God With Us
by
Laura Laura Story has become a champion in the female vocalist community within the last several years. From her powerful songwriting for other artists (such as on
Remedy Drive isn’t a band that’s unfamiliar to change, not by any means. Starting off in 1998 as The Aslan Band, the four Zach brothers--David, Paul, Phillip, and Daniel--would undergo several name changes before being introduced to the world as Remedy Drive in 2008.
The band charted several songs, including “Daylight” and “All Along,” but after their debut success, the band seemed to have disappeared. Fans questioned whether the band was still together.
Their answer came in early 2011, but not without it’s share of surprise. After seven years of nonstop touring, three of the four brothers--Paul, Phillip, and Daniel—announced they were leaving the band to spend more time with their families.
Remedy Drive front-man, David Zach, continued the band and welcomed three new “brothers” in their place. Fans were unsure about the change, as is normal in any such case, but it wasn’t long before they’d get a taste of the new of Remedy Drive, with the release of their May 2011 EP, Light Makes A Way.
The EP starts off with the title track, showcasing the band’s signature sound--an underlying groove juxtaposed against gritty guitars. My favorite track, “Hold On” comes next, and talks about our dependency on God when all everything else around us is gone. Lyrically, it showcases a raw depth from primary songwriter David Zach. The chorus declares: “You give me something better, more than just a feeling. You give me something real to hold on to.” It’s a maturity you’ll see throughout the entire project.
“Don’t Wait Too Long” gives off a musical vibe reminiscent of secular counterpart Coldplay, while the acoustically driven “Follow Me” is a song written to Zach’s son. In it, he confronts some of life’s hardest questions. He ultimately responds that he doesn’t have all the answers, but how he hopes that his son will follow in his footsteps by seeking the face of God. While lyrically, it’s a bit unconventional, it has a beautiful heart behind it.
The EP comes to a close with “Disappear,” which tackles the subject of fear and reminds the listener of the hope we have in God, and the burdens (fears) He wants to bear for us.
Closing Thoughts:
Often times, when a band must undergo a drastic transition, it leads to a drastic change in sound. But despite all changes Remedy Drive has made in the last several months, their style, somehow, remains the same. The only difference that stood out to me was the lack of a polished studio feel. While pop/rock driven, this EP is very raw and unfiltered sounding, which might be the deciding factor in whether people like it or not.
All that aside, Light Makes A Way is something longtime fans of the band will enjoy, and it will certainly whet their appetites for new music while the band continues to tour and write new stuff. The next chapter in the story of Remedy Drive has yet to be written, but it’ll be exciting to see how it all unfolds.
In March of 2009, Peter Furler, founding member and lead vocalist of Newsboys, announced he would be leaving the band to pursue personal interests. Needless to say, fans of the band were stunned by his abrupt departure. Questions immediately arose as to what these personal reasons might be--a health battle, a spiritual crisis, even a falling out with the band--but in the end, Peter’s resolve was simple. After 20+ years of non-stop writing, recording and touring, he needed a break. After such a drastic exit, many wondered if the Australian-born vocalist would ever make a return to Christian music. Only time would tell…
In early 2011, ending his nearly two-year long sabbatical from the music industry, Furler’s fans were delighted to learn that he was not only writing new music, but working on a brand new album, alongside familiar names, longtime friends and up-and-coming producers, including Seth Mosley from the band Me In Motion. It was his absence from the music world that allowed Peter’s passion for music to be rekindled by God once again, saying of the project, ''There is a fire shut up in my bones that I have not been able to hold in since I was a child. For me, I find its release through melody and testimony.'' This ‘release’ would spearhead his first solo record, On Fire.
The album starts off with the bouncy and pop driven “I’m Alive,” which boasts the album’s title through the lyric “I’m Alive, I’m On Fire, and my Spirit burns with desire.” It’s a great way to start the album, and from here, it shows no signs of slowing down. The CD’s first single, “Reach,” is followed by the worshipful and fun “Glory To The King.” The whole album has a techno/pop theme running throughout, which is something many Furler fans will enjoy right away, giving the newness a sense of comforting familiarity. The eccentric “Never Ending Love Song” is the catchiest song on the record, and will no doubt be one that will have everyone jumping when it’s preformed live. The only real mid-tempo track, “Matter Of Faith”, talks about Christ coming for the church, and describes the events through a series of beautiful word play.
