25 Albums I Can't Live Without: #11

Melanie Penn, "Hope Tonight"

A couple of years ago, I did a series on my favorite female vocalists, and I happen to have become friends with one of them.

I first got to know Melanie when I interviewed her before this album came out. She and I became friends on social media, and she ministered to me in a huge way the day my dad passed away and she gave a concert on Facebook. I’m also working on getting Melanie on the podcast that I co-host, so stay tuned for that.

But on to the task at hand: Melanie’s second album “Hope Tonight” is an absolute treasure. On this record, she combines her appealing voice, pop songwriting chops, musical theater background, and deep faith to create an irresistible cycle of songs.

Melanie kicks things off with “Turnaround,” a song that encourages me, especially in the cold winter months (like this one). We deserve a song indeed.

“No Time” resonates with me as I get older. The exploration of the passage of time and the hope of eternity gives me perspective.

“Monarch” uses the metaphor of metamorphosis to describe our sanctification and adoption as sons and daughters of God.

Some of Melanie’s songs deal with the intricacies of human relations. “Patterns” tackles breaking the cycle of a bad relationship, while “Before a Fall” is a lovely lament over a relationship that didn’t pan out.

The title track is the centerpiece of the album, thematically and almost sequentially. “Hope Tonight” is an anthem of sorts about finding hope in Jesus in ever-changing, confusing, and frustrating times. It’s applicable to believers at any stage of life.

“Shadow of Doubt” is almost a companion piece to “Hope Tonight” that explores keeping faith even when it seems hard to.

There’s not a bad track on this album, and it’s consistent from beginning to end. After you check out “Hope Tonight,” be sure to check out the rest of Melanie’s output. You won’t regret it.

Photo credit: Melanie Penn