One Life

Like the Don-meister himself, 33 Miles comes across with a clean, zesty appeal, made for radio. Their self-titled INO Records debut drops April 10th; mark your calendars if you like upbeat, country-flavored pop with very accessible lyrics and warm vocals. Jason Barton, Chris Lockwood, and Collin Stoddard brought their life-long musical passions together in Nashville to form 33 Miles and encourage the church.
“We just want to love on God’s people,” says Jason of their mission. “Just because you’re a Christian, doesn’t mean you live a perfect life.” The band’s name is a metaphor for Christ’s 33 years on the earth, and the direction that these three young players take from that example. Their songs are written with believers in mind, and the strength of this album of 11 original songs lies in its fervent, dramatic vocals.
The album opens brightly with the first single, “What Could Be Better,” a high-spirited pop-rock track that will make you sit up and take notice of their tight harmonies. “Come With Me,” continues the warm beckoning momentum, and the string-rich devotional ballad “There Is a God” kicks things up to the next level. “33 Miles” has a number of ballads, but they don’t al...

Like the Don-meister himself, 33 Miles comes across with a clean, zesty appeal, made for radio. Their self-titled INO Records debut drops April 10th; mark your calendars if you like upbeat, country-flavored pop with very accessible lyrics and warm vocals. Jason Barton, Chris Lockwood, and Collin Stoddard brought their life-long musical passions together in Nashville to form 33 Miles and encourage the church.

“We just want to love on God’s people,” says Jason of their mission. “Just because you’re a Christian, doesn’t mean you live a perfect life.” The band’s name is a metaphor for Christ’s 33 years on the earth, and the direction that these three young players take from that example. Their songs are written with believers in mind, and the strength of this album of 11 original songs lies in its fervent, dramatic vocals.

The album opens brightly with the first single, “What Could Be Better,” a high-spirited pop-rock track that will make you sit up and take notice of their tight harmonies. “Come With Me,” continues the warm beckoning momentum, and the string-rich devotional ballad “There Is a God” kicks things up to the next level. “33 Miles” has a number of ballads, but they don’t all work as well. While encourager “Hold On” and “The Best Man” are performed with passion, especially the latter, their dramatic pop changes felt somewhat formulaic to me.

Central to the album is an appealing spirit of gratitude, shining through the bouncy pop strings of “Thank You,” and “I Can’t Deny,” a track that stands out for the hint of ambience under its pop instrumentation. Another winning track is the Sunday morning-ready “Salvation Has a Name,” those alluring vocals soaring over thick strings. And I enjoyed the less orchestrated closer “When I Get Where I’m Going,” the vocals again a highlight.

[MAIN REVIEW]
Before I started writing this review, the only two 33Miles songs I had heard prior to hearing this new record was their highly successful debut single, “What Could Be Better (Better Days Ahead)” and their other radio single, “Thank You”. Other then that, I was not too familiar with their music. Their debut album was reviewed by our former writer, Stacey Papanikos, so after receiving a pre-release copy of One Life, I was determined to go back and familiarize myself with the band.

The most common thing I hear about 33Miles when made comparable to other bands is their resemblance in sound to the country-pop duo, Rascal Flatts. I had never listened to Rascal Flatts other then their version of Tom Cochran’s 1991 hit, “Life Is A Highway” (from the Disney-Pixar film Cars) and their version of “Bless the Broken Road”. When I went back and made the comparison, I saw many differences mainly in the content of the songs. Whereas Rascal Flatts sing a lot of faith-based songs as the members appear to be Christians, 33Miles implement their faith more in their music. Musically while both sound similar in some instances, I think 33Miles takes more of a rock approach to their...

