Pop singer-songwriter Danise Esswein recently dropped her debut EP, entitled Love Is Here, a collection of four contemporary Christian songs.
After growing up in Cleveland, Esswein moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she became part of the City of Light music ministry team. In 2017, she released “Lord Hear My Song,” which garnered vast acclaim and praise for its heartfelt message. Esswein’s influences include Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, Tori Kelly, and Pink.
According to Esswein, her message is: “The love of God lives inside of us, loving us as we are and more than we can ever imagine!”
The EP starts off “Lord Hear My Song,” an elegantly-flavored pop tune with echoes of alt-rock-lite flowing through it. The rhythm, set by the thrumming bass line and crisp percussion, establishes the tune’s impetus, as guitars shimmer overhead. Esswein’s voice, a powerful instrument, is passionate and focused.
“Sparkle In My Eyes” rides a soft pop melody, smooth and lightly textured with buttery colors. A skiffing guitar accent adds depth and dimension on the chorus without becoming cloying. The flow of the music is infectious, demonstrating its superb harmonic arrangement. Esswein’s voice, again, provides the song with buff, lush tones.
“Eternal Life” opens on strident guitars and an alt-rock groove, definitely kicking things up a notch. The melody combines elements of bubble gum pop and rock into a tasty concoction of energetic oomph. This is my favorite song on the EP because of its muscular punch and hefty guitars.
“Following You” features delicious jangly guitars atop a potent rhythm. Hints of country rock drift through the melody, giving it a residual brisk energy that blends with the alt-rock foundation of the tune to provide a wall-of-sound effect.
Love Is Here is a compelling album, primarily because Danise Esswein avoids the syrupy schmaltziness extant in most contemporary Christian music.
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