(Photo : francesca battistelli hundred more years deluxe)

You don't have to teach them to be green.  Record companies are notorious for recycling their products.  Two years after Battistelli's debut album "My Paper Heart" was released, Fervent Records added a few more tracks, repackaged it, hijacked the price and sold it again tagging the record as the "Deluxe Edition."  In many ways this is quite a sneaky way of making avid fans fork out more money for the extra tracks.  Further, such marketing manoeuvres also help extend the shelf life of the record.  They could continue to service radio with new cuts without the overhead cost of releasing a new CD.  Now two years after Battistelli's "Hundred More Years" dropped, Fervent Records has done it again.  This time the deluxe version boasts 5 new songs and an alternate version of Battistelli's "This is the Stuff."  But before we dissect this re-packaged disc, let's say a word first about the album.  Released on March 1^st, 2011, this sophomore disc for Battistelli stayed at the penthouse of the Christian chart for a while, producing a trio of hits:  "This is the Stuff," "Motion of Mercy," and "Angel by My Side."  The collection also placed three more Dove Awards on her shelf including Pop Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for "This is the Stuff," Artist of the Year and Female Vocalists of the Year.  

This review seeks to answer two questions:  first, if you have bought the original version, are the added new tracks worth paying the money for?   "Strangely Dim" which is sequenced as the first song is also the new single.  Exciting, fresh, catchy and a step removed from her usual style, "Strangely Dim" has a stark Sheryl Crowe acoustic feel to it.  Never too crowded, the simple but affective backings throw attention to the song's lyrics which is an elaborate exposition of the old hymn "Turn Your Eyes upon Jesus."  "Hold Out to Love," "Trampoline" and "In Your Eyes" are ballads we have come to love about Battistelli.  Best among them is the piano based "Hold Out to Love" where Battistelli has never sounded clearer and more passionate.  Not since Stacie Orrico's "(There's Got to Be) More to Life" has there been a more evangelistic song than "Something More." Never patronizing, Battistelli wisely questions us about the meaning of life with really vivid examples over a hooky pop melody. While the alternate version of "This is the Stuff" has a carnival 60s rock n' roll makeover; this is much more infectious and fun than the originally released version.     

Second, for those who did not buy the record the first time round, what are tracks on the main album like?   Featuring a charming ukulele solo at the introduction, "This is the Stuff" is a sparkling upbeat number that tells of how God uses the stuff that often frustrates us to draw us into holiness.  The Bethany Dillon-influenced "Constant" is another pop sizzler that gives praise to the Almighty for his faithfulness. While many contemporary Christian songs often fall into the trapping that more is better. "You Never Are" doesn't yield to such a temptation. An acoustic stripped down backing accompanies this tune that speaks of God's graciousness of accepting us. Stamped with hit written all over is "Emily" which finds Battistelli sharing her microphone with Dave Barnes on a the ear-grabbing tune that has haunting echoes of Vanessa Carlton's "A Thousand Miles."

The real charmer is the romantic title cut "Hundred Years More." A future wedding classic "Hundred More Years" is just a gorgeous ballad awash in gentle country-styling rhythms. While the piano-led "Worth It" finds Battistelli dealing with the challenges of love. And she does give to us plainly, warts and all--  "love is not easy but it's worth it." Another high water mark moment comes with "Angel By Your Side" here Battistelli wears her heart on her sleeves as she speaks beautifully about self-sacrifice and companionship.  After her highly successful debut, many thought Battistelli would disappoint with her new music.  But with an album this good, sophomore slums, thank God, have taken a hiatus.