Stronger is the second studio album by Contemporary Christian music singer Natalie Grant. It was released on June 12, 2001, through Pamplin Records, and was re-released on February 26, 2002, through Curb Records.
Critical reception
Bradley Torreano of AllMusic claimed "Natalie Grant's Stronger is one of the rarest treasures in Christian music: an original album that has a distinct voice and style. With a powerhouse voice and top-notch songwriters, Grant brings to mind a wholesome Britney Spears at some points and a spiritual Faith Hill at others. This is one of the freshest approaches to this genre in quite a while, bringing to mind Amy Grant's groundbreaking Heart in Motion."
CCM Magazines Michael TenBrink said the album was indeed "stronger... in nearly every way over its predecessor, showcasing Grant's powerhouse vocals, which are indeed reminiscent of the aforementioned Dion, as well as Crystal Lewis. Although she occasionally ventures into dance territory, Grant is at her strongest on from-the-gut pop songs like 'If the World Lost All Its Love'. Other highlights are the first single, 'Keep on Shining', as well as the emotional 'I Love to Praise'. But Grant most transparently shows her depth as an artist on the album's closer, 'Finally Home', co-written with Cindy Morgan. The song is a gorgeous six-minute epic ballad that moves from a place of tears to a place of joy and external hope. Stronger hangs together impressively well. When Natalie Grant wraps herself around a great song, she is easily in the upper echelon of female vocalists in the Christian music community."
John Daniels of Cross Rhythms said "The big voice that earned her that title is still there and heard to good effect on this album. Alas, despite a change of label and a plethora of production talent, the album somehow disappoints—perhaps it's the lack of any songs strong enough to match that voice. Or perhaps because despite the work of five producers it's amazing how alike the tracks sound. Soft pop is the order of the day, and nothing wrong with that. There is a Latin flavor to 'I Love To Praise' and 'Don't Wanna Make A Move' is somewhere between Jennifer (Lopez) and Britney."
Track listing
Personnel Credits adapted from AllMusic Natalie Grant – vocals, backing vocals Reed Vertelney – programming, sequencing, arrangements, backing vocals Bernie Herms – piano, programming, sequencing, arrangements Phil Sillas – programming, sequencing, arrangements Eric Foster White – keyboards, drum programming, arrangements, string arrangements Danny Duncan – programming Tim Heintz – programming, sequencing David Cleveland – guitar Terence Elliott – acoustic guitar, electric guitar Dan Petty – guitar Tim Pierce – acoustic guitar, electric guitar Michael Hart Thompson – electric guitar Tedd T – guitar, arrangements Aaron Featherstone – guitar, string arrangements Andy Cichon – bass Matt Pierson – bass Dan Needham – drums, programming Eric Darken – percussion David Hamilton – string arrangements and conductor Gary Lindsay – orchestration Carl Gorodetzky – concertmaster The Nashville String Machine – strings Bernie Barlow – backing vocals Angel Cruz – backing vocals Windy Wagner – backing vocals Plus One – vocals (3) John Elefante – backing vocals
Production Mitchell Solarek – executive producer Reed Vertelney – producer, engineer Eric Foster White – producer, mixing, engineer Bernie Herms – producer Phil Sillas – producer, digital editing Tedd T – producer, engineer Dino Elefante – producer John Elefante – producer Niko Bolas – engineer Marty Christensen – engineer Brandon Duncan – engineer Adam Kagan – engineer David Schober – engineer, mixing, mix engineer J.R. McNeely – engineer, mixing, mix engineer Steve Marcantonio – engineer Ralph Stover – engineer, digital editing, producer Felipe Elgueta – mixing, mix engineer J.C. Monterrosa – mixing assistant, mix engineer Paul "Salvo" Salveson – mixing Drew Bollman – assistant engineer Todd Gunnerson – assistant engineer Melissa Mattey – assistant engineer Matt Weeks – assistant engineer Jerry Yoder – digital editing Tom Coyne – mastering Hank Williams – mastering Chuck Hargett – layout, package design Philip W. Newton – photography Keiko Hamaguchi – hair stylist, make-up
Release history Region Date Format Label Ref. United States June 12, 2001 Cassette Valley Media Various February 26, 2002 Digital download Curb
References