A Soundtrack for the Journey: Estella Kirk’s Growing Pains
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In the world of Christian music, where the lines between genres are constantly blurring, a new voice is emerging with a refreshing blend of vulnerability, country and pop sensibility. Estella Kirk, a singer-songwriter originally from Oklahoma and now based in the creative hub of Franklin, Tennessee, is crafting a sound that feels both intimately personal and universally relatable. Her music isn’t about presenting a sanitized, perfect faith; instead, it’s a deep and honest exploration of the messy, beautiful process of spiritual growth. It’s the sound of journal entries set to a cinematic pop soundtrack.
Kirk’s upcoming EP, Growing Pains, is a five-song journey that promises to be a powerful testament to this very process. The title itself speaks volumes, acknowledging that faith isn’t a destination but a continuous, sometimes uncomfortable, evolution. The EP captures the quiet aches and monumental shifts of young adulthood—leaving behind the familiar, outgrowing old rhythms, and finding a constant, sacred presence in God through it all. It’s a collection of stories that many can see themselves in, a soundtrack for those moments of transition and self-discovery.
The first single from the EP, “All I Know (to my knees),” is a perfect introduction to this sound. Featuring Hunter Plake, a standout from The Voice, the track is a masterclass in emotional honesty. It’s a song that doesn’t shy away from the struggle, but finds its strength in surrender. The collaboration with Plake adds a dynamic layer, with his polished pop-Christian sound complementing Kirk’s storytelling style. The lyrics are a raw and vulnerable confession, a moment of reaching the end of one’s own strength and turning to a higher power. It’s the kind of song that resonates on a gut level, whether you’re at the top of your game or at your lowest point. It’s a track that would feel equally at home on a celebratory playlist as it would on one for a quiet, contemplative evening.
What sets Estella Kirk apart is her unique ability to infuse Christian themes with a pop-country blend that feels both fresh and timeless. Her music is more than just a message; it’s an experience. The cinematic quality of her soundscapes—rich with layers and textures—creates a backdrop for her poignant storytelling. You don’t just listen to the songs; you feel them, picturing the scenes and connecting with the emotions they evoke.
Review: Estella Kirk’s “All I Know (to my knees)”
“All I Know (to my knees),” the lead single from Estella Kirk’s new EP Growing Pains, is a triumph of vulnerable songwriting and dynamic collaboration. The track immediately establishes its thematic core with an intimate, almost conversational tone before building into a sweeping, anthemic chorus. The musical arrangement, a blend of pop sensibilities with a subtle country-infused storytelling, serves as the perfect canvas for Kirk’s heartfelt lyrics. It’s a sound that feels both modern and rooted in a tradition of honest, narrative-driven music.
Hunter Plake’s feature on the track is not a mere addition but a seamless integration. His vocal performance complements Kirk’s beautifully, adding a layer of depth and texture that elevates the song without overshadowing its core message. The interplay between their voices is a testament to the song’s collaborative spirit, creating a powerful duet that feels both personal and universal.
Lyrically, “All I Know (to my knees)” is a masterclass in humility. The song captures the raw moment of surrender—the realization that personal strength has its limits and that true peace comes from letting go. It’s a theme that is relatable far beyond a religious context, speaking to anyone who has faced a moment of profound helplessness. The song doesn’t offer a quick fix or a neat solution; instead, it provides a sense of quiet comfort and strength found in vulnerability.
The production of the single is crisp and polished, with every element serving the song’s emotional arc. The build from a quiet, reflective verse to a powerful, cathartic chorus is expertly handled, making the listener feel every beat of the emotional journey. “All I Know (to my knees)” is more than just a song; it’s a powerful statement of purpose from an artist who is not afraid to explore the difficult, yet beautiful, aspects of faith. It’s a track that will undoubtedly resonate with listeners, offering a sense of connection and hope, making it a perfect addition to playlists for both the celebratory and the challenging moments of life.