January 29, 2007

2006, BMG Music Entertainment

Reviewed by Ben Meydam

 

Merely one year ago, this 12 year-old prodigy walked onto the America’s Got Talent stage, worked her way through the ranks, and won.  Now she is walking into our lives with her self-titled debut album.

 

Bianca grew up in a Christian home surrounded by a musical family. She wholeheartedly gives the credit for her talent and abilities to God. “Sometimes I can’t believe this is all actually happening. This last year is proof how God can make your dreams come true,” Bianca said. 

 

The CD Itself

Bianca bellows a variety of songs, from classics like the 1979 Grammy Award-winning song “The Rose” and “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelley, to Broadway’s “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls.

 

She brought me back when she sang a childhood favorite of mine, “You Light Up My Life,” which was originally sung by Debby Boone. And she impressed me with her skill at singing contemporary pop with the song “Awake,” produced by Julian Bunetta (Hilary Duff).

 

The song that I feel spoke to me the most was “Pray for a Better Day.” It has a kind of R&B feel that makes you sway back and forth while melodiously entrancing you with lyrical genius:

 

“Just when I think that there is nowhere to go.

Just when I think that I’m in my lowest low, and it feels like I’m falling.

That’s when I pray for a better day.

I know its there on the horizon, and it sure is about to break.

Tomorrow is coming around.

Don’t let the day bring you down.

All you have to do is have some faith, and pray for a better day.”

These encouraging words encouraged me in a difficult situation, and it will do the same for many others.

 

She Can’t Be 12!

It’s strange, but when you are listening to Bianca sing you do not think, “Oh, she’s just a kid.” She truly has a mature vocal quality that I think will impress millions and inspire generations to come to “Dream in Color” and believe they can fly.

 

The only setback, I thought, was that there were no original songs. However, this should not discourage anyone from purchasing the album, only spawn anticipation for her future work.

 

Keep your eyes and ears open. Bianca Ryan will be on the lips of your friends and in the mainstream media very soon.

 

ninetyandnine.com
 

© 2007, Benjamin Meydam

 

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Benjamin Meydam is a graphic designer for the Pentecostal Publishing House and an avid musical connoisseur.