Folk-pop-styled CCM performer Carolyn Arends first attracted attention for her songwriting skills, penning hits for the likes of Carman, Susan Ashton and Michael James, for whom she authored the smash "Love Will." As a solo artist, she debuted in 1995 with the LP I Can Hear You, a major pop hit in her native Canada, where she reached the Top Five with the singles "Seize the Day," "This Is the Stuff" and the title track; the record also was successful on American Christian stations and earned extensive airplay within the adult alternative format. Nominated for Best New Artist at the 1996 Dove Awards, Arends returned in 1997 with Feel Free, which launched the CHR chart-topper "New Year's Day." The follow-up, 1999's This Much I Understand, was Arends' most personal album, reflecting on the birth of her son and the death of close friend Rich Mullins. 2000 saw the release of Seize the Day and Other Stories, a part greatest-hits, part live album also featuring two new songs. ~ Jason Ankeny