Aftermath
by
Hillsong UNITED [MAIN REVIEW]AFTERMATH is the highly anticipated, 11th full-length album and second-ever studio recording from Hillsong UNITED that released Feb. 15, 2011....
Newsboys [newboys Live: Houston We Are GO] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Since 2004, the writers of Christian Music Review and I have had the opportunity to attend at least a half dozen Newsboys concerts starting back in February 2004 with the highly successful (and very long) Adoration Tour. Right off the bat the Newsboys proved that a Christian concert could be both exciting and exhilarating, but more importantly, it was uplifting to me. Not only were the songs ministering to me, but the conversations between songs by front-man Peter Furler were both thought-provoking and uplifting. From that point on, I made it a point to come out and see the Newsboys whenever they were in our immediate area.
The Newsboys released their most recent studio album Go, in late October 2006. The boys had been riding the success of their two worship projects, Adoration (2003) and Devotion (2005), which spawned many radio hits, some which include their huge worship hit, “He Reigns”; “You Are My King (Amazing Love)” and “Presence (My Heart’s Desire)”. Either way you looked at it, the Newsboys were one of the bands with the most successful radio runs from 2004 to 2006. When Go hit store shelves it received the same critical acclaim as its predecessors.
Fast forward to the early summer of 2008. The band had been touring their Go CD for over a year and a half. It was time to put out a live CD/DVD. If any of you reading this right now had the opportunity to catch the Newsboys while on their Go tour then you know that not only was it a great show, but a sight that had to be seen live in person. There was just too much going on to really explain it, so now that Houston We Are GO is out, you can tell those unfortunate friends who couldn’t attend that they have another chance. Not only does this release cover the audio portion of the concert (CD), but it’s also accompanied by a concert DVD chronicling the entire show.
There are those crazy kids in the crowd with the glow in the dark sticks and necklaces and of course we can’t forget those ‘old school’ Newsboys fans that came to the show ready to start lobbing their Cap’n Crunch cereal into the crowd around them when the band goes into their early hit, “Breakfast”. You especially can’t forget the awesome drum solo. It’s not your ‘typical drum solo’. You’ll have to see it to believe it. Yes, the Newsboys put on a great show and while the Houston We Are GO CD/DVD gives you a look at a typical tour stop, you just have to see this band live and see for yourself as to why these guys from down under have captured the hearts of fans all over the world with their stylistic rock/pop music while ministering to the masses with their great message.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Out of all of the live CDs that have been released in the past couple of years, there are only a few that really live up to the hype of being ‘one that you can’t miss’. This is one of those releases. Newsboys LIVE: Houston We Are GO is one of those albums you’ll enjoy listening to over and over again!
While the concert comes packaged in this release both as a CD & DVD, the concert DVD has no special features. It’s only content is the concert, but for those who had missed a Go tour stop, it’s enough to get you wanting to see them next time their nearby!
Rating: 9.1 out of 10 (91%, 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!
Lincoln Brewster [Today Is The Day] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Lincoln Brewster is back with his 6th album Today is the Day. With several songs reaching the top of the charts from the other five albums this one is sure to follow suite. We have already seen major radio play from the albums title song, “Today is the Day”.
Since a young age Lincoln has been interested in music. His mother taught him to play the mandolin at the age of five and then onto electric guitar by the age of nine. Lincoln didn’t quit there. By the age of 22 he had reached a level that most musicians never reach.
Lincoln didn’t always have Christ in his life growing up. It wasn’t until he started attending church with his high-school sweetheart and eventual wife that Lincoln gave his heart to Christ. After being on the road for some time he started listening to God’s true calling on his life and accepted a job at a church in California. That was what eventually led him to being the churches music minister. Lincoln and his wife Laura currently reside in CA where he still leads worship at his church. They have two sons Liam and Levi.
Lincoln’s music really ministers. Ever since I first heard his music I have been hooked. There is something so pure and full of passion that grabs you and doesn’t let go.
