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....
Building 429 [Glory Defined: The Best of Building 429] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
There are good and 'worth the buy' Greatest Hits albums out there and then there are
Greatest Hits albums that really aren't worth buying. Is Building 429's new release, Glory
Defined:The Best Of worth the buy? Yes and no. Yes, all of the hits on here. The radio
hits. With the album's title track, "Glory Defined", the CD really delves into the success of
radio hits the band has enjoyed in it's five year (major label) career.
It's often times in my opinion that the really good songs on an album, are often the ones
overlooked by the record labels to be sent out as 'the next single'. Rise is a perfect
example of what I am talking about. While songs like "Searching for a Savior" (which was
missing from this release, surprisingly), "I Believe" and "I Belong To You" were somewhat
of successes on radio, it was the songs like "Now That It's Over", "Empty" and "Alive" (the
last three tracks of Rise) that really moved me. But unless you own the CD, you would
never have heard these tracks. That's where the Greatest Hits label kind of gets lost with
the question, are these really the 'greatest' of the hits? In the case of this album, they are
pretty much all there. So I am kind of stuck in the middle on this one.
So the question is, is it worth the buy? I explained the 'Yes' part. Now here's the 'No' part.
While I like most of the songs on the Greatest Hits CD, it's the songs that I really like that
are missing. I mean c'mon, a B429 Greatest Hits CD without the song "Free"? How about
"Empty"? These are the songs I think really got me hooked on B429 for the long haul. I
absolutely loved Space In Between Us and Rise, not so much with Iris To Iris, however the
message was very clear on that one. In my opinion, this is not a complete B429 Greatest
Hits collection, but for those of you who hung on every note of the radio play songs, this
CD is definitely one to pick up if you're a fan. Or if you like the group, but just hate
switching through 4 different CDs to listen to you favorite songs, this one is a good one to
have in that situation as well.
Keep an eye out in the fall 2008 for the release of Building 429's fourth studio album,
which is set to hit stores in October on the group's new label, INO Records.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I absolutely love Building 429. Their message has never been questionable in my mind. Their music is both entertaining and ministering and this CD is one to get if you are a fan or if you just want all the 'good stuff' on one disc. On the exception of a few songs (mentioned in the review) this one is worth buying. Go pick it up June 17th!
Rating: 8.8 out of 10 (88%, 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!
Kutless [To Know That You're Alive] | Posted October-07-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Kutless brings you their sixth album To Know That You’re Alive. This album is truly inspiring and powerful, with a rock style and feel. This album will not let you down, it is still the same Kutless we have fallen in love with; with the same great message that one can expect and hope for.
Track 1—“The Feeling” “We cannot run away”…we cannot run away from our feeling, our calling, our purpose. Our light needs to spread throughout the world, for we are the light of the world. We need to turn it up: our voices, our wisdom, and our obedience. Scream what we know.
Track 2—“Sleeping City” is an introduction to track 3 “To Know That You’re Alive”.
Track 3—“To Know That You’re Alive” This song to me, refers to the crucifixion of Jesus.
“Right now you’re bruised and bleeding / I see the good in your eyes / I know your pain is for a reason / Need the feeling just to know that you’re alive.”
The question is, are you looking for something real, something new, better, or even life-changing? Well our Lord and Savior, Jesus is the answer. It just takes faith to believe in something you cannot see.
Track 4—“The Disease & the Cure” Your disease is sin, bondage, temptation, and the mind of the world; the cure is Jesus: he will provide you with freedom, peace, love, and everlasting life.
Track 5—“Complete” This song is about your life-changing moment; it is surrender saying I am totally yours. It shows a burning fire, fire for God upon your life wanting to run to the lost and tell them how good our Lord and Savior truly is, for all you have to do is ask Him in your life, He completes you.
Track 6—“The Rescue” Is your life on a path of destruction, looking to turn it all around to life of peace. Well you can say goodbye to all your pain and bondage, for Jesus is waiting for you with loving arms and He cares about you and everyone else…always.
Track 7—“Promise You” “Waiting on the sun to arise and make the darkness go away” This is a metaphor for the darkness and turmoil in ones life and when the light shows, darkness must flee.
