Jill Parr Review - ChristianMusic.com
Jill Parr Bio

Jill Parr - ORBIT Review

Mission Statement: "You set me in motion the day You held out your arms and died. Now I am a satellite and You are the center of my life." - (Lyrics from her song, ORBIT)

"My hope is to point others to the One who heals broken hearts, because I have felt His healing myself. If I can help the brooder who feels no purpose in life realize that they are the reason that Jesus came, I have fulfilled God's call on my life. To share the hopeful message through music that the Lord promises to rescue those who call upon Him, is my dream."- Jill Parr

About Her Music....On ORBIT

"ORBIT is a project for both believers and seekers staring into space, craving acceptance and trying to make sense of this life. The themes are universal yet intensely personal It is the reflection of an artist who walks in the security of faith, the security of knowing who God is, both the center of the universe and of our lives."

With Jill Parr's debut CD, ORBIT, the listener is in for a treat - a unique combination of a great, meaningful lyrical message, truly unique musical compositions, and a terrific vocal talent. Jill Parr is truly a gifted Christian artist; an up and coming Christian vocalist with a strong voice, gifted musical intuition and excellent breath control that can carry over the busiest musical accompaniment, singing in a variety of dynamic levels, and in just the right style for the message and composition of each of the songs, which so creatively express the CD's main themes. The inspiring compositions / arrangements, coupled with her dynamic vocals bring to the listener "the statement of an artist who understands the power of music backed by the power of the Living Lord."

A way was opened for Jill to return to Nashville, after she teamed up with two longtime, close friends, talented song writers; Paul Alan and Brian Hardin, Jill's loving husband, who also produced ORBIT. Paul Alan and Brian Hardin,who have been writing and composing music for a very long time, were the ones behind the lyrics and music of seven out of the ten Christian pop, rock/ praise and worship songs on this captivating, refreshing CD, which makes good use of basic band instruments; guitars, keyboard, piano, and drums, with touches of cymbals, horn, and flute. Hardin excels in loop programming, using different sounds and sometimes some techno mixes to make each song uniquely interesting. The musical composition and melodic line of each song does a great job supporting the meaningful lyrical message, so beautifully brought to life by Jill Parr's expressive, soulful, intuitive vocals.

Brian Hardin explained to Christianmusic.com how he and Paul compose the words and lyrics of their songs, which is an inspired team effort. "Paul and I write a lot of songs together. Most of the time I will have the track together and some melody ideas or a lyrical idea and Paul will come behind that and refine it and bring his excellent sense of melody and storytelling talent to the table. Paul just sits down and tells me what the music makes him feel like. What it is speaking to him and we go from there."

Other song writers who contributed to the CD are David Thiele, Adam Watts, and Sting, whose songs carry on the main themes of the CD. Brian Hardin completely rearranged Adam Watts' stirring Christian-pop song, FAITH, David Thiele's touching prayer hymn song, BLEED, to conform to Alan's and Hardin's musical insights, but only partially rearranged Sting's song, IF I EVER LOSE MY FAITH IN YOU. Brian explains,"We did use the Sting song as a model and didn't completely redo the song because we felt it was perfect already."

I highly respect the combined talents of Jill Parr, Paul Alan, and Brian Hardin, as they have created a CD that lifts the spirit, feeds the soul, points to Jesus as our Lord and Savior and stimulates one's musical enjoyment. Their adventure together in Christian music ministry is off to a roaring start.

CD Dedication: "This CD is for the believer, and also for the doubter, the one who questions, the searcher. I don't have the answers, but I can point you to the One who does." - Jill Parr

The Songs On ORBIT

* * * Title Song: ORBIT - Words & Music By Brian Hardin, Paul Alan

A favorite of this reviewer. The CD's title song, starts off with rhythmic unworldly, sound that establishes the beat, which was created by sampling and resampling different sounds. Brian Hardin explains, "I pulled different things from different sound effects libraries and just sat down and created it with no idea what I would end up with." (Well, it was a great idea, Brian!)

Strings join the beginning sounds, and softly start the introductions to the song, which build on the opening sounds, getting louder until the techno-style drums come in with the vocal introduction. Some strings support the rhythm, some carry the introductory melody. The strong, appealing melody, is perfect for this energetic praise song, sung so lovingly expressed by Jill's vocals, which soar at appropriate times, especially in the Chorus.