I was excited to know that this album was going to be arriving in the mail. I couldn’t wait to come home and listen to it. I must admit that I wasn’t disappointed. This album is a great follow up with the work he has done. I have to say that my favorite song is “The Arms of My Savior”. This song is powerful. The structure of the song is so simple and really focuses on the message God provided Lincoln. The chorus of this song says “There’s no other place that I’d rather be / than safe in the arms / the arms of my Savior. There’s no other place that I can be free so I run to the arms / the arms of my Savior.” This is so true. If we would go about our day and live our lives knowing and thinking about this imagine what we could do. Imagine others being able to see you glowing with God’s grace.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I couldn’t have been more excited about writing a review for anyone else. I have been a Lincoln Brewster fan since the beginning. I would love the chance to see him in concert or to meet him. This album just adds to what makes him and his music so great. From what I have heard and read Lincoln is a very humble and gracious individual. He stays grounded and obedient to God’s will.
Lincoln knows he is blessed. He says, “I’m truly grateful to be able to do what I do. I know I don’t deserve it, but I am committed to doing my best with what God has put before me.” We don’t have to be musicians to live by this. We as Christians need to have this philosophy with any and everything we do.
I would like to take a minute and say to Lincoln, ‘Thank You’. The music industry is one of the hardest there is. It definitely takes a true man of God to do the things you do. I pray that you continue to follow the will of God and always remember we were created to worship.
Rating: 9.6 out of 10 (96%, A)
Review written by: Ben Collins | 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!
Nevertheless [In The Making ...] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Nevertheless is comprised of five members: Josh Pearson on acoustic guitar and vocals, AJ Cheek on lead guitar and backup vocals, Brad Jones on guitar and backing vocals, Adam Wann on bass, and Adam Rowe on drums.
Sounds like: Mae, Relient K, Coldplay.
Nevertheless debuted with an independent album in 2005 and one year later had already moved up to a major label with the release of “Live like we’re alive.” Now with the release of their third project, “In the Making,” they are continuing to make their mark on the Christian music world. “In the Making,” while less edgy than its earlier counter parts, is still a true mark of good music. The lyrics are full of emotion, and the songs reflect the lives, values, and experiences of band members personally. It’s good when a band is willing to tell the fans where they are in life and what they are learning. “In the Making” is a successful attempt to do just that. Guitarist AJ Cheek expressed his opinion about the new direction of the band in a press release, saying, “We intentionally sought to progress in how our record would sound this time. It’s not a complete departure from the last records’ sound, but more an accent of it, with a bit more depth of emotion.”
“Sleeping In” kicks off the album as a song of encouragement for those facing their various insecurities. “You caught me sleeping in, / I’m still hiding, I’m still waiting. / I need you here with me to face the world outside. / Cause I’m tired of sleeping in. / Open up my eyes / I’m tired of sleeping in a world that’s dying to wake up!”
The second track, “It’s True,” is about the things we do that hurt God and tear us away from Him. Even though we sin over and over again, this song reminds us that “Your grace is unstoppable / It’s bigger than what we’ve done / or how we feel / It’s true…” We can’t mess up God’ plan for our lives, no matter how hard we try. Even if our lives seem to be spinning out of control, they are not out of God’s control.
One of the album’s highlights is a very original song entitled, “Topics.” It’s about secrets that teenagers and students are afraid to tell anyone. The band members stated that while on the road, kids will tell them things that they are afraid to tell their parents or church leaders. They are afraid of ridicule or negative reactions. So in the mean time they are in trouble and won’t ask for help. This song is saying that we shouldn’t close our eyes to the truth of what is happening to our kids, and we should be ready to help and love them through whatever problems they are having, not reject them for their failures. It’s always best to confide in someone who loves you when you are having a problem. “We avoid the topics, / we make the kids have secrets, / and when they are exposed and everyone else knows, / we say we never knew it, / that they had a problem, / cuz if we would have known, / we surely would have solved it. / But we can’t. It’s too late. / God, you’ve got to save us…” This song is great because it is asking people to open their eyes to what is really happening. Don’t close your eyes and pretend that nothing is wrong. Face the problems so you can help your youth face them and get through them too.
