Peace Be Still by Hope Darst

Hope Darst’s debut record, “Peace Be Still,” declares hope, freedom, and victory in God. “I dreamed of being an artist for the first 25 years of my life and then laid that dream aside to pursue what God had called me to do—raise a family and serve the local church,” she said in a release. “I never imagined that so many years later, God would lead me back to my first dream of writing and releasing music as an artist." Listening to this album sparks joy as one hears Darst’s powerful and beautiful voice. The music is worship-centered but free of worn-out Christian phrases and cliches. The title cut, “Peace Be Still” has soared up the charts; it causes the listener to stop and soak in its hopeful words. “Set Free” focuses on the forgiveness God provides. “Love Like This'' is a personal story of Darst’s asking a friend’s forgiveness, expecting the worst and receiving grace and love instead. The record offers 12 tracks and almost 49 minutes of assuring music. Darst has a bright musical future and is certainly an artist to watch. (FairTrade)