CD Review

CD Review:  

Artist: Barb Elyett
Title: The Simple Side
Style: Contemporary
Website: www.barbelyett.com
Label: Aleta Records
Rating: 9.4 out of 10

By Senior Writer C.W. Ross

Publication: Christian Rockers Online

The Simple Side is the debut release from Canadian artist Barb Elyett. It's being released on her self-owned label, Aleta Records  

The whole point of the release is that our human nature results in us often making things over complicated, The Simple Side, is a call back to living a life based on one simple, but most important fact, that God is the only way, solution, and answer that you'll really ever need. Barb gets this point across through the eleven songs found on The Simple Side.  

In her press material Barb describes that all of the songs found on The Simple Side are like little 'keys.' Each key unlocks a door that opens to the 'Simple Side' of life.  

Barb says that the more she searched in her own life the more she started recognizing that everything in her quest pointed to God as the ultimate source of simplicity.   

While most of the songs fall into a contemporary style, melodic and flowing you'll also find a few more upbeat tempo ones. One of those more upbeat songs is the first track, "The Simple Side," a horn, organ, and piano filled toe-tapper that talks about getting back to the core of things in your life.  

Barb who sings both lead and background vocals along with playing piano on this release also surrounded herself with a stellar group of people.  

That group includes award-winning Vancouver producer and engineer Bill Buckingham (Carolyn Arends, Rita McNeil). Besides producing The Simple Side Bill also played acoustic and electric guitar and provided all the digital programming on the release.  

Other musicians found on The Simple Side include, Dave Pickell ( Hammond organ, additional piano), and Gord Maxwell (additional Background vocals).  

Barb has great vocals and can really hold a note, a talent which she demonstrates on several of the songs. The 43 minutes that The Simple Side lasts flew by quickly. Never once did I reach for the next track button on my CD player.  

Each song sounded good and the more that I listened to them the more I thought that this music is as good, if not better, then most of what I'm hearing on the radio now. Barb Elyett's music deserves to be heard.  

The Simple Side from Barb Elyett is one of those CD's that's filled with special music that after you hear it you'll say, "Thank You Lord."

" Thank you for giving me the chance to not only open my ears but also my heart and soul to the simple wonders of Your way."