1 John 1:5 says, “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” NKJV.
Track 8—“Guiding Me Home” We are nothing without Jesus; we cannot do it without Him, for we are lost without Him. This song says, “…it is grace that defines who I am, You say that you love me always and forever, You say that you love me I know I will never, deserve all the love that you show, it’s the light that is guiding me home.”
Track 9—“Overcoming Me” This song is a good song, it talks about how you do not want Jesus to leave your side and you cannot stop him from overcoming you.
Track 10—“I Do Not Belong” You do not belong in this world, doing worldly things. You belong in the arms of God, moving to as close as possible to perfection. For one day you will go home, where you belong.
Track 11—“Loud” Nothing should ever silence you from telling others about God, you should be free and not ashamed for who you truly are.
Track 12—“Dying to Become” You are wanting to become like your heavenly father, Jesus Christ. In Ephesians 5:1 says we are to be imitators of God.
Track 13—“You” This song talks about the goodness, splendor, and glory of God and how he is always on your mind, the one that you dream of. For he is the love you can always count on.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This album is truly a blessing and I sincerely encourage every one to listen to it at least once and hopefully it will mean something to you and touches your life just as it has touched mine. Also, I encourage you to listen to previous Kutless albums for they are very rewarding to listen to. You can check out the other reviews right hear on www.christianmusicreview.org.
Colossians 1:16 says that all things were created through Jesus and for Him. This tells me that we are made for Jesus and that everything is going to be alright for we are in His hands.
Out of all the concerts that I have attended while working with Christian Music Review in
the past four years, I have to admit that some of the most exciting have come at the hands
of one Toby McKeehan, aka tobyMac. Even at age forty-four (probably forty-three when
this concert was taped!) Toby still tears up the stage with his technically savvy and
innovative stage show, performing along side his long-time touring band, Diverse City.
The release of Toby's newest project, Alive & Transported offers fans the opportunity to
not only listen to an entire concert of his Portable Sounds tour on CD, but to be able to
watch the concert in it's entirety on DVD as well. The concert was recorded live in
Houston, Texas in 2007.
The live performance includes all of Toby's hits, some which include "Boomin", "No
Ordinary" and "Made To Love" from his 2007 release, Portable Sounds; "Burn For You",
"Gone" and "I'm For You" from his 2004 release, Welcome To Diverse City; as well as hits
from 2001's Momentum like "Extreme Days", "Irene" and "Love Is In The House". There
are even a few tracks on there from Toby's days with dcTalk with "In The Light" and
dcTalk's biggest hit and groundbreaking song, "Jesus Freak".
Alive and Transported has a little bit for everyone, offering those who have never seen his
electrified and intense live show a glimpse into what's it's like to attend in person.
I have seen Toby in concert four or five times, and honestly this is probably the best I've
heard him live. Not that the concerts I have been to prior aren't great, but this one in
particular had really good production, energy and seemed to progress smoothly from song
to song. Not a Tobymac fan? I would suggest taking a listen to this one, you might just
change your mind. It's definitely worth picking up!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
___________________________________________
Go and check out Mike Laxton's review for Tobymac's latest studio album, Portable Sounds here for more info and background on Toby's music.
Rating: 9 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/tobymac_aliveandtransported.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Article One [Colors and Sounds] | Posted September-24-2008
[Main Review]
When I first received the pre-release for Article One’s self-titled debut in early 2007, I was thinking to myself, “Article One?” I was trying to think of what the group’s title could mean. It sounded like something out of the Bill of Rights or something. I was close. Even though I had mentioned the meaning behind the band’s name in my review of their first CD, I think I should go back and explain it again for those of you who are new to Article One.
Having said this in review for the album Article One [Read here], it says … I took a look at their name and wondered what did the name Article One mean? According to Nathan, the guys were attending a U2 concert, and inspired by a speech U2 lead singer Bono had brought during the show, the band’s name was conceived. Article I, comes from the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ which states “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” The band has said that Bono and U2 are one of their musical influences, so it seems to fit what the band wanted to set forth in their music. Nathan continues to say that it is directly related to what Jesus called us to do in Mark 12:31, which says “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s delve into the CD, shall we?