Theme of the song: The Lord's faithfulness to His own.

Jill Parr explains: "The idea that God is all encompassing, never-changing and all-forgiving is something that I cling to. Life has many different roads and sometimes we decide to take the long, difficult challenging route when God meant the journey to be beautiful. I believe that ultimately those stray paths lead us back to Him. We are never beyond His reach or His grace. Orbit is about digging deeper, evaluating who or what we are revolving around, or in other words, our 'orbit.' Yes, God is the center of the universe, but is He the center of our lives?"

Related Scriptural references: (2 Cor: 1:3,4, Matt. 6:33, Psalm 103:8, & John 10:27-30)

Lyrical Samples:

Verse 1: Love is a road, Faith is the world beyond the stars. Fear is the end. Stuck in a moment wondering why. You are the moon. When I am wandering in the dark. I will be home soon. Cause I remember where You are.

Chorus: I am a satellite. You are the grace of gravity. I spin around You. You never will let go of me. You set me in motion. The day you held out Your arms and died. Now I am a satellite. And You are the center of my life.

Verse 2: I'm trying to hear. Trying to listen with my heart. I'm trying to see clear. Forever to be right where You are. Chorus

Bridge: I'll go wherever You lead me. I'll go wherever You lead me. I'll go wherever You lead me. I'll go wherever You lead me. Chorus

* * THE LONG WAY HOME - Words & Music By Paul Alan & Brian Hardin

Rock beat, syncopated rhythm, and interesting keyboards, thanks to Hardin's creative programming. Acoustic, electric, and bass guitars fill in the sound nicely, supporting the melody, and Jill's soulful vocals, which soar into the chorus. Nice harmony in the chorus. Last two stanzas quiets down to some lovely acoustic guitar work, a nice way to end the song.

"No matter what life brings, sweet or bitter, God is with us. God's love for us never gets old. Maybe the road leads nowhere, but with God's presence the long way home can be pure adventure." - Jill Parr

Related Scripture References: (Hebrews 13:5-6, Romans 1:17, 1 John 3:1, Philipians 1:6 & 2:15)

Lyrical Samples:

1) On this narrow street, I'm chasing dreams eternal. Faith is the guide. Cutting through the fog on the window. Tell me the story again. How You gave me Your life and You'll wait. And You'll wait. Cause.

Chorus: I'm learning to live. Learning to fall. Trying to run. Before I can crawl. We've been driving for miles. On this long winding road. But as long as You're here. Let's take the long way home.

2) It's 12 o'clock on a Tuesday. And I'm nearly sleeping at the wheel. But I don't want to stop driving. Cause my hopes are high. And the scene surreal so.... Tell me the story again. how you'll never let me go. Cause I need You. Oh how I need You. Chorus

Bridge: I've got a case of the full moon fever. Wish this could last forever. This is my sanctuary. You and I on a course for Heaven. Tears dried and wrongs forgiven. But until then....

Chorus. I'll take the long way, the long way home.........................

* * * THIS I KNOW - Words & Music By Paul Alan & Brian Hardin

Lovely, melodic praise and worship song, that is one of this reviewer's favorites. The keyboard and guitar intro does a nice job getting the listener in the mood for this melodious contemporary praise and worship hymn. Parr's vocals showcase her range and ability to reach even the higher notes at full throttle, taking the listener with her as we all enter another plane of awareness. Vocals are dynamically effective, inhancing the meaning of the lyrics and mood of the song.

The lyrics remind this reviewer of the power of prayer, a lifeline to the Lord in verse 1. The Lord will be with us through the trials of our lives, giving us an inner peace, no matter what our circumstances, if we remember to come to Him in prayer.

"The more I read the Bible, the harder I try to figure things out. I know very little, but the one thing I can hold on to is that no matter what I've done, no matter what I do, Jesus loves me. Nothing lasts but that love and grace. We can question love of any other kind, but not God's love for us." - Jill Parr

Related Scripture References: (1 John 5:8, Phil. 4:6-7, Ephesians 3:17-19 & 6:18, Romans 8:38, and Matt. 11:28-30)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Questions many, answers few. Nothing is certain. Only the love I've found in You. When the world is on my shoulders, And it's more than I can bear, I know I've always got a prayer.

