CD Reviews

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Often, when a respected vocalist in a group decides to branch out and record a solo album, they are sometimes met with fear and trepidation from the fans. Questions begin to swim in their mind - is this person leaving the group? Could this be a new time of solo ministry for the individual? Most of the time, those questions and fears are unwarranted due to solo albums usually being an extension of that vocalist's artistry. When in a group setting, a vocalist is often times limited in what they can sing due to sharing the stage and recording with others who may not share that same vision.

Kim Hopper released her first solo album (Imagine) with Spring Hill Music Group five years ago. That album was very ballad-heavy - and it showcased Kim's stellar vocals well, but didn't have much that the Southern Gospel fan and radio could latch onto. Kim's now releasing her sophomore solo outing - this time with newly revived Canaan Records label. What the listener gets this time is a better balance of the soft side of Kim (which was expressed on Imagine) with the sounds of country and Southern Gospel. There's a lot on I Just Wanted You to Know to like - and a lot that will attract a myriad of listeners.

Fans of Southern Gospel will surely love "Gospel to the World" - a big Southern Gospel ballad straight from the Lari Goss playbook. Also - the more country flavor of "The Devil Lost His Keys" and Crabb Family-cover "The Promised Land" show that Kim is more than at home in that setting. Also - the Faith Hill/Tim McGraw-esque "The Woman In My Little Girl's Room" could find a home at country radio with it's touching message about seeing a child grow up before your eyes. (Dean Hopper also shows up on that tune.)

The softer side of Kim that was so eloquently produced on Imagine is also shown as well - especially on the beautiful album closer "I Just Wanted You to Know" and Paula Stefanovich penned "That Sounds Like Heaven to Me". "Come Out Praising" is a fun, upbeat number not unlike something you'd hear from 90's era Janet Paschal, Kathy Troccoli or Sandi Patty and could possibly do well on Inspirational radio for Hopper. Also, Hopper touches on a few bluegrass elements as well, like on the Dolly Parton-esque "What Will I Hear". It's a sound that she pulls off better than expected and is an album highlight as well. Kim shines brightest on the Cindy Morgan (GMA Songwriter of the Year) penned "Well Done Well Done" - another striking ballad that showcases poetic lyrics matched with Kim's unmistakable voice.

Overall, I Just Wanted You Know picks up where Imagine left off, only to take things to a whole other level for Hopper. With songs written as well as these and vocals interpreted as well as Kim sings them, there's no doubt that many people will be more than pleased with this solo outing by one of Gospel music's most cherished vocalists.

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Reader Comments

This CD is much better than her first - it was good, but a little too slow, and all the songs seemed to be the same type - ballad/sleepy. This CD showcases her talents better with different styles of songs. Even though I jave no kids, The Woman In My Little Girl's Room is an awesome song.

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