(03 Aug 2003) Gwen Jennier, a native of Alexandria, Virginia has been making music and writing songs since she picked up her first guitar at the age of eleven. The debut of her first inspirational Christian CD, You've Got To Believe (Angel Dog Music (USA) ADM114801, 2003), is the fulfillment of a life long dream.

The music on the album is up-tempo, with a variety of styles--country, 50s rock, dance/techno and ballad/folk. The arrangements are dynamic and each song is differ4ent, but all ten songs are reflections of the best of inspirational music from the quiet reflective prayer of "The Gift Of Love" to the fast, hard-hitting techo sound of "The Vision" or the country twang of "Rocking Horse" and "Looking for the Faith."

Gwen's early musical influences were the folk singers of the 60s and of course rock and roll--bands like the Rolling Stones and individuals such as rock diva Tina Turner. Over the years, Gwen has performed solo and as a member of several locak bands, but for the past decade she has spent her time not performing, but writing.

She wrote her first contemporary Christian song, "I've Seen the Light" in 1995. "I've written a lot over the years--mostly rock songs, some folk, a little country. And then I wrote, "I've Seen the Light." I played it for my church's choir directory and then for the congregation with the choir backing me up. We had the whole church rocking."

Gwen has a deep respect and love for animals. "To love God is to love all of his creation and to me that means animals and nature." Two of the songs on the CD reflect this love, "I Need to Know" and "Wondrous Love Wondrous Nature." The other eight original songs mirror Gwen's own life journey--the joy, the pain, the doubt--reflections of feelings most of us experience in our lives, with lyrics that are inspiring and honest. You've Got To Believe< is great music with a great message. Listen to soundbites, read further reviews and order the album from amazon.comhere.