Parents will be hard-pressed to find better role models for their teenage daughters than Lauren, Alyssa, and Rebecca Barlow. The three sisters make up BarlowGirl, one of Christian music's brightest lights. The Girls got their start as a backing band for their father, but eventually answered God's call and set out to spread the gospel on their own.
With album number three, How Can We Be Silent, the Barlow siblings raise their voices and encourage listeners to stand loud and proud for their faith. The best-selling new Christian act of 2004, the Girls expertly mix contemporary sounds with the life blood message of Jesus Christ. The trio treads mainstream territory throughout the 10-track disc and borrows heavily (musically at least) from the likes of Evanescence and Avril Lavigne.
The musicianship and songwriting on How Can We Be Silent is on par with any act on the charts today, Christian or otherwise. The disc's first single "Here's My Life" is a well-crafted number that wouldn't sound out of place on mainstream rock radio despite the fact that it mentions God in its lyrics. Lauren's, Alyssa's, and Rebecca's angelic voices are veiled in a weightless production that is completely mesmerizing.
The Girls sing about hope and purity; they write about being who God calls you to be, and they inspire listeners to move closer to the Lord. "Million Voices," a rocking anthem that is a call to join the spiritual battle being waged here on earth, hits like a hammer on cold steel. "They'll remember we were here," the Girls sing. "Take My Chances" is a power pop-rock cut that focuses on stepping outside the physical world in order to become more grounded in the spiritual.
"Song For The Broken" is an extravagant track threaded with a bombastic string section and monster guitar riffage. Rebecca pounds out meaty power chords on her Gibson, while Alyssa and Lauren anchor the song with their solid backbeat (bass and drums, respectively). "The Guy Song" was written for BarlowGirl's male fans. The sisters get down in a gritty alt-metal groove with punchy bass lines, thundering drums, and howling vocals. "This is your day, don't let them take it away," Alyssa offers.
Where else but in the Christian community would you find three beautiful young female rock stars who have chosen to remain pure until they are married? The Barlow girls are the kind of music celebrities parents should encourage their children to emulate.
By Todd Sterling