The last two songs, “When I’m alone,” and “Found my way back again,” speak to those who are living through difficult times. Sometimes there seems like no hope in a desperate situation. But with Christ, there is always hope. “Take me out of the dark, out of the place where I fell, and back with you…Just let Him in, let Him in tonight.” The music is slow and sweet, and full of comfort. There will be a time in everyone’s life where there is only one person who can pull you out of the miry clay, and that’s Jesus.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
In a press release, Josh Pearson says, “I believe that we are called to write about both the light that shines in the darkness, and about the darkness that does not understand it. I believe that honesty always breaks down walls. Healing begins when we are able to, first of all, be honest before God. Secondly, be honest and vulnerable with one another. I hope that our songs reflect this idea, and that, when people listen to Nevertheless, they get a sense that God loves them, and wants to talk to them.”
Listeners should get exactly that: a good sense that God loves them, and He alone can and will heal. Over all, I really enjoyed this album, and the messages of hope and endurance should be something that draws many young Christians to this band. Good job guys!
Rating: 9.2 out of 10 (92%, A-)
Review written by: Liz Zelinski | 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!
33Miles [One Life] | Posted October-07-2008 [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!
Rush of Fools [Wonder of the World] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
“Following on the heels of an unmatched debut year, Midas Records group, Rush Of Fools is preparing for the release of its highly-anticipated project, Wonder Of The World. Slated to release nationwide September 16, 2008, the sophomore effort is reminiscent of the band's debut release, filled with passionate lyrics and contemporary, hooky melodies, yet takes the band to a new level musically, personally and spiritually.”
This album was an exciting one. It was interesting to hear what the band had in store for us after such a great debut album. Some of the songs just spoke and grabbed me immediately. The first song on this album “There is Nothing” speaks about just that, there is nothing. There is nothing that we can do on this earth that you (the Lord) can’t save us from. No matter how much we mess up and how bad things get You are always there ready to save us from it all.
The next song that stood out was “Holy One”. This song speaks. Part of the chorus says “All other noise, fades away / Like all of the fear, when your voice I hear / You’re beckoning me, to come and just be a child at your feet / seeing my need for thee.” The last verse in this song says “Your’re enough to satisfy / When the world has left me only dry. Enough to save my life, when the world has left me here to die.”
The eighth song on this album, “Tonight” also had some interesting lyrics. It speaks about God’s unconditional love. It says “Cause You give when You should take away / And You take what should have been my pain / And You offer good when I've none in me / You're the only love that makes me complete.” God will never walk away from us. We don’t deserve the love He bestows upon us but He is always there to give to us.
These couple of songs I have picked are just a sample of what the rest of this album has to offer. I don’t know what I would do without the love of God. If you ever have any doubts on God’s love, then this is the album to pop in the CD player and be reminded as to why we were created and what our duties are as to while we are on this earth.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This was a good follow up album. I enjoyed listening to the music and what the lyrics had to offer and how it affected me personally. This album (compared to the first) to me seemed a little more mellow. It had more of a worshipful attitude. It showed how versatile the band is. I would like to wish continued success in there ministry and future albums. Always keep your focus on God and continue to give everything up to him and you will be greatly rewarded and truly blessed. Thank You.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10 (85%, B)
Review written by: Ben Collins | 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!
David Phelps [The Voice] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Shortly after giving my life to Christ, my then future wife Shannon introduced me to a Gospel group whose roots reached back into the late 50’s. This is a group who is known for rearing up if you would, some of the most talented and gifted vocalists in Christian music. The group that I refer to is none other than the Gaither Vocal Band. The group is headed up by legendary Gospel artist, Bill Gaither. Now, as influential as Gaither has been in his career, no one has shared the spotlight more then the singers he has teamed up with on-stage. Steve Green. Larnelle Harris. Michael English and currently featuring Guy Penrod. The most recently departed member of the band, now a solo artist in which this review is covering, David Phelps.
Phelps shared the stage with Bill Gaither and the Vocal Band from 1997 to Phelps’ departure in 2005, when he left to pursue his solo career. Phelps released his self-titled major label debut on Word Records in 2001 while still with the GVB, and just prior to his departure, a second album called Revelation in 2004. Life as a Church followed in late 2005 along with a live album and a Christmas album, all which garnered positive reviews from several media outlets.
