Only You Are Holy (Single)
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Marthe She has an awesome voice, reminds me of Natalie Grant. If this is any peak as to what her future in the music insdustry will be like it looks, very, very, very...
Hallelujah (Single)
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Marthe She has a beautiful voice, her music I think is unique. When she sings her voice adds a lot of depth to her songs. Her lyrics are amazing as well. Hallelujah for Marthe ...
Preludes
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Marthe She has released a few singles from this album. She brings a diversity, in music, lyrics, and voice. She is reminiscent of Natalie Grant. If you are looking for the next break out cotemporary artist...
Mark Schultz returns with his third project, appropriately titled, Stories and Songs. Schultz does little different this time around, but this album is brilliant artistically. But this is truly his peak performance.
The songs on Stories & Songs range from the utterly hilarious ("Running Just to Catch Myself") to the deeply moving ("Do You Even Know Me Anymore"). The touching "Letters from War" is performed in story form. It’s the story of a boy captured in the war and the letters he writes to his mother.
But as aforementioned, this contemporary Christian album is a masterpiece musically. A top rate orchestra, wonderful piano playing by Schultz himself, and everything else come together to make this a wonder to behold.
Anyone looking for a smile, laugh, or a healthy tear would do well to look into Stories & Songs, as should those looking for a beautiful work of musical art. Really, this can be recommended to just about anyone. It has all the right ingredients to keep just about everyone happy. You have no excuse not to check out Stories & Songs, one of the best CCM albums of the year.
George Huff now releases Miracles, branching out and serving up a variety of upbeat, smooth, and peaceful songs.
From the first track, Huff is not bashful about his message with "Real Love (I Got It)", boldly claiming his faith by stating, "Real, real love I got it/ and I gotta shout it/ and let everybody know about it." There is no doubt what Huff's mission is. Huff co-wrote six songs on the album, including "See What God Can Do," a song of encouragement inspired by his journey from a childhood spent in a federal housing project to where he is today. Songs like "A Brighter Day" and "Bounce" can most easily be described as "fun," Other tracks like "Hold on to Love" and "You Know Me" slow down the pace and really highlight Huff's amazing voice. Sounding quite like Kirk Franklin at times, but still creating an original sound all his own, Huff can stand up with the big names. He simply has an incredible vocal range and crisp, clear notes that make each song stand out.
Overall, this full-length debut is a refreshing, encouraging album that has its serious parts, but for the most part is lighthearted, lively, and entertaining. Huff looks to have a bright future ahead of him, and it will be great to see what lies ahead for this talented young musician
Robert Pierre re-enters the music scene with his sophomore record, Identity. As with any sophomore release, the bar of standards was set higher this time around, and was seemingly met with this fresh collection of pop tracks.
In every aspect of this album, Robert's theme is to help his audience understand their identity that can found in Christ. Opening track "Jesus" praises Him and makes a commitment to always rely on His power and mercy. "Let God Arise" is an open, unashamed call to bring glory to God. "I Will Love You," the most toned down and subdued track on the record, promises to love God through thick and thin. Undeniably, though, the title track makes the boldest proclamation and is the standout track on the album. The song states, "I got nothing to hide / I know my identity / Without a doubt I know His blood has covered me," while at the same time advocating purity and asking listeners to set higher moral principles than the world.
Robert Pierre remains one-hundred percent real to his faith, and his passion for sharing the message of Christ shines through. His music and lyrics are worth looking forward to in the years to come, and it's most likely that many others will feel the same way
Corey Crowder is different than those around him. Until his signing late last year, never before had the highly acclaimed label left their comfortable punk rock roots behind in such a way. Dance pop? Sure. But country? Southern rock? Tooth and Nail had entered an entirely new market.
What began as a surprising partnership between an established rock label and a relatively unknown acoustic musician from Greenville, South Carolina turned into one of the largest experiments in Tooth and Nail label history. Crowder's debut album, Gold and the Sand, features an eclectic and soulful mix of southern acoustic tunes that just might be one of the surprise albums of the year. Gold and the Sand is nothing but 45 minutes of a man pouring out his soul to the tune of his heart.
Musically, the album is rather impressive. In contrast to his earlier work, Crowder's arrangements are denser than ever before, still without abandoning the simplicity seen on his previous independent albums. His live band now plays a prominent role in the creation of his sound, it's hard to deny the talent that Crowder has.
It's clear that Gold and the Sand is a refreshing departure in itself, but how does the Corey Crowder experiment really fare as a whole? If anything, it should be given a chance. As the label debut of an aspiring and talented musician, Gold and the Sand reveals enough promise that it can be enjoyed even if it might be the first album of its kind in a large collection. The use of numerous guitars, horns and strings is impressive for a debut album.
Crowder proves that he is capable of many. He talks of love and life itself, although he rarely gets spiritual. But there is something about Crowder that's hard to ignore. Perhaps it's because he seems real, not like a rock star far removed from everyday life. Or maybe it's his versatility that is so relatable and enjoyable. No matter the reason, give Corey Crowder a chance. Tooth and Nail did, and it seems to have paid off.
Modern worship has lead to a flood of projects and albums that essentially are a lot of the same songs performed in the same style, with little variety or creativity. It's when a few artists do something different that a worship album can really stand out from the rest. But the mere fact a worship album may be mostly recycled material does not render it useless. These records are worship tools for the masses, but will never satisfy everyone's tastes for worship music.
