Unbreakable

If success for Christian rock bands is judged by how well they offer an emotional respite for troubled souls, Fireflight's sophomore album can be deemed a crowning triumph. If it is measured by a lasting artistic contribution, the Florida quintet has less to talk about. The positive-message-set-to-a-barrage-of-metal formula was a well-worn path years before the release of Unbreakable. Fortunately, what this group has that others don't is the authentic vocal talent of frontwoman Dawn Richardson. While guitarists Justin Cox and Glenn Drennen flex their guitar muscle track after track, Richardson penetrates their wall of fury with commanding emotion. Her riveting vocals carry the title track (which NBC used to promote its Bionic Woman series) and other pulsating rockers like "You Gave Me a Promise," "So Help Me God," and "The Hunger." Lyrically, the album is victorious as a refuge for listeners struggling with loneliness, discouragement, and isolation. The lack of something truly unique keeps this album from being ultimately distinguishable in its own right; however, it makes a notable contribution to the CCM play list.