Somehow categorizing Karli Bonne (http://www.karlibonne.com) into the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) genre doesn't fully summarize her. In fact, it's quite vague, focusing merely on the spiritual qualities of her lyrics than on the music itself. Then again, "Dream to Extremes" is impossible to lump into any specific section of the music store.
The "Extremes" part of the album title is certainly apt. Bonne pushes the envelope on what can be defined as pop, shifting back and forth from a multitude of styles. To old fogeys, especially those who've forgotten how eclectic the Beatles were in the late '60s, it could cause whiplash; however, for today's iPod-groomed generation, "Dream to Extremes" is made for them.
The adventurousness of "Dream to Extremes" is what makes it compelling. From the opening title track, you expect something dreamy and synth-based throughout the record. The influence of '70s disco is apparent here, especially on Bonne's singing, and it reappears again on "Wings of a Prayer." But in between that Bonne throws a number of exciting curve balls: the rough-edged rap-rock of "Going Global"; the R&B flavors of "I Know You"; and the mellow pop of "Me."
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If it wasn't for the consistency in Bonne's voice you'd think this was a compilation album of various artists. However, there's a point to all of this; it's not an unfocused record. Bonne is exploring several decades of rock and pop and giving them back to their Creator, God.
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