September 9, 2008 marks the release of Phelps’ fifth solo record, aptly titled The Voice. When I first read the title, I immediately thought of two things. The Voice of course could refer to the Voice of God. The second could also have easily referred to Phelps himself who I have often dubbed the voice of Southern Gospel-music-turned-CCM. David Phelps in my opinion has probably one of the greatest vocal ranges of any Christian artist I have ever heard. It’s important to note that his new record will feature that indeed.
After having listened to Revelation, Life as a Church and one of Phelps live albums, Legacy of Love, I was really hoping that The Voice would offer something that the others did not. I was looking for more of a full sound as well as something other then just Phelps’ single vocal track. I have compared a lot of Phelps vocals on his solo albums with that of the material he did with the Gaither Vocal Band and I have to say I still favor his work and vocal harmonies with the GVB rather then his solo material. I love his voice, but I think it meshes better with two or three vocalists harmonizing together. A song Phelps did with GVB that especially stood out in my mind would have to be his contribution to the song, “Alpha & Omega”. If you haven’t heard this song, go and listen to it and you’ll know what I’m talking about.
Having said all of that, The Voice is not all that bad. I like some of the song choices he made for the album. The first track, a cover of Foreigner’s huge radio hit of 1984, is the song, “I Want to Know What Love Is”. After hearing Foreigner’s version of the song for so many years, it was actually cool to hear it in a different light. I enjoyed the song, even though message-wise I don’t believe Foreigner meant it to have a faith-based intent.
One track I was surprised to find on here and was very impressed with was Phelps cover of Sarah McLachlan’s 1997 hit, “Angel”. I have to admit, all of the covers I have heard done of this song have all been done by female vocalists and at first glance of it being on The Voice, I was like ‘okay, if any male vocalist would have a chance of doing a decent job of covering this song, it would probably be David Phelps’. I was right. Not only does Phelps perform the song beautifully and gracefully, he manages to cover the song in a way that I think Sarah herself would probably applaud. The song in itself is a beautifully written, and although I am not much into the slower tunes, still has a great message behind it, whether intended to be faith-based or not.
I think one of the songs that best exhibits the full range of David Phelps vocals, would have to be the song “Nessun Dorma”, which in English translates to “None shall sleep tonight”. The song is actually found in the aria (or melody) of the closing act of the opera, Turandot. Wow, did I know what that meant? No, actually I had to look it up! I wish I could take credit for being that knowledgeable of opera, but no, I had to research! The song, although gibberish to me and those who don’t speak Italian, flows quite elegantly from beginning to end. Someone will have to translate the words to me sometime though.
One of the covers on the album that I think I liked the least though would have to be, “Unchained Melody” which was made popular in the 1960’s by the Righteous Brothers. I think Phelps take on the song is admirable, but dull and forgetful.
Another song that came across to me as kind of awkward at first was the song “Angel Band”. The song, originally written in 1860 by William Bradbury, can be found in many music books and is a great hymn. But the reason I say this arrangement is awkward is that the vocals seem to be in a totally different key for most of the song. As the song progresses it does get better, but for those who listen and scan through the first 10 or 15 seconds of a song or so may skip this one entirely. I love the music track for this song, which at times could sound pleasantly dark and somewhat patriotic, but as mentioned as a whole it wasn’t arranged that well.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
As I mentioned in the review, I love David Phelps and the voice in which the Lord has blessed him with, but The Voice sounded very repetitive and a little too similar compared to his other solo work. It had its moments, but overall it wouldn’t be an album that I would listen to more then a few times. However, after having said that, I think that fans of Phelps other solo albums will be pleased to hear some new tunes by one of the most talented tenors of this generation.
From a message stand-point, there were some songs on here that had great messages, but for the most part I am somewhat surprised that Phelps would choose to cover songs, that although religious in appearance, are nothing more then a world-point of view on the things of God. I think from a ministering standpoint, the album was a miss. As for vocals, the album is amazing. Musically, I would have to say its average at best. I would like to see David Phelps in the future bring aboard some other vocalists to help bring more of a balance to his music.
