Reviews by Music Journalists
Heath Andrews, New York, USA writes:
"It's a bit of a rarity in the 2010's, to find songs and albums that are credited to a songwriter as much as they are the musician or band performing them. Though Making Melodies is performed by vocalist Joanna Melas, it was written, lyric and music, by Angela Yoong. Containing only two unique songs, the two compositions each feature three variations, creating more of an extended play record, rather than a single release. First, there are the two songs, 'For You've Touched Me' and 'Hold Me', which are then followed by instrumental versions, and followed further by their backing tracks. To provide an example of the differences between the songs, the instrumental version of 'For You've Touched Me' replaces Melas' voice with a saxophone part while the backing track doesn't replace it at all, and you can still hear the backing vocals when they come up.
What could easily turn into a repetitive affair is made refreshing by the strength of Yoong's songs. Lyrically, both pieces are rooted heavily in the gospel genre. The words of faith and hope that Melas sings so passionately are simple in nature, but grand in scope.
Musically, the songs don't follow the traditional gospel sound of choirs and organs; the arrangements are based much more of new age material. The only really traditional church instrument featured is the piano, though that's in the form of keyboards. Multi-instrumentalist Phil Tweed plays most of the instruments himself, the keyboards included amongst them. In addition, Tweed also plays guitar, bass, and drums, all of which are played in delicate fashion to match Yoong's lyrics. 'For You've Touched Me' begins with a sweeping piano melody, varied, gentle percussion, and a tremendously warm sound, thanks to the lush production. Each note that Melas sings out has a controlled power to it; she keeps her voice measured and allows the emotion behind the lyrics to come through in her voice. "I live each day with grace and hope/And in Your love I am so free/My joy is full, it makes me strong..." Melas sings in the last verse. Taken alone, the words don't carry the same weight as they do when backed by Yoong's music and the way Tweed performs it. This is partly why having the instrumental and backing track versions is so interesting.
As previously mentioned, the vocal is replaced by a saxophone part when 'For You've Touched Me' is played instrumentally. Without the words, the music still functions as a beautigul new age ballad, teeming with beauty and tranquility. The backing track version isn't quite as interesting as the instrumental, since it strips away the tremendous sax playing from Craig Walters. Instead, this version is a way of listening to Yoong's composition in a different way. Through this, it's easier to pick up on the subtle nuances that contribute to the song, such as the varied percussion effects and some of the unexpectedly driving bass playing, or sound of the harmony vocals. The same can easily be said for 'Hold Me', where its backing track version is more of a curiosity than it is a well-rounded piece like its other incarnations.
'Hold Me' itself, is a bit of a stronger number than its predecessor, primarily because of a great build the song features in leading up to its final verse and chorus. Melas' voice picks up un in intensity, as do the drums, keyboards and guitar work; the latter of which is one of the most interesting parts of the album itself. Lyrically, the song is a bit more simple, repeating the chorus of "Hold me, never let me go/O Heavenly father, Father of Light", but it does capture Yoong's feelings of faith during the verses. The instrumental version is considerably different, as this time the replacement for the vocals is a guitar duet, between some lighter, atmospheric acoustic playing the in the background, and some musch more elaborate playing in replace of Melas' voice. The result is not exactly a completely different song, but unique enough to make it worth a separate listen.
Suffice to say, Angela Yoong has made the most out of her two songs, more than many other songwriters could do. Each track on Making Melodies is uniquely special, and when the disparate elements combine on the first and second tracks, it makes for a beautiful pairing of words and music. A great deal of credit is given from Yoong to Melas and Tweed for their excellent work, but it's still ultimately, their interpretations of the great spiritual songwriting of Angela Yoong. For the album may lack in length and variety of sorts, it more than makes up for with memorable performances, a calm, peaceful feeling, and a powerful message of the love of Christ."
Kelly O'Neil, North Carolina, USA writes:
"Malaysian born Angela Yoong has had the life altering experience of being touched by God and she has combined that with her innate musical abilities to produce a pair of glorifying songs that are truly captivating. Surrounding herself with a handful of Australia's finest talent, Yoong's Making Melodies is a finely crafted and deeply moving EP.
The first track 'For You've Touched Me' opens with a delicate piano with the suspended cymbal ushering in full instrumentation with an easy serene sense of peace. Yoong has confided that the inspiration for the piece came from feeling God's presence washing over like an ocean wave and she captures this beautifully both musically and lyrically with the line, 'Come Holy Spirit flow over me'. The gorgeous tapestry that weaves this piece together is the sophisticated combination of the gently moving instrumental line balancing underneath the slow, pure melodic vocal line. Joanna Melas is the talented singer Yoong has chosen to interpret her songs and she does a fantastic job. Melas has a clear, pure voice that is deep and rich when she sings low and crystalline throughout the long sustained higher tones. She harmonizes well with herself and accurately captures the emotion of the song in a refreshing unpresumptuous manner.
An instrumental version of the song features Craig Walters playing the lead on saxophone. While he employs a nice tone, the instrument itself seems too brash to create the desired reflective meditative effect. A deeper, earthy sound may have been more appropriate. Halfway through this rendition Stewart Kirwan joins on flugelhorn playing harmony and keeping the melody steady as Walters zip through quick showy scalar passages.