[MAIN REVIEW] Before I started writing this review, the only two 33Miles songs I had heard prior to hearing this new record was their highly successful debut single, “What Could Be Better (Better Days Ahead)” and their other radio single, “Thank You”. Other then that, I was not too familiar with their music. Their debut album was reviewed by our former writer, Stacey Papanikos, so after receiving a pre-release copy of One Life, I was determined to go back and familiarize myself with the band. The most common thing I hear about 33Miles when made comparable to other bands is their resemblance in sound to the country-pop duo, Rascal Flatts. I had never listened to Rascal Flatts other then their version of Tom Cochran’s 1991 hit, “Life Is A Highway” (from the Disney-Pixar film Cars) and their version of “Bless the Broken Road”. When I went back and made the comparison, I saw many differences mainly in the content of the songs. Whereas Rascal Flatts sing a lot of faith-based songs as the members appear to be Christians, 33Miles implement their faith more in their music. Musically while both sound similar in some instances, I think 33Miles takes more of a rock approach to their music with a little country flavor added to the mix in some songs. These at the very least are things I noticed about the two. Often times in music it is hard to compete and out do yourself when it comes to recording and releasing a sophomore album. With the success of radio singles from their debut such as “Thank You”, “What Can Be Better (Better Days Ahead)” and “There Is a God”, could the trio match the impact that their debut had on Christian music listeners? I think so. In fact I would go as far as to say that One Life offers even more then its predecessor. Let’s take a look. The first four tracks on the album are perhaps four songs that I could play over and over again. I loved the message behind these songs. After listening through to them several times, the messages started popping out to me and even affecting my walk personally. The first track, “Gone” features a message similar to that of the parable Jesus speaks of of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:12-32. The chorus is very catchy as it reminded me of times in my walk with Christ where I might have strayed off track of where the Lord wanted me. “Gone, gone, gone, gone, gone / Now I’ve got Jesus and that’s a fact / I’m on track and never looking back / I’m gone, gone, gone, gone, gone / Gonna let the past be history / Not gonna let it get the best of me”. Musically the track might be considered one of a country/rock vibe with catchy lyrics and vocals. There is one line in the verse of the second track, “Jesus Calling” that immediately caught my attention. It is the answer to many of life’s tough questions. Why does this happen to me? Why am I going through this? Why must I deal with these things? The answer to that question is written in the verse, where it says “And how you see your circumstance is all about a choice”. The choice whether or not to follow in the footsteps of Christ and to heed to His words can ultimately decide the outcome of many situations you may have in your life. Even as believers we face many trials and tribulations. Whether it is fear, failure, frustration, emptiness or anything else that life throws your way, there is always a way out and that’s through Christ. Philippians 4:13 rings true in these circumstances. “I can do all things through Christ”. When you’re in these circumstances, do you hear Jesus calling? “Do you also hear that still, small voice saying / It’s okay you’re not alone / You may be scared to death but I won’t let you go / You may think the sky above is falling / But can you hear Jesus calling?” The title track (or at least half the title) and the album’s first single, “One Life to Love” has to be hands down one of the best cuts on this album. The reason I say this is, I see a lot of myself in the man described in the first verse. “He never thought he cared so much about the minute hand / Until he started praying for a second chance”. I consider myself a perfectionist with a lot of things, including this site, so in doing so, I put a lot of time into what you see and read on Christian Music Review. I often put so much time into it that I have caught myself at times overlooking things that are and should be more important to me. My wife and my two beautiful daughters for one, and my number one priority in serving Christ. While I wouldn’t label myself as extreme of a case as the man in the verse, sometimes I feel like I could spend more time with my family and not so much time on everything else. After all, I only have one chance to live and to love and enjoy the life God has given me. The second verse is very touching as well, speaking of a woman who had to give her child up for adoption only to regret her decision years down the road. In both of these cases, it’s apparent that if the guidance of the Lord had been sought, these things could have been avoided. We only have one chance, so it’s best to make the most of it. The chorus of the song is amazing in describing this thought, “You only get just one time around, you only get one shot at this / One chance to find out the one thing that you don’t wanna miss / One day when it’s all said and done I hope you see that it was enough / This one ride, one try, one life to love” The fourth track should serve as a reminder of the scripture found in 2 Corinthians 5:17. When we are saved, we are a new creation in Christ. That ‘old’ you has died and has left in it’s place the brand-new you. People should be able to tell the difference between us as Christians and those that don’t know Christ. “Something Different” touches on this subject. After all, we are witnesses to the world for Christ. The news of Salvation is found in those who are followers of Jesus, if we don’t show them, then how will they know their way? I especially like the chorus from this one, which should be our anthem to the world as Christians. “There’s something different about you / I see God’s love in your heart / And it’s making you shine” The second verse goes onto talk about what you should do after getting saved, “So go and tell the good things that Jesus has done / Let every moment be your moment to tell everyone, yeah” The piano-driven track, “Apologize” deals with one of the most hurtful and trouble-causing elements in the church (and the world) today. Pride. Yes, even Christians have pride. And pride in it’s very nature is a sin. I have always considered myself a forgiving person, even back before I gave my life to Christ. I could never hold a grudge. But I know that everyone doesn’t follow that the same. Even when I am in the wrong, I usually find myself apologizing and asking someone’s forgiveness even if they choose not to do so, or to forgive me. “I’ve gotta let go of my pride and apologize”. A lot of times, people have trouble apologizing. In most cases, it’s the pride that gets in the way. Mark 11:25-26 speaks of this very issue. If we can’t swallow our pride and be forgiving to others that trespass or sin against us, then how can we expect God to forgive us of the things we’ve said or done to others? He won’t, that’s it. “One Of Those Days” is an entertaining and thought-provoking song that asks the question, do you give God praise even in your troubles? You should. Yell it out! “Hallelujah, I give you the praise God even though I’m having a bad day!” Material possessions often get put too much in priority in our lives. This seems to be the message behind the song, “When It All Comes Crashing Down”. Even as Christians we feel as though we can’t survive if we don’t have this, or if we don’t have that. I like the bridge lyrics of the song that really put things in perspective. “Too many lives get buried, living in the temporary”. Amen. Keep your focus on God and His priorities and will for your life. Because I can promise you just as the song says, anything else will not hold and may come crashing down someday. Keep your eyes on Christ and everything will fall into place where it needs to be. Remember the old saying, “This world is not my home, I’m only passing through”. Just like our ‘stay’ here is temporary, so is the things within it (cars, houses, etc.). “I Loved You Then” should serve as a reminder that no matter what we go through in our lives, Christ loved you enough to die on a cross, proving to the world also that He loves you enough to help you through the darkest and toughest times in your life. He loves you now and He loves you even when you don’t realize it, much less when we are undeserving of it. The love of God is something we should never forget. The song musically is one that I would categorize almost as a love song to the listener from God Himself. Isaiah 64:6 says our best is filthy rags to God. But He takes what we give as an offering. I sometimes cannot even fathom how God has put up with some of the things that I have done. After all He has done for me, I have still not shown the honor and respect that He deserves. Even when I don’t bring God my best, He still cares enough for me to forgive and allow me the chance to redeem myself. I try not to knowingly make the same mistake twice, but sometimes it happens. “Offering” talks of this. God uses what we give as an offering. Even though we don’t deserve His love, His mercy and His patience at times, He still gives it. The pre-chorus begins by saying, “And on my own, I made a mess of things”, but the chorus says, “But you take it as my offering / You take the best and worst of me / And peace is at Your throne / Where the broken are made whole / And I can’t imagine anything / More beautiful or more amazing / When I bring everything and You take it as my offering.” The album ends with the song, “Little Bit of Love”, a song reminding us to live out John 13:34 in our lives in which Jesus says, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” You never know just how much you can affect someone else’s life until you show them love, show them compassion, respect. It may come across as an overused saying, but truthfully, a little bit of love can go a long way. “A little bit of love goes a long, long way / A little bit of hope can change the day / You could be the miracle that someone’s waiting for” This is something good to remember, after all it’s God’s commandment to you and all of us as well. CLOSING THOUGHTS You know after having sat back and re-read this, I am sure you as the reader are wondering, “Man, does this dude ever be quiet?” Well in the case of 33Miles new album, One Life, I guess I would have to say no! I really enjoyed this album as you can probably guess by the review. In all honesty, I really was kind of skeptical of this one at first. I wasn’t sure what to think. But, after having taken the time to listen I can assure you this album is one that you’ll want to pick up. Not only is it entertaining, but it has a great and dynamic message that will have you asking yourself a lot of questions. Be sure not to miss out on this one and pick up a copy September 16th! Rating: 9.5 out of 10 (95%, A) Review written by: Jay Heilman | Review can also be found here. This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!

