Joy Electric's 1994 debut,
Melody, introduces their unique brand of contemporary Christian dance-pop. The group owes a heavy debt to sonic ancestors like
Erasure,
the Pet Shop Boys,
New Order,
the Cure, and
the Smiths, but
Joy Electric's blend of devotional lyrics and sweet synth melodies is completely original.
Melody's 18 tracks cover a wide range of synth pop sounds and lyrical topics, from the fairytale musings of "Buttercup Fairy Jamboree" and "Lilypad the Forest Our Home," to more personal stories like "Every Boy and Girl Falls in Love" and "Bee Hoping." The album's length -- nearly 70 minutes -- might be a stumbling block for casual listeners, but singer/songwriter
Ronnie Martin's witty lyrics, breathy vocals, and catchy melodies make
Melody a gradually infectious listen. ~ Heather Phares