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...
From the moment This Fragile Breath" was released as his first single, Todd Agnew was viewed as a major player in the adult contemporary field. He was recognized as such even more when "Grace Like Rain" hit the airwaves. Then he came back on his second album and took over radio with "My Jesus." With his third album here, Better Questions, can Todd live up to the previous two?
In case you're wondering what "Better Questions" means exactly, just listen to the first line in the opener, "Prelude," "I have better questions than I have answers." Although the intro is a bit intriguing, things get off to a rough start with the first song, "Still Has A Hold." Agnew tries way too hard to sound southern gospel, with very cliche southern gospel lyrics about being lost in the valley. Then "Least of These" jumps right in with a rocky guitar intro, and almost makes up for it, but I'm not sure if the album has redeemed itself yet.
On "Peace on Earth," Todd gives the song a reggae flavor. It's not something he should try very often, but proves to be a good choice of music for the message. There is a poor flow to the lyrics in "Don't Say A Word," bearing a noticable pattern but it remains somewhat difficult to grasp. And when you listen to Todd's voice in "Family," you find that his vocals are very strong with certain styles of music, but don't fit very well with others.
The first half of Better Questions is disappointing, with the only exceptions being "Our Great God," a worship song features Rebecca St. James, and "If You Wanted Me." The latter of the two is very similar to his song "My Jesus," but the lyrics are based around Todd's self-doubt, "I'll admit I'm glad I'm not King David, ruling over everything I see, 'cause I think I've fallen for more than Bathsheba, Your creation's a temptation for me. If You wanted me to love You only, why'd You make the moonlight sparkle in her eyes?" That question struck a chord in my own heart, as I'm sure it will with a lot of other guys too.
Most of the songs from the second half fair better, like "War Inside" for example, which has a guitar track reminiscent of Midnight Oil's "Beds Are Burning." However, "War Inside" is a song about the war of flesh vs spirit, "There's a war inside of me between who I want to be and who I am." "Martyr's Song" is sung from God's perspective, singing to His children that have finally made it back home, and Todd decided to add a bonus track called "One Day," which touches on the life and death of Jesus, as well as the fact that He is coming back for His people one day.
Todd's honesty about the struggles of the Christian faith, as well as his love for Jesus, are very apparent throughout Better Questions. And as long as he is making music, this will hold true. As far as living up to his previous two albums, I think that's up to you to decide.
A Great Christmas CD | Posted May-14-2009
The concept of Todd Agnew's first Christmas release is unique and refreshing, adding a few new elements to them old and new Christmas songs alike. Each song on Do You See What I See? is sung from the perspective of a character in the Christmas story, from Mary, to The Shepherds, to a song sung to Jesus Himself.
The idea works well, because of Todd's choice to employ the voices of Joy Whitlock, Anthony Evans, Shelley Jennings and several others. The variety of voices gives the feel of a musical, and it's important to note that this is much more than a 'Todd Agnew Christmas album.' Todd only sings on five of eleven songs, and one of those is sung in a supporting role. Really, this is actually a collection of songs from many artists that happens to feature Agnew. Keeping that in mind, Do You See What I See? is quite an achievement.
The album starts off with Todd by himself singing "Do You Hear What I Hear?" which is one of only two classic carols on the record. "No Room" is next and features the incredible voice of Joy Whitlock as the Innkeeper, as well as a great saxophone part and Todd helping with BGV's. Vince Lichlyter of Jonah33 gives a voice to Joseph in "This is All I Have To Give" before Mary is played by Christy Nockels, formerly of Watermark, in "Magnificat."
Todd returns in the next song, "Did You Know," a song sung to Jesus, asking Him what it was like coming into the world as a baby. Elizabeth and Simeon are the next two characters we hear from in the songs "Sleep Well" and "He Is Called Jesus," sung by Shelley Jennings and Mike Weaver of Big Daddy Weave. Jennings's song is one of the best of the album, a peaceful lullaby with beautiful sound and lyrics.
Agnew takes the voice of the Magi in "God With Us," and Anthony Evans is backed by a stellar choir singing as The Angels in "Glory to God." Michael O'Brien takes the voice of the Shepherds in "Bethlehem Dawn" before several of the singers come together on the final track, "In The First Light."
If you're looking for a Christmas collection that's different from all the rest, look no further than Do You See What I See. Agnew and friends have put together something special that should be enjoyed in many homes this holiday season. If you can only buy one Christmas album this year, be sure to make it Do You See What I See.
A Good Buy With Variety | Posted May-14-2009
What makes Todd Agnew original? Well, to be honest, he isn't really. But that doesn't mean his debut on Ardent Records is something to avoid. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Yes, it's really nothing new. Todd Agnew takes things to a new level. With his inclusion of rock and a strong voice, this guy can appeal to a vast audience.
