Jasmine Hurtado “Sparkle” Album Review

Prime Cuts: Priority, I Will Not Fear, Walk It Like You Talk It

"Sparkle" is not just the titular of Jasmine Hurtado's debut album for Red Label/Dream Records, but it's also an apt description of the record.  Effervescing with a glossy pop glaze over insistent cul-de-sac beats, "Sparkle" befits perfectly Hurtado's youthful persona.  Not only is this a sprightly bright and positive album, but the lyrics also shimmer with Scriptural depths that draw us to the ultimate light of Jesus Christ.  Fans of Meghan Trainor or Demi Lovato who are sick of the frivolous and vapid lyrics will find much to soak in with "Sparkle."  On this album, Hurtado is not bashful in going deep in discussing issues addressed by Scripture yet could be deemed reprehensive by the standards of today's secular world. Issues such as putting Christ first ("Priority"), the forgiveness of Christ ("Bought by Blood"), and moral integrity ("Walk It Like You Talk It").

Aged 15, Hurtado is a native of Grand Rapids, MI. She is the youngest of four siblings. At the age of 11, she recorded her first "Pop" album in Spanish, "Limpiame Con Tu Vida" (Cleanse Me With Your Life)."  She then started touring around Texas, Kansas, Colorado, Alabama, Michigan, California, and the borders of Mexico, presenting her music.  Hurtado's foray into English language music started in 2013 when she released her Christmas EP "A Sparkling Christmas."  She was also invited to be a part of a Live Recording for Ken Reynolds and ResLife Worship on their latest album "Higher", which was recorded in Grand Rapids, MI. on November 3, 2013.

"Sparkle" is thus Hurtado debut English non-seasonal album and it starts off on a high note with the title cut "Sparkle."  Featuring a cavorting beat over some floating synth riffs, "Sparkle" is a song of gratitude from someone who has come in combustion with the explosive light of Jesus Christ.  "Priority" is easily a standout:  considering Hurtado's tender age where many of her peers are at verge of rebellion and to hear her sing words such as "After all you've done for me/I still chase these empty dreams/If I truly believe/God you should be my priority" restores one's faith in the Gospel.  Singled out by Hurtado in a recent Hallels' interview as her own favorite, "Walk It Like You Talk It" further illustrates Hurtado's spiritual maturity as she sings about the need to live as respresentatives of God's kingdom.

Despite the over calibrated mechanical pop gloss that tend to dominate at times, Hurtado shows the acumen of injecting some personal autobiographical japs into the record.  Most satisfying in this touching "Daddy's Little Girl."  With Father's Day around the corner, this song is a gorgeous piece that brims with lots of personal anecdotes of how a father's Godly influence can truly make a difference.  Welcoming also is the piano-led ballad "I Will Not Fear."  Calling to mind Hillsong UNITED'S "Oceans," "I Will Not Fear" has that haunting worshipful quality that has a way of making its way into our hearts.  While the jumpy "Let 'em Know" is terse, sweet and so irresistibly catchy. 

"Sparkle," at the end of the day, belies Hurtado's youthfulness. This sunny and sprightly energetic record shows ingrained Biblical maturity, wisdom, Godliness and integrity far beyond her years.  Hurtado is a name to watch out for.

 

 

 

Tags : jasmine hurtado jasmine hurtado sparkle review jasmine hurtado sparkle sparkle dream records jasmine hurtado news jasmine hurtado new album red label reslife worship Ken Reynolds