Returning to Nostalgia| Posted May 03, 2024 What You Need To Know
The hit movie Unsung Hero is out in theaters now. It tells the story of the Smallbone family's immigration to the United States and their early foray into the music business. Joel and Luke Smallbone, better known as for KING + COUNTRY, are at the forefront of contemporary Christian music in 2024. This collection of songs serves as their latest album and an "inspired by" soundtrack, a testament to their collaborative effort in producing the film.
What It Sounds Like
The album is primarily composed of various covers relevant to the brothers Smallbone. These songs from the 1980s and 1990s are given sonic updates to fit with the current popular sounds of for KING + COUNTRY. Iconic contemporary artist, Michael W. Smith's "Place in This World," was a big hit in 1990, but the original sounds a tad dated by today's musical standards. for KING + COUNTRY magically updated the song so well that one could be forgiven for forgetting that it's not one of theirs. Iconic contemporary artist Amy Grant's "Lead Me On" is another song that follows such a tradition. It helps that both original artists make guest appearances on their respective songs. These songs make me wish more popular classic Christian hits could be updated by the band.
The band also recorded a few mainstream covers, such as Rod Stewart's "Rhythm of My Heart," and the results are equally as good. Worship standard "I Surrender All" and Rebecca St. James hit "You're The Voice" also help round out the track listing. While I would have preferred a different Rebecca St. James song than one that was already a cover to start, I can't argue that the Smallbone brothers still do a good job. The only real misfire on my end is the rapped verses of "To Hell With The Devil." While I respect the effort to offer a radically different interpretation of the song, the result clashes with both the original song and for KING + COUNTRY's stylistic strengths.
There is some original material to be had here. "Checking In" is a country duet with Curb labelmate Lee Brice that fits well with the album's parental themes. "She Believes" is a classic for KING + COUNTRY song both thematically and musically. It is classic, as the song was originally done when the duo was still playing as Joel and Luke. While this could easily be a one-off track, there are a lot of old songs from before they were signed that I would like to revisit. The title track originally from What Are We Waiting For (and its transition track outro) reappears here. The song was a highlight of their last album, although I would've liked it to be reimagined some if it were to be reused again. Or at least to have the two tracks made one for playback ease. But these are minor nitpicks in the grand scheme.
Spiritual Highlights
The album tackles mostly relationship themes, although some of these relationships are more parent-child than romantic. The title track's tribute to the Smallbone parents remains touching, as does the paternal "Checking In," which should be a perfect song for Father's Day. The coming-of-age journey of "Place in this World" remains relevant.
Best Song I have to give this one to the stellar cover of "Place in This World," which is a solid update of a timeless classic.
Final Word
This is a very well-done project from start to finish. Whether longing for the nostalgia of hits past or a new fan eager to devour the latest from one of Christian music's premier acts, this album is a winner. I hope we see more projects like this in the future.
Music Inspired by the Film| Posted April 29, 2024
This album, by the four-time GRAMMY Award winning duo For King + Country, comprised of brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, is a collection of songs (covers, previously released songs by the band, etc.), that were inspired by their film Unsung Hero.
The album has the band collaborating with a number of artists, including Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, sister Rebecca St. James, Stryper, Lecrae and more.
Below are a few comments about each song: You're The Voice – This song was written by Chris Thompson, Andy Qunta and Maggie Ryder. It was recorded in 1986 by Australian singer John Farnam, and in 1991 by Heart. It was covered by Rebecca St. James on her 1996 album God. Place In This World – This song was written by Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Wayne Kirkpatrick, and features Michael W. Smith. This was Smith’s biggest mainstream success when his recording of the song hit #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1991. She Believes – This song was written by Joel Smallbone. The song was included as “She Believes in Me” on the band’s 2008 debut EP A Tale Of Two Towns. To Hell With The Devil (RISE) – This reimagined song is based on the title song from Stryper’s 1986 album. This version was written by Joel Smallbone, Joseph Prielozny, Lecrae, Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Tedd T and Dyame. The song features Stryper and Lecrae. The Smallbone’s father David promoted a Stryper tour in Australia when he was a successful concert promoter. For King + Country had previously collaborated with Lecrae a few times, beginning with Lecrae’s 2014 song “Messengers”. Checking In – This song was written by Garrett Jacobs, Kenneth Cooper Hart and Michael Farren, and features Lee Brice. The song tells the story of a son wrestling with grief about the loss of his father through imagining how he would respond to a voicemail of the father “checking in” with him. The song connects with the film when David is seen grieving over the unexpected death of his father James. You Make Everything Beautiful – This song was written by Rebecca St. James, Luke Smallbone, and Fred Williams, and features Rebecca St. James performing her 2011 song. Rhythm Of My Heart – This song was written by John Joseph Capek and Marc Wallace Jordan, made popular by Rod Stewart in 1991. Unsung Hero (Single Edit) – This song was written by Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Seth David Mosley, and Federico Vindver. The song was originally released on the band’s 2022 album What Are We Waiting For? Harmony – This short song was written by Federico Vindver, Aqualung, Seth Mosley, Luke Smallbone, and Joel Smallbone, and features Sleeping At Last. The song was originally released on the band’s 2022 album What Are We Waiting For? Lead Me On – This song was written by Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick, and features Amy Grant. This is a reimagined version of Grant’s 1988 version of the song. David Smallbone’s promotion of Grant’s failed (in terms of attendance) Australian tour plays a major role in the Smallbone family’s story in the film. I Surrender All – This hymn was written by Judson W. Van DeVenter in 1896 features Hillary Scott, who had a small role in the film, and Michael W. Smith. Crazy (Theatrical Version) – This song was written by Guy Sigsworth, and features Rebecca St. James. The song was recorded by Seal in 1991.
I enjoyed the album, especially some of the reimagined songs.
Favorite songs:
Place in This World
You Make Everything Beautiful
Unsung Hero
Lead Me On
to add lyrics if not listed.
