The Road (Deluxe Edition)

Christian music fans have come to know Tricia Brock as the galvanizing lead singer of the pop/rock unit Superchick. On her solo debut she takes a turn away from blazing self-empowerment anthems towards reflective, sometime aching balladry in praise of her Savior. Produced by her husband Nick Baumhardt, The Road combines the introspective feel of a singer/songwriter album with the upfront reverence of a worship project. Brock’s alto vocals interpret a mixture of original tunes and cover material with nuance and close attention to lyrical meaning. In contrast with Superchick’s roof-shaking thunder, songs like the country-slanted “You Are My Shepherd” and the techno-driven “Lean” have an understated strength that reinforces their timeless message. Though she mutes her brassiness here, Brock’s singing conveys unshakable conviction as well as humility. The album’s outstanding moment is “Broken for Love’s Sake,” an expression of abiding faith amidst difficult times with the melodic grace of an old-fashioned hymn.