Overall, the album was not that bad. But with an album of this title, I would have either expected stellar vocals accompanied by great music tracks and an even greater and dynamic message then what was portrayed.
Rating: 7.0 out of 10 (70%, C-)
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!
DecembeRadio [Satisfied] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
After much success with their self titled album, Decemberadio returns with their sophomore album Satisfied. I was really excited when I first received this album. I had been waiting for it for a while. The first time I listened to it I knew it was worth the wait. God is present and powerful in this album.
As I began listening to the album a couple of the songs spoke to me. My favorite song on the album has got to be “Believer”. It teaches us that no matter what we are good enough for Christ. He doesn’t care what we look like. We are believers, and we should never be ashamed. In the world today people may look at us funny or we may not be popular for being believers but heaven is not a popularity contest and we should have the attitude as believers that nothing is going to hold us down.
My next favorite song is “For Your Glory”. This song really made me think about things. So many times I feel as if I have nothing to give. But, this song showed me that I don’t have to rich to give God and offering. An offering just needs to be what you have. No matter how large or small it may be God takes what I bring and somehow uses it for His glory. The song says it may not add up but it’s enough. We as Christians must give it all to god. We were created, our life is a gift.
I have had the privilege of hanging out with these guys on a couple of occasions. After spending time talking to them it quickly and clearly became apparent about where their hearts were. God is using these guys to get the word out and in a way that reaches out to people. Josh, Eric, Brian and of course Boone are all humble individuals that are grateful for the talents that God has given them and thoroughly enjoy using them for His glory.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This album was wonderful. These guys are amazing. They are full of raw talent. It’s not often that you find a band that is versatile in many different styles of music. It takes pure God given talent and the willingness to work hard and give up everything to God. Listening to Josh play the bass while singing lead is incredible. The bass lines that are played while singing lead is an art. They are two totally different things that Josh pulls off flawlessly. Boone on the drums has to be one of the most amazing drummers I have ever heard. Brian and Eric on guitars really drive the music and set the tone. And even though he is not on the album Josh Loveless on the keys add the final ingredient to the mix. As a whole they are DecembeRadio.
I thank you guys for following God’s plan for you. The lives that have been touched by your music and the souls that have been lead to Christ is what it is all about. I pray continued success to you individually, as a band and to your families. If things ever get rough on the road remember why you are doing this and know that there are plenty of people out there praying for you including myself. I look forward to the next time we get to see you guys play and hang out afterwards. Continue to always put God first. Thank you! God Bless!
Rating: 9.7 out of 10 (97%, A)
Review written by: Ben Collins | 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!
Remedy Drive [Daylight Is Coming] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Daylight is Coming is the debut national release from new Word Records artist, Remedy Drive. Throughout the album you can feel a central theme being expressed and that is that through every situation and problem in your life, Jesus will help and never leave you. So I really hope you enjoy this album and truly listen and decipher what the album is saying, for it is beyond a doubt amazing.
Remedy Drive is labeled as an indie rock-styled band, a style in which they show to be true in their new album Daylight Is Coming. Their music takes you and draws you into their lyrics. They have some real talent and cannot wait to hear more from them in the future.
The album to me has a sense of spiritual dryness, wherein you are stuck in trial and temptation. But it also talks about in every song, a way out. The way out is Christ. In their song “All Along”, it says “It’s not everything it seems - the world and its dreams / Slipping like water through my hands tonight / All the things I thought would fill me up inside / Left me empty here - and now I know why.”
Then it goes on to the chorus and gives you the answer,
“All along I was looking for something else / You’re something else / All along I was looking for something more / You’re so much more / I finally found what I could never see before / You’ve always been the one that I was looking for”
There is simply, just a brighter side to every situation, you just have to wait patiently and be open to the solution…Jesus.
In their song “What happens (At the End)” the music interacts with the lyrics and adds some effect to what the song is actually saying. For we are to surrender all to Him, what else are you going to do when everything in your life seems to stop?
The album also shows that there is hope even if you cannot see it. Hope through everything that is going on around you, you can find this in their song “The Sunshine Above The Weather”.
