Grace Weber- Hope & Heart

by Reggie Edwards Grace Weber’s debut album, Hope & Heart, is definitely one to pick up. It’s really rare today that an album will be strong and enjoyable from beginning to end, but Weber seems to have found a way to accomplish just that. Similar to artists like Norah Jones or Sarah Bareilles, Weber’s voice is immaculate and soothes you from the second the first song, “Stay or Leave,” and I could tell right away I was going to like this record. Produced by Mike Mangini (Joss Stone, Dream Theater, etc.), Hope & Heart offers up a fresh blend of jazz, soul, gospel and acoustic music that will be a breath of fresh air to any music lover. Weber has an edge on a lot of new artists these days because she actually writes her own songs, and let me tell you, she has just as much talent on the writing side as she does the singing side of the record. The album is very lyrically sound. Perhaps the highlight of the record is the soft ballad of “Leave the Light On,” which she also performed at France’s 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony this year. Just when you think she should pick it up and let loose, giving it her all on the song, she does just that and more, showcasing her true talent and giving it everything she has into a soulful, heart-shaking and powerful shock of emotion. On Hope & Heart Grace Weber shows that even though she makes her debut, she is a force to be reckoned with and is definitely one to watch out for. Rating: 8.5/10 Release Date: September 13, 2011 (Junebeat Records)