I bought this CD when I discovered Laura had been a part of the now-popular group Siler's Bald. Actually, from having bought some of their old releases prior to "Real Life," since Laura's not with them anymore.

I have to say, I can't think that Siler's Bald is as good as they used to be without this girl. She is incredibly talented, and equally gifted in writing both melody and lyric... which produces an album which, I must say, really connects with me. Not to mention the fact that Derek Webb, one of my heroes as well as favorite artists, plays guitar and vocalizes on a couple of the tracks. Not to mention that at all. And not to mention that Andrew Peterson lends a hand as well. Forget that I said it. It's not mentioned.

For fans of Sara Groves, Nichole Nordeman, and even Sarah Masen, I strongly recommend adding this album to your collection. Laura Story writes tender songs which, though soft and acoustic for the most part, reflect a certain fierce love and childlike awe for her creator. The title track, "Indescribable," serves to really make that belief clear as Laura proclaims, "Indescribable, uncontainable, you placed the stars in the sky and you know them by name... all-powerful, untamable, awestruck we fall to our knees and we humbly proclaim, you are a very big God."

Elsewhere, the lineup continues on with the Siler's Bald staple "Grace" (staple from the old days, that is... it's not on Siler's Bald's new album), which is destined to end up on my all-time favorite songs list. Also not to be forgotten, in comes the bluegrass-ish "This Old Town," which you'll swear must have been on the Oh Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. Then, for those of you who like your coffee decaffeinated, Laura gives us the heartfelt tunes “Rest Upon Us,” "Send Me a Rainbow," "You are Free" and, to ruin the surprise, an excellent but short bonus track. They're four in a row that definitely bring you to worship and introspection. I’d love to include some of the lyrics from all four songs, but I gotta tell you that I’d get carried away and write all of them out completely. Attention spans being what they are on the net, better just buy the album instead of waiting for the movie.

All in all, it's a unique work. It's not one of those albums that produces an overnight pop hit or will put Laura opening for the Backstreet Boys or something, but instead it beckons for you to grab a latte, sit down and listen. It's the kind of music that made people love coffeehouses, not unlike the one featured in Laura's liner art. At first hearing, you like it. Second time through, you'll notice some pretty deep faith issues being addressed. Third time through, you wonder why you missed everything you're now noticing. Do yourself a favor and savor it the first time.

Visit Laura's website

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