Take the song "This Fragile Breath." It gets play on a range of stations scaling from Christian rock all the way to the opposite end, Christian adult contemporary. The song is aggressive enough to pass on rock stations, though tender enough for AC.
In fact, Todd Agnew's voice sounds very much like that of Alex Band's of The Calling. Agnew's voice also resembles that of Jason Wade from Lifehouse. But you get the idea - deep, strong, and passionate vocals. But Agnew has a southern flare to his voice that puts an interesting spin on things. Lyrically, Agnew speaks of the love and grace of God on all of the twelve tracks of Grace Like Rain and it's pretty solid. He admits on "Still Here Waiting," "I'm surrounded by the very thing You freed me from"/ And adds, "I don't know where I turned around from chasing what I always found completed me… And You always met with me, and You're still here waiting." On the aforementioned "This Fragile Breath," he says, "You speak with thunder and lightning. Your voice shakes the mountains, the foundations of the earth. All I can offer is this fragile breath. With each one I'll praise You."
Todd Agnew does it right. If he can continue to appeal to the large audience he is now, he'll become one of the big names in CCM. Look for his name when the Dove Awards come around. Until then, enjoy this worship/contempory/rock/just-about-everything-else blend that Todd Agnew has concocted. It's a winner that can be recommended to just about anyone.
Rockin' Sophmore Release | Posted May-12-2009
The Afters were one of those rare acts, when they debuted in 2005, who left an impression on pop/contemporary fans and some indie fans alike. Their accessibility and winning single "Beautiful Love" garnered them success on MTV and even placement for the song as a TV show theme. But before too long, news of The Afters began to slow, especially as the guys started work on a follow-up for 2007, which would ultimately be delayed until early this year. Their sophomore effort, Never Going Back To OK, is a strong collection of a dozen tracks that continue what the guys began with I Wish We All Could Win and take a few steps further.
The album mixes some familiarity with new territory for this Dallas, Texas foursome, immediately throwing a deliciously bizarre curveball with the Beatles-esque opener "The Secret Parade." When listening to such a start, bands like dc Talk come to mind as they offered something completely different when their 1995 album Jesus Freak released. What's important to note is that as the album progresses and The Afters shift gears from rock anthems to alternative rock to ballads and even pop, the guys pull off each style masterfully. Never Going Back To OK is a fitting title for a band that was determined not to release a stinker for a sophomore record when many bands who come out with a stellar debut and then drop the ball or crack under pressure there next release.
"The Secret Parade" followed by the rocking title track which is about living life to the fullest and never being content to stay where you're at in life. "Keeping Me Alive" opens with an almost U2, "Beautiful Day" piano solo, before ending any similarities and giving way to more of a classic Afters sound. Lyrically, the song shows the first hints of the worshipful heart that the debut so boldly possessed. The Afters are a band whose honesty remains pure from song to song. Even when they're going for something more lighthearted, it feels natural for them. Spiritual themes are a thread that run throughout this album's duration - from brokenness in "Tonight" to boldly living out our faith in "We Are The Sound" to finding life in Christ through surrender in "Falling Into Place" and finding God's meaning for our lives in the Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy-inspired "Forty-Two." Nearly each track reinforces the theme for seizing the day and how our lives in Christ come into play.
It says a lot for an album when the only thing even remotely wrong with a record is when a song - despite how good it might be - is seemingly completely out of place. "Myspace Girl" is an infectious pop tune inspired by the true story of the band's former bassist who met a girl at an In-N-Out, fell in love at first sight, but never had the guts to talk to her. He later tracked her down on Myspace and they eventually got together and married. The song is rather silly, and if it weren't for its validity as a true story, would be a completely out-of-character song for The Afters. The other problem is it immediately follows the beautiful ballad "Ocean Wide," which was inspired by the broken marriage of a friend of the theirs. While "Myspace Girl" is a good song in and of itself, it just feels misplaced on the record.
To roundout what is otherwise one of the most solid alternative / pop rock albums of its kind to come along in recent memory, the emotionally charged "Summer Again" is a moving ballad that songwriter and vocalist Joshua Havens admits has a meaning that's open to interpretation. While it appears at times to be about the loss of a loved one, the song also suggests a theme of renewal and redemption, partly exemplified through the imagery of the changing seasons. Never Going Back To OK then closes on a high note as it takes the album out in an almost similar fashion to how it began. The song thematically poses the question of where you stand in life, perhaps even spiritually, as the verses ponder, "Eyes are on you / The pressure is on / Where will you stand when the lines have been drawn... / No you can't pretend that forever / Will never come knocking at your door." It's a great way to leave the album with plenty for the listener to chew on after the last note has been played.
