For The Love Of The Game

Pop

Artist(s): Pillar | Release Date: February 26, 2008 | Last Edited By: NRTeamAdmin

Hailing from Tulsa, OK and having won three Dove Awards, Pillar\'s For The Love Of The Game is big, fun, infectious rock and roll that further solidifies Pillar\'s position as fearless leaders in the Christian Rock world. This is an album no Pillar fan should be without!

Track Listing

	Lyrics	1 - For The Love Of The Game
	Lyrics	2 - Turn It Up
	Lyrics	3 - Reckless Youth
	Lyrics	4 - State Of Emergency
	Lyrics	5 - Smiling Down
	Lyrics	6 - The Runaway
	Lyrics	7 - Throwdown
	Lyrics	8 - Get Back
		9 - I Fade Away
	Lyrics	10 - Forever Starts Now

Album Reviews

NRT Staff Official Review

Very Impressive Rock Album

By KevinDavis_NRT | Posted December 3, 2008

Before I dug into this album by Pillar, their 5th full-length release, I was only familiar with a few of their songs Frontline, Fireproof, and the U2 cover Sunday Bloody Sunday. Something changed when I heard the title song For The Love Of The Game. The instrumentation was so tight and the emotive vocal style of Rob Beckley drew me in like my other favorite Christian rock albums of the decade by Disciple, Red and Skillet. If you like those artists, then you MUST get this album.

From the opening notes of For The Love Of The Game, I was hooked. I found myself bobbing my head, air drumming, and pretending I was a Guitar Hero with every song, especially Turn It Up with the 34 Christian song titles in the lyrics, State Of Emergency and Get Back. If you grew up in the 1980's like I did, you'll be reminded of hair metal bands Def Leppard, Poison and Motley Crue, which is fun. As if those great rock songs weren't enough, the two standout songs to me are the ballad Smiling Down and the worshipful closer Forever Starts Now. I got chills listening to both songs. If you like rock music with a great message, then you must get this very impressive rock album. I rank it 90% out of 100%...

Before I dug into this album by Pillar, their 5th full-length release, I was only familiar with a few of their songs Frontline, Fireproof, and the U2 cover Sunday Bloody Sunday. Something changed when I heard the title song For The Love Of The Game. The instrumentation was so tight and the emotive vocal style of Rob Beckley drew me in like my other favorite Christian rock albums of the decade by Disciple, Red and Skillet. If you like those artists, then you MUST get this album. From the opening notes of For The Love Of The Game, I was hooked. I found myself bobbing my head, air drumming, and pretending I was a Guitar Hero with every song, especially Turn It Up with the 34 Christian song titles in the lyrics, State Of Emergency and Get Back. If you grew up in the 1980's like I did, you'll be reminded of hair metal bands Def Leppard, Poison and Motley Crue, which is fun. As if those great rock songs weren't enough, the two standout songs to me are the ballad Smiling Down and the worshipful closer Forever Starts Now. I got chills listening to both songs. If you like rock music with a great message, then you must get this very impressive rock album. I rank it 90% out of 100%, 4 1/2 stars.

Get it!

By SteveOOO122 | Posted August 30, 2009

I first heard of Pillar at Camp Electric 08, when I first got into Christian music. They stayed all week and played a concert one night and after that show i went to the merch table and bought all the CDs they had! These are some of the nicest guys ever!

I Love This Game

By bull42 | Posted March 19, 2009

I have said in many forum posts that my favoriye song is "For The Love Of The Game" by Pillar.Then I realized that I need to do a CD review of this CD.This is my favorite Pillar CD.
It is awesome !! The title song goes without saying is a song I never grow tired of hearing. The vocals are great as well as the excellent guitar and drumming.IMO,Lester and Kaleel are the best rhythem artists in rock. It is truly a shame they have left the group.I wish them well in their new endeavers.That being said,the rest of this Cd is great."Turn ItUP" is a good song that takes many of its lines from other well known Christian songs.I always try to count how many I know during the song.My list grows every time I hear it."Reckless Youth" and "State of Emergency" are great rock songs as well. These songs speak to the young people to take back what has been lost."Get Back" has a greatbas line that I really like.It urges all of us to get back to what is important-living for God."Smiling Down" is a good ballad song on this CD. This is an outstanding Cd that needs to be addes to everyone's CD library.I urge everyone to get into the game,yo...

