Soul-inspired pop singer/songwriter, pianist, worship leader and producer Natalie Layne releases her Centricity Music debut album, All Joy, today (Feb. 21) at streaming and digital retailers worldwide. Joy is the common thread woven throughout her introductory album, which features the title track that will be going to radio March 14.
Found near the end of the 13-song set, the title-cut was inspired by the Scripture passage found in James 1:2-4, which urges believers to “count it all joy.” The upbeat number is a blueprint for the secret to discovering an all-time high that so often feels elusive.
“Joy is a Fruit of the Spirit. It’s right toward the beginning of the list: ‘Love, joy…’ So, that must mean it’s kind of important, right?” Layne asserts, referencing Galatians 5. “Joy is not a fruit of anything other than the Spirit. Joy is not a fruit of our own striving. If we want more joy, we have to ask for more of the Spirit.”
The album’s namesake also encapsulates the spirit of the entire creation process for the recording. During open conversations with her collaborators, she realized they all had one thing in common: Everyone was going through very real, difficult things, but yet, they were all still managing to find joy and gratitude in the midst of life’s challenges.
As Layne began working on the selections that would round out All Joy, the Colorado native now living in Nashville wanted to find a way to embed deep, theologically rich lyrics into melodies that evoke delight. With her signature piano guiding her sonic instincts, Layne straddles the line between contemplative pop and a rare blend of jazz and funk all rolled into one. The resulting album speaks to the power of finding the good in moments that don’t necessarily feel good.
Produced by Layne, Jeff Pardo, David Spencer, Chris Clayton, Jay Speight and Christian Hale, All Joy includes The Recording Academy’s “Positive Vibes Only” featured track “Grateful For,” hit radio singles “Amen” and “Fragile,” and the relatable new anthem “Church Kids.”
From her original songs to the way she talks about Jesus, Layne radiates joy. It is the common thread woven throughout All Joy and that music fans experience at her concerts. Performing her radio hits and fan favorites on tour, she plays an Album Release Show featuring The Pitch Meeting Band in Nashville Feb. 28 before joining Tenth Avenue North for the 16-city, 11-state “The Invited Tour” beginning March 19:
Mar 19 Sikeston, MO
Mar 20 Clinton, MO
Mar 21 Pottsville, AR
Mar 22 La Marque, TX
Mar 23 Keene, TX
Mar 27 Meadville, PA
Mar 28 Bath, NY
Mar 29 Jaffrey, NH
Mar 30 Canandaigua,
Mar 31 Van Wert, OH
Apr 09 Hannibal, MO
Apr 10 Columbus, IN
Apr 13 Jacksonville, FL
Apr 30 Liberty, MO
May 01 Grand Island, NE
May 03 Lamar, CO
