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Under The Waterfall Review

Where A REASON TO LIVE (Cindy's previous album) dealt with heavier topics like pain and hope, UNDER THE WATERFALL is an album that lyrically shines down God's grace and faithfulness. There is a musical shift as well, as the pop found here contains a much more noticeable R&B groove. Cindy wrote/co-wrote 11 of the 12 songs here. The album is divided into three parts, based on lyrical direction: "Embraced by Grace," "Pathway of Pain," and "Love's Refrain."
The ultra-short "Prelude to Grace" opens the disc, immediately leading into "Sweet Days of Grace," an upbeat pop tune that should play well on radio. "Painted a Rainbow" follows with a similar theme of grace set to a danceable beat. After hearing these two songs one begins to think that this is clone of her first two albums. But that judgment is pre-mature, as there is only one more song with REAL LIFE-esque danceable pop. "I Know You" is one of the albums highlights. With a sweet, easy going melody, it reflects upon the goodness of God with a very honest lyric. "Delilah," a song with an unusual title and an amazing hook. Preceded by a spoken poem, "Angels Falling" has a haunting recorder line that's reminiscent of a recent Sophie B Hawkins tune.

Part Three leads us to the anthem "I'll Stand," the best song on the disc. With Michael W. Smith on piano and a choir in the background, this cut is very comparable to Mariah Carey's "Anytime You Need A Friend," with its heavy gospel flavor. In a testimonial message, she sings: "How to begin/I know you've carried me all the way/as long as I stand/I'll stand with you against the rages of man/with all that I am/I'll praise the Rock that saves the souls of man/forever, I'll stand."

Improving upon each past success is not easy, but Ms. Morgan has somehow found a way to do so again. UNDER THE WATERFALL is the best of her first three projects. Four stars.

Review by: Michael Janke, Amazon.com