“All In Your Head” is followed by my favorite song on the entire album, “Closer.” The song speaks about how easily we loose ourselves to the distractions of life, and with the end coming, it’s time we lived out our calling’s without any regrets. The song features a brilliant vocal cameo by longtime producer and legendary CCM male vocalist, Steve Taylor. Taylor and Furler’s vocals meshed together are spot on and it brings this song to a whole new level. It’s one I recommend you buy whether or not you purchase the entire record… a fantastic track. “Faster And Louder” is a humorous tale, addressing the expectation that after 20 years of doing rock music, Peter would want to slow down his sound, which in turn, only makes him want to make his music ‘faster and louder.’ It sends a great message that your never to young (or too old) to live a radical life for Christ.
“Psalm 23” is just that, the 23rd psalm set to the most unique beat on the record. Laced with auto-tuned vocals, this is something I could easily hear being played on a mainstream pop station. It will definitely become a fan favorite. “Hold On” is a song I hope to hear as the next radio single. It’s a departure from the pop found on most of the album, and it’s encouraging message of believing God through the middle of a storm is something that would impact many listeners. “Greater Is He”, featuring guest vocals by fellow former Newsboy, Phil Joel, as well as a short audio clip by Peter’s father, Bill Furler (a well known Pastor in Australia), brings the album to a triumphant close.
Closing Thoughts:
Musically, this is a fun and fast paced album. There isn’t a dull moment on the record, and while that might not suit everyone‘s taste, it certainly showcases Peter’s new sound. Lyrically, this might be one of the most encouraging albums of the year. The powerful theme of living “on fire” runs throughout every song on this record, taking the listener on a journey of what it means to follow Christ and live deliberately through life’s up’s and downs. With quirky lyrics and upbeat harmonies, no question longtime Newsboys fans will love this album, but of course, Peter will also capture the heart of new listeners with his passion and catchy grooves. This is one of CCM’s “must-own” albums of 2011 and it doesn’t disappoint. All this being said, I think the only thing that’s left to say is this: welcome back Peter Furler.
2011 has seen the return of many popular music fads, a big one being something the music industry hasn’t seen in early a decade: boy bands. Of course, with the return of classic all male groups such as Backstreet Boys, and New Kids On The Block within the last year, it was almost inevitable that we’d begin to see new bands sprouting up and making their own names. As far as Christian music goes in this category, it’s been nearly seven years since the disbanding (no pun intended) of popular Christian boy bands Plus One and TrueVibe, and since then, the CCM genre has yet to produce anyone that has remotely matched their sound… enter in Anthem Lights.
Consisting of members Chad Graham, Caleb Grimm, Kyle Kupecky and Alan Powell, the group started back in 2008 under the name “Yellow Clavalier”, and changed their name shortly before signing with Reunion Records. I got my first taste of this band during the annual Rock And Worship Roadshow Tour this past March, and I was immediately drawn in by their style. Catchy pop/rock grooves, spot on harmonies, upbeat lyrics, and a positive gospel message. Not to mention, they put on a pretty spectacular show. I knew right away this band was something special, and I looked forward to the May 2011 release of their debut self titled album, to hear more from this up-and-coming group.
The album starts off with the first single, "Can’t Shut Up", which introduces you their sound --pop driven harmonies with a driving rock edginess. It’s a song that could very easily be heard on secular pop radio, which gives this band an imediate likability with unsuspecting listeners. Musically and lyrically, it sets the perfect tone for the rest of the album. The upbeat "I Wanna Know You Like That" talks about a wanting radical life-changing relationship with Jesus, while "Circles", starting off with a beautiful string section, showcases the band’s musical maturity, and their ability to sing pop, as well more contemporary stuff, very well.The worshipful "Can’t Get Over You"transitions seamlessly into "Stranger", a song that follows along the same lines "Circles" lyrically with a techno flair.
The fast paced "Outta My Mind" is instantly going to become a fan favorite to hear live, the song making a bold cry for God to rid us of self-absorption so we can help a broken world in need. "Lifeline" speaks of the saving power of God, while it boasts one of the catchiest choruses on the entire album. It takes a rather unexpected R&B twist mid-song, but it gives it a certain quirkiness that I like. "Lighthouse" is by far my favorite song on the album. With convicting lyrics, it paints a beautiful word picture about how easily we forget the reason we exist (“like ships bound for shipwreck, most people simply drift along and miss the destination without knowing anything is wrong.”) It’s the only song on the album that carries somewhat of an underlying hip-hop beat, but it fits this bands vocals extremely well and blended with signature pop, it’s something I’d like to hear them do more in the future.