One thing I mentioned in my review of their first CD is that their music is a bit different then that of a lot of other artists out there, but having said that, I think their second CD jumps more into the sound of others then the unique sound found in their first. This isn’t always a bad thing either as I think the group has matured a lot musically and has experimented with their previous element and molded into something similar to that of the musical style of other groups (and band label mates) such as the Newsboys. I think fans of groups like The Fray, Dave Matthews and MercyMe may find Article One appealing nonetheless.
Even with the early success of Color and Sound’s first single, “Without You (I’m Not Alright)”, I noticed a huge difference in their musical style. While the debut featured a lot of pop-string tracks, Colors and Sounds starts off with a tremendous burst of energy. The message behind “Without You” can be found a lot in today’s Christian families. Getting saved, living life for God, drifting away and coming back. Lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Nathan Piche explains that the song derived from seeing what life was like without God and later on, influencing him to come back.
I really liked the encouragement found in the song, “Never Too Late to Call”. Piche says the song was written for a few of his friends reminding them that he was there for them no matter what, and that God was as well. I think this is the kind of things we like to hear. Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Human minds are vengeful and unforgiving at times, and it is always good to know that God feels this way toward us even though at many points we don’t deserve it. I think the chorus says a lot, saying “The bridges have not burned down / I hope you come around / And how far you fall / It doesn’t matter at all / It’s never too late to call”.
When I first started listening to the vocals on “If the World Gives Up” I thought I was listening to a new Newsboys song! It sounded so much like one of their songs rather then Article One. Other then the falsettos found throughout the song, Nathan’s voice can be compared favorably to the Newsboys’ front-man, Peter Furler. The song’s message is great too in that it reminds us that the Lord has a plan for our lives. Even though at times it appears that no one is standing beside us, encouraging us, as if to say the world has turned their back on us, God still remains and stands with us affirming His perfect plan our lives.
I really liked the song, “Angels”; it was very thought-provoking. I used to think that angels were these bright glowing beings with wings that would do nice things for people and help people in distress. I was right in part about them, but little did I know that they are all around us and here for a purpose. Some are here to deal God’s judgment, but there are those out there that act as servants on God’s behalf and a protection to His people, sometimes even as messengers. The song was inspired by a quote from Billy Graham, in which he said “Believers, look up – take courage. The angels are nearer then you think.” I think musically this song fits the mold of a lot of the songs found on AO’s self-titled debut, and it was cool to hear something similar.
The twelfth track, “Above All Else” really got me thinking about my priorities in life. I admit at times, conviction surrounds me that sometimes I have gotten my priorities in life a bit mixed up. There are some days when this website (Christian Music Review) seems to be put in front of everything else. Before my wife. Before my children. Before God and so on. Little do I realize that God is the reason why I even have the honor to do CMR. If He hadn’t showed me His mercy and His love by sending His only begotten Son (John 3:16) to die for me, then I would have no reason to even do this. This song got me thinking that our priority should be serving God first, and then everything else would fall into place. God should be placed above everything else, not underneath it.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
________________________________________
Although I loved the fact that Article One’s debut was different then a lot of things I had heard, Colors and Sounds is put together well and message-wise there is no questioning as to what they have set out to do. Musically it was different then the first, but in all honesty I think even the fans of the first album will enjoy the changes and more upbeat music found on this record. I am really anxious to see what the Lord has in plan for these guys in the future.
The only negative thing I can say about Colors and Sounds is, I think at many points in the album, the group sounds too much musically like their label counterparts, the Newsboys. But on a positive note, if you are a fan of the Newsboys, I think you will enjoy this well-rounded project from one of Christian music’s newest talents!
Rating: 9 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/articleone_colorsandsounds.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Tenth Avenue North [Over and Underneath] | Posted September-24-2008
[Main Review]
Tenth Avenue North, made up of members Mike Donehey (lead vocalist/acoustic guitar), Jason Jamison (drummer), Jeff Owen (electric guitar/background vocals) and Scott Sanders (bass guitar), has been featuring its brand of intellectual, melodic, pop-rock on tour in support of its single, “Love Is Here,” and its debut project, Over and Underneath. “Simply, our mission as a band is to know Christ and to make him known,” says Donehey. “It’s a grand adventure.”
With one listen to the music of Tenth Avenue North, it becomes obvious that songwriter Mike Donehey and his bandmates have a gift for expressing truth in a way that simultaneously educates, enlightens and entertains. They are as much teachers, as artists, demonstrating this through their intellectual, yet vulnerably accessible songs that echo the heart of the human condition and the hope of the risen Savior.
