 Letting Go is something The Darins have learned a lot about
since Pamplin Music released their self-titled debut in 1999. So when this
phrase appeared in not one but two songs on their new CD, it seemed the perfect
title for the sophomore release from this talented sister act.
The theme set forth in the infectious, rhythm-infused “A Matter of Trust,” and
echoed in the lush pop ballad, “Take Me,” has become the cry of The Darins’
heart. When they sing, “Give it up, let it go, let God have the control of your
life,” they mean it. They’ve learned that grabbing hold of God’s hand means
“letting go” of the things you hold, or think you hold, in your own hands...
like complete control over your life, your career, or your loved ones’
well-being.
In less than two years, Krista, 28, Stacy, 27, Rachelle, 24, and Heather, 23,
have moved cross country (from Buena Park, CA, to Nashville, TN); endured the
struggle of Stacy’s yet-unfulfilled desire for a child; and gone public with
Heather and Rachelle’s battle with a seizure disorder. Though their debut CD
spawned two top-10 adult contemporary radio hits (“Faith in You” and “Crosses
and Crowns”), it didn’t achieve all that they hoped it would.
“We’ve learned to let go of a lot of ‘stuff,’ ” says Krista. “Mainly, our own
ambition, as we’ve seen how our ministry has affected people’s lives. People
come up to us after concerts and thank us for being ministers and not just
entertainers. That’s where our hearts are—that’s what has become our passion.
That’s the huge growth that we’ve had as a family, as sisters.”
“Family to family” ministering is what matters most to The Darins, perhaps
because they’ve experienced first-hand the value of a solid Christian
upbringing. They were raised in Southern California as a part of a close-knit
family that nurtured faith, music and togetherness—whether it was harmonizing in
the family sedan, staging Broadway musicals in the den or playing sports
together. Their mom, a music teacher, and father, who played the trumpet,
introduced them to all kinds of music—from classical to contemporary Christian,
from Broadway to Motown. But it was the soccer and softball fields, not the
rehearsal room, where The Darins spent most of their free time while growing up.
Krista recalls singing her first solo at age eight, though she cried afterwards,
thinking music was not for her. The girls also recall staging Broadway musicals
at home, as well as singing along to their favorite artists, Whitney Houston,
Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey. The sibling harmony of BeBe and CeCe Winans also
inspired them, as did other contemporary Christian artists such as Take 6 and
Crystal Lewis. The Darins even attended the church pastored by the father of
Christian singer Crystal Lewis. Her ministry inspired the sisters to pursue a
career in Christian music.
Right after high school, Krista and Stacy formed an R&B band that made a name
for itself performing in bars and clubs in Hollywood. But, when a deal with
Motown fell through, they sensed God’s protection from a career they were never
meant to have. In 1995, all four sisters began performing together, first in a
tribute to their high school music director, and afterwards in concerts
throughout Southern California. Then, in December 1996, the music minister at
their church introduced them to producer Dino Elefante, Sr. Vice President of
A&R at Pamplin Music. That meeting eventually led to their recording contract
with Pamplin.
It is Dino Elefante, and his brother, John, who have produced both of The Darins’
CDs. This time, though, The Darins participated more fully in the recording
process, choosing the songs they wanted to record and even co-writing three of
the songs, “Can’t Stop”, “Let Forever Begin” and “Out of the Rain.”
Their optimistic trust in God is woven throughout the R&B-flavored, energetic
pop of Letting Go. The Darins’ blue-eyed sister soul is carried on the wings of
melodic pop hooks straight to heart of listeners. Songs such as the danceable
“Head Up To The Sky” and the upbeat “I Know” showcase The Darins’ dynamic
harmony behind the diva strength of lead vocalists Krista and Stacy. Their
passion to share their faith is evident on songs such as the hopeful “Let
Forever Begin” and the urgent “Can’t Stop” which affirms, “I want them to know
You’re the love of my life.” Their amazement at a God whose mercy extends to
all, even to them, is powerfully expressed in the emotive duet with Jonathan
Pierce, “Somebody Like Me,” and the awe-inspiring ballad, “The Greatest
Miracle.”
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