Soul-inspired pop singer/songwriter, pianist, worship leader and producer Natalie Layne announces the Feb. 21 release of her Centricity Music debut album, All Joy, which is available to pre-order/save now HERE. The full length, 13-song recording radiates joy, embedding deep, theologically rich lyrics into melodies that evoke delight, finding joy and gratitude even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Produced by Layne, Jeff Pardo, David Spencer, Chris Clayton, Jay Speight and Christian Hale, All Joy straddles the line between contemplative pop and a rare blend of jazz and funk all rolled into one. With Layne’s signature piano guiding her sonic instincts, the album includes The Recording Academy’s “Positive Vibes Only” featured track “Grateful For,” hit radio singles “Amen” and “Fragile,” and the relatable new anthem “Church Kids,” which is available beginning today at streaming and digital outlets globally via the aforementioned All Joy pre-order/save link.
Recognizing her need to make her faith her own apart from her parents while growing up in the church, Layne co-penned “Church Kids” with Pardo and Matthew West, as well as co-wrote all the originals that comprise All Joy, for that teenage girl in the thick of unraveling her own convictions.
“I want to talk about the power of staying. Sometimes finding the Lord for yourself and choosing to stay can be harder than leaving, but life with Jesus really is better,” shares Layne.
“Along with lifelong church kids, I hope that people who have left or who are far off hear these songs and are called back home,” she continues. “No matter which end of the spectrum people find themselves on, I want to give them permission to feel like their story matters.”
(“Church Kids” chorus)
We were hearts on fire for Jesus
We were hands up high in the air
We were sold out, all-in believers
And I don’t know about you,
But I could use a little going back to church kids
From her original songs to the way she talks about Jesus, Layne radiates joy. It is the common thread woven throughout her introductory album, aptly titled All Joy.
“I believe the enemy has been trying to steal joy from people, and I just want these songs to be a shot of joy,” Layne says. “I picture these songs being played in the car in the school drop-off line or in the kitchen when families are making dinner. I think we need joyful songs to get us through the day sometimes, and God’s given me a lot of permission to go for the happy songs.”
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