The latest CD from Benita Hill is titled, "The Things that are Real". She writes that it's a catharsis for her, a very personal and emotional effort musically and personally. She begins with "Starting Over". Hill sings, 'when i look into the mirror, i see my best friend, starting over and i'm travelling light. .no more suitcase filled with old beliefs, all it ever did was weigh me down - it's my dream to follow because i'm the one who knows'. The short tune is a fitting begining to a record that touches on mature enlightened subjects such as family, good days, empowerment, appreciation for one's parents, ancestors, and the love of freedom. Track 2, "You Forgot that I could Fly", is a tune penned in collaboration with Garth Brooks, and the song is vengeance in the face of those who would push someone off the edge. She sings, 'i just found these wings again, it's the way i've always been, you forgot that i could fly, to be honest, so did i'. Track 5, "Even When it Rains", is a sugarry pop wonder and unlike anything we've heard from Hill before. It has a Beatles flavor and even reminds us of songs being made popular by the Naked Brothers. Exciting sound. Track 10, "Love is on the Way", is a song of romantic hope and trusting, 'life goes on, just when you think hope is gone, a ray of light comes in the darkest night to say, you're gonna be o.k.. .love will come again when the right one comes along, you're heart will sing a new song, there's magic in believing, that little voice inside that says hold on for tha t day, love is on the way'. The emotional build of the melodic flow is masterful and the finest bit of writing we've heard on Hill's collections. One of the last tunes is a poetic and poignant tribute to freedom, the Statue of Liberty, and the dreams of those who've come before in "Never Forget". Moving. The entire CD is moving - and although recorded on a home recording VS-1680, wonderfully produced and communicated and the most intimate of Hill's records.