Melanie Penn spent a number of years on (and off) Broadway singing other people’s songs thinking she had no songs of her own to sing. But when she realized that she had songs in her head that were not written by others she connected with a few people in Nashville who helped start her journey as a singer/songwriter.
Her music tells the gospel story through the eyes of people who live inside of those stories. In 2017 she released the excellent album, Immanuel, telling the story of the birth of Christ. Her newest album, The Rising: A Resurrection Album, does the same thing for Jesus’ death and resurrection.
A good example of this approach is the delightful song, “The Gardener,” where Penn, in the character of Mary Magdalene, begins by singing “Are you the gardener? / Have you taken him away?” The melody is catchy and the song is an effective use of the garden metaphor. “He gave me grounds to grow / Til there was new life breaking through.”
The album continues along in this vein, presenting songs from the thief on the cross, Peter, and even Isaiah. Penn’s voice is clear and effective in giving life to the characters in this new telling of the resurrection story. The Rising is an album that will encourage you and give you new insights as you listen.
About the Author
Robert J. Keeley is a professor of education emeritus at Calvin University and leads music at 14th St. Christian Reformed Church in Holland, Mich.