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Click on a title for more details:
If the Truth Hurts
Click
here for photos of the Melbourne CD launch.
This CD features a side of Monique's voice that you have never heard before.
Read the reviews!
A
largely piano based album, it also features a ten-piece choir on Monique's
rendition of Michael Leunig's poem Love Is Born, sultry saxophone
and screaming electric guitar.
Lyrically, it picks
up from The Lies of Love, exploring themes of survival from abuse,
with all the anger, struggle, hope, angst, confusion and inspiration that
journey involves, but bringing the listener to a place of deeper resolution
and rest than the previous album. Other songs explore themes of finding
life and truth in relationships and hope in the midst of struggle and
pain.
Producers:
Roger Nicholson and Monique Lisbon. Featuring: Roger Nicholson
on keyboards, Monique Lisbon on vocals, Jason Suttie on saxophone and
David Leeding on guitar. Also featuring David Carr, Rod Wilson, Fiona
Dyball and Rebecca Watkins.
To Order:
The
CD is now available for (Aust) $25*, or in a double pack with The
Lies of Love for (Aust) $40*.
Click here to order your copy.
* Plus GST for Australian residents and postage within Australia or overseas.
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Site graphics by David Leeding
and Monique Lisbon
If The Truth Hurts cover design
© James Taylor 2003
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Reviews
of If The Truth Hurts
Esther Kennedy, Ishah Magazine
If The Truth
Hurts is one of the least comfortable CDs I've ever listened to.
But then again, open discussion about abuse and its ongoing effects is
rarely a comfortable experience. Monique engages the listener and invites
us to share in her journey through obviously deep pain and struggle to
a new understanding of hope, and revelation of God's sovereignty and faithfulness.
The journey begins with the edgy rock of Can't and the soulful
saxophone appeal of If The Truth Hurts, highlighting the human
condition and the futility of ignoring emotional wounds in the hope that
they'll go away: If the truth hurts / just think what a lie can do.
Our attention is firmly directed to those things that we'd rather not
have to deal with, but this is the only way to begin the healing process.
As the pathway winds through awareness of the problem and deals with the
associated shame and anger, the work of God is central. The stirring crescendo
chorus of For You acknowledges the provision of love through
other people, and Broken points to the suffering that Jesus endured
to provide us with the ultimate hope. The writer's heart is laid bare
and we can see her struggle with forgiving. Unthinkable is the
showcase of Monique's vocal abilities, exploring the depths of her mellow
lower register and the lilt of her higher notes. It makes for some tender,
emotive moments, and links seamlessly into I Remember.
In a time when sexual abuse, especially within the Church, is receiving
more and more media attention, it's encouraging to have a constructive
example of dealing with consequences of human sin. Monique doesn't shy
away from exposing the reality of how hard it can be to go through the
process of acknowledging the wounds and participating in the healing.
She has found that God's answer to suffering in the world is to suffer
with us: What kind of God is this / who enters into suffering / who,
during all the violence / is nailed to a tree?
The final songs on the album are filled with hope, providing a balance
and a fitting place of rest at the end of the journey. Her adaptation
of Psalm 46 is a well-arranged duet with Rebecca Watkins. It lifts the
listener's heart to trust in God's eternal promises and in his enduring
strength, justice and love.
This album is more than just a collection of songs; it is a series of
signposts for pilgrims who are seeking hope and restoration. True peace
and comfort are unearthed through a fresh handling of a very distressing
topic.
— Esther Kennedy, Ishah
Magazine
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Barb
Shearer, Advocates for Survivors of Child Abuse
This compilation of songs is a very personal journey, exploring issues
such as the pain of child abuse, healing and faith. These issues will
be very familiar to listeners who are either close to someone who is a
survivor or are themselves a survivor of child abuse.
Evocative vocals, supported by masterful arrangements and instrumentals,
and quality production, take the listener through emotions such as anger,
frustration, grief, confusion, hope and relief. The journey with Monique
Lisbon through these songs is not always easy, yet the honesty with which
issues are handled, will help many to feel less alone and more supported
in their own journeys. Many will feel recognition and relief, knowing
that someone has been through similar experiences.
Mono uses her music to express a story that is common to many survivors,
giving voice and expression to central themes of child abuse. This CD
will be great therapy for many, and is a great gift from Mono to survivors
and those seeking to support and understand.
— Barb Shearer, former Chair, Advocates
for Survivors of Child Abuse (ASCA) |
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to download
lyrics or 
to listen
to a sample of the song.