"Tenth Avenue North's melodies are memorable and the musicianship is taut and inventive, but it's Mike Donehey's incredible lyrics that literally moved me to tears. He has an uncanny ability to put words to the hopes, fears, dreams, and struggles we all carry in our hearts and on our shoulders," says Billboard Magazine's Deborah Evans Price. "To say this band is going to be 'the next big thing' feels like an understatement."
This album spoke to my heart in a way that other music in recent past hasn’t. The gifts that have been given to these guys and the passion they have using these gifts is amazing. They have a genuine sound and message in this album. After listening to this album you can tell that they are in it for the love of our God Jesus The Christ. This is the calling God has placed on their lives and I for one am happy to see them being obedient to God.
Their hit single which spent time at #1 “Love is Here” is an amazing song that lets you know no matter what God’s love is always here. The chorus says “Love is here. Love is now. Love is pouring from his hands, from his brows. Love is near, it satisfies. Streams of mercy flowing from his side. Cuz love is here.”. Next time you think you have it rough and you don’t know what to do just think of these words and know that Love is here.
Other songs on this album give us the message that He is by our side wherever we fall. All we have to do is remember that his hands are holding us. God will never leave or forsake us. All he wants us to know is that He love us and he will never let us go.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
________________________________________
I thoroughly enjoyed this album. This album is something that I needed to remind me of key things about my relationship with God. Sometimes we get so caught up in our lives that we lose control. Well, God says let it go. It’s when we lose our lives that we find our soul. Let God be in control. Surrender your life to him and see how much better things get. Without God we are nothing, but with God “ALL” things are possible.
I would like to thank the band for being true and sensitive to the word of God. I know that you will have much continued success as long as your focus remains the same. God knows what is best for us.
Thank you guys for this blessing that you have bestowed upon us with this album. Thank you for the message in this album and the lives that will be and have been touched by God through your music. Keep following the will of God, and I look forward to the next project you guys come out with. God bless.
Rating: 10 out of 10 (100%, A+)
Review written by: Ben Collins
(ben.collins@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/tenthavenuenorth_overandunderneath.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
There are sometimes in a music review writer’s life where one gets excited and anticipates the release of an upcoming album. Warren Barfield, in my opinion, could easily fit into that category. After ‘soaking’ up the music that came forth from his 2003 self-titled debut, I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of the pre-release in 2006 for his second album, Reach. 2008 brings forth more anticipation when I hear Warren is done with and is about to release his third studio album titled, Worth Fighting For. As with Reach I was not disappointed to say the least.
The record starts off with the fast-paced track, “The One Thing”, whose message starts with what will be a focus point of the record, Love. I think the chorus pretty much sums up what the song portrays, “Your love is the one thing that has been enough….. The one thing I cannot run out of”. The little ‘doo do doo do doo do’s’ at the beginning are catchy and since first hearing the song, I find myself walking around doing this, weird looks from people and all. It’s all good though.
The second track, “Say It with Your Life” I think really depicts a lot of Christians today. You ever heard that saying, “Actions speak louder then words”? Well, I think Warren touches on that subject with this track. He says in the song explanations, “Most Christians are quick to tell you what they believe. They speak of Christ and Love, and live something often very different. The truth is there are no words to describe what Christ has done for us. It’s bigger than words. It can only be said with how we live our lives.” The message and honesty of songs like this is something I think in this day and age we need to hear. People shouldn’t be able to question which side of the fence you stand. Say it with your actions, and your life.
So often in life the term, “I Believe in God” comes in conversation. But this song kind of turns the tables a bit answering a very important life question, “I believe in God, but does God believe in me?” I have asked myself this question many times and come to realize that, yes, if I am trying to live my life according to God’s will and attempt at best the things He has set forth in me, yes He believes in me. Even in those times where we fail, God is still there, believing that His creation will soon do things right. Musically the track is of moderate speed with simple rock guitars, but one thing I noticed right of the bat with the tracks on this record is that the musical style is somewhat different then the songs from Reach and even going back to Warren Barfield. When I interviewed Warren a few weeks back (5/7/08) I mentioned that this was one thing I liked most about the new album besides the message, the different styles of music implemented in each of his records.