There is always hope in every circumstance, all you have to do is be willing to change and look for what is real. You have to have the faith to look beyond what you see and just believe that God is God and He sent His son to change your life, but you have to be willing. Song after song in this album can be viewed the same way. Through everything you go through, Jesus will be there and you will get through it…Just Believe.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This album is for any Christian music lover, and in my opinion is a must-have. Upon listening to this I am reminded about a scripture in the Bible found at 1 John 1:5-6, that says “This then is the message which we have heard of Him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:” The only answer is through Jesus, as expressed throughout the whole album.
Brandon Heath [What If We] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Brandon Heath was one of those artists who almost appeared out of no where in late 2006. His debut CD, Don’t Get Comfortable enjoyed much success in both radio and with the subsequent Dove Awards. Heath, who is now coming off his first Dove-award win for 2007 New Artist of the Year, releases his sophomore effort, What If We. The first single from the album, “Give Me Your Eyes” has already surpassed 30,000 downloads, a remarkable feat considering those have come prior to the release of the album.
Prior to this album, I was not all that familiar with Brandon Heath other then his radio hit, “I’m Not Who I Was”, which our local station the Joy FM (Tampa) seemed to play to death. In fact when the Dove Awards came on in late April I was shocked that Heath beat out both front-runners Rush of Fools and 33Miles for ‘Best New Artist of the Year’. I think even upon his name being announced as winner, Heath himself was probably the most surprised.
Now in August 2008 comes the sophomore follow-up, which is sure to please those fans that Heath as collected along the way with his relentless touring and mission work. What If We starts out with a song that to me has a great positive and forth-right question to the Lord. You know, we are humans, all prone to error and like Solomon asking the Lord for wisdom, this day and age calls for another trait of God, the eyes that see all. I think if we had the eyes of the Lord, we could definitely avoid hardships and troubles that seem to plague us throughout life. It’s only when we allow the Lord to work through us, that His eyes to in fact become part of us with our accepting of the Holy Spirit. I think the meaning behind the song though more reflects us being able to see people like God sees them. For who they are. For the problems they face. For us to understand others, in their trials and tribulations. It’s a reminder to us, that we should always be mindful of other people’s circumstances. One thing that we need not to forget in it all is, “With God all things are possible” Matthew 19:26. I think this song starts the album off on a big positive note.
Like I mentioned above, I was not all that familiar with Heath on the exception of the one song, but one thing I did notice right off the bat was his musical and vocal style, which reminded me of Mat Kearney and Matthew West. I think lyrically, Heath could be highly favored as being just as great of a songwriter as both West and Kearney as well. Still, there is that separation and I think Heath’s vocal and songwriting abilities are what captures the attention of his listeners.
The next track that immediately caught my attention was the piano-ballad, “London”. My best guess is that it is a love song written for (someone) while Brandon was visiting London, England. “Where are you tonight? / As I sit here and cry / While I watch double-decker busses pass by”. The song is simple, but beautiful. It makes me want to sit down and right a song for my own wife. But unfortunately for her, my song-writing abilities as of recent times have been not to par with where I would like it to be. I would like to see this song become a radio single at some point in time, or who knows, it might be featured in a romantic movie someday. It could happen.
“Sore Eyes” is a song that almost sounds like something that could be found on a Matthew West album. I actually really enjoyed the music of the song too. It sounded almost similar to some of the old Beatles music I remember hearing when I was kid. Maybe it was Lennon, or even Harrison. Beatles are Beatles to me!
Another song on the CD that I enjoyed, with its bold and true message is the softer song, “Love Never Fails”. “Love will protect / Love always hope / And love still believes when you don’t”. This right here is something I can liken the love of our Savior for us to. Even when we are caught up in our disbelief, Jesus still believes in us. The chorus speaks truth with its four important words. “Love never fails you”.
Okay, now comes the Mat Kearney comparison with Brandon. This is found on the track, “Fight Another Day”. Musically the song struck me right away as being similar to Kearney. My thoughts toward the meaning of this song (which may not be what Brandon was writing about) were that of my witness to others. There are days where I have no opportunities to witness for Christ, and then I am reminded that (Lord-willing) there is another day to fight for the cause. I love talking with people about what Jesus has done for me, and often times I probably give too much information and might overwhelm someone. But for those days that I don’t get that opportunity or those days I feel my faith has been battered by something someone has said, I pray the Lord gives me another chance, another day to fight for Christ.
