Rhema Marvanne
Rhema is now 10 years old and lives in Texas, U.S.A. She specializes in gospel music and has released three albums; Rhema Marvanne, All Seasons, & Believe, and one original song titled I Thank God which is included on Believe. Rhema's influences come from artists such as Celine Dion & Mariah Carey, and she has also had a small part in the film Machine Gun Preacher where she sings her signature song Amazing Grace.
Official YouTube
Official YouTube
2011
Believe-Rhema Marvanne
This is Rhema's third album-Believe.
As with the past two CD's this one also comes in a cardboard sleeve. It's actually slightly larger than the last two which allows more of the gorgeous photograph on the front to be shown. The natural themes that they use for her album covers are wonderful.
1. When You Believe-This starts echoingly beautiful. A stunning song. There are a couple of notes here that seem a little odd and are not really needed, but on the whole the song is a pleasure to listen too. There are a couple of beautiful high notes in here too which Rhema hits softly. Brilliant. 5/5
2. Over The Rainbow-As a song as often heard as this and somewhat of a cliche for child singers, this might elicit a groan from you seeing this on the track list. Don't be fooled, it's a completely different interpretation than your used to hearing on the Wizard of Oz. The christian lyrics make it more personal to Rhema and makes the song a lot deeper and more meaningful. The last few lines are especially moving. Stunning. 5/5
3. Hallelujah-One of the strongest songs you'll hear from Rhema. She really makes this song her own. If you listen carefully you can hear the word change from "maybe there's a God above" to "I know that there's a God above" to fit her beliefs. 5/5
4. I Thank God-The first original song that Rhema has recorded and co-wrote! It's a simple song but often the simple things are the best and this track falls into that category. There are some belting notes in here as well which shows off the sheer power of her voice. 4/5
5. Just As I Am-The sheer emotion behind this song is amazing, you can feel the desperation behind the words. The song is also incredibly catchy and once heard refuses to be forgotten. Listen for a high note about mid-way through. I have never heard a note held for so long and scaling upwards as easily as Rhema does it. She makes it seem effortless. The track is simply a masterpiece. 5/5
6. Hurt-This is a track that might make the sentimental of you cry. It's dedicated to her mother, and you can hear the anguish and pain behind the song. Its so moving and filled with the love that she still feels for her. She demonstrates some perfect softer notes at the end as well that really help capture the emotion. 5/5
7. No More Night-The only traditional style gospel track on this album. The first chorus has a soothing soft tone to it which shows off her voice when she doesn't belt. She does hit some amazing notes in the last half of the song however. Excellent as always! 4/5
This album does have a bit of a different sound from her first one. Whereas her first album concentrated on traditional gospel, this album focuses on pop songs with a gospel twist, which helps it to feel more modern. Rhema has more of a mature sound to her voice, especially when she hits notes in the lower register. The album also contains an original song which is a nice progression. As always with her albums, it feels well produced with superb backing tracks. She has crystal clear diction throughout; there is not one word in any of these songs where we can't understand what shes singing. It's still a moving and a spiritual experience to listen to her, even if you aren't Christian, simply because of her interpretation of the music. It's well beyond her years.
We drop a star only because of the design. We would of liked a plastic case, making the CD easier to store and protect, and the possibility of some more images and lyrics.
Original Release Date: 11 May 2011
Where To Buy: Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, Rhema's Official Store
Age At Time Of Recording: 8
Editions Available: Download, Physical from website only
Genre: Gospel, Pop
Rating:
As with the past two CD's this one also comes in a cardboard sleeve. It's actually slightly larger than the last two which allows more of the gorgeous photograph on the front to be shown. The natural themes that they use for her album covers are wonderful.
