Minnesota is known for its cold weather, its sports teams and its eclectic music scene, coming from artists such as The Sounds of Blackness, Prince, and Excelsior. Sara Renner now joins them with Elements of the Journey, a wonderful blend of light pop, jazz, R&B and funk. "Simple Things" is a smooth jazz tune with Sara’s easy listening voice singing of how she enjoys life’s simple pleasures.

Get your dancing shoes ready and enjoy "The Elements of Life", complete with Billy Steele’s B3 work and Renner’s sassiness -- a song with just that right blend of funk and Gospel. "Dancing in the Light" is another funky number; this one encouraging people to take hope in the Father and dance for joy. Brian Kendrick tears it up here on the drums. Renner’s voice is versatile and totally captures different styles of the music.

"Safe with You" is a nice, contemporary pop number that morphs into a rousing Gospel-styled vamp. "Rain Down" is a worship song that has that slow jam feel that you would hear from groups like Earth Wind and Fire, Atlantic Starr or The Gap Band. "Fallen" is a beautiful love song to God, and for our money, one of the best songs on the CD.

Renner also does a great job on the remake of "You’re All I Need to Get By" By Ashford and Simpson. This one is a little more churchy "Ever Present" is the standout worship song on an album filled with gems.

Renner shares songwriting duties with Nate Sabin and Chryss Altamirano, with lyrics telling of life’s storms, and of His sustaining love. John Catchings adds his cello and string arrangements to this one. Also check the Margaret Becker remake, "Jesus Draw Me Nearer" and also "Live a Little", from the pen of Lori Sabin.

Elements of the Journey is a wonderful trip, with innovative instrumentation, vocal arrangements, vocals, and songwriting.