Bethany Barnard ‘A Better Word’

Written by: Kelly Meade (3/21/2017)

Bethany Barnard, formerly Dillon, spent most of her teen years writing and singing heartfelt songs of worship & praise as she toured extensively. However, once she got married & became a mother she took a break from being a full-time recording artist to focus on her growing family. Now, eight years since the release of her last studio recording and after a successful Kickstarter campaign, she has returned with A Better Word featuring a collection of songs penned by Bethany & as well as several co-written with her husband, Shane Barnard of the duo Shane & Shane.

“My Soul Waits” opens the album with a reflective note preparing listeners for a captivating worship experience as the songs continue.

“Awaken Me” calls upon the Lord to refresh & renew the faith of someone who has grown tired and weary. The words and music brought to my mind the imagery of wandering through darkness searching for light to guide you out. As the song nears its end, that light appears and leads flawlessly into the next song, “Awake My Soul & Sing” which brings a brighter, hopeful tone of being set free from the darkness that once held you captive.

“God Have Your Way In Me” brings the words of Proverbs 14:12 to life and expands upon them acknowledging the understanding that God’s ways, thoughts and plans for us are better and ultimately more than we could ever imagine.

Drawing from the message of Jesus speaking with the woman at the well in John 4, “At The Well” encourages listeners to bring their hurt, pain & sins to Jesus Who understands and will help you through it if you let Him.

The only track on the album not written by either of the Barnard’s, “My Worth Is Not In What I Own”, was written by the team of Keith & Kristyn Getty with Graham Kendrick. It focuses on the importance of recognizing that our worth is not determined by Earthly possessions, knowledge or opinions, but in the price paid by Jesus on the cross as He gave everything so that we may live when we place our trust in Him.

Bethany Barnard offers well-crafted lyrics set to a melodious musical backdrop sung with honesty and an open heart. From start to finish, A Better Word flows with beautifully arranged instrumentation that calls the spirit of the listener into a deeper state of worship to our Savior.

4.7/5