Becky Haagsma

"...from track one's bar-throb bass ---- to the reverent piano of the final track----Pressing On, the new CD release by Becky Haagsma, is the audio equivalent of lightning in a bottle. Every tune reveals the artistry of this fine singer/songwriter, as she soulfully weaves her way through this diverse project. These 12 original songs penned by Haagsma seamlessly range from confession to celebration. She doesn't fall in the trap of so many Christian writers with "cruise- control" lyrics full of trite phrases or jargon. No, they resonate with authenticity and an intense reality that breathes life into this record. Michael Carter brings a stellar level of musicianship and production values to this release from By Faith Studio..." 01/10/06 - Bill Headley, Bloomington, IN

An album which stradles several musical genres, Becky's eclectic musical leanings fuse black gospel, pop and inspirational balladry to make an impressive showcase. Eight self-penned songs from the Indiana-based artist and four collaborations with producer Michael Carter cover a wide and impressive range of emotions, thoughts and expressions of love for God, and most Christians will find something in here to relate to from their own lives. Becky has a huge voice that moves easily and effectively from intimate to epic, covering all points in between while the arrangements are funky and soul-based. There is not a weak track on the album and choosing a highlight is difficult, but the simple piano/vocal with string interlude "Grace" and the title track would have to be my choice. An artist with great potential to move up to the next level.
- Reviewed by Doug Holland

Becky Is Pressing Into the Presence of God!

What can I say about such an awesome woman of God except powerful. A true woman of worship and this cd is all about the worship. The songs speak to me in a way that reaches deep down to the inner man and says, I want to worhship. Adonai, Adonai, Lord, Lord I want to worship. This cd will set a people on their face in worship. Keep PRESSING ON!!

- Dr. Jacquie Brown-Hadnot

Becky Haagsma's latest release "Pressing On" is a beautifully done worship album. Becky
was blessed with a beautiful voice and she uses this voice with a proud passion on every song
on this CD. Pressing on is a mixture of CCM and Pop/Rock with many different flavors in between. From its slow soulful ballads such as "Anymore" and "I was made to love you" to
the upbeat pop / funk influences on "More than conquerors" the one thing that stands out is
Becky's soulful and powerful voice. Pressing On is a CD that I pop in the CD player right before
I pray in the evening not only because of the music which gets me in a praying mood but the awe inspiring lyrical content which motivates me to be a stronger Christian and to find a stronger bond with the Lord. I recommend this CD to anyone who loves to worship the Lord while singing along with one of Gods Angelic voices Becky Haagsma.
- Brad Bowman

Pressing On by Becky Haagsma
Reviewed by Heather Hunt

The serendipitous thing about being a reviewer is that sometimes you receive the pleasant surprise of discovering a new artist. Becky Haagsma is a musician I hadn't heard of and probably would never have listened to if Title Trakk had not asked me to review her CD

I am pleased to report that Pressing On is a marvelous collection of eclectic musical styles ranging from groove to rap to worship to ballad. Haagsma herself has a rich set of pipes which she uses to belt, rap, soar, or soothe. And she's also co-producer and writer or co-writer on all 12 songs. Quite the undiscovered talent. Until now. At least by me. And now, I hope, by you.
I was intrigued from the opening sounds of the first song, "Joy." The sound is sort of a reverse electronic glissando running down the scale from high to low pitch. On my car stereo with the Bass all the way up and the Treble all the way down it sounds like I'm on the Death Star in the middle of the original Star Wars: Number IV A New Hope. Specifically, the pivotal scene when Obi-Wan Kenobi lowers the lever to disengage the Death Star's tractor beam so the Millenium Falcon can escape. Those of you of a certain age will know exactly what sound I'm speaking of. Cool. Way cool. One doesn't usually expect sound effects like this to open a CCM CD. But this one appropriately sets listeners up for the sonic smorgasbord to come.
Haagsma and executive producers Michael Carter and Michael Morgan use a variety of arrangements and styles to present these songs of conversion, gratefulness, praise, wonder, and invitation. The centerpiece of the collection for me is the melodic and creatively arranged "Grace." This song begins with solo piano, ends with acapella singing, and in between changes styles a few more times, including a lovely violin strain that floats over the top for a while, all to press home the point that "Your grace is sufficient for me." Lovely.
Other songs of note include the title cut, "Pressing On," which musically contemporizes Paul’s declaration that in Christ "old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new;" the rap tune "More than Conquerors," which if you think about it, is the perfect musical genre to express this triumphant, in-your-face Biblical promise from the (rap) Master of the Universe; "Robin's Song," a softer, more personal prayer to the Heaven Father for a hurting friend; and "Adonai," a quiet yet passionate personal meditation of praise and devotion for Adonai's unending guidance and grace. The CD's closer is a musically welcoming melodic invitation to "Come As You Are.””
Production values on this independent CD are world-class professional and full-bodied. The only addition that I would have suggested to enhance this package would have been Scripture references on the liner notes. Since so many of the lyrics are direct quotes or accurate paraphrases of Biblical promises and truths, it would be an added blessing for listeners to be able to look up the Source and read the context in which these promises were made.
But this is a nitpick. Truly, Becky Haagsma’s debut CD, Pressing On, displays a maturity and polish that belies its newbie status. I hope we hear more soon.


Copyright Heather Hunt. All rights reserved
- Title Trakk