''The House You're Building'' is the debut album by
Christian
Christians () are people who follow or adhere to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. The words ''Christ'' and ''Christian'' derive from the Koine Greek title ''Christós'' (Χρι ...
artist
Audrey Assad
Audrey Nicole Assad (born July 1, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter. She has released six studio albums and four EPs.
Early life
Audrey Assad's mother was from Virginia and her father is a Syrian-born refugee. She was raised Protestant, a ...
. It has been met with positive reviews by critics. In late 2010, it was re-released for Christmas with two extra tracks.
Track listing
Charts
;Album
;Singles
;Weeks
"For Love of You" was on the chart for six weeks. "Restless" was on the chart for 14 weeks.
Critical reception
According to Jared Johnson of
Allmusic
AllMusic (previously known as All Music Guide and AMG) is an American online music database. It catalogs more than three million album entries and 30 million tracks, as well as information on musicians and bands. Initiated in 1991, the databas ...
, Johnson told that in ''The House You're Building'' by Assad that it "is dominated by her modern, earthy folk-pop, and her tales of pressing on despite a lack of answers."
[
According to Matt Conner of '']CCM Magazine
''CCM Magazine'' is a twice-monthly online magazine focusing on contemporary Christian music, published by Salem Publishing, a division of Salem Communications.
History
''CCM'' was first published in July 1978, as a printed magazine. It has bee ...
'', Conner stated that in ''The House You're Building'' by Assad that it has "vertical lyrics mesh beautifully with strong melodies a la Brooke Fraser
Brooke Gabrielle Ligertwood (née Fraser; born 15 December 1983) better known by her maiden name Brooke Fraser, is a New Zealand singer and songwriter best known for her hit single " Something in the Water", released in 2010. Fraser released two ...
or Sara Groves
Sara Groves (born Sara Lee Colbaugh, September 10, 1972) is an American contemporary Christian singer, record producer, and author.
Groves received her Bachelor of Science degree in history and English in 1994 from Evangel University, a private ...
to create moments powerful and memorable."[
According to Lydia Akinola of Christian Manifesto, Akinola described ''The House You're Building'' by Assad as "an articulate and artistic affair."][ Akinola said that she "struggle to find words to describe the charm that symbolizes" because as the listener hears it "with each repeated listen, one is able to glean something new from each track. This is a mature Christian music. This is vertical worship that soars where others float. This is something that sidelines your ears, instead, choosing to minister to your soul."][ Lastly, Akinola called this album a "truly modern day masterpiece."][
According to Stacey Papanikos of Christian Music Review, Panpanikos alluded to how Assad in ''The House You're Building'' that it "tells the story of being broken and then finding the healing hands of God."][
According to Tyler Hess of Christian Music Zine, Tyler suggested about Assad's effort in ''The House You're Building'' that "it's one thing to have a technical skill, it's a whole other ballgame when you can sell it with artistic ability and a delicate honesty is portrayed."][ Furthermore, Hess attested "more than anything is that her personality and lyricism seem a bit more believable than a lot of her peers in the contemporary genre that she falls under." Hess said that it is not "the gluttony of ballads that show off her clear and impressive young voice that shows a bit of a Nashville twang at times through the rest of the album."][
According to Kristin Garrett of '']Christianity Today
''Christianity Today'' is an evangelical Christian media magazine founded in 1956 by Billy Graham. It is published by Christianity Today International based in Carol Stream, Illinois. ''The Washington Post'' calls ''Christianity Today'' "evange ...
'', Garrett brought up a unique aspect in that The House You're Build'' by Assad as being a "confession l her lyrics are both accessible and intimate, universal to the Christian walk, and unique to twentysomething struggles."[ Garrett notes that Assad's "lovely lyrics will encourage listeners to be forgiving of a still-developing sound."][
According to Phil Thomson of ]Cross Rhythms
Cross Rhythms is a Christian media organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent, England. It operates an FM and online radio station, produces radio shows sent internationally, and its website has resources about contemporary Christian music.
Hi ...
, Thomson criticizes Assad's effort in ''The House You're Building'', and said "this is entertainment with a capital 'E'. Safe to say, Miss Assad won't push you to extremes, either emotionally or creatively. Of course, it is well turned out – word perfect, note perfect – and (and here's the problem) market perfect. No offence, no challenge, no risk, just professionally crafted musical observations in feel-easy settings".[
According to Jen Rose of Jesus Freak Hideout, Rose notes ''The House You're Building'' as being "different from much worship and CCM of the day. Her poetic, vertically-oriented lyrics are honest and reflective, and her lovely voice and piano-centric style are understated and mature. It takes a few listens to fully appreciate this album, but like the slow opening of a flower, these eleven tracks take their time revealing their individual, unique beauty."][ Rose gave credence to the album as being "complex, rewarding pop debut that reveals something new after many listens. Fans of artists like ]Nichole Nordeman
Nichole Ellyse Nordeman (born January 3, 1972) is an American contemporary Christian singer and songwriter.
Biography
Nordeman was raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she played the piano in church. She got her start when she entered ...
, Sara Groves, and Brooke Fraser or those looking for intelligent, artistic singer-songwriter pop will find plenty to love".[
According to Roger Gelwicks of Jesus Freak Hideout, Gelwicks reported Assad's ''The House You're Building'' that it "stay afloat. With an ]Amy Grant
Amy Lee Grant (born November 25, 1960) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. She began in contemporary Christian music (CCM) before crossing over to pop music in the 1980s and 1990s. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christia ...
-esque voice and a soft pop approach, Assad could easily blend in with a league of contemporaries. However, she manages to stand out with a good amount of variety in her string of songs and lyrical honesty."[
According to Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music, Davies reacted to Assad's ''The House You're Building'' that "what jumps out from the start of this eleven track album is the amazing soft vocals of Audrey, yet at the same time the vocals are strong and powerful. The other great thing about this album is the variety between songs, each song flowing easily into the next, yet not sounding the same. The songwriting on this album is powerful and interesting which comes over throughout the whole of the album".][
According to Kevin Davis of New Release Tuesday, Davis noted the resemblance of Assad's voice in ''The House You're Building'' to such artist as ]Adie Adie is both a surname and a given name of Scottish origin, a medieval pet form of Adam (given name), Adam. Notable people with the name include:
Surname:
* Alexander Adie (1775–1859), Scottish inventor
* George Adie (1901–1989), English stock- ...
, Brooke Fraser, and Christy Nockels
Christy Lynette Nockels (née Hill, born November 17, 1973) is an American singer-songwriter of contemporary Christian music. She was also one of the lead members of the band Watermark, along with her husband, Nathan Nockels.
Biography and career ...
.[ Davis affirmed that he has not "heard an album that has struck imlike this album since '' Albertine'' by Brooke Fraser."][
]
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:House You're Building
2010 debut albums
Audrey Assad albums
Sparrow Records albums