PILLAR

By Twitch | Posted September 30, 2008

This CD is one awesome CD the songs are an upbeat rock tempo it's rally and awesome CD

UNASHAMED TO ROCK FOR CHRIST

By CCMmagazine | Posted September 29, 2008

Contemporary Christian music and ’80s era metal might seem like strange bedfellows, but one listen to Pillar’s For the Love of the Game will erase those notions. This hook-heavy disc features a slew of high-energy rock anthems, a few power ballads, and just enough of the band’s old rap-rock stylings thrown in to keep older fans happy.

While the CD awakens memories of a musical time gone by, it also pays homage to the world of contemporary Christian music. Pillar is unabashedly unashamed of their place in the Christian music industry, and they aren’t afraid to wear their faith on their sleeves as they call on listeners to do the same. This is particularly evident in the title track, as well as songs like “State of Emergency” and “Get Back.” Meanwhile “Turn it Up” provides us with a CCM version of “Name That Tune,” featuring lines from 34 different artists, ranging from Michael W. Smith to Disciple.

With For the Love of the Game, Pillar and producer Travis Wyrick have created an album that could generate plenty of hits for Christian radio, and will have you singing along loudly while pumping your fist in the air. - Kenneth Mueller

This review has been reprinted on NRT with p...

Contemporary Christian music and ’80s era metal might seem like strange bedfellows, but one listen to Pillar’s For the Love of the Game will erase those notions. This hook-heavy disc features a slew of high-energy rock anthems, a few power ballads, and just enough of the band’s old rap-rock stylings thrown in to keep older fans happy. While the CD awakens memories of a musical time gone by, it also pays homage to the world of contemporary Christian music. Pillar is unabashedly unashamed of their place in the Christian music industry, and they aren’t afraid to wear their faith on their sleeves as they call on listeners to do the same. This is particularly evident in the title track, as well as songs like “State of Emergency” and “Get Back.” Meanwhile “Turn it Up” provides us with a CCM version of “Name That Tune,” featuring lines from 34 different artists, ranging from Michael W. Smith to Disciple. With For the Love of the Game, Pillar and producer Travis Wyrick have created an album that could generate plenty of hits for Christian radio, and will have you singing along loudly while pumping your fist in the air. - Kenneth Mueller This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today!

Pillar [For The Love Of The Game]

By christianmusicreview | Posted September 24, 2008

[Main Review] To be honest with you I have never really been a fan of Pillar’s work. Maybe I was under the impression they were trying to be another cliché rock band. I mean come on…the name of their first album was ‘Fireproof’. Call me crazy but ‘Fireproof’ really sounds, well, typical of a Christian rock band. So when I got this album to review I had some presuppositions that were not in favor of them. I read the name of this album, ‘For the Love of the Game’, and was immediately interested. I was wondering how they were going to tie in the name of the album with a Christian message. After the first song I understood the name if the album. “The Game” which is referred to in the album title is a reference to Christian life. I’m not too keen on referring to the Christian walk as a game, but I understand what they are trying to say. “Turn It Up” was my favorite song on the album. This song is an anthem for us. I love the fact that many of today’s best Christian rock song were referenced in the verses. I could drone on endlessly about what I liked in this album, but I would recommend you just go pick it up and listen to it yourself. CLOSING THOUGHTS I gave this album a 92% because the music was very good but I just could not give it a perfect score. Listen, a 92% is nothing to laugh at, especially from me. The album is great. In fact, I’m going to put it on my Zune…yes I like it that much. ADDITIONAL REVIEW by Jay Heilman I have been a fan of Pillar since the 2nd record, ‘Fireproof’ and while the name might sound cliché of a Christian band, I found the true meaning behind the song and title made a lot of sense. The song refers to the Biblical account of Meshach, Shedrach and Abednego. How they didn’t bow down to Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into the ‘fiery furnace’ and survived. They were ultimately ‘fireproof’ because of their faith and trust in the Lord. Let’s jump ahead to ‘For The Love Of The Game’. I was actually somewhat disappointed in ‘The Reckoning’. I thought it could have been a lot better. The message is what really held it back in my eyes. I remember interviewing Rob Beckley (Lead Vocals) at Rock the Universe 2005 and one question I asked him was, “Why is your message not as evident and often watered down compared to a lot of other artists?” I think he answered my skepticism with the new album. Not only does it rock, but it has a great message. I think I would have to say my favorite cut from the album would be “Smiling Down”. This song has a great message and the music just fits it perfectly. I get chills when I hear this song. It makes me think of the family of mine that have gone on to be with the Lord, especially my grandfather, Richard Bilyeu. I know if he could look down on me, he would be smiling, telling me “You are going to go through troubles, but I can tell you there is hope and peace on the other side. I love you”. Some days are hard to make it through knowing he is no longer here, but the other time is spent realizing that one day, we’ll be together again. This is definitely a rock album worth going out and picking up. So be sure to get yourself a copy! Go to our Musichristian link on Pillar’s Artist Profile and get the album on sale and signed! Review written by: Mike Strubie Review can also be found at: http://www.christianmusicreview.org/pillar_fortheloveofthegame.html This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!

ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

By herocksmyworld94 | Posted September 11, 2008

now this is what i was waiting for! their original sound is so much better! i'm glad that they gave up most of the screaming. i really didn't like the sreaming thing .... nice job pillar

WOAH!!!!!!

By djgreen | Posted August 13, 2008

Pillar exploded into my favorite artists with this release, I cannot believe the talent and display of amazing passion on this album. Every song is an incredibley catchy heavy rock track with the exception of "Smiling Down" and "I Fade Away". The guitar couldn't be better, and Pillar shows their passion for Christ through great rock music. My favorite track would have to be the call out for us to get the fire for Christ re-ignited in ourselves in the fast paced, intense "Get Back".

Definitely worth your money!

By Annie_93 | Posted May 14, 2008

I love this CD. Pillar's a GREAT band. They're one of my favorite bands ever :)

I especially love "Turn it up", "Reckless Youth", and "The Runaway".
Pillar's style of music is great. I really hope Pillar stops by near my area during their tour. Seeing them live would be amazing!

For the Love of Pillar

By BrokenBass | Posted April 17, 2008

What can I say? This new album from Pillar is one of their best. Each track has it's own character. The musicians seem to have more freedom to express themselves. The drum tracks alone are something to behold. Overall this album rocks. Even the slow song in the middle is very good and catchy. I would definitely recomend this to anyone who likes Pillar and anyone who likes good solid rock music.

great album

By carrtoondragon | Posted April 9, 2008

I heard Pillar a couple year ago at a concert with 5 bands, and I didn't like them much then; so I've never looked back into them. That is until now. I thought I'd give them another go(or maybe an actual go :P) So I decided to listen to For The Love Of The Game, and I have to say this album is great.
For The Love Of The Game starts out with the song of the same name and rocks out with a great message. Then it goes to a clever song called "Turn It Up" which is probably one of my favorite songs on the album. It's very smart in the way it uses Christian album titles in the song to create a very good song. Honestly, most of the album's songs seem to be well thought out and promoting great causes. Like "Reckless Youth" which promotes sharing your faith recklessly in the sense of not caring what anyone, but God thinks. And then "State of Emergency" which talks about us needing to take action to reach the world for Christ instead of just sitting back in our distractions. And that's just scratching the surface of this great album.
I think these guys are a little harder than I typically listen to. That's probably why I didn't enjoy them that much several years ago. Therefore th...

I heard Pillar a couple year ago at a concert with 5 bands, and I didn't like them much then; so I've never looked back into them. That is until now. I thought I'd give them another go(or maybe an actual go :P) So I decided to listen to For The Love Of The Game, and I have to say this album is great. For The Love Of The Game starts out with the song of the same name and rocks out with a great message. Then it goes to a clever song called "Turn It Up" which is probably one of my favorite songs on the album. It's very smart in the way it uses Christian album titles in the song to create a very good song. Honestly, most of the album's songs seem to be well thought out and promoting great causes. Like "Reckless Youth" which promotes sharing your faith recklessly in the sense of not caring what anyone, but God thinks. And then "State of Emergency" which talks about us needing to take action to reach the world for Christ instead of just sitting back in our distractions. And that's just scratching the surface of this great album. I think these guys are a little harder than I typically listen to. That's probably why I didn't enjoy them that much several years ago. Therefore that may turn some of you away from this album, but as long as you enjoy harder rock this album should be in your collection. I personally will have to pick this up sometime in the future when I see it on sale. Since other albums are currently ahead of this, but don't let that turn you away from this album. It's still a great album. My Score: 8.8

Ah ... yes, Pillar, you just keep making it good!

