Reborn marks Avalon's fourteenth recording in a career that has spanned nearly fifteen years of music and ministry. Few Christian artists can list 21 #1 singles, 6 Dove Awards, an American Music Award, 3 Grammy nominations, and over 3 million albums sold (not to mention a tour itinerary that would weary Lance Armstrong) over the course of their career. The title is most fitting for this vocal tour de force as there has been a rebirth in many ways over the past year. Avalon has a new label home with E1 Entertainment (formerly Koch Records); a new producer, Dove Award-winner and Producer of the Year Ian Eskelin; and a new member, Amy Richardson, whose vocal talents bring a whole new dynamic to Avalon. Her talented husband, Jeremi, joined the group in 2007. Reborn is the product of two husband-wife teams. Founding powerhouse vocalist Janna Long and her equally skilled husband, Greg, along with Jeremi and Amy Richardson, come together to deliver something that is sure to make you rethink all you thought you knew about Avalon. The new album is sure to connect with Avalon's thousands of faithful fans and without a doubt bring thousands of new fans to the celebration.
Avalon - "Alive" Hear Avalon's Brand New Single "Alive" From Their New Studio Album Reborn! Impacting Christian AC/Inspirational radio now!
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Avalon [Reborn]| Posted September 15, 2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
During Avalon's illustrious career, the modern pop quartet has sold over three million records and garnered 21 chart-topping singles, six Dove Awards, three Grammy nominations and an American Music Award. In addition to founding member Janna Long, the group is comprised of Greg Long, Janna's husband and group member since '03, Jeremi Richardson, and its newest member, Amy Richardson, making her Avalon debut on Reborn, and who also happens to be Jeremi's wife. With Reborn, Avalon took a daring move and tapped modern rock producer Ian Eseklin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart), joined by Barry Weeks, to produce the group’s 13th project. Along with a new label partnership with E1 Music, formerly known as Koch Records, Avalon's latest endeavor is arguably their most ambitious to date.
I happen to have every previous album recorded by Avalon, and it took me awhile to start writing my review as I wanted to really compare whether Avalon’s sound had made any significant changes. 2004’s The Creed has a similar sound in my opinion, minus Jody McBrayer and Melissa Greene. I have also listened to Melissa’s solo album Next Step several times and if you are a long-time Avalon enthusiast, you probably want to pick up both projects. The album starts with title track “Reborn”, all 10 tracks are one word titles by the way, which introduces the ‘new’ sound and yes, there are a few more guitars and Avalon’s signature sound of men and women harmonizing together. I saw the In A Different Light lineup of Avalon at my church in 2000 and I will agree that the pop sound of Reborn is more refined and more modern sounding. The best comparison I have is Melissa Greene’s solo album Next Step and perhaps Selah’s You Deliver Me . In fact if you like those albums, you’ll love Avalon’s Reborn as it has more energy and is more melodic in my opinion. Next track “Alive” is also catchy and harmonic, and stays in your head. The messages of the songs are very much about faithfulness and being “alive” in God.
First single “Arise” is next and is my favorite song on the album. I like how each of the band members take a line of the song, first the two guys and then the two women each join the song and bring the song to a higher level with the catchy chorus “grace will reach your lowest low and never let you go…arise...arise…” The next few songs “Feel”, “Fragile” and “Destined” all flow nicely and keep the same melodic sound going. Janna’s vocals are very distinct on “Destined” and reminded me the most of classic Avalon in the style of “All”, which is not a bad thing. “Stay” and “Angels” are also nice songs and the album closes with two more memorable songs “California” and “Holy”, which is based on Isaiah 6.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you’ve always liked Avalon, then you’ll like Reborn. Although the lineup is new, the sound is catchy pop that is very accessible and instantly recognizable. For me the standout songs are “Reborn”, “Alive”, “Arise”, “Destined” and “Holy”. If you like Melissa Greene, Selah and well, Avalon, you’ll like Reborn.
Rating: 8.2 out of 10 (82%, B-)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | 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!
Great CD| Posted December 03, 2009
I really liked this CD lyrically. I was kind of interested to see that Britt Nicole co-penned "Feel". My favorite song is "Destined" and I think Casting Crowns should cover it one day.
I was skeptical....but now I am not!| Posted October 26, 2009
I was a little worried when I heard that Melissa Greene was leaving Avalon, since she is such a powerful voice. However, Avalon's new cd Reborn, is excellent! I am so impressed with this album, it may be my favorite album that Avalon has ever made! You will not regret checking it out!!
Reborn| Posted September 22, 2009
I've been a fellow Avalon fan for years now and I can say in my opinion that with each new album they release they just get better and better. Their newest album "Reborn" continues to prove that statement to be true. After listening to this album I was amazed to see the new direction they were taking musically. Don't get me wrong their music is sort of the same but there are some guitar moments or "rock moments" as I like to call them, in this album. The album for me was awesome from opening to finish and it has a nice flow of songs that leaves you clinging and wanting you to hear what song is next. Avalon is still Avalon in this album. They may have made a few member changes on this album but they still have the same great sound. An even better sound for that matter!
The first track "Reborn" is a great upbeat opener that'll have you singing along in no time. The next song "Come Alive" is a great, very catchy song. I definitely love the vocals on this song. Then comes the first radio single off the album "Arise". This is one of my very favorite songs on this album. I love the vocals, harmonies, music, and overall the message of this song. This song speaks to me the most because its a song of hope. We as Christians will at one point or another find ourselves down and out feeling like there's no answer and its the end of it all. But this is a song of encouragement to us. Arise because through Jesus there is always hope for us. As soon as I heard this song i fell in love with it. It is definitely #1 material!
The next few songs "Feel", "Fragile" and "Destined" are also great tracks. Great vocals and great messages on each one. Then comes my next favorite off of this album, the Greg Long led "Stay". This song is another that speaks to me a lot. Another beautifly sung song that is sung from God's point of view. This song lets us know that we have everything we need in Christ. Theres no need to run from him. We just need to stay where we are safe and where we will always be provided and that is with HIM. I love everything about this song and I feel that it has a high potential to be a #1 radio hit. In my opinion it should be the next single off of this album.
The next songs "Angels" and "California" are a few more great songs. "California" is definitely one that will stay in your head for a while. It has a great beat and chorus that'll have you singing the song over and over. Trust me I catch myself singing it a lot. It definitely has a great message as well.
The closing song on this album "Holy" is definitely Avalon at their best. This is definitely another song that proves that Avalon has still got it.
From beautiful lyrics, great vocals/harmonies, great uplifting songs and catchy catchy songs because trust me, these songs will cling to you and you'll find yourself singing them over and over, Avalon proves that they still have great potential. I was very impressed and impacted by this album and feel that for those who are definitely fans of Avalon you have to pick one up for yourself. For those who don't know Avalon, you will definitely rethink the group after hearing this album. Pick one up and give them a shot. This album is definitely worth the 5 stars! (It's actually worth 10 stars but the rating only goes up to 5 ;) )
Avalon - "Alive"
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