Sheila Walsh was born on July 5, 1956 in Ayr, Scotland. She released her debut CCM album FUTURE EYES back in 1981. After releasing a handful of other albums she joined Pat Robertson as co-host of 'The 700 Club' in 1987. She also hosted the talk show 'Heart to Heart with Sheila Walsh'. In 1992 she left 'The 700 Club'. She went on to be a speaker and author. She has been open about her struggles with depression. In 2010 she released the album I HEAR ANGELS (Women of Faith), which I am reviewing here. It was produced by John Hartley and executive produced by Lara Dulaney and Barry Walsh. In the liner notes, you'll find these words: "Sheila would like to thank those who worked so hard to make this project not just possible but pure joy!"
'Immortal Invisible' is a pleasant adult pop song of adoration: "To all life Thou givest both great and small/In all life Thou livest true life of all/Great Father of glory, pure Father of light/Thine angels adore Thee/All veiling their sight". John Hartley and Gary Sadler wrote 'You Are Beautiful'. It's a quiet worship song: "You are beautiful, oh Lord/You are high and lifted up/For there is no One like You/Your glory fills the earth/You are beautiful, beautiful/You are beautiful".
Miriam Webster's 'Made Me Glad' is next. It's an easy listening testimonial: "I'll say of the Lord/You are my shield, my strength, my portion/Deliverer, my shelter, strong tower/My very present help in times of need". Fernando Ortega wrote 'Jesus King of Angels', a pretty song that includes these prayerful words: "Remind me how You made dark spirits flee/And spoke Your power to the raging sea/And spoke Your mercy to a sinful man/Remind me, Jesus/For this is what I am".
A lovely, lengthy version of the beloved hymn 'How Great Thou Art' follows. These lyrics are ones of gratitude: "And when I think that God His Son not sparing/Sent Him to die/I scarce can take it in/That on the cross/My burden gladly bearing/He bled and died to take away my sin". John Hartley, Katie Gufstafson, and Derri Daugherty wrote 'Hallelujah'. It's a great ballad! I particularly like these words: "I will never be ashamed for Your mercies I'll proclaim/There is power in Jesus' Name/Hallelujah!/On the cross He bore my sin/When He died and rose again/And ascended into heaven/Hallelujah!"
'To God Alone' is a tender song of worship: "And so to God alone I owe everything/For my every breath/For my hopes and dreams/For the lessons learned/And past forgiven/For this precious gift of life worth living". Gerrit Gustafson wrote the adult contemporary title track, 'I Hear Angels'. It anticipates things to come: "I hear angels singing praises/I see men from every nation/Bowing down before the throne".
The classic hymn ''Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus', follows. It speaks of redemption: "Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus/Just to trust His cleansing blood/And in simple faith to plunge me/'Neath the healing, cleansing flood". Last up is 'You Belong Here'. Kyle Matthews co-wrote it with Chris Eaton. This inspirational number includes these wonderful words: "And I will throw the door wide open/Run to meet you at the gate/There will be a glad reunion/We have much to celebrate/You belong here/Welcome home!"
I HEAR ANGELS is a superb album! Genre-wise it's a mix of inspirational/easy listening and light adult pop. The majority of the songs are ballads and Sheila's voice is perfectly suited to such fare. The backing vocalists Lisa Cochran, Terry White, and Chris Eaton, also do a great job! Two of the songs were arranged and played by the late Tom Howard. Thematically, we find gratitude for the cross, gratitude for God's love and beauty, and gratitude for God's personal care for each of us. There are also songs that declare a love for and trust in God, and that anticipate heaven. I'm rating I HEAR ANGELS 100% and recommending it to fans of Michelle Tumes, Enya, Maire Brennan, and Annie Herring. For more info visit www.sheilawalsh.com and/or connect with her on social media.