Chorus: This I know. I'll be by the fire. When cold winds blow. This I know. Let the rains fall around me. And the rivers of uncertainty flow. Jesus love me this I know.

2) Yesterday's gone without a trace. Nothing's forever. Nothing but Your amazing grace. All the wisdom of the ages. Never could explain Your love, Or the power of Your name. Chorus

Bridge: Searching for answers. We lose the meaning of this life. I'm only sure of what I know. And I know.........Chorus

* * * + FEEL THE SCARS - Words & Music By Paul Alan & Brian Hardin

This is the favorite song of this reviewer on the CD. The song has a terrific introduction, starting with an interesting percussion / bongo / drum combination starting a unique rhythm (Hardin's magic once again). Guitars, flute, and Parr's soft ohhs and ews, begin the intro melody, in a minor key. The accompaniment for the verses creates a wonderful sound that supports the main vocals sung with feeling by Parr. Minor key effortlessly segues into major key in chorus. If the listener listens closely, some form of chimes or chime sound can be heard during the bridge. Jill Parr can softly sing the high notes during the bridge, creating a lovely effect, which isn't easy to do and reveals just how good her technique, musical intuition, and breath control really are!

Paul Alan's lyrics spell out simply what is involved in having faith; "to let go and just believe with open hearts and feel the scars."

Jill Parr explains it quite eloquently: "Like the disciple Thomas, we all doubt at times, we all fail, and we all need love. Jesus comes to us like He did to Thomas and says, 'Here, look at My scars. Look at what I did for you, and believe!' The whole story of God's creation and redemption is a mystery. We could spend an eternity trying to figure it out.- circling but never landing. We can't. We have to reach out to His scarred hands and let our hearts go." "

"Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." - John 20:29

Related Scriptural References: (John 20:24-29, 1 Peter 1:8)

Lyrical Samples:

1) Nothing is ever new or old. Many a weary soul has been here before. Nothing is ever near or far. Always in between we find our hearts.

* Chorus: and we're never gonna solve this mystery. So we've got to let go and just believe, With open hearts. Feel the scars. And you never can sink too low. And you never can sink too far. To feel the scars.

2) And I know you've been waiting for awhile. For the train to pull out in your seat by the aisle. And I know you'd feel totally alone. If not for your fear and your doubt.

* Bridge: The blue in sky. A passing glance.The ocean's deep. A second chance. We place our trust. Though we can't see. Our hearts believe. And take His hand. Chorus.

Take His hand. Take His hand..............

* * IF I EVER LOSE MY FAITH IN YOU - By Sting, arranged slightly differently by Hardin

A praise song with a rousing, syncopated beat, which starts this real toe tapper, and continues the driving beat through to the end. Bass guitar reinforces the syncopated percussion, to nice effect. Enjoyed the counter melody played by guitars and keyboard during the verses. Vocals catch the spirit of the driving beat and nicely express the meaning of the song.

Because our human nature is flawed, and no one has the ability to be perfect, things of this world created and run by people and people themselves are bound to disappoint us at some point. (Romans 7:21-25) But the flawless character of our loving, merciful Lord is a constant, faithful source of support for us, a life raft in the sometimes bumpy secular world.

Jill Parr - "There is such an inherent sense of spirituality in this song that I wanted to express, the world has so many things to lose faith in, things that don't even deserve faith. I can lose my faith in popular science, and the church may disappoint me, but God will never let me down."

Related Scripture References: (Romans 12:2, Isaiah:7:9)

Lyrical Sample:

1) You could say I lost my faith in science and progress. You could say I lost my belief in the holy church. You could say I lost my sense of direction. Yeah, you could say I lost my sense of direction. Yeah, you could say all this and worse but

Chorus: If I ever lose my faith in You. there'd be nothing left for me to do.

