Kim Boyce, the American Christian singer-songwriter, released her seventh and, to date, final studio album, "As I Am," in 1997. This album marked her first and only release under Diadem Music Group, with distribution handled by Benson Records. Continuing the adult contemporary sound that characterized her previous work, such as "By Faith" (1994), "As I Am" offered listeners a collection of songs that blended contemporary Christian music (CCM) with elements
of Christian pop. The album's production was a collaborative effort, primarily overseen by Bryan Lenox, with James Hollihan Jr. contributing to the production of the track "The Sound of Your Voice."
Musical Style and Production Highlights
"As I Am" firmly established itself within the adult contemporary genre, a style Kim Boyce had cultivated in her earlier albums. The album's length is noted at 40 minutes and 6 seconds, providing a substantial listening experience. The recording process took place across several Nashville, Tennessee, studios, including The Playground, OmniSound Studios, Sidekick Sound Studios, and The Velvet Ballroom. This multi-studio approach likely contributed to the album's polished sound and diverse musical textures.
One of the album's distinctive tracks, "The Sound of Your Voice," was specifically produced by James Hollihan Jr., known for his work with Russ Taff. This particular track received critical acclaim, with one reviewer praising Boyce's "stunning lounge singer performance" on the song, noting its jazz influences. This suggests a willingness by Boyce to explore different vocal styles and musical arrangements within her established genre, pushing the "musical boat" as one critic observed.
Personal Inspirations and Collaborative Efforts
A significant aspect of "As I Am" is the personal inspiration woven into its lyrical themes, particularly those stemming from Kim Boyce's experience with motherhood. Mike Rimmer of Cross Rhythms highlighted how motherhood brought a "new source of inspiration," which was reflected in many of the album's songs. For instance, the track "Who Hung The Moon" is described as a child's question that leads Boyce back to the "wonder of creation," presented as a jazz-tinged piece of middle-of-the-road (MOR) music.
The album also features a notable duet with Boyce's husband, Gary Koreiba, on the track "Amazing Love for Me." This collaboration was also seen as a reflection of Boyce's parenting experience, specifically a realization of the profound love represented by the Father sending Jesus. Another standout ballad, "Remember Me," was praised for its beauty and described as a communion song with a "touch of Whitney" Houston, indicating its powerful vocal delivery and emotional depth. These personal touches and collaborations underscore the album's intimate and reflective nature, offering listeners a glimpse into Boyce's life and faith journey during this period.