The fourth track, “Love Is Not a Fight”, will definitely go on to become (in my opinion) one of the most successful and ministering singles of 2008. The buzz and response from it so far tells me that this song will do a lot this year. The story behind the song, which Warren explains sparked from an argument about something miniscule (dropped pretzels) between him and his wife, Megan. “Isn't it fascinating that two people who love each other so much can cut one another so deeply? When you let issues build up in a marriage, the smallest thing can trigger a war, and pretty soon you can lose sight of your love and commitment to one another.” Barfield says in the song by song, which he goes on to say, “…to find a way to move through life’s good and bad times together. That will be a struggle at times, but love is worth the fight.” “Love Is Not a Fight” will be featured in the upcoming film Fireproof, starring Kirk Cameron, which hits theatres in September and will coincide with the film’s story line.
I really liked the music track from “This Road”, and after hearing it for the first time the first thing that popped into my mind was Steven Curtis Chapman’s “The Great Adventure”. My daughter pointed out once while listening to the record in the car, “Hey I want to listen to that Life Is a Highway song”. I told her I didn’t have the Cars soundtrack. She said, “No, on Warren Barfield’s new CD silly!” While the music was fast-paced and catchy, I thought the message was good too. Following the One who know the road better then anyone else. Why, who could he be referring to I wonder? Lol.
I was reading about the sixth track, “Drop the World” in the song-by-song. Warren explains what started out as a prayer, led to the words of the song. I think the music accompanying the lyrics are very beautiful and fit the song well. I am sure we all have heard or know the song, “He’s got the whole world in His hands”, and I am sure we have all known someone in our lives that has been hurt, has been left alone, someone we desperately want to reach out to, but can really do nothing for. But God can. The song speaks as if responding to the “He’s got the world in His hands” song, and asking God for that person’s sake, drop the world and be with and comfort the person who need’s it. Of course it’s a metaphor, but you get the picture right? We all need God to comfort us individually at some point in our lives. Prayer can be the main thing that we can do individually for that person in need.
There are a few things that could be said of the eighth track, “As It Is in Heaven”. The first, wishing that we could be in a place like Heaven now, a place where war, violence, heart-break and other negative aspects of life doesn’t exist. It’s hard coping sometimes in the world of today. Especially if you have read or are familiar with prophetic scriptures like Matthew 24:3-14 & 2 Timothy 3:1-5 then you will know what the song is talking about. Longing for that day when Christ will come back and take us to that place spoken of in the Lord’s Prayer, the way and as it is in Heaven. The song to me gets me thinking, what will that place be like? What will an existence in eternity with the Lord be like? One where we don’t live in fear, alone? I wonder.
The message behind “Reflect You” I think can be best described by what Warren writes in the song-by-song. “No one sets out to fail, yet we all do. I have failed often and watched my heart turn cold and hard and hesitant to try again. I remember when I was a kid, learning that the moon was just a cold dusty rock that had no light of its own. Yet, when the Sun shined on it, the reflection lit up the sky. All of us are cold, dusty rocks floating in the dark, but if we can just catch a glimpse of Christ, the reflection of who He is will light up the world.” Simply put. When I first heard the song, came to mind which says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” John 8:12 can also be referenced here as well.
The last track, a bonus of sorts for the album is the acoustic version of “Love Is Not A Fight”, which obviously the message is the same, but I actually prefer the fourth track version of the song, which seems to have more life to it’s music track.
Sorry for such a long review (I know I am long-winded) but I just wanted to point out everything I was thinking when listening to this album. If you don’t have Warren’s debut or Reach, I would suggest picking them up. By the very least, Worth Fighting For is definitely worth picking up. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
________________________________________
If you are not familiar with Warren Barfield, Worth Fighting For is definitely a good album to start with. In close, I think the album has a lot to offer and really throughout got me thinking about things in my life that maybe I hadn’t thought of. The first single, “Love Is Not A Fight” was definitely a track I think convicted and ministered to my wife and I personally. As I mentioned in my May 7th interview with Warren, I really hope and pray that this song (and the movie Fireproof) will minister to and maybe even save marriages out there afflicted by warring, fighting and Lord knows what else. Worth Fighting For can definitely be classified as one of the albums to watch in 2008, one that I pray will be both entertaining and ministering to those who hear it’s music and it’s message. Great job Warren!