After a whirlwind year that included the release of its debut CD, well-received radio singles, more than 200 performances and a coveted Dove Award nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” the men of 33Miles have created an incredible second set.

Encouraging listeners to live “every mile to the fullest,” One Life prescribes this mantra not only to 33Miles’ fans but to the trio’s personal lives as well. The record’s first single, “One Life to Love,” solidifies this mission with a poignant reminder: “You only get just one time around . . . One chance to find out the one thing you don’t want to miss.”

With skin-tight harmonies and folksy tendencies (the dobro makes more than one guest appearance on One Life) 33Miles definitely shows signs of influence. “Gone” might as well have been recorded by supergroup Rascal Flatts with its combination of acoustic tinglings, slick production and so, so fine vocals. And with crisp harmonies and a pulsing acoustic “When It All Comes Down” pivots between Keith Urban and Avalon.

But before you judge these guys as just another pop-country wannabe, think about this: Jason is a seasoned studio and touring vocalist. Chris turned down a scholarshi...

After a whirlwind year that included the release of its debut CD, well-received radio singles, more than 200 performances and a coveted Dove Award nomination for “New Artist of the Year,” the men of 33Miles have created an incredible second set. Encouraging listeners to live “every mile to the fullest,” One Life prescribes this mantra not only to 33Miles’ fans but to the trio’s personal lives as well. The record’s first single, “One Life to Love,” solidifies this mission with a poignant reminder: “You only get just one time around . . . One chance to find out the one thing you don’t want to miss.” With skin-tight harmonies and folksy tendencies (the dobro makes more than one guest appearance on One Life) 33Miles definitely shows signs of influence. “Gone” might as well have been recorded by supergroup Rascal Flatts with its combination of acoustic tinglings, slick production and so, so fine vocals. And with crisp harmonies and a pulsing acoustic “When It All Comes Down” pivots between Keith Urban and Avalon. But before you judge these guys as just another pop-country wannabe, think about this: Jason is a seasoned studio and touring vocalist. Chris turned down a scholarship to the famed Berklee College of Music to pursue the band. And Collin is only a semester short of earning his commercial music diploma from Nashville’s esteemed Belmont University. And considering its expanding fanbase and chumminess with radio, 33Miles is bound to find its own niche sooner rather than later. All comparisons aside, 33Miles is seriously good. One Life emits massive crossover appeal and, considering the wealth of musical enthusiasm the band showcases, 33Miles has music for many lifetimes to come. –Andrew Greer This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from Christian Music Planet. Click here to visit ChristianMusicPlanet.com today!