2) Some would say I was a lost girl in a lost world. You could say I lost my faith in the people on TV. You could say I lost my faith in our politicians. They all seemed like game show hosts to me. Chorus

* * * COUNTY LINE (Time to Say Goodbye) - Words and Music by Brian Hardin, Paul Alan

A quick 3/4 meter gives the song an easy waltz feeling. Composition uses a variety of instruments & sounds which add color, rhythm, and support the main melody carried by the inspiring vocals. Dynamics slowly build throughout the song, starting soft and mellow, building to the chorus, and quiet down once more. Introduction starts off with another unique rthymic sound created by Hardin. Enter the flowing broken chords of acoustic guitars, light flowing keyboard, electrical guitars, which come in full force at the chorus, playing rhythmic chords. The song quiets down again during the Hook section, strings join the flowing sound of guitars and keyboards and Hardin's created rhythmic sound.

Jill Parr sees the County Line as being the feet of Jesus. Many people carry emotional baggage that weighs them down, gets in their way in their walk to or with the Lord. Verse 1: talks about inner doubts, negative feelings about oneself that were long ago eternalized, that keep us from growing spiritually, from being used by the Lord to the full extent that He has planned. Verse 2: talks about another source of entrapment - memories of past events, past moments in time that support our inner fears, anger and self-recrimination.

Jill Parr comments: "There is no doubt that this song is the soundtrack to my life. I love this song because it encourages us to say goobye to the things that hold us down without oversimplifying complicated emotions with a trite Cliche. Personally, I had to say goodbye to the false sense of shame and guilt I carried for so many years, and I had to learn to forgive. This can only bedone through the power of our Savior Jesus Christ, when we lay these things at His feet."

Related Scripture References: (Phil. 4:4-6, 7, John 14:1, 1 John 19-21, Matt.11:28-30)

Lyrical Samples:

1) There is a house, At the end of a road, Inside of me. I go there and cry. The halls echo voices, that lie to me. Bridge: Never quite good enough. This about sums it up.

Chorus: Time to say goodbye. I think I'd better run away. Running out of reasons to stay. Time to hitch a ride. And head for the county line. It's time to say goodbye.

2) There is a town. At the foot of a mountain. Of memories. I've lived there for years. With a lifetime of fears. Insecurity.

Bridge: Never could measure up. Felt it for long enough. Chorus

Hook: I've got to go. Free my soul. Find new hope. Walk a new road. Not gonna wear these chains anymore.

* * BLEED - By David Thiele, arranged by Brian Hardin

With an Easy 3/4 meter, this prayer hymn flows like a river, thanks to the flowing guitar and piano parts. Lovely, flowing melody and lyrics - If you listen closely, you can hear the sound of bubbling water put in by the wizardry of Hardin, sound mixer extraordinaire!

Written in the spirit of a lament Psalm, where personal troubles, confessed failings are told to the Lord. Personal faith in the Lord's strength, faithful love and mercy are proclaimed, as the person asks for His help in mending the pain, forgiving sins, taking away guilt and giving the person a peace that only the Lord can give.

Jill Parr - "It's a person pouring out their heart. It's someone admitting frailty and asking God to heal them because they are broken. Purging ourselves, allowing ourselves to bleed, is a humbling and painful process, but the reward of forgivieness and a renewed awareness of God's love is always worth it."

Related Scripture References: (2nd Cor. 4:16-18, Romans 8:28)

Lyrical Samples:

Kneeling down by the water. Staring at my reflection, pleading with You. I'm helplessly wondering, if You're taking my heart for a ride. Cause all of this pain. I feel comes from doing what's right. Still I try

Chorus: But If I bleed tonight, then will it be alright.

Knowing You're all that matters. Trying so hard to stand but everyone falls. I know You're my strength Lord. I know You're my confidence. And I know that You're my confidence. And I know that You'll comfort me, when none of life makes any sense. Chorus

* * * WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR - Words and Music by Brian Hardin, Paul Alan

Features a lovely mix of flugel horn, keyboards, guitars, great melody, an interesting beat, Paul Alan's great story-telling ability showcased in the lyrics and the dynamite vocals of Jill Parr. Nice background harmonies, nice support and counter melodies and vocals all come together to create a terrific song which brings the Hope we find in Jesus Christ to the listener in a musical composition, that has something for everyone; another one of this reviewer's favorite songs.