"Freedom To Slavery" is a clever and well-written song about how we sometimes think the things God asks us to do chain us down rather than set us free. Is is, lyrically, the deepest track on the record and I hope it’s one that connects with fans struggling with the issue of compromise in their lives. Encouraging and beautifully crafted, "Where The Light Is", brings this energetic album to a calm and melodic close.
Closing Thoughts:
Anthem Lights has one of the strongest debut albums I’ve heard in long time. There is no denying the talent this band possesses (see them live and it will prove itself), but it’s the truth in the words that will resonate with you long after you listen. Heartfelt lyrics about going out and living as a light for Jesus brings this band and their message full circle, and it only makes me look forward to what’s to come from these guys. Musically, their straightforward pop sound may not be for everyone, but if your looking for a fun, well made, and Christ-centered alternative to mainstream pop, definitely give this band a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
A Very Impressive Re-release | Posted April-04-2011
Let’s go back in time for a moment, shall we? It’s July of 2010, and after a yearlong transition period, the Newsboys are anticipating the release of their 15th studio project, “Born Again”, aptly titled with Michael Tait from legendary group dc Talk as their new lead singer. The pressure to make a great album is always there for band who has had over 20 number #1 hits, but even more so when it’s your first album with a new lead vocalist. Longtime fans were on their toes awaiting to hear the redefined sound this band had developed, and some skeptics were ready to watch them crash and burn, but little did those skeptics know lie ahead for this talented group of guys. After debuting at #4 on the Billboard charts the week it released, above names such as Justin Bieber and Sting might I add (very impressive), Jeff, Jody, Duncan, and Michael of the Newsboys proved once more that they still had music to make --and lots of it.
Let’s come back to the present: two #1 radio hits and multiple sold out dates on the 2011 Winter Jam tour later, this band has proven it’s a force to be reckoned with in the industry. So it came as no surprise that after the rapid success of Born Again, that fans were already eager to hear more new music… enter in the 2011 re-release of Born Again: Miracles Edition.
This re-release features 11 songs off the original version of the album (my review of which can be found HERE: http://bit.ly/aiAME8), but highlights 5 new songs released previously as “iTunes Only”, four new remixes, and one brand new track titled “Save Your Life.”
“Save Your Life”, which replaces the song “Impossible” on the original album version, is an upbeat and uplifting song with a danceable beat and a great message. It’s very reminiscent of early 90’s pop, but I think that’s what gives it such great appeal. It’s sure to become a fan favorite.
“We Remember”, the first of the five new tracks, is a worshipful song, penned by Mark Stuart of Audio Adrenaline fame. The lyrics of this song are sure to hit home and challenge the way people remember God, (“Your story burns upon our hearts, a beautiful and binding scar.”) “I’ll Be” is the most powerful of the new songs, taking the redemption theme this album and driving it home with the listener, while “Give Me To You” follows along the same worshipful lines as “We Remember”. “Glorious” will be a familiar track to longtime Newsboys fans, it being a song that was first recorded on their 2009 In The Hands Of God album, only this time, including the lead vocals of Michael Tait. This song suits Michael voice very well and, dare I say, might even sound better than the original…
The four new remixes on the album include a VERY 80’s-esq remix of “Born Again”, as well as a remix of “Miracles”, the “Way Beyond Myself (Flatline Mix)”, which many fans will remember voting for late last year in the band's remix competition, and the brilliant “Mighty To Save (Family Force 5 Remix)” --yes, you did read that correctly. Mixed by Soul Glow Activator (aka Solomon Olds) himself, this song doesn’t even sound remotely the same as the original, and while some worship purists won’t like the changes, I know fans will gravitate to it right away.
Included with the physical edition of this album is a free download of the band's new music video for the song “Miracles” (therefore making it the “Miracles Edition”), a great treat, although, I think most people will be sold on this album before the music video is even seen. Many of the five new songs sound very different than the “iTunes Only” versions released last year, making this something all hardcore fans will want to pick up for nostalgia sake, as well as to hear the changes.
Overall, this is still an amazing album and a very impressive re-release filled with something for everyone. Some are going to attack it simply because it is a re-release, but I don’t think it will phase anyone who is excited enough to hear these new songs, because they are all well worth the price of buying the album again. The only change I would have made would have been to include “Impossible” off the original album, seeing as it was a fantastic song and one many new fans might like to hear, but that aside, I love this new edition. I gave the original version of this album five stars, and these remixes as well as the new songs absolutely reaffirm that decision.
Yet again, this band has proved there is still more work to do and more music to make, and I know I speak for all Newsboys fans when I say, we look forward to hearing it.
Melodie Joy may not be a name that’s all-too familiar to you, but she’s been making an impact in Christian music for the last decade --Latin Christian music that is. Aside from her solo Spanish work, she’s written with names such as David Mullen, Group 1 Crew, Grits and several others. With all these accolades accredited to her name, it came as no surprise when in 2010, Melodie Joy took another leap into the world of contemporary Christian music --English that is.
The L.I.F.E EP (symbolizing the phrase ‘Living Independently From Evil’) starts off with the track “L.A.”, which could very easily be the standout track on the 5-song record. Melodie’s strong vocals are showcased alongside very raw lyrics, taking the idea of Hollywood beauty and what so many do to achieve it. “Savior”, the first single off the EP is up next, it’s a great dance song, much like the rest of the club beat-based album. “Superstar” goes back to a similar message found in that of “L.A.”, only taking it a step further by calling out people seeking fame for glory rather than fame for acceptance.
“Psychobabble” is going to be the automatic favorite of anyone who buys this EP. Not only is the concept of the song brilliant, but the message in the lyrics partners with it almost flawlessly, challenging the listener to speak life rather than death, aka, "psychobabble." It’s a fun song with a great message. “Dream On” (a song which she originally recorded on one of her earlier Latin projects) makes the cut in English as the last song on this short EP. It’s the most unique song on the album because it’s devoid of techo and driven mostly by piano. Melodie proves she can sing both fabulously and it takes the upbeat and energetic album to a calming and worshipful close.
Many are already comparing Melodie’s funky and thumping style to that of secular counterpart Ke$ha, but I’m not one for comparisons. Melodie has a true sound of her own and incredible vocals that I look forward to hearing in the future. I really enjoy this EP and I do hope she chooses to follow up on it soon. It’s sure to get you off you feet with a smile on your face and leave a lasting message in your heart.
Upbeat Pop With A Great Message | Posted February-22-2011
Gotee Records has a longstanding reputation for introducing and producing some of the biggest names in Christian music today. Just a few of the label’s alumni include Family Force 5, Sarah Kelly, Out Of Eden, and John Reuben. Needless to say, whenever the Gotee family welcomes a new member, people say attention. Which leads us to 19-year-old Atlanta native, and newest Gotee Records artist, Jamie-Grace.
Jamie might be a familiar face to some due to her work on both the iShine and Revolve tours over the past several years, but she is mostly known for her popular YouTube covers of contemporary Christian songs, which is how Gotee Records founder and fellow CCM artist tobyMac stumbled across her. The two hit it off right away, and it led to a partnership of mutual respect and the development of songwriting. The result is Jamie-Grace’s first official project, the ‘Hold Me’ EP.
The EP starts off with the title track featuring none other than Toby himself. It is a catchy and uplifting song that sets the tone for Jamie’s style of fun and bubbly pop. Up next is ‘One Song At A Time’, another catchy tune with somewhat of a reggae feel to it, also featuring Gabe Real from tobyMac’s band DiverseCity. The message of the song is upbeat and positive, Jamie singing about how music is her way of conveying her message, one song at a time (‘just give me six strings and I’ll sing you the truth…’)
‘Holding On’ is the only ballad-type song on the album, co-written by tag team tobyMac/Jamie Moore, as well as Matt Hammitt from Sanctus Real . It showcases Jamie’s unique vocals and highlights the passion she has for songwriting and her craft. The last song on the EP is a cover of dc Talk’s classic ‘Into Jesus.’ This is one of my favorite dc Talk songs, so I was interested to see how she was going to remake it. It turned out amazing and I love the changes she made, taking it from it’s darker original, to making it her own by bringing