There's plenty of space in the established Top 40 to make room for the positive energy of
Tal & Acacia's quirky pop artistry. The sister act's
Feist-meets-
Duff-meets-
Norah Jones vibe has a natural gusto and glamour that breathes life into contemporary messages of spirituality. The duo's impressive songwriting chops and entrancing harmonies are like radio-ready
Imogen Heap in stereo. Were they voicing the typical suggestive phrases of their contemporaries -- say,
Lady Gaga or
Katie Perry -- they would be considered seductive, for their voices are undoubtedly captivating. Instead, however, they wear their beliefs on their sleeve and come across as endearing and memorable, not sensual. Thanks to that track's download popularity and the placement of "Drifting Away" on an episode of Private Practice in the fall of 2009, the album shot up the digital charts, landing on digital charts' Top 100 albums and Top Five Christian albums. Don't dismiss the pair as simple-headed twenty-something's until you've heard their mature take on life, particularly when they address the glitter of modern society. ~ Jared Johnson