The talents of Tauren Wells
‘Hills and Valleys’ continues to have traction with release of new single, ‘Known’
Tauren Wells came onto the Christian music scene two years ago with his debut EP, “Undefeated”.
Formerly a frontman for the band, Royal Tailor, Wells switched to a more pop-sounding style after signing a solo contract with Provident Label Group/ Reunion Records.
From executive producer Jason McArthur and the production talents of Colby Wedgeworth, Jordan Sapp, Chuck Butler, Casey Brown, Bernie Herms and Brent Milligan, “Hills and Valleys” was released in 2017 but still remains current on the Christian charts.
Most recently, Wells released the track “Known”. The gentle melody is a perfect vehicle for Wells’ pure vocals. On the refrain, his voice soars over the lyrics: “I’m fully known and loved by You”. This track is the natural one to follow the success of “When We Pray” and title track, “Hills and Valleys”
The album contains 11 tracks that are a strong sampling of Wells’ talents. “Undefeated” is a hip-hop number that compares the life of a believer to a boxing championship. “All My Love” and “All About You” are exuberant pop/dance tracks that remind the listener to keep their focus and heart directed to the Father.
Wells also shows he knows how to encourage his listeners. “God’s Not Done With You” is a gentle pop track that reminds the audience that God will keep working on us even when we feel disheartened: “There’s a light you don’t notice/ Until you’re standing in the dark/ And there’s a strength that’s growing inside your shattered heart….. God’s not done with you.”
The title track reminds us that God is with us in both the hills and valleys of life: “You’re God of the hills and valleys... I am not alone.”
“When We Pray” is another pop song that rings with encouragement: “All the world starts changing/ when the Church starts praying/ strongholds start to break when we pray.”
A number of guest artists are featured on “Hills and Valleys”, Hollyn guests on “All About You,” and KB contributes on “Undefeated.” These tracks appears to be not an opportunity to showcase the artist, but the music.
Wells came away with lots of hardware at this year’s Dove Awards. The first-time winner received contemporary Christian artist of the year, new artist of the year, pop-contemporary album of the year and rap/hip hop recorded song of the year. This tells me that many people are paying attention to this artist’s talents.
This talented artist may have been around for a while, but he is definitely coming into his own with “Hills and Valleys”.
The quality on this project is exceptional. Coupled with the heart and talent of Wells, I expect Wells to be an influence on Christian music for years to come.
Tracey Evison, a musician and educator on P.E.I., writes this column for The Guardian every second Saturday. She can be contacted by email at traceylesley538@gmail.com.