Rating: 9.6 out of 10 (96%, A)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/warrenbarfield_worthfightingfor.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Sandi Patty [Songs For The Journey] | Posted September-24-2008
[Main Review]
You know, when I first got a copy of Sandi Patty’s new album, Songs for the Journey, I have to admit, I wasn’t very excited. Maybe that’s partly because I have never really been into the female soloists (I’m just being honest here!). I think on the exception of Nicole C. Mullen, there are not too many that would into my ‘favs’ category. But after having listening to Sandi, I understand why she has won so many Dove Awards for Best Female Vocalist of the Year and more, totaling 39 in all. Sandi is a truly gifted vocalist and I think her work on Songs for the Journey has solidified her status as ‘legend’ in the CCM industry.
Sandi hadn’t always had that status though. I mean, everyone has to get their start somewhere. Yes, actually Sandi got her start as a back up singer to Bill Gaither and the Bill Gaither Trio in the early 80’s and her career took off from there.
Having said that, her new record has many tracks that are sure to soon become fan favorites. The first track “Praise To The Lord, The Almighty” is just simply amazing, with it’s orchestra-laden intro all the way through and to the end. Very uplifting piece. The next two tracks, both classic hymns, with “Through It All” and “Be Thou My Vision” are two great examples of Sandi’s powerful and beautiful voice. I am a sucker for the hymns, so I always enjoy hearing updated renditions of the ‘old school’ music. I especially like the Irish bag-pipe/flute intro for “Be Thou My Vision”. Not since Selah’s recording of this song have I heard such a beautiful and gracefully flowing version.
The message of “My Tribute” is amazing! I think we should all write our own tribute song to God, whether it’s spoken (for those of us who can’t sing) or sung (for those who can sing!), because you know what? We owe everything to God. Everything. Sandi says it especially well when she says, “To God be the glory for the things He has done”. Amen.
Well let’s increase the tempo… a lot. Yes, the album speeds up (awesome) with the next track “Operator”. The bluesy pop/rock track was one that I found very exciting to listen to. It reminded me of a lot of the up-tempo Southern Gospel music my wife Shannon likes to listen to. The concept behind the song is very interesting as well. Calling through the ‘operator’ and asking for Jesus. “I’ll pay whatever the calls costs”, I think is what the verse said, but it was an exciting and thought-provoking song.
I could go on about the record, but the bottom-line is, I though musically it was refreshing. It was something different. I love some good rock and pop music, but it was a breath of fresh air listening to something different this time around. Of everything I have read on Sandi Patty, the message of her music has never been in question. Which is good. After all, what is Christian music without Christ? You know?
Songs for the Journey seemed to be a personal one for Patty as well, consisting of songs and style of music that has influenced her journey thus far. I think even for those folks out there that are not familiar could relate to and even enjoy some of the songs on the album.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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I can’t really say I was a fan of Sandi’s prior to listening to Songs for the Journey and I can’t say her music would be something I would listen to regularly, but I have to say, she has the talent, she is anointed and I really honestly believe her music can and will make a difference in a believers life. I enjoyed the album, and I think anyone who hasn’t listened to her music yet should give it a chance and listen to something different. For those of you who are long-time fans, I don’t think you will be disappointed with her new effort. Great job!
Rating: 8.8 out of 10 (88%, B+)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/sandipatty_songsforthejourney.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Dizmas are lead singer Zack Zegan, Zack’s younger brother and back up vocals and guitarist, Josh Zegan; guitarist Jon Howard; bassist Nick Aranda and Clayton Hunt on the drums.
As a newcomer to the Dizmas world, I’ve been reading reviews about their past efforts as an indie group to find out who they are. After having only heard their new self-titled album, it’s hard for me to believe they ever indulged in anything close to heavy or screamo. The Dizmas have been getting some seriously mixed reviews with this CD because of their new sound. Personally, I don’t see the problem. Band members grow and mature as people and when a group can bring that new level of maturity into their music and tell the world who they are becoming, that shows awesome talent.
Who would want to listen to a band that never changes? If every album sounded like the last, why buy it? I give them mad props for taking the risk of changing.
