Lacey Sturm –Life Screams

Lacey Sturm proves in her new solo album, Life Screams, who the heart and soul of Flyleaf was. Her songwriting skills are brought to life by her beautiful voice like nothing else could even attempt. She is joined by her husband, Josh, on this project, and his co-writing and guitar playing make their music truly the perfect marriage. Many singers will try to cover these songs, but none will match the pain, love, and intensity that her voice brings. She doesn’t need Flyleaf to sell albums. “Impossible” starts off slow and out of focus. The vocals grow clearer and clearer until you’re hit with the full force of her voice accompanied by a melodic guitar rift and heavy bass line.

It is no wonder that as a single, this song is in the Number Two Rock Song spot on iTunes. All of the songs have a personal feel to them; it was obvious that Lacey put every bit of herself into the lyrics. “Feels Like Forever” is a great song and also how I wished the album felt. Good things end too soon, but this is an album you can listen to over and over again and not get tired of. “Faith” has a slower pace than the other songs; it’s one of those songs you can listen to while sitting on the back porch on a cool day and do a bit of introspection. This is thinking music. I had to face feelings of guilt and disloyalty while reviewing this album. The track that did this to me was a cover of The Police’s “Roxanne.” I had to admit that I liked this version every bit as much as the original. Lacey brought something dark, painful, and powerful to the classic. The lyrics were the same, but the energy was different. Sting, himself would probably be proud to own this album. The last song, “Run to You,” is an extremely emotional and romantic song. The way the guitars, bass, and drums match the feeling of her voice is enough to make the biggest, toughest man tearful (not that I know from experience *cough, cough*). Life Screams is great album for a Flyleaf fan as well as for someone looking for something completely different. Lacey Sturm has proven that she can make without her old band and is defined only by her song writing and voice. Five Skulls from me! Life Screams will be available on cd and iTunes February twelfth, just in time for Valentine’s Day. 

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Review by Ted Darden, RockRevolt Journalist