I fell in love with Jewel after her 1995 release of Pieces of You which contained the powerful song ’’Foolish Games’’. I am a lover of music with feeling and a point. Jewel has all of this. I was convinced that with her sweet voice, ability to play the guitar well, and amazing writing skills she could do nothing less then put out an awesome sophomore album. I waited and waited and waited some more until she put out Spirit at the end of 1998. Spirit met all of my expectations and I immediately fell in love with every song on the album.
The first single released was ’’hands’’ which emphasizes the power of love and faith in the human race. This Single embodies what Jewel’s music is all about. She has an incredible ability to deliver a message of love, faith and hope of a better world without being taken for a hypocrite by making you believe that she means what she sings. She is so down to earth her fans can relate to what she is writing and singing about and feel as if she is speaking to them through her music.
All of Jewel’s songs have a message behind them. Some of my favorites on Spirit are the following songs. I have put parentheses around the messages that I believe are found in her poetic lyrics during each song:
’’Deep Water’’ (you should believe in yourself and trust your friends when you are in trouble)
’’Innocence Maintained’’ (A strong song protesting against violence and hatred)
’’Life Uncommon’’ (Be a good person and good will come to you)
’’What’s Simple Is True’’ ( :-) The title says it all)
Jewel is a rare one indeed. She is a strong, passionate artist who not only believes in what she sings, but makes others believe in what she sings. Don’t buy Spirit if you want rocking guitars or powerful drums, you won’t find it there. Spirit is all about the lyrics and the messages that they hold. Combine this with Jewel’s amazing voice and wonderful music and you have a winner.