And yes, I believe that even old-school Dizmas fans will enjoy this album, and not despite the changes, but because of them. Hopefully this new gig with Forefront records will boost sales and popularity for this adventuresome troupe. Their tone has way mellowed out, leaning more in a melodic pop-rock direction, showing an entirely new side to these guys. With all that said, let’s jump in.
The song “Yours” kicks things off, and could have been taken right out of a church service. It offers imagery of blue skies and oceans, and total surrender to the Lord, despite fears and failures. It expresses a desire to tell God everything you’ve been holding back, finally able to trust this friend with your heart. This CD takes important spiritual issues and makes the listener think about their own lives. Track two, “Play It Safe,” takes a serious look at faith and the difference between real faith and just kind of believing something. “Faith moves mountains / You will see when you don’t see / Faith prevails where belief fails…”
“Jealousy Hurts” and “This Is A Warning” bring some rock into this so-far-soft album, making the second half distinctly more rock than the first. It gets a little edgy with themes of love, guilt, lies, and tension. “This is a warning for all of us that are falling / For the lie that we could be bigger than God? / … We don't get it and don't care if we do / We're crying like we're innocent.”
“Worth Fighting For” is a hard song about questioning what we know and what we’re told. You get stronger when you question. “Is easy going the best for us / Is faith becoming so comfortable / We’re looking for answers / We’re not asking questions /…Reach out and He will lead us on / the end is worth fighting for /…there is hope in the aftermath” The last song, appropriately titled “Dance” certainly has the energy to make you want to rock.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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This album is awesome, and is truly focused on bringing glory to God. It encourages deep faith and spiritual growth and questioning what we think we know. It sounds to me like perfect summertime cruising tunes. Harmonizing back up vocals lend a depth to the album’s sound. The music is a great blend of calm and catchy, pop and praise, with an air of adventure, as if being swept up into something bigger than yourself. I definitely recommend picking up this album. I myself would appreciate a little screamo thrown into the mix for diversity, and perhaps a throwback to the past. But all in all, the Dizmas guys are talented and on the rise. Moral of the story: Don’t be afraid of a new sound.
Rating: 8.3 out of 10 (83%, B-)
Review written by: Liz Zelinski
(liz.zelinski@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/dizmas_dizmas.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
PureNRG [Here We Go Again] | Posted September-24-2008
[Main Review]
I have to admit when I first listened to PureNRG’s new album, Here We Go Again, I was thinking to myself… “Don’t I hear enough of this kid-pop while my daughter watches the Disney Channel?” Well, no more then a few songs into the disc I realized these kids may sound similar to the music heard on Disney Channel shows like Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Wizards of Waverly Place, but the message of the album was the big difference.
While the music of High School Musical and Hannah Montana come across as positive and fun for kids, PureNRG steps it up and brings the message of Jesus in their album full of not only positive and encouraging tracks, but songs that will be sure to get your house bouncin' and pumped up and I don’t mean just the kids either!
The writing process of this album review started out a little different then most that I write. Normally I listen to an album through a few times before sitting down to write the review, you know to familiarize myself with the artists, their music and the message. No, this time I handed the CD to my eight and half year old daughter, Mariah. I said, “I want you to take this CD into your room and listen to it and let me know what you think”. No more then ten minutes later, I heard her in her room singing along with some of the songs. “What do you think Mariah?” I asked her. “This CD is my new favorite CD dad! You know I like Hannah Montana and stuff, but she doesn’t sing about Jesus. She says she is a Christian, but I don’t ever hear her sing about God”
This really made me feel good. You know there is a lot of ‘so-called’ kids’ music out there, but what is it teaching our children? Absolutely nothing. PureNRG seems to pick up where Jump 5 left off with their Hello/Goodbye CD. A few songs that caught my ear (and that I even found myself singing along to) were the group’s cover of the 1967 Marvin Gaye/Tammi Terrell duet, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. I really enjoyed PureNRG’s cover of the song. I immediately thought of the bus scene in the Denzel Washington film, Remember the Titans, when the players started singing it on the bus on the way to Gettysburg.