By tyler_hester | Posted April 7, 2008

It does still have some of the same feel from the Reckoning, especially with the bass lines, drums, and some of the slight screamage.

Really good though, I was listening on their myspace before I got it, and it's better than I expected from the few teasers.

Thank you Pillar, good Christian rock, music that can be appreciated even by my secular friends because it's just that good!

Props to Pillar,

Tyler

Awesome Album

By bloodlake | Posted April 2, 2008

This album is awesome, It rivals Where do we go from Here as the best album released. Though I honestly don't think this band could put out a bad album, Fireproof, to Where do we go from here, to The Reckoning, to this one are all great albums and are truly inspiring.

Best Pillar album EVER!

By HawkNelsonGirl3130 | Posted April 1, 2008

ok so yeah, FTLOTG is the best Pillar record to ever! I was so impressed by it, the songs are amazing! Buy it!

Awesome

By hawknelson | Posted March 28, 2008

awesome cd all the songs are great

A solid album from start to finish

By username2 | Posted March 20, 2008

After leaving Flicker Records Pillar comes out with their 1st for Essential Records and 5th on a major label. This CD is amazing. All 10 songs are solid and have it's own unique "wow" factor to them. Like it says in the little blurb on the page for this album (see above) this is an album that Pillar fans should not pass on.

Blown Away!

By mwindsor | Posted March 18, 2008

So I had always thought that Pillar would be a little too "hardcore" for me..... but the minute I heard the preview for this CD, For the Love of the Game.... i was utterly amazed!
I absolutely love every song on here... and reckless youth is one of my favorites...
I make all my friends get in my car and listen to it! It makes my life! haha

awesomeee stuff! Check it out!

finally!

By RossMan | Posted March 8, 2008

ive been waiting for what 2 years now? and Pillar is finally back! i bought the single the day it came out and pre ordered the album the same day and i got it the mail and ive listened to it a TON this album is amazing with the lyrics, guitar, drums and evertyhing i highly recommend this album for everyone

Best Album Yet

By atlbraves5656 | Posted March 7, 2008

This has to be the best one they did yet. I almost have every CD Pillar has produced and by far, this is the best. Every song is catchy and has an excellent message. Put all your past judgements of pillar behind. This is a great CD for everyone who likes rock music. If you dont get this CD, you are missing out.

great addition

By scottieb2005 | Posted March 3, 2008

STILL havent put this down. a definite must buy even with all the great albums as of late. Pillar has gone from a lot of screaming vocals to softer songs with a power packed message entailed.

Pillar does it Again!

By dano1421 | Posted March 3, 2008

This album is way better than the Reckoning!!! It has that same feel as the Reckoning, but the songs are just way better. For the Love of the Game is the best song on the Album and the others rang up there just as well. The songs tend to get little sloppy towards the end, but the rest of the album makes up for it.

Great

By noicelimits | Posted March 2, 2008

This is one of the most amazing albums i have heard in a long time. There style of throwing in different techniques and still be able relate it to life and God is just incredible. Especially the song smiling down helped a lot me and my friends get over the death of one of our closest friends.

Back to the Good Stuff

By Arryc | Posted March 1, 2008

Pillar still knows how to rock. The style is about 70% "Where Do We Go From Here" and 30% "The Reckoning". The band experimented a bit with their sound for their last album, "The Reckoning", giving it quite a different feel from previous releases. Now, they've kept what they did right and discarded the unpopular, giving "For the Love of the Game" a sound similar to the true Rock their fans know and love.

Best of hard and soft rock

By scottieb2005 | Posted February 28, 2008

This Cd comes out with a bang in the title track "For the love of the Game" it's almost gauranteed to get your blood flowing and foot taping, if it doesn't it may have just rocked your face off!!! continues on and kinda slows down the pace but still keeping up some intensity in chorus parts. I got this cd as a gift and havent stopped listening to it since. Must add to any and everybodies cd collection.

Pillar's For Love of The Game is Tremendous

By sportsfan1374 | Posted February 28, 2008

Pillar's newest album is what most fans of the band have been waiting for. From "Get Back" and "Throwdown" this album rocks with the best. The softer track "Smiling Down" really lets you know what the band was feeling when they wrote it. Overall this is a must have for anyone wanting to grow in their relationship with God as the lyrics of each and every song will speak to and through you.

