Identity

At 16, Robert Pierre stands as a promising talent full of musical enthusiasm and spiritual zeal. Identity, his sophomore album, lays out his convictions with fervor and a sense of fun. Pierre possesses a clear-toned vocal style suited to rousing pop alter calls and earnest praise ballads. Veteran producer Matt Bronleewe surrounds him with well-scrubbed, ‘80s-influenced tracks, ranging from the buoyant power-pop of “Let God Arise” to the slightly darker, new-wavish “I’m Not Perfect.” On “Elementary,” the singer slinks to a TobyMac-like groove with reasonable success, while “Breaking My Heart” has overtones of Rascal Flatts-style country. “Jesus” (a straight-ahead pop hymn) and the title tune (a message of encouragement to young Christian nonconformists) are the album’s showpieces and work well within their simple confines. Pierre obviously has room to grow — time will tell if he moves beyond his budding teen idol role. In the meantime, Identity is a positive pop outing with energy to spare.