The Good Things

Christian artist Jill Phillips likes to sing about small matters while keeping the bigger questions in mind. The Good Things is a distinctly personal statement wrapped in an accessible folk-pop sound. In tandem with husband Andy Gullahorn, Phillips writes songs notable for their warmth and honesty. Tunes like “Cool,” “A Lot Like Me,” and “Children” are infused with compassion that transcends sectarian boundaries. Phillips faces up to loss in “Resurrection” and delivers a thoughtful breakup song with “Long Time Coming.” When she offers praise to her Creator in “Only Say the Word” and “All the Good Things,” she does so with plainspoken humility. As a singer, Jill recalls Leslie Phillips (no relation) in her pre-Sam days, with a little Emily Saliers thrown in. Her simple, slightly bittersweet melodies are given greater definition by Ben Shive’s swirling string arrangements. Overall, this is a likeably small-scale album, lacking devotional bombast. If your tastes run towards intimate expressions of real-life faith, The Good Things is definitely good stuff.