Turn it up!

By hebrews1316 | Posted February 27, 2008

Wow! I have to say, right from the get go, this album rocks. Very tight and well layered. The guitar work is awsome and the lyrics are moving. I was nearly brought to tears on "Smiling Down." Pillar is at their finest and this album really shows that.

Pillar brings their best Game

By Nathan | Posted February 27, 2008

After an unimpressive, experiment effort by Pillar (the Reckoning) which they left their usual band name style, they are back now going with the traditional text. Going back the traditional album art seemed to help things, because their latest album For the Love of the Game is definitely top notch, improved rock.
Pillar went back to old school rock on his CD, as shown on the title track â€œfor the love of the gameâ€ which is a heavy rock song with just a hint of screaming, overall though it is great. After the first song Pillar gets on a roll; â€œturn it upâ€ is a fun rock tune, and reckless youth is heavy, but they might have gotten a little carried away with the electric guitar. â€œState of emergencyâ€ is a solid rock song, but the album does slow down a bit with â€œsmiling downâ€ which nice light rock song.
After ten years in the Christian rock business the music just keeps getting better and more refined. The song â€œrunawayâ€ is a very fast paced rock song, and the heaviest song on the album is â€œThrowdownâ€. The music is really heavy and it contains the most screaming on the ten track CD. â€œI fade awayâ€ is another good rock song, and Get backâ€™s music has a little...

Pillar went back to old school rock on his CD, as shown on the title track â€œfor the love of the gameâ€ which is a heavy rock song with just a hint of screaming, overall though it is great. After the first song Pillar gets on a roll; â€œturn it upâ€ is a fun rock tune, and reckless youth is heavy, but they might have gotten a little carried away with the electric guitar. â€œState of emergencyâ€ is a solid rock song, but the album does slow down a bit with â€œsmiling downâ€ which nice light rock song.

After ten years in the Christian rock business the music just keeps getting better and more refined. The song â€œrunawayâ€ is a very fast paced rock song, and the heaviest song on the album is â€œThrowdownâ€. The music is really heavy and it contains the most screaming on the ten track CD. â€œI fade awayâ€ is another good rock song, and Get backâ€™s music has a little techno mixed in with the rock and light screaming. The album ends with the lighter (as light as Pillar ever gets) â€œforever starts nowâ€ but it does not sound all right.

The title is fueled by 1 Corinthians: 9:24-25 about the athletes who would not quite until they achieved the prize. The title track is a great anthem (â€œfight through the hurt, fight through the pain/we live our lives for the love of the gameâ€); â€œThrowdownâ€ and â€œget backâ€ are other similar anthems which consider spiritual warfare. The lyrics and messages are excellent all the way around from living your faith regardless of what the world thinks (â€œreckless youthâ€ which does include a gun metaphor) remembering the less fortunate (â€œstate of emergencyâ€), and thoughts about eternity (â€œforever starts nowâ€). I fade away is even a Pillar worship song.

Pillar brings their best game on this album, as itâ€™s full of cutting edge rock, strong lyrics, and excellent anthems including one every Christian music fan can enjoy (â€œturn it upâ€). For the Love of the Game is a treat to play.

All they said it would be and more

By bwilliams2125 | Posted February 26, 2008

Great CD! It is all that they said it would be and more. Best song is Reckless Youth, but I love them all!

Pillar's Back!

By Xianmusicfan | Posted February 25, 2008

Although The Reckoning wasn't a bad album, it was definitely a letdown. FTLOTG is definitely a step up. The best songs are Turn it Up, State Of Emergency, Reckless Youth, and Throwdown.

Pillar Rocks

By trentman629 | Posted February 20, 2008

Pillar continues to amaze me with their latest album For the Love of the Games. They continue their rock based sound that fans have grown to love and dish out plenty of guitar rifts. The title track i can for see in many sporting events. My favorite song on the album is smiling down, which is a slower song for the band but the lyrics and vocals are amazing. Also Turn it up (least i think is the title) is pure genious song that intertwines at least 30 songs of artist that have inspired the band. anyone who can mix references to possibly more than 30 songs in a 3 minute song is truely a gifted writer. I for see plenty of radio hits with this album and hopes fand and new fans will enjoy this album.