Puneet Varma (Editor)

If We're Honest

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
Recorded
  
2013-2014

Label
  
Word, Fervent

Release date
  
22 April 2014

Length
  
49:56

Artist
  
Francesca Battistelli

Producer
  
Ian Eskelin

If We're Honest httpsuploadwikimediaorgwikipediaenthumb7

Released
  
April 22, 2014 (2014-04-22)

Genre
  
Contemporary Christian music

Nominations
  
Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Similar
  
Francesca Battistelli albums, Contemporary Christian music albums

Francesca battistelli write your story official audio


If We're Honest is the third studio album by Christian singer and songwriter Francesca Battistelli that was released on April 22, 2014 by Word Entertainment and Fervent Records. The lead single from the album was "Write Your Story", which was released before the album on January 3, 2014 to radio and on January 14, 2014 as a commercially available single for download.

Contents

Francesca battistelli hands of god feat matt hammitt official audio


Background

If We're Honest is Battistelli's third studio album recording, which released on April 22, 2014 by Fervent Records, and it was produced by Ian Eskelin.

Singles

The lead single from the album, "Write Your Story", was released to radio stations on January 3, 2014, and as a digital download on January 14, 2014. It peaked at No. 3 on Billboard's radio airplay chart.

"He Knows My Name" is the second single from the album. It was released on July 21, 2014.

"Holy Spirit" was released as the album's third single on March 30, 2015. After "Holy Spirit " was released as the third single, and it's being on the deluxe edition, the standard version of the album was re-released with "Holy Spirit" included in the track listing.

"If We're Honest" was serviced to Christian radio as the fourth single from the album on January 3, 2016.

Critical reception

If We're Honest garnered critical acclaim by fifteen music critics ratings and reviews. At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall rated the album four stars out of five, stating that "With a more mature style and a more soulful vocal, it appears the multi-talented Battistelli has only dug further for this beautiful project" noting "The result is perfection." Markos Papadatos of the Digital Journal rated the album four-and-a-half stars out of five, remarking that "it is not overdone from an instrumental standpoint, and she allows her rich lyrics to shine throughout, coupled by her polished and crystalline vocals." At New Release Today, Sarah Fine rated the album a perfect five stars, writing that "It is undoubtedly Francesca's best yet" because the release has "enough soulful familiarity to satisfy, and the careful touch of some new sonic elements to keep things fresh". Hannah Goodwyn of Christian Broadcasting Network rated the album three-and-a-half spins out of five, noting that the release "only adds to her stronghold in Contemporary Christian music" because the album "offers some real, heartfelt and deeply worshipful tunes that will soon become fan favorites." At Cross Rhythms, Stephen Luff rated the album nine squares out of ten, writing that "This album can only win more people to appreciate Francesca's warm and caressing vocal tones aided by top production from some of Nashville's finest." David Jeffries of AllMusic rated the album four stars out of five, indicating how "Even with all the polish and professionalism, If We're Honest is a relatable and real effort and an easy recommendation for those who like their worship-to-go pop."

At Indie Vision Music, Jonathan Andre rated the album four stars, saying that "With each track standing out musically and lyrically, Francesca's fresh and relevant musical perspective is translated throughout each song, all the while paying homage to the musical roots of her past- a piano-pop musical undertone with a prominence on vocal delivery, providing us with a well-rounded album". At Jesus Freak Hideout, Jen Rose rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, remarking that the release is "feel-good pop", which the tunes are "poppy, friendly, and relatable, and a whole lot of fun to listen to": however, she closes with, "here's hoping that future releases will let her take a few more risks and allow this talented artist to bring something honest and sonically fresh to the table." Mark Rice writing for Jesus Freak Hideout rated the album four stars out of five, saying "If We're Honest showcases Battistelli in her element, crafting the year's most worthy pure pop album so far." Laura Chambers of Christian Music Review rated the album a 4.6 out of five, remarking that "The truths imparted on these tracks are vital to our spiritual wellbeing." At Christian Music Zine, Joshua Andre rated the album a 4.75 out of five, writing that the release is Battistelli's "most mature and complete album to date", and goes onto say "Well done Francesca for exceeding my expectations and wowing us with your exemplary songwriting prowess!"

At Alpha Omega News, Tom Frigoli graded the album an A+, saying that it is "a brilliant release from a very talented artist." Kelcey Wixtrom of CM Addict rated the album a four out of five stars, stating that "Francesca's passion and heart for worship is evident on this song, and ultimately through the entirety of the album." At The Sound Opinion, Lindsay Williams rated the album a perfect five stars, saying that "The album showcases Battistelli's ability to pen shimmering pop songs filled with relatable lyrics, making Franny feel more like a friend than an award-winning pop songstress." Timothy Yap at Hallels gave a generally positive review of the album, which he notes that the album tries to hard to please radio making the music feel not unique, however "it's spiritually deep enough that will get us ruminating, drawing us closer to the Savior." However, Brian Mansfield of USA Today felt otherwise and rated the album two stars out of four, criticizing the release as "This catchy, encouraging pop, aimed directly at teenage girls and young women, is the kind of music Katy Perry would be making if she were still Katy Hudson, making music for the Christian market." Felicia Abraham, reviewing the album at Charisma, writes, "The new albums is set to be her most intimate to date".

Commercial performance

For the Billboard charting week of May 10, 2014, If We're Honest was the No. 13 most sold album in the entirety of the United States by the Billboard 200, and it was the No. 2 most sold Top Christian Album.

Track listing

Notes

  • Family Christian bonus track, "Just The Same", has a varying track listing number. It can be either track 12 or track 16.
  • Songs

    1Write Your Story3:24
    2When The Crazy Kicks In2:59
    3He Knows My Name3:27

    References

    If We're Honest Wikipedia