The Hillsong United band is Australia's number one worship group. Their new release follows their previous records More Than Life and To The Ends Of The Earth and presents twelve brand new songs. Standard vocals, generic drum beats, and upbeat musical accompaniment set against the vibrant and bold praises of thousands of worshippers. The problem with a lot of live worship albums is they often possess an "I guess you should've been there" feeling, but it can also be the springboard for your own personal experiences.
Look To You opens with "Salvation Is Here," which immediately sets the tone for the record. Lyrically, United has its heart securely in the right place, but musically gets lost in the sea of worship bliss. "All I Need Is You" slows the tempo drastically for a more delicate ballad that shows the stronger side of the United team, but the song suffers from some monotony before it draws to a close. "Shout Unto God" is more successfully anthemic, while "There Is Nothing Like" takes a more melodic approach, making these songs album highlights. The album closes on a high note with a powerful cover of Rich Mullins' classic "Awesome God."
All in all, Look To You is pretty much your standard live worship fare. Fans of their previous efforts will no doubt enjoy this release, especially since the album is primarily all new material.
I've been a fan of pureNRG since they Came onto the scene in 2007. Now, only two years into there career, they have three albums, three DVDs, a Christmas album, and a book under their belt, pureNRG is back and reNRGized with this all new remix release.
"Are You Ready," is a good song, Here We Go Again, is given a faster pace "Any Which Way" is toned down into a relaxing, simple beat, guitars are traded in for sunny synthesizers on the song "Here We Go Again," while "Pray" gets a dose of vocal distortion and light programming sound effects.
Christmas Sensation | Posted June-06-2009
Successful teen pop act pureNRG has their career on the fast track right now. With the release of A pureNRG Christmas, this marks their third release in less than two years. Christmas music is often held to a higher standard, mainly due to the fact that from October through December, it's one of the main things we hear everywhere, from the mall to the radio. So the question is, where does pureNRG take their sound on this holiday collection?
Opening track "Joy to the World" is an extremely high energy, fast paced rendition, as are most of the tracks. The same pattern continues with "Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town" and "The Twelve Days of Christmas." In fact, "Silent Night" proves to be the only slow track on the whole disc. "All I Want For Christmas" is a nice break from the monotony of classics.
This is a solid record and is definitely not a letdown. pureNRG continues to present themselves as huge contenders on the youth pop scene, and tweens are sure to be clamoring to get their hands on a copy of this album. A fun record overall, fans will unquestionably be pleased with A pureNRG Christmas, and are bound to keep listening as their sound hopefully starts to advance
Awsome Again | Posted June-06-2009
One year ago, pureNRG made their debut. Now, with the release of their 2nd album, pureNRG is once again giving their young fanbase more music. A lot has happened to this group since 2007, including there highly successful Winter Jam Tour. pureNRG also gained traction on Radio Disney with "Footloose," helping to introduce themselves to a bigger audience.
Despite their busy schedule, pureNRG found time to to record all new tracks for this album. Looking back on their last project, the trio recorded several remakes and continues the trend on Here We Go Again. Including, "Call on Jesus,", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", and "More." "Girls Can Change the World" puts down spreading rumors and instead suggests spreading Christ's love - a message that anyone, a girl or not, should take to heart. "Inside Out" asks God for a heart ready to live unashamed for Him, and "BFF" and "That's What Friends Are For" thank God for friendship. Their style, both musically and lyrically, has not changed much since pureNRG, which is definitely a good thing. The group continuously praises God in every song, and never backs down in their effort to get their message across clearly to their listeners. "Get Up," the closing track, proves to be the standout, with a message that encourages putting aside our troubles and worries in order to spread Christ's love.
It's impossible to criticize this record. pureNRG has another perfect album aimed directly at the tweens. Parents and kids alike will be pleased once again. And pureNRG's future looks extremely bright as well - they're young, talented, and have a strong love for Christ. That combination could take them anywhere.
Always Perfect in Recording | Posted June-06-2009
This Dvd is awesome. they performed all their hits from their first album and they give you a behind the scenes look at their lives. They are the best group agian of.
Is this positive. YES!!!!!!!!!!!! | Posted June-06-2009
One year ago, pureNRG made their debut. Now, with the release of their 2nd album, pureNRG is once again giving their young fanbase more music. A lot has happened to this group since 2007, including there highly successful Winter Jam Tour. pureNRG also gained traction on Radio Disney with "Footloose," helping to introduce themselves to a bigger audience.
Despite their busy schedule, pureNRG found time to to record all new tracks for this album. Looking back on their last project, the trio recorded several remakes and continues the trend on Here We Go Again. Including, "Call on Jesus,", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", and "More." "Girls Can Change the World" puts down spreading rumors and instead suggests spreading Christ's love - a message that anyone, a girl or not, should take to heart. "Inside Out" asks God for a heart ready to live unashamed for Him, and "BFF" and "That's What Friends Are For" thank God for friendship. Their style, both musically and lyrically, has not changed much since pureNRG, which is definitely a good thing. The group continuously praises God in every song, and never backs down in their effort to get their message across clearly to their listeners. "Get Up," the closing track, proves to be the standout, with a message that encourages putting aside our troubles and worries in order to spread Christ's love.
It's impossible to criticize this record. pureNRG has another perfect album aimed directly at the tweens. Parents and kids alike will be pleased once again. And pureNRG's future looks extremely bright as well - they're young, talented, and have a strong love for Christ. That combination could take them anywhere.
StellarKart's Music and Book Reviews 