1. When You Believe-This starts echoingly beautiful. A stunning song. There are a couple of notes here that seem a little odd and are not really needed, but on the whole the song is a pleasure to listen too. There are a couple of beautiful high notes in here too which Rhema hits softly. Brilliant. 5/5
2. Over The Rainbow-As a song as often heard as this and somewhat of a cliche for child singers, this might elicit a groan from you seeing this on the track list. Don't be fooled, it's a completely different interpretation than your used to hearing on the Wizard of Oz. The christian lyrics make it more personal to Rhema and makes the song a lot deeper and more meaningful. The last few lines are especially moving. Stunning. 5/5
3. Hallelujah-One of the strongest songs you'll hear from Rhema. She really makes this song her own. If you listen carefully you can hear the word change from "maybe there's a God above" to "I know that there's a God above" to fit her beliefs. 5/5
4. I Thank God-The first original song that Rhema has recorded and co-wrote! It's a simple song but often the simple things are the best and this track falls into that category. There are some belting notes in here as well which shows off the sheer power of her voice. 4/5
5. Just As I Am-The sheer emotion behind this song is amazing, you can feel the desperation behind the words. The song is also incredibly catchy and once heard refuses to be forgotten. Listen for a high note about mid-way through. I have never heard a note held for so long and scaling upwards as easily as Rhema does it. She makes it seem effortless. The track is simply a masterpiece. 5/5
6. Hurt-This is a track that might make the sentimental of you cry. It's dedicated to her mother, and you can hear the anguish and pain behind the song. Its so moving and filled with the love that she still feels for her. She demonstrates some perfect softer notes at the end as well that really help capture the emotion. 5/5
7. No More Night-The only traditional style gospel track on this album. The first chorus has a soothing soft tone to it which shows off her voice when she doesn't belt. She does hit some amazing notes in the last half of the song however. Excellent as always! 4/5
This album does have a bit of a different sound from her first one. Whereas her first album concentrated on traditional gospel, this album focuses on pop songs with a gospel twist, which helps it to feel more modern. Rhema has more of a mature sound to her voice, especially when she hits notes in the lower register. The album also contains an original song which is a nice progression. As always with her albums, it feels well produced with superb backing tracks. She has crystal clear diction throughout; there is not one word in any of these songs where we can't understand what shes singing. It's still a moving and a spiritual experience to listen to her, even if you aren't Christian, simply because of her interpretation of the music. It's well beyond her years.
We drop a star only because of the design. We would of liked a plastic case, making the CD easier to store and protect, and the possibility of some more images and lyrics.
Original Release Date: 11 May 2011
Where To Buy: Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, Rhema's Official Store
Age At Time Of Recording: 8
Editions Available: Download, Physical from website only
Genre: Gospel, Pop
Rating:
2010
Rhema Marvanne-Rhema Marvanne
Rhema Marvanne became an Internet sensation, after her dad Teton uploaded a video of her singing Amazing Grace onto Youtube. This was intended for sharing with friends and family. The song went viral, and her channel gained over 15 million video views. She appeared on such shows as 20/20, CBN, ABC, CBS, & Fox News. In 2010, she released her debut album simply called Rhema Marvanne which is produced by her father.
The physical CD comes presented in a cardboard sleeve. Although initially disappointing, many artists are now converting to this more environmentally friendly way of producing them. It does make them difficult to store in a CD rack without damaging the sides. However the front does feature a gorgeous photo-whoever took this is extremely talented, and the sleeve gives an almost "retro record feel". This is an EP, and therefore contains only 6 tracks(the seventh is more or less a double).