Jill Parr explains the meaning behind the song: "Everyone knows someone who hasn't experienced a true relationship with Jesus. This song is about us reaching out to others, friends past and present, and sharing with them the Hope that is within us. It's about being willing to say, "My life is different, it's better; it's not perfect, but I've definitely found something worth telling you about. What are you waiting for? What excuses hold you back? My search is over and yours can be too!"

Related Scripture References: (Romans 10:9, Matt. 7:7-8 & 11:28-30, John 3:16 & 14:6, and 2nd Cor.3:16-18)

Lyrical Samples: 1) We ran through the fields, Sailed through the skies, Dove in the ocean, Filled with every tear, We'd ever cried. I swear we must have walked. A hundred miles of road. Heavy in our hearts. We did our best, To shoulder the load. It's wild how the years slipped by. But I had to find you. I had to try.

* Chorus: Are you alone tonight. Waiting by the phone tonight. Feeling betrayed. By the cold-hearted moonlight. Thereis a Savior. Standing just outside the door. To solve your mystery. What are you waiting for.

2) We said goodbye. On a rainy Friday night. I drove away. Not knowing what I hoped to find. Well I found faith in an unexpected place. Made my peace. I found a way in the light of Jesus' face. Chorus

Hook: Not searchin' anymore. I've nothing to hide. Try to build us a bridge, across this great divide. Let's stand for the truth. And weather the rain, And never be the same.

* * * Faith - By Adam Watts, arranged by Brian Hardin.

Light Rock-pop beat, supports a wonderfully catchy melody with an uplifting, lyrical message, sung sweetly in an easy style by Jill Parr. Main melody supported by broken and solid chords played by acoustic and electric guitars and piano/ keyboards. Piano plays a nice counter melody in parts of the song. Another favorite of this reviewer.

"Faith is believing in what you can't see or touch. This song takes us through the whole process and shows us the outcome of believing. God rewards the faithful. When we let go, His will is done in our lives and we are rewarded with His love. This song is a great reminder of that." - Jill Parr

Related Scripture References: (Romans 4:13, 16, & Romans 5:1-5, Phil. 4:13, Ephesians 2:7-8)

Lyrical Samples:

1) With simple love, We can rise above. Understand then believe. Fall into trust, He will fill you up. Letting go equals peace. Wisdom isn't meaning. Chasing after wind. What will be has been before. Even when you're bleeding. Stand in awe of God, He cares.

* * Chorus: There's a path that leads through pain. There's a freedom that awaits. And it's all a prayer away. This gift of love that won't fade away. Is available everyday. Through faith. Through faith.

2) No need to wait. Just to open up. Welcome Him within. Then He will come. And His will, will be done. Brand new life will begin. thirsty for a meaning. We all crave the Son. A void within us seeks the One. Grace is for the living. It's easier to breathe in love.

Hook: Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah.

* * ANOTHER REVOLUTION - Words and Music by Brian Hardin, Paul Alan

A perfect song to end the CD, that has a rousing rock beat, supported by a full drum sound, inspiring bass and keyboard programming, featuring another great melody, inspiring lyrics, and dynamic vocals. Enjoyed some great, short keyboard solos between segments in the song.

In the storyline of this song, Jesus is talking to one of his own sheep, a believer who has drifted a little in his relationship with Jesus, putting Jesus off to the side, to make way for a new priority. It's a very human tendency to put something in God's place, in the center of daily life. This song is a nice reminder for believers to spend some quiet time with the Lord every day, and be mindful of things in our lives that get in the way of our relationship with the Lord, in putting Him at the center of our life.

"This is God speaking in the first person, reminding us that He's everywhere. As the world turns on and on and the days go by, He's there. He loves us and wants us to run to Him." - Jill Parr

Related Scripture References: (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 3:16-19, John 15:1-5)

Lyrical Samples: 1) Been about a week or two since last we spoke. Maybe it's been more like a year. I've been missing you more than you know. Twenty-four hours a day wishing you were here. I don't want to be just another word in your story. I want to be the theme. I don't want to be just another face in your crowd. So watch the world.

Chorus: Turn on, turn on, turn on. Another revolution. I still love you and I'm still knocking at your heart's door. Turn on, turn on, turn on Another revolution. I came to save you and so much more.

Reviewed by: Julie Carr of ChristianMusic.com