Review Detail
Fireflies and Songs - Sara Groves
INO Records 
WL Quick Tip: Don't miss this modern classic by renowned songwriter and singer Sara Groves. In a cohesive and focused 40 minute collection of 11 songs, Sara Groves traces the highs and lows of human relationships in such a detailed and intimate way that one can only assume the material has been drawn from her own life. And in fact, she admits to as much on her website when talking about the album and how producer Charlie Peacock encouraged her to "enjoy God and the gift of songwriting."
Throughout
Fireflies and Songs, Groves' songs hint at the frail and flawed nature of our lives on Earth. On the song "Eyes Wide Open," she sings about how she has "layers of lies that I don't even know about yet," and "It's Me" details the breakdown of communication that sours relationships as partners turn to hard-heartedness in the face of conflict and difficulty. As a listening experience, the album is exactly that-an experience. Through subtle textures and sensitive ensemble playing, Sara's band weaves an evocative landscape for the songs that is reminiscent of Nickel Creek, Glen Phillips, and R.E.M.'s
Automatic For the People album. Organic textures of guitar, piano, Wurlitzer, and drums dominate the arrangements, and any modern production techniques are applied with restraint and taste. The songs call out for repeat listens, and to be listened to-a strong contrast to much of the "in your face" music that one would hear on radio or online.
Fireflies and Songs establishes clearly that it is easily one of the best albums of the year in any genre, and possesses a weight and depth that suggest a timeless, classic that will be appreciated for years to come.
Play List: "Fireflies and Songs," "It's Me," "Joy Is in Our Hearts"
saragroves.com - Daryl Bean
