Sparrow Records
Bethany Dillon & Matt Hammitt

Somewhere at the crossroads of Ed Cash’s impressive production talents (he’s been named GMA’s 2005 Producer of the Year) and Bethany Dillon’s burgeoning songwriting skills, you’ll find Imagination, Dillon’s sophomore effort and a delightful daydream about the many ways that the Creator shows up in the life of the created. For 17, this bright Ohioan has awareness and maturity beyond her years as evidenced in the lyrics of this release as she reflects on moral failure healed by spiritual redemption. Stylistically, Dillon pulls from several diverse sources such as Christian singer-songwriters like Nicole Nordeman and Jennifer Knapp and even culls from the Cowboy Junkies (listen to the hallowed "My Love Hasn’t Grown Cold"). Dillon’s awareness of the almighty within the mundane shines through in the entertaining "Airplane" in which she recognizes the divine in so many elements of a simple plane flight. The worship-flavored "Hallelujah" is another highlight and a track that showcases her pop sensibilities with an unforgettable chorus as is "All That I Can Do." And we can’t forget Cash’s masterful work behind the board, blending acoustic and atmospheric electric guitar as a soft foundation for Dillon’s emotive vocals throughout the release. The earthy, organic sound is never heavy handed and allows the prodigious songwriting talent of Dillon to stand on its own strength. -–Michael Lyttle



Song List: Dreamer, Hallelujah, All That I Can Do, Airplane, I Believe In You, My Love Hasn't Grown Cold, New, The Way I See You, Vagabond, Be Near Me, Imagination