A Good CD, But Not Great | Posted May-09-2009
The Newsboys are releasing In The Hands Of God. Thankfully, Furler is still featured on vocals. The album begins with the energetic opener "The Way We Roll." Using imagery ranging from the band's humble beginnings to their superstar status today and crediting the Lord for their success, this one ends up becoming a contemplative song. Following "The Way We Roll" is "No Grave." This song really shows the serious side of the Newsboys, and it's possibly the best track on the record. A mature and welcomed addition to the Newsboys' list of hits.
In these last few years, it's become a trademark of the Newsboys to include at least a couple of worship songs on every release, and In the Hands Of God is no exception. "Glorious" is a great original, acknowledging the Lord's greatness in light of our personal failures. The title track is in the same vein, which discusses how we can rely on God in times of trouble. "Lead Me to the Cross" is the one cover song on the record, originally done by Hillsong United.
Speaking of disappointing song choices, "This Is Your Life" and "My Friend Jesus" prove to be the most surprisingly lacking tracks on the record. Just like Switchfoot's song of the same name, "This Is Your Life" urges listeners to "treat yourself and others right" and to "do what you know you should." While these lyrics ring true, I can't help but be slightly unimpressed with the lack of lyrical sophistication on this track that the Newsboys are known for. "My Friend Jesus" is just plain odd, (anyone who has heard "Shine" knows exactly what I mean). It follows the tale of a disgruntled consumer calling technical support only to fly into a rage when he's put on hold multiple times. It's a very different track compared to the rest of the record, and though it may have been successful in being different, it wasn't necessarily different in a good way.
The album closes with "Dance," a trance-influenced electronic track, and finally "RSL 1984." This album seems to begin and end on the contemplative side, with both tracks relating the band's past and journey together with a thankful note. As the fourteenth album from the band, it's an appropriate start and finish to the album.
Awesome DEBUT | Posted May-09-2009
Straight out of Mesquite, TX, The Afters are a new pop/rock group on INO Records. The Afters blend many popular musical influences with honest and worshipful songwriting on their national debut, I Wish We All Could Win, for what makes a real winning combination.
In a time where modern worship suffers from a lot of the same, The Afters stand out from the crowd. I Wish We All Could Win opens with the driving alt pop/rock sound of "Beautiful Love," which sets the tone for the rest of the record. "Someday" is an example of the catchiest aspects of the band's sound and versatility, along with the melodic anthem "Love Lead Me On." "All That I Am" proves the guys can just as effectively write a worship ballad as a rock song. Although the lyrics are rather straightforward and simple ("I will love You with all of my heart / Jesus, I'll love You with all of my mind / Jesus, I'll love You with all of my soul / Jesus, I'll love You with all that I am"), the layered and string-enhanced arrangement raises the song well above the norm and is one of the strongest songs on the record.
The Afters' approach to worship is a classy and thoughtful one with more album highlights like "Love Will Make You Beautiful," "You," and "Wait." Fans of CCM artists like Paul Colman, and Smalltown Poets will want to look into this release. The Afters are the best new artist to come out of INO Records yet.
After Edmund...Hello | Posted April-29-2009
Pop/rock Georgian quintet After Edmund is yet another emerging act to be listed on the roster of artists for Slanted Records. Although they are not a "familiar" band at the moment, they hope to become a fresh face in today's music industry. Hello serves as the band's national debut, and a friendly introduction to music listeners far and wide.
The rock 'n' roll opener "Thank God" speaks of how we should be thankful that we have a hope in our God as well as a place of safety within His arms. Musically, it has bits of techno flavorings sprinkled throughout and is arguably the album's strongest track. "Fighting For You (Let It Go)" adds a Jonezetta-esque feel to the record while lyrically stating how we need to let go of our past and surrender our hearts to God's freeing love, whereas the guitar-laden and bass-driven riffs of "Everyone" evoke an encouraging letter of hope to the brokenhearted. The Jackson Waters-esque mood of "Like A Dream" depicts the saving grace and healing mercy that our Creator offers us and how His amazing love can seem almost unfathomable.
"Come and Rain Down," a song that has it all: swirling guitar hooks, heart-pounding drum beats, and a plea for rescue directed to Jesus to deliver us from the sense of worthlessness, depression, and abandonment that we can feel from time to time. The upbeat tempo of "Tears" reveals that we can't hide behind our tears because they unmask our brokeness and our search for the antidote. "Stealing Away" possesses a Keane feel and unveils the fact that we need God's forgiveness to erase all the harbored sin within our lives, while also serving as a plea to God to captivate every part of us.
"Clouds" is a worshipful rock anthem illustrating the spirit of ectstasy we feel when we are close to God, while the pop/rock tune "It's Alright" tells us that even if there is no tomorrow, everything will be okay because of the certainty we have of knowing that our God is living and dwelling inside of us. The finale of "To See You Leave" is an organ-driven acoustic ballad written as a sad goodbye to a dearly loved one, closing the record in an appropriate manner.
