Tell Me What You Know

iTunes Review

Tell Me What You Know (1997) is the album Sara Groves fans have been hoping for: a fully realized expression of the Christian singer/songwriter’s commitment to human rights, served up with the most dynamic and emotionally resonant music of her career. Groves’ work has long displayed an intelligence and eclecticism. Her voice – sweet-toned, with a hint of twang – makes up for its lack of grit with mellifluent phrasing and an aching edge. What sets this release apart is the tough-minded subject matter of its songs. Many of the tunes were inspired by Groves’ relief work in Katrina-ravaged Louisiana and visits with exploited Third World women and children. The harrowing stories she heard give weight to tracks like “In the Girl There’s a Room,” “Say a Prayer” and “I Saw What I Saw.” She embellishes these tales of oppression and hope with simmering New Orleans rhythms and stately acoustic piano. Inspirational pop/rock anthems (“Love is Still a Worthy Cause,””When the Saints”), down-home praise numbers (“You Are Wonderful”) and heartfelt maternal expressions (“Song for My Sons”) are equally strong. Impressive from start to finish, Tell Me What You Know speaks with eloquence and deserves to be heard beyond the confines of Christian music.