Journey into Love

AMG Review of Journey into Love

Carol Wright
All Music Guide

With Journey Into Love, singer/songwriter Sophia returns to the ballad format, with arrangements for keyboard, zither, dulcimer, guitar, and background vocals. Sophia has a beautiful, powerful, and clear voice which is easily understood for these "message songs." Her true calling comes forth, however, when she sings the extended chants and prayers: "In the Temple of My Heart," "The Wedding Blessing," and "I am Sustained." "Prayer of St. Francis," with its simple dulcimer and drone accompaniment, is absolutely breathtaking. "Contemplation Chant" is a five-part canon weaving together "peace" chants from five religious traditions, including "Gloria in Excelsius Deo." The spiritual vibrations from that piece alone are worth the cost of the album. All compositions are by Sophia, except for three songs by Michael Stillwater.