You may think this collection of music resembles a whole slew of other artists and bands, and you are correct. And yet, After Edmund has managed to incorporate their own distinct flavor to their particular genre, which most likely will grab the attention of their listeners. I will also say that their debut Hello seems to say that they are moving in the right direction
Front Woman Of Benjamin Gates Hits The Mark With Solo Debut | Posted April-29-2009
It's been a few years now since alt rock act The Benjamin Gate disbanded. Since its demise, the band's lead vocalist Adie Liesching married fellow artist Jeremy Camp, has become a mother twice over, and has crafted her debut solo project. Under the moniker Adie, Adrienne releases Don't Wait, a stylistic departure from her previous band that is likely to appease old fans while attracting the attention of many new ones.
Don't Wait is a distinctly more pop venture than what Adrienne has been involved with previously. The pop/rock elements still exist. Those who found Benjamin Gate too edgy will find Adie's sound to be more accessible and soothing. The songwriting themes have changed as well. "What Have I Done?" or "Overwhelm." Adie's sound is more mature in the sense that it seems geared more towards an older crowd than Benjamin Gate was. The verses and melody of "If I'll Ever" even slightly bears a resemblance to Amy Grant's classic "Lucky Ones," in feel and vibe, which brings to mind that Adie is in a different league now as a pop artist. She just might be shaping up to follow in Grant's grand footsteps.
A cover of Peter Seeger's "Turn Turn Turn" seems to most closely resemble something Adrienne's previous band may have done. A fine rendition of the popular song, "Turn..." is one of the most upbeat tracks on Don't Wait. Most of the pop songs on the album carry a sense of familiarity -- even the catchy title track, which is still easily a highlight on the record, may cause you to wonder if you've heard it somewhere before. Adie makes sure to stay far enough away from some of the common cliches of the genre to stand up on her own. The sweet innocence and vulnerability of "What Have I Done" is a testament.
What I missed most on Don't Wait from Adrienne's past recordings, is that at times her voclas seem to be missing the passion and flair her voice became known for. Her vocal style is smoother and more controlled, which actually works better with the musical direction she's striving for with Don't Wait. Still, Adrienne certainly proved she could rock out with the best of them and that will surely be missed.
Don't Wait is a fine effort for Adie's first venture on her own. Adie possesses an infectious charm that is inviting. It may not be all the Benjamin Gate fans could hope for in an Adrienne Camp record, but Adie's solo groundwork is laid with Don't Wait, and I definitely can't wait to see where she takes things next.
Rockin' Debut | Posted April-29-2009
On Addison Road's first national release for INO Records, these Texans bring a peppy mixture of pop and rock to the table. Female fronted and slightly quirky in nature, their self-titled debut is a good time until the final note.
The first track, "This Could Be Our Day," is an uplifting tune, with an anthemic feel almost like something you might hear from Leeland. The lead single, "All That Matters," follows a similar path, although the track is likely to draw strong comparisons to the vocal and music stylings of Maroon5. "Sticking With You" provides a synth-rock dance-a-long, and "Hope Now" brings back memories of a Passion conference. Later down the line, "It Just Takes One" opens with a Family-Force-Five-meets-Michael-Jackson guitar romp, and "Always Love" seems to be Addison Road's happy place, mixing acoustic guitar with a slight indie rock twist. The disc ends with the ballad "What Do I Know of Holy," bringing out a deeper side of the band that was previously unheard earlier on the debut.
Addison Road's best quality is its youth group powerpop style, Although there are times where the disc breaks the mold, the band stayed in a formulaic radio-rock sensibility that just tends to feel like a mainstream copycat more than their own identity, That Is The Only Complaint. However, Addison Road has produced a excellent debut, and we'll be sure to hear more of them in the future. That Is The Only Complaint
An Just OK CD | Posted April-28-2009
His latest solo venture is an EP installment of sorts. Gotee Records and Flynn are planning to release a few short EPs for 2009 and this is the first of them. So, should you go catch Flynn on tour this year so you can grab a physical copy? Let's see.
The track "Such A Time" delivers a meaningful message to today's people with urgency. It's filled with neck-jerking beats and lyrics such as, "I know there's a purpose and plan. A lot of things I don't understand. Death, taxes, rent, and the rest." There's also a remix version which gives an already good track some very unique production for the listener to enjoy. The other song on the EP is " Finally, the release also has a music video for "Such A Time" and it's a typical hip-hop video; just a bunch of people dancing around for about three and a half minutes.
Overall, Flynn delivers a very unique sound that may prove to be an acquired taste. I certainly enjoy the tunes, but doubt that ever hip hop fan will. If you've liked LA Symphony's work or an artist like Pigeon John, you will definitely enjoy this short but sweet EP
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