Award-winning freelance writer and columnist Joanne Brokaw covers entertainment for The Christian Examiner newspapers, The Minnesota Christian Chronicle, and The Ozarks Christian News.
Her other writing credits include Breakaway and Brio Magazines, OnCourse Magazine, ChristianMusicPlanet.com, BuddyHollywood.com and AGreaterFreedom.com. Her humor column, A Big Slice of Life, appears monthly in the Christian Voice Magazine and she pens a regular humor column on The Writing Life for ByLine Magazine.
Joanne lives in Western New York with her darling husband David, their Border collie Scout and their cat Murphy. Their almost adult daughter Cassie drops by often. Find out more about Joanne at
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I really loved this song from Danny Gokey. Wasn't sure what it would sound like, but it really works for him and has a great message.
Danny was definitely my favorite from the AI season this year, and so far this is my favorite song from this year's finalists. I hope he does great with it.
I don't think it's very good. In this genre (Country with maybe Christian pop/rock crossover) there are people doing this kind of thing better. The songs lyrics are a bit cheesy and predictable (it's like someone has mashed Jesus take the Wheel and Bon Jovi's Living on a prayer and kept the worst bits), but overall I think it's his voice that I'm just not keen on. And he's not putting over the emotion that a song like this needs to really do well.
He wasn't my favorite AI8 contestant and to be honest I think he should have been eliminated after the dreadful "Dream On" cover he did.
I wish him luck with it though. I have a feeling he'll need it.
How depressing! I had to turn it off halfway through. I listen to music to soothe my soul or make me feel better. On a positive note, country is definitely his genre if he can smooth out some of the notes.
Glad you both don't like it...I am sure he wouldn't want fans like you anyways.... You think your opinion matters...HAHA...DREAM ONNNNN!!!!
@SLB - you're really naive if you think Danny doesn't need to expand his fanbase past the loyal group of Idoloonies he's managed to acquire. The fact is that to make a name for himself he's going to have to expand his fanbase. He's going to need to release things that will make him credible, especially in Country music, since this was a genre that he wasn't trying to be a part of until half way through the tour. Danny is talented, but this song is a weak first effort. It's a song that does nothing to truly display his talent and to let everyone know that he's a serious contender in the Country Music market. Country music fans do not like posers. Look at what happened to Jessica Simpson. This as his first release is a serious misstep and I only hope that the rest of his material is a lot stronger.
what a beautiful song
I love the song. It is pefectly Danny Gokey!!! Can't wait for the entire CD so I can have more.
Just listened to Danny's new single. This is exactly what I expected Danny's first single to sound like. I love the song and think it has the potential to be a big hit on country radio. This song is right in Danny's wheelhouse. A powerful ballad with great vocals and a beautiful message. Danny did not compromise who he is and what he is all about with this song and I respect him for that. He is staying true to himself. I also have a lot of respect for Mark Bright, Charles Kelley and Dave Harwood. Danny is working with some great people - can't wait to hear the rest of the album.
Danny is receiving from very favorable responses from people on the country music scene. Excellent review at roughstock.com, for one.
Congratulations to Danny.
I saw a report from someone who met Danny last week when he was home in Milwaukee. They said he was so happy with how the country music community had welcomed him, and all of the great people he was able to work with to make his music.
Wow! I was pleasantly surprised. Dare I say that Danny’s single – amongst those idols who have released so far – is the most representative who of he is as an artist? The first thing I thought after I heard it was that it’s Danny - the raspy voice, the soaring parts, the phrasing, the lyrics. I think it’s a song tailor-made for him, which is why I think this single actually works. I have never considered myself a hardcore Danny fan or a Country fan, but this is good work right here. Out of all the songs that have been released from this year’s idols, I actually think this is the best. Wow, who would have thought?
The country music genre is perfect for Danny. The song is wonderful and he will succeed in this space. The country music community will allow Danny to sing about his faith and accept it with no debate. He will also be able to produce music that will easily stretch across to the Contemporary Christian space. Whoever counseled Danny after the show did him a favor by encouraging him to go this route. I look forward to hearing more from him.
Just an amazing song, the more I hear it the more I love it. Danny has stayed true to what he said he wanted his song's to have a message. This one has, he is so fortunate to be singing a song writen by such respected writers. Could not be more happier for Danny a well deserving young man. Cannot wait until his album is released in March.
Danny has set the bar very high with his debut song. "It's Only" is the perfect blend of stunning, distinctive vocals and a beautiful message that comes from the heart. Danny has delivered exactly what he promised. His album can't be released soon enough!
Couldn't be happier about Danny's new single! I love everything about it! I'm really not a Country fan (except for Carrie Underwood), but I'm a Christian, and this is the type of music I love, so can't wait for the entire album. Danny's voice is remarkable, and I do consider him "the best" of Season 8, though I love Kris too.
SLB ~ great post! I couldn't agree more! The Glamberts are out in full force, as usual, full of hate for anybody but their boy Adam!
It's greate thing that making debet on radio.Redia is a good media from which we can contect more person.I read this blog and it is so helpfull.Thanks for giving information.
r4 ds
Obscurity beckons.
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