Susan Ashton - Closer (1999)

Susan Ashton has been a leading light in the contemporary Christian music scene since her award-winning self-titled album was released in 1993; Closer is the adult contemporary vocalist's attempt at a country crossover hit. The Christian music community that once supported Ashton has typically shown disdain for artists who leave its cozy environs for the secular pop world, but fans of tasteful mainstream country will find much to like on Closer. Ashton has an admirable vocal range, an expressive gift for phrasing, and good taste when it comes to production (check the subtle cello-six-string intro to "Shot for the Moon" and the chiming 12-string guitars on "Come Out of the Rain.") When she tries to rock out, however ("Breathless"), or get bluesy ("Supernatural") the result is no more appealing than cereal-commercial music. Ashton is the spiritual and artistic progeny of the Boone clan, and her music is best when soft, slow, and sweet. Anything else is like white bread passing itself off as multigrain. --Mike McGonigal