The Christian music world greeted Ginny Owens’ 1999 debut Without Condition with almost universal praise. While she lacked the intensity of a Rebecca St. James or the grit of a Jennifer Knapp, the young singer/songwriter/keyboardist distinguished herself by her intelligent, socially-conscious lyrics and her beguiling folk and R&B-influenced melodies. And then there was her voice: girlishly innocent at times, growling and sultry at others and altogether convincing. Owens shows an impressive confidence throughout, whether she’s offering a Van Morrison-like testimony of faith (“If You Want Me To”), basking in divine love to a soulful groove (“Springs Of Life”) or opening her heart to God in a solo piano setting (“Own Me”). Monroe Jones’ atmospheric production — rich with hip-hop beats and well-placed strings — underscores the charm of these songs. Owens made good on her initial promise with her subsequent albums, but Without Condition is particularly winning in its youthful wisdom and understated musical fire.