“No Not One” seemingly continues the message found in “Love Never Fails”. The chorus to me reflects a few well-known scriptures (John 3:16, Romans 5:8) “There has never been a greater love / Then Your Son / No not one / And there will never be a greater love / No not one / With His life you have forgiven us / Hope has come / Hope has come / And there will be a greater love / No not one”. These are words that as Christians we need to hear on a daily basis. Even the knowledge of knowing that God loved me or God loved Insert Your Name Here that He would send His only begotten Son to die on a cross so that we can be forever reconciled with the God who created us.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Overall, while What If We wouldn’t sit atop my favorite albums list, it was a solid 40 minutes of time well spent. While not totally familiar with his music prior to listening to this album, I walked away with a better sense of why Heath is as highly regarded in Christian music as he is. His obvious big-heart for ministry is what separates him from a lot of the artists out there. I’ll have to go back and listen to Don’t Get Comfortable now that my interest is peaked in this phenomenal new artist. The message was here, although not as blatant as other artists, I could discern the ideas behind his writing and what he was trying to say. You have to pay close attention in some aspects of the record.
Rating: 8.3 out of 10 (83%, B-)
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!
Brooke Barrettsmith [Brooke Barrettsmith] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Like I have mentioned in previous reviews, I have not always been the biggest fan of female vocalists or even female-led rock bands. But, that was back in the day before I myself had given my life to Christ. But since then, the Lord has opened up my eyes and I have become a huge fan of female-led rock bands, such as Barlow Girl, Fireflight, Flyleaf and more recently Addison Road. In more recent time, three others have joined the mix. First it was Meredith Andrews in April, and then Francesca Battistelli in July and now August brings another talented ‘girl-at-the-helm’ in twenty-six year-old, Brooke Barrettsmith.
Barrettsmith is a native of the Chicago-area, and like her city-by-the-lake counterparts Barlow Girl, she can rock it out while still bringing a meaningful and ministering message to her audience.
At first listen, Brooke sounded a lot to me like Fireflight’s lead singer, Dawn Richardson. It’s the musical style that really separates the two and of course the message. Brooke according to the press release for her album, said she had infused a lot of issues she faced as a teenager into her music, which has been credited to her as making her into the woman she is today.
After listening through to the whole CD, a lot of the songs stuck out to me lyrically. The message behind “Farewell” was amazing. It’s a song that reminds us that no matter what we faced in lives prior to salvation, know that we have to let that go and keep our focus on Christ. I especially like the chorus, which says “Say farewell / To all of your mistakes / Forgive yourself / It’s a brand new day.” This to me depicts what 2 Corinthians 5:17. Once saved, we’re a ‘new creation’ in Christ. The former things have passed away. I like the general focus of the song.
Some other songs of note on the album that I found fun to listen to were, “Right Now”, “Quiet My Heart”, “Father” and the piano-driven “Paper Tigers”.
Production on the album, mastered by Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Underoath & The Almost) is done superbly as usual. I think this is one thing that also made the album stick out is the pristine production work done on the album. Definitely worth noting.
Overall, Brooke’s release would fit into the impressive column, but the one thing that it lacked was originality. I know it’s hard in this day in time to release something that is ‘totally innovative and unique’. There are very few bands out there that sound totally unique compared to the next one, but I do give Brooke the thumbs up for the fact that she has an amazing voices and more importantly uses that talent to honor and glorify Christ with her music.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Overall, I liked what Brooke had to offer on her debut. There is definitely a lot of room for growth both musically and lyrically, but I think she did a good job in presenting her own interpretation of the Gospel in her music while at the same time, taking listeners on a journey into her life and the struggles she has had to overcome. I look forward to what Brooke will have to offer in the future and know that after listening to her debut, she will continue to pour her life and her heart into her music.
Rating: 8.4 out of 10 (84%, B)
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!
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