'Hold Me' has a quiet, more mysterious opening with piano, acoustic guitar and percussion. Melas sneaks in after the instrumental introduction and as before becomes the unassuming centerpiece of the song. Yoong builds up the intensity in this composition utilizing dynamics and vocal layers before the modulating key change towards the end. Coming full circle, the song ends on a quiet note with Melas softly singing in almost a whisper, 'Father of Light'.
The instrumental version of this tune is much more credible and gives more validity to the heart of the material. Accomplished musician Phil Tweed has showcased his impressive talents throughout Making Melodies with his percussion and keyboard work but in this piece he also takes over the melody on guitar. Joining him is Dieter Kleeman and together the two tastefully interpret Yoong's song with feeling and sincerity.
Also available on the EP are the backing tracks to both songs so singers and instrumentalists alike can try their chops at Yoong's work to find an interpretation that best touches their soul. The mix, arrangements and musicianship on Making Melodies is first rate throughout and undoubtedly do justice to Yoong's wonderful words of praise."
Dan MacIntosh, California, USA writes:
"Peaceful is the word that comes immediately to mind while listening to Joanna Melas singing Angela Yoong's songs. This brief collection, which features two songs in various configurations, presents Melas quietly and assuredly interpreting Yoong's songs about the Christian faith.
'For You've Touched Me' features a prominent acoustic piano part and unobtrusive percussion. Melas sings slowly and beautifully. The songs talks about how being touched by God has changed her life. Melas ends the song by expressing how she'll never be the same after this touch.
'Hold Me' is a song sung to God. It tells the salvation story - Jesus' death, burial and resurrection - while at the same time praising God. The song features a piano-based musical bed. The track also has a really nice key change about midway through. Once again, Melas sings the song with that gentle voice of hers. She has a Karen Carpenter quality in her voice. Like Carpenter, there is purity and a beauty in the way she sings. For instance, she never sounds like she's forcing any notes, nor straining for them. Instead, there is a natural progression from one note to the next.
This track is followed by an instrumental version of 'For You've Touched Me'. In place of a vocal, there is plenty of saxophone and flugelhorn instead. The piano is also more upfront. It still has the same peaceful vibe, only without the vocal.
Yoong has also included an instrumental version of 'Hold Me'. Melas' lovely vocals are replaced by an acoustic guitar. This gives the tune a kind of Earl Klugh pop-jazz vibe.
Lastly, there are backing tracks versions of the songs, which basically feature the songs' backing instrumental.
These two samples of Angela Yoong's songwriting (along with song variations) suggest that she must be really good at creating worship music and they also showcase Joanna Melas' gift in leading worship. When it comes to worshipping God, there is that desperate need to quiet one's heart. These two songs, as well as their additional tracks, are prime examples of worship music that accomplish the goal of putting one in the correct frame of mind and heart."
Wildy Haskell, New York, USA writes:
"Angela Yoong has released 'For You've Touched Me' and 'Hold Me' each in three forms, on her EP Making Melodies. Yoong's compositions are voiced adeptly by vocalist Joanna Melas.
Making Melodies opens with 'For You've Touched Me', a gently, piano-based pop hymn. Contemplative and prayerful, the melody works wonderfully well in the sweet voice of Joanna Melas. Yoong fills adeptly with the piano, creating a punctuated musical background..., 'Hold Me' is a pop ballad written to God that sums up the arcing message of the Christian Gospels. You could picture hearing this song in a church service or on Contemporary Christian radio. There is a deeply mellow sensibility here in spite of the excitement that drives the pretty vocal line of Joanna Melas.
Each song is offered in two additional versions. The first pair is pure instrumental tracks, with instruments (saxaphone and guitar, respectively) taking over the melody lines... The final pair of songs is backing tracks for the sort used for karaoke performances. This will allow for the use of both songs in churches or performances by other singers around the globe.
It is quite obvious listening to both 'For You've Touched Me' and 'Hold Me' that Angela Yoong is very much moved by her faith in God. Both songs are filled with a powerful sense of faith and an intractable love. Yoong conveys these feelings and concepts without making them a weapon; telling stories without proselytizing. At the same time she managed to create interesting arrangements worth listening to in their own light."
Testimonials
Your beautiful CD is truly a precious expression of the fragrance of your Spirit. I especially love the first track and the genious of your silence in the third track where you allow the words of 'For You've Touched Me' to reverberate in the heart of the hearer through the Instrumental. I found that to be stilling, anointed and emotive. Thank you. It is a special and beautiful gift which I shall always treasure... sincere congratulations Angela, on the accomplishment of the CD. There has obviously been a lot of work or shall I say labour of love go into it, to actually produce it and I am sure it will be a wonderful Blessing to all who hear it. You are a beautiful gift and thank you again from all of us.
I was genuinely touched by the Spirit in and through your beautiful music. The lyrics, the melody, the instrumental, the timing and the soothing Spirit you impart is healing and refreshing living water to the soul. I pray that this gift will bring life and healing to the millions of people who will hear it. It keeps ministering to me for days after I hear it. You and Joanna have done a magnificent job. I pray you both be utterly blessed.
Mary Wood & family, Sydney Australia
Your praise and worship songs are really soothing. I played them this morning while doing a bit of house work. Just by listening to the music, there is a pleasant feeling of happiness in the air. The rhythm makes me feel happy and joyful. Thanks for sharing with me.
Michael Kok, Singapore/Sydney Australia