Kristyn Leigh
The Heavy and the Holy
© 2006 Kristyn Leigh (659696127227)
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Modern Christian Rock, with orchestral and classical elements, by this young powerful voice.
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notes
di-chot-o-my
Function: noun
1 : a division of two mutually exclusive or contradictory groups or entities
2 : something with seemingly contradictory qualities
"There's two sides of me, the heavy, and the holy."
Kristyn Leigh (Pronounced "Lee") is hard to define. On one hand, she's a beautiful 19-year-old, raised in a loving home and church, who sings worshipful contemporary songs and hymns for the Lord. But she also has a heart to sing to the kids of her generation, exploring relevant issues with her lyrics using music that pushes the boundaries of rock, alternative and even pop-punk.
"I know it may be hard, sometimes even loud, but in the ears of God…it might be a holy sound," she says.
It was evident to everyone around her that, even at a young age, Kristyn had a powerful voice. But in high school, she began to explore a different musical road --a road that didn't mean singing at church or singing in a rock band – but a mixture of both.
She began working with veteran producer Eric Copeland of Creative Soul Records. She recorded her first CD, Glimpse, and appeared in over a hundred concerts at churches, festivals, conferences, teen centers and other venues. Kristyn began to see where she fit into the scheme of things. And it was, she admits, pretty out of the ordinary.
"I have always been different," Kristyn says. "I love to sing the old hymns of the church, but at the same time I love to rock out wearing a long pink skirt. I finally realized that is exactly what God wants me to do. He wants my praise, but at the same time He wants me to take his message of love to a hurting world of people. And He wants me to do that being myself."
With her sophomore release, The Heavy and the Holy, Kristyn continues her ministry reaching out to teens with songs like "Bulletproof Girl,” a hard-edged rocker about how even as a Christian, she can be vulnerable to what the world throws at her. "A lot of people assume since I am a Christian that I can't be hurt," explains Kristyn. "I get hurt alot! But I have faith that's been instilled in me from an early age. I can fall on that, and deal."
"Invisible" is a rock ballad that explores the feeling of being unnoticed, but ultimately looking to God for affirmation. "What I Didn't Say" is a poignant pop song that tells the true story of a friend of Kristyn’s who died in an accident before Kristyn had the chance to share Jesus with her.
Kristyn also ventures into punk-pop with "Pent Up,” offering an anthem for all those who try to voice their own views. "I wanted to sing a song that said, 'Don't tell me I'm wrong, just because my style or message isn't the one you feel is correct,’" Kristyn says. "I know teens feel that sometimes they are told what to think and how to act, but I have my own style and my own message that God gave me that I want to get out to the world!"
The CD also highlights Kristyn's elegant voice with orchestral arrangements, including a soul-wrenching rendition of "The Old Rugged Cross,” and the powerful orchestral rock ballad "Glimpse.”
Despite comparisons to the orchestrated rock of Evanescence, the in-your-face energy of Avril Lavigne, and the soaring vocal prowess of Crystal Lewis, Kristyn doesn't even try to pretend she is like any other artist, Christian or secular. It could be rock or punk, or classic hymns and ballads, but she'd rather just refer to what she does as reaching a diverse audience.
As the title song suggests, it can be Heavy or Holy, but ultimately, its just what Kristyn believes God has put in her heart. "I know it's different, but that's just the way He made me to be.”
reviews
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Great CD
author: Brent from FloridaGreat vocals, music, and lyrics. The first 7 songs are rock and pop-rock, the next 6 songs are slower songs, and the final song is a rock remix.
- author: tashah
very good ! i had never heard her before but when i started listening i could sense God's presence on her and now i listen to it everywhere i go!
powerful.
author: kellythis lady can sing and this cd rocks the holy amy lee and a much more powerful voice and shes for real better then falling evanscence she keep her faith this is a must cd
Outstanding performance/orchestration
author: Bill FrankI have been down on most CCM in recent years--poor music quality, orchestration, performance, lyrics have made songs insipid and boring. Kristyn's performance with Eric Copeland's tasteful arrangements have made for an outstanding CD with almost all tracks being keepers. These are among the best Christian songs I've heard in quite some time.
Parts of this CD reminded me of Heart in their heyday!
author: Lori ShropshireSome people are born to sing. Kristyn Leigh is one of those people. The title track is her mission statement. “There’s two sides of me, of every person every story/And while you think that they don’t agree/God made me to show the heavy and the holy.” “Bulletproof Girl” and “Invisible” shimmer with a pop feel. “Pent Up” “All That I Want” and “He Got Me Through” are rock and roll baby, complete with distorted guitars. Parts of this CD reminded me of Heart in their heyday. They say write what you know, and Kristyn has done that. Songs about trying to fit in, questioning your place in the world, the angst of adolescence—it’s all dealt with here. Kristyn doesn’t preach; she just tells her story.
Crystal Lewis' vocals with a rock edge like Plumb, Avril Lavigne, Krystal Meyers
author: Christa BanisterOn The Heavy and the Holy, Leigh officially introduces listeners to who she is—a regular girl with everyday struggles who just happens to love God … and has a fantastic voice to boot. In fact, for those who've missed hearing from Crystal Lewis, Leigh has a similar vocal range. But instead of embracing a more adult contemporary style, Leigh prefers to rock instead, something she demonstrates with a vengeance on the aggressive strains of "Bulletproof Girl," which reminds listeners that the world isn't an easy place to live.
19-year-old vocalist displays talent on vertical album
author: Chuck PopeThe comparison to the vocals of Crystal Lewis is natural. Kristyn's range resembles the contemporary Christian artists on a number of levels, but The Heavy and the Holy showcases Kristyn's love for musical variety. This variety reflects the harder and edgy style of modern alternative rock, but combines the best of pop and punk music while Kristyn's voice adds a sense of purity to it all. The message of the album is sincere; each of us is the way God has made us to be, which is a mixed variety of loves, talents, styles, and passions.
It draws me in instantly
author: Kevan BreitingerThe music of Kristyn Leigh is a delightful sweet and sour package: it rocks, but it’s pop, she comes on strong but openly confesses her vulnerability, it’s hard, but it’s pretty. Aptly named, it sings of the heavy and the holy. From the emotive “Invisible,” to the stark honesty of rockers “Bulletproof Girl” and “Pent Up,” to the moody soundscapes of orchestral rock ballad “Glimpse,” Leigh bravely explores all sides of her gifting and calling.
One of the most promising CDs offered by Apostolic music!
author: Ninety and NineEvery young girl will devour the Heavy, which contains the energy of a Pixie stick-powered pajama party. “I love to sing the old hymns of the church, but at the same time I love to rock out in my long pink skirt,” Leigh states. Any churchgoer will appreciate her soulful renditions of “The Old Rugged Cross” and “I Surrender All.” These two songs alone make the album worth buying. The combination of songwriting, talent, and production makes “The Heavy and the Holy” one of the most promising offered by Apostolic music.