If It Leads Me Back

This Chicago-based singer/songwriter keeps her focus on her relationship with God, capturing scripture-based themes in deeply personal terms. McCaul’s breathy alto adds to her songs' confessional quality. Rather than strain to become the next Christian music diva, she underscores her lyrics' vulnerability with a softer (but never tentative) vocal approach. “Ready,” “Come Rest,” and “Let Go” are prayerful commentaries on her ongoing struggle to live her faith. “Say My Name” (an electronica-tinged track already released as a single) and “You Never Change” (a summery shuffle with a Jason Mraz/Jamie Grace feel) find her making radio-friendly music with spiritual integrity. Ballads like “Hold on to Me” and the title number avoid bombast in their expression of spiritual yearning. Produced by Jason Ingram with Rusty Varenkamp, If It Leads Me Back builds its sound around acoustic guitars and atmospheric keyboards, with some electric guitar muscle evident in “Speak.”