Another song I really enjoyed and really like because of its positive and uplifting message was the group’s cover of Nicole C. Mullen’s “Call On Jesus”. “I was really nervous doing it because I really love singing that song and I love Nicole C. Mullen,” says Carolyne Myers. “The producer and I would pray before every pass while recording it in the studio.” The other big cover on the album was Matthew West’s “More”. I absolutely loved that song, it reminds us of Christ’s love for us and willingness to do what He needed to do in order to atone for and defeat our sins once and for all.
With a few covers on the CD, there are some originals that I think the ‘younger’ fans will find exciting to listen to. Particularly in the ‘chick tracks’ (as I call them) like “Girls Can Change the World” and “BFF (Best Friends Forever). I was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed listening to the album. I am not afraid to admit, I would consider myself a fan of PureNRG! I think that the group’s focus is where it needs to be, and that’s on going out and showing people who their Savior is and what He’s about.
I actually had taken my wife Shannon and daughter Mariah to Winter Jam 2008 earlier this year and got the opportunity to see PureNRG perform and even got to meet them backstage after their performance. My daughter Mariah was excited to meet them, but at the same time was too shy to even say anything to them at first. It was cool seeing how they interacted with my daughter, you know how humble they came across and the time they took to talk with her. It made her day.
All in all Here We Go Again was an enjoyable album to listen to with a message that today’s kids need. Jesus. Christ should be the center point of their lives. You know as Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (KJV). These kids are our future (just as the song says) and we need to encourage them to be grounded in their faith. It’s okay to have fun, but in the way that is still honoring to God and found in the center if His will.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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If you are looking for an album for your kids that has some great music, this albums a good choice. If you are looking for an album that your kids will enjoy and has a great message, then this is definitely one to pick up. I thoroughly enjoyed it as did my daughter and I think once your kids take a listen, they will too. Look also for PureNRG’s next DVD to hit store shelves later this year.
Rating: 9.1 out of 10 (91%, A-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/purenrg_herewegoagain.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Salvador [Aware] | Posted September-24-2008
[Main Review]
Dove Award-winning Word recording artist Salvador returns April 29th with Aware, the acclaimed Latin/pop band’s eighth recording. Produced by group members Nic Gonzales and Chris Bevins, along with Otto Price (dcTalk, GRITS), Aware features 11 selections exploring themes of thankfulness and selflessness.
“Salvador is an ever evolving jam band,” Nic explains. “Every show is different. There is no set list. The guys don’t even know what is coming next. They just hear the chord that sets up the next song, and then off we go. When you can do that it’s magic.”
It’s been two years since Salvador’s last album. A lot of things have changed in that amount of time. Nic, the bands front-man was faced with the challenges of a new wife, and getting ready for a new baby. He found himself not having the time to write that he usually does. His mom used to tell him, ‘If you give God His time, He will give you extra time.’ After sitting in the studio staring at a blank sheet of paper Nic realized he missed allowing God to be who He was in him. From that moment on things began to flow from God through him.
He points to the album’s title cut, “Aware,” as an example of the band’s new mindset. “Our fast-paced lifestyle often causes us to blow past the basics,” Nic muses. “I think most Christian songs express thanksgiving for the things God gives us. But we wanted to take a different approach to thankfulness. Our heart’s cry is that we would be aware of what is going on around us, that God would create a fundamental change in me so that I would realize that everything that I am is not just about me.”
My Favorite song on the album is “What Would It Be Like”. It says what would it be like if we learned to love each other. Just that phrase alone is powerful. Imagine a world where everyone loved everyone and we were a world of Christ filled Christians. It sounds too good to be true, but it starts with each and every one of us. Our witness as Christians is what could lead this world to the place that this song talks about. Imagine turning on the news and hearing positive stories as opposed to all the negative that we have now. What would it be like?
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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This album is one that I really enjoyed. The message was awesome. I found myself relating to a lot of the content that was in their songs. The music, it bout’ doesn’t get any better than that for me. I am a huge fan of the “big band” style if you will. I love the brass and woodwinds added in. It just gives me a good feeling when I hear that kind of music.
To hear these guys live must be incredible. The album was well put together. I can honestly say that although it may be some time away I can’t wait for Salvador’s next album. I pray that the band continues to use their God given talents to lead lost souls to Christ and that God continues to enrich their lives daily. Keep up the good work! God Bless.
Rating: 10 out of 10 (100%, A+)
Review written by: Ben Collins
(ben.collins@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/salvador_aware.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
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