Hilary Weeks' 'Every Step' is making big strides

Inspiration for one of the songs on Hilary Weeks’ recently released CD “Every Step," came while she was doing the dishes. Another song was written with the weight-loss show “Biggest Loser” in mind. And the last one composed was an effort of three people who ended up having time the night before the last day of recording.

“Every Step” also made it onto five different Billboard charts last week, including No. 6 on Top Current Contemporary Christian and No. 102 on the Top Albums – Billboard Top 200. It was also No. 8 on the Current Christian Overall and No. 1 on both Top New Artist Albums – Indie Chart and New Artist Albums – Mountain. Also, two days after the album's Oct. 25 release, it was the No. 2-selling album on iTunes in the Christian/gospel category.

It’s the first time a Mormon has cracked the Top 10 on Billboard’s Christian Albums list, according to Billboard.com, and it’s also a first for a solo artist with the Shadow Mountain Records label.

Violinist Jenny Oaks Baker’s solo album “Then Sings My Soul” was No. 26 on the Christian Albums list, according to the Billboard.com article.

Pianist Josh Wright has been on the top of the Classical Traditional chart and pianist Paul Cardall has been on the top of the New Age chart, said Bob Ahlander, director of music and film at Deseret Book.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which is produced under its own label, has frequently been on and at the top of the Classical Traditional chart. “Glad Christmas Tidings” with David Archuleta and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir is No. 7 on the Classical Traditional chart.

“I was in shock,” Weeks said of when she heard the news. “We’re just thrilled.”

It was in a meeting last summer when Laurel Christensen, vice president of product development, said that she would like to crack the Christian charts, Ahlander said.

Weeks’ music is inspirational and faith-based without pointing to any one specific religion, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, of which she is a member and was recently called as a Relief Society teacher. Weeks also regularly performs at Deseret Book’s Time Out for Women events.

“That’s who Hilary is,” Ahlander said of her music. “Her material is really strong.”

Even with her growing fan base, it also had the potential to reach a broader audience.