Francesca Battistelli Talks Surrendering and Trusting God Ahead of 'If We're Honest' Album Release
Grammy-nominated singer Francesca Battistelli is gearing up for the release of her third studio album "If We're Honest" and she recently spoke exclusively with The Christian Post about the forthcoming record.
The acclaimed Christian singer, 28, showcases an impressive vocal range against contemporary pop rock sounds while proclaiming her faith in lyrics about embracing your truth and surrendering your life to God. The lead single "Write Your Story," which also happens to be Battistelli's personal favorite, peaked in the Top 5 Billboard Christian music charts and in essence each song on "If We're Honest" (which drops on April 22) is inspired by her life.
"I think subconsciously that's sort of how I've always written to some degree it's pretty autobiographically and the songs that people know me for are songs about my life," Battistelli told CP adding that the theme behind the album lends itself to "being authentic and truthful."
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"If We're Honest" comes three years after Battistelli's sophomore project "Hundred More Years" and follows her 2008 debut studio album "My Paper Heart," which both landed in at no. 1 on the Billboard Christian Album charts.
The 15-track pop rock album is both uplifting and inspiring. While it reinforces the importance of faith and reminds listeners that ultimately God is in control, it also has the power to encourage those who perhaps at times struggle with their faith.
"If we could really live believing … and trusting God with our futures and our lives knowing that He cares more than we do … we all live much fuller lives like He's called us to," Battistelli explained. "For the most part I've always tried to live within that scope."
The Dove award-winner was raised in a "very loving" Christian home and subsequently her faith was instilled from a very young age. Like many, Battistelli once struggled with completely surrendering her life during her younger years.
Prior to meeting her husband Matthew Goodwin, with whom she shares two children, Battistelli admittedly struggled with personal relationships. She was intent on controling certain aspects of her personal life and at one point decided she would become a preacher's wife. However, her future would unfold differently.
"I knew all along that God had something different for me but that was an area I struggled with when I was younger," she said.
"I had to really learn that God's plans for us are always better ... my favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11: 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'"
Battistelli is currently in the midst of "The Bible: Son of God Tour 2014," in association with 20th Century Fox feature film "Son of God" and mini-series "The Bible." She is performing alongside the likes of Grammy-nominated singer Natalie Grant and Dove award-winner Meredith Andrews which she says has been a "blessing."
"I don't really get to tour with other girls … Im usually the only one and so that's been a real blessing," she said.
"I think we were all scared that it wouldn't go off well," she said of opening night which launched at Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in Southern California on March 20. "Somehow the Lord gave us grace and it really was an exciting night ... it felt like opening on Broadway or something!"
Fans can select from two exclusive album-themed packages featuring the deluxe version of "If We're Honest" on CD and digital download. Additionally the "If We're Honest" Collector's Edition features an art print autographed by Battistelli and other goodies inspired by "Write Your Story."
For more information on "If We're Honest" CLICK HERE
For more information on "The Bible: Son of God Tour 2014" CLICK HERE
