Radiate (Tricia album)

Background

This album was released on August 13, 2013 by InPop Records, and was produced by her husband and Stellar Kart member Nick Baumhardt.

Music and lyrics

At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall wrote that "While it would have been nice to see more lyrical depth, it is, overall, a compelling album." Roger Gelwicks of Jesus Freak Hideout stated that "Radiate seems to illustrate a willingness to write according to current life experiences, but it sometimes stays a little too grounded in past precedent to exceed as a cohesive pop album." At New Release Tuesday, Jonathan Francesco wrote that "With techno-pop beats that could rival anything on mainstream radio and solid, Christ-centered, encouraging messages relatable to the youth of today", and that the album was "Lyrically, the album treads territory covered by many before, but it still feels fresh and relevant to the issues that young girls face every day." Jonathan Andre at Indie Vision Music said that the release was "full of heartfelt ballads and upbeat dance melodies", and stated that the album "gives us great inspiring lyrics and emotional moments that remind us of the never-ending nature of God's love."

At Christian Music Zine, Joshua Andre told that the album was meant to "encourage people that their identity is in Jesus Christ and no one else." Louder Than the Music's Jono Davies stated that "Tricia brings together modern catchy music with strong words and stories to inspire the listener". Laura Chambers at Christian Music Review wrote that "Radiate shines into the dark corners and calls out the hiding to walk in the light of God’s love." At CM Addict, Kelcey Wixtrom said that "Tricia’s lyrics reach out to a wide spectrum of emotions", and this was done with a "wide spectrum of styles highlights Tricia’s vocal abilities; her voice is light and fun on pop tracks but resonant and soulful on worship songs." In addition, Wixtrom stated that "Radiate is a tasteful blend of upbeat pop, soulful worship, and dance music."

Critical reception

Radiate garnered generally positive reception from music critics to critique the album. Grace S. Aspinwall at CCM Magazine felt that "listeners will be surprised to find a pretty, upbeat album that focuses on insecurity and finding purpose in Christ." At Jesus Freak Hideout, Roger Gelwick told that the album "continues the story with mostly successful results." Jonathan Francesco of New Release Tuesday noted that the album was "overall a solid entry with several potential hits that could help establish Tricia's solo career as one to watch", and wrote that "It should definitely meet with the Christian parental 'seal of approval' while still being relevant and catchy enough to appeal to its target audience." At Indie Vision Music, Jonathan Andre called the release one of his "favourite pop-dance records I've heard in 2013". DeWayne Hamby, reviewing the album for Charisma, says, the songs are meant to connect with the female demographic in a personable way.

The Phantom Tollbooth's Michael Dalton highlighted that "Radiate fills a void of encouragement, especially for girls and young women, to rise above cultural norms." At Christian Music Zine, Joshua Andre affirmed that "Radiate is a very good place to start for Tricia to really do the pop solo thing full time", and called the album "a joy to listen to!" Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music proclaimed that "this album is well worth getting into." At Christian Music Review, Laura Chambers called the release "challenging, comforting and convicting", and felt that "Tricia Brock delivers something for everyone on this fun and faithful album." Kelcey Wixtrom of CM Addict felt that the album "With this variety, Radiate may prove to be a break-through album of the fall", and wrote that "No matter what struggle you are facing, the messages in Radiate can help you get through."

Commercial performance

For the Billboard charting week of August 31, 2013, Radiate was the No. 41 most sold album in the breaking and entry chart of the United States by the Top Heatseekers.