Produced by Greg Nelson, Brent Bourgeois and Hal S. Batt, Sandi Patty’s These Days seems to be, at first, an interesting diversion from the lush, orchestrated sounds and lyrical depth of 1998’s Artist of My Soul. From the surprisingly fast-paced pop opener, "Wouldn’t Trade It for the World," to the dance mix of "Shine," to the slight Spanish strings heard in "These Are the Days," there are signs that these fine producers have been working overtime to surprise the listener.
The problem is, whether the listener is a longtime fan or an excited newcomer, people expect more of Sandi Patty than musical variety and pop invention. They listen to hear her grab those high notes and wring the life out of them without even making half an effort.
And while These Days offers a few powerful moments, the songs here are largely forgettable.