Joy Lippard brings a Christian perspective to her songs of youthful experience on her 2009 self-titled debut album. This multi-talented 18-year-old combines a natural vocal sweetness with a perceptive lyric touch grounded in everyday life. She avoids overstatement and melodrama when addressing familiar boy/girl topics — tunes like “Hey There Stranger” and “Walk Me Home” hit all the right romantic notes without getting too gushy. “I Will Write You Letters” (about the hazards of communication) and “Too Much to Ask For” (a break-up song with real bite) also reflect her intelligent approach. Lippard has a lot to say about teen self-esteem, infusing “Stronger” and “She’s a Diamond” with an empowering message. Though spiritual matters aren’t addressed directly for the most part, “Miracle” makes Joy’s faith plain. The album’s musical settings range from bouncy acoustic-pop to tender piano balladry, ending up somewhere between Bethany Dillon and Krystal Meyers in sound. Joy Lippard provides an appealing snapshot of an artist emerging into adulthood with sparkle and grace.