The music:
1. The Prayer- This is the best song on this CD, and the best rendition of The Prayer we have ever heard. It's beautiful. Rhema handles this song with a delicacy to her words, and so much meaning that it is hard to believe she is only seven years old. She and her singing partner work together well, and seem like a natural blend of tones. This is a really hard track to sing. There are adults that would struggle to sing this song. Rhema handles it with ease. Absolutely amazing. 5/5
2. I Love The Lord- A classical gospel song. If you like traditional gospel, this song and the next two tracks are for you. Again, Rhema displays fantastic vocals and sings with so much feeling and incredible control over her voice. 5/5
3. Jesus Loves Me- Keeping traditional again with amazing control over her upper range here. This song is actually quite catchy, and you may find yourself humming this around the house! 4/5
4. Amazing Grace- The song that shot Rhema to fame. It's amazing how she switches from hard notes to soft notes so beautifully. As always when listening to Rhema, you can really feel the meaning and emotion behind her words. Although some notes on this track-"sun" in particular are a bit hard on the ears, this song is still a joy to listen too. 3/5
5. The Star Spangled Banner- This anthem was really designed for belting and Rhema doesn't disappoint, hitting each note with accuracy and precision, with such power you cannot help but be amazed. 4/5
6. O Holy Night- A beautifully delivered song. One of the best versions of O Holy Night. 5/5
7. Amazing Grace(Korean Version)- This is a good idea and it starts off well, until you realise that in fact only the first verse is in Korean. This feels a little odd and gives an unfinished feel to the song.
Rhema Marvanne is definitely a child with a gift. This is incredible control for only 7 years old! Although normally not gospel fans, Rhema's gift draws people in of all faiths. Listening to her feels like a spiritual experience, and this CD will restore faith in a lot of people in troublesome times. Her voice really does move you. She has an amazing range, but she's not just parroting words. You can tell she really believes in what shes singing, and she delivers her words with a maturity and a feeling far beyond her years.
Original Release Date: May 2010
Where To Buy: Amazon, iTunes, Rhemamarvanne.com
Age At Time Of Recording: 7
Editions Available: Download, Physical only from official website store
Genre: Gospel
Rating:
The physical CD comes presented in a cardboard sleeve. Although initially disappointing, many artists are now converting to this more environmentally friendly way of producing them. It does make them difficult to store in a CD rack without damaging the sides. However the front does feature a gorgeous photo-whoever took this is extremely talented, and the sleeve gives an almost "retro record feel". This is an EP, and therefore contains only 6 tracks(the seventh is more or less a double).
The music:
1. The Prayer- This is the best song on this CD, and the best rendition of The Prayer we have ever heard. It's beautiful. Rhema handles this song with a delicacy to her words, and so much meaning that it is hard to believe she is only seven years old. She and her singing partner work together well, and seem like a natural blend of tones. This is a really hard track to sing. There are adults that would struggle to sing this song. Rhema handles it with ease. Absolutely amazing. 5/5
2. I Love The Lord- A classical gospel song. If you like traditional gospel, this song and the next two tracks are for you. Again, Rhema displays fantastic vocals and sings with so much feeling and incredible control over her voice. 5/5
3. Jesus Loves Me- Keeping traditional again with amazing control over her upper range here. This song is actually quite catchy, and you may find yourself humming this around the house! 4/5
4. Amazing Grace- The song that shot Rhema to fame. It's amazing how she switches from hard notes to soft notes so beautifully. As always when listening to Rhema, you can really feel the meaning and emotion behind her words. Although some notes on this track-"sun" in particular are a bit hard on the ears, this song is still a joy to listen too. 3/5
5. The Star Spangled Banner- This anthem was really designed for belting and Rhema doesn't disappoint, hitting each note with accuracy and precision, with such power you cannot help but be amazed. 4/5
6. O Holy Night- A beautifully delivered song. One of the best versions of O Holy Night. 5/5
7. Amazing Grace(Korean Version)- This is a good idea and it starts off well, until you realise that in fact only the first verse is in Korean. This feels a little odd and gives an unfinished feel to the song.
Rhema Marvanne is definitely a child with a gift. This is incredible control for only 7 years old! Although normally not gospel fans, Rhema's gift draws people in of all faiths. Listening to her feels like a spiritual experience, and this CD will restore faith in a lot of people in troublesome times. Her voice really does move you. She has an amazing range, but she's not just parroting words. You can tell she really believes in what shes singing, and she delivers her words with a maturity and a feeling far beyond her years.
Original Release Date: May 2010
Where To Buy: Amazon, iTunes, Rhemamarvanne.com
Age At Time Of Recording: 7
Editions Available: Download, Physical only from official website store
Genre: Gospel
Rating: