Still The Same For Apologetix

If you haven’t heard of Apologetix by now, then you’re missing the best independent band in Christian music. A cult group that has followed Weird Al and made parodies out of popular songs, but unlike Al Apologetix uses the parodies to preach the gospel by giving the songs biblical meanings. In the past the independent band’s material has been less then up to par in terms of quality, but has done the best with what they’ve been given, and it’s the same for Wordplay.

First up, “Somebody Sold Me” (“Somebody Told Me”— The Killers) which showcases the great part about what the band does; taking bad songs and giving them Christian lyrics but essentially keeping the music of the song. “None Too Ladylike” (“1985”— Bowling For Soup) is chock full of references to Madonna, Star Wars, among other things. “Save Your Voice (Quiet Down Boy)” (“Ride A Horse (Save A Cowboy)” —Big & Rich) takes a fun country rock song and adds the message of praising God when it’s not popular in the world. The lead singer, J. Jackson recorded the song twice with a different voice for each male singer, making the song well rounded. “Boulevard of Both Extremes” (“Boulevard of Broken Dreams”—Green Day) is a dead ringer musically, but the vocals are distinctly different, while not bad, not a great copy.

“Heavenly Hill” (“Beverly Hills”—Weezer) is one of the weakest songs on the album, but it’s not even a bad parody. The problem is it doesn’t do the song justice, it’s a poorly executed copy, but that said, it’s still a good song. “Bone Digger (“Gold Digger”—Kanye West) and “Superficial” (“Superstitious”—Stevie Wonder) are the highlights of the album, being exact copies meant to be played loud. I might even go far as to say that the parodies improve on the originals. Did I just say that aloud?

“Ephesians” (The Reason—Hoobastank) and the albums closer “Singled You Out” (Figured You Out—Nicleback) are more examples of bad copies voice-wise. The parodies just don’t do the songs justice. “Want It Dead or Alive” (Wanted Dead or Alive—Bon Jovi) is the albums last highlight with question salvation dead or alive?

Overall, an album with bumper-to-bumper parodies, 20 songs in all; most great songs, but others just don’t do the originals justice. Sometimes the quality can be less than stellar, but the album is gold. If you haven’t tried the band yet, give them a try. You won’t be disappointed, but it helps more if you actually know the songs parodied. (I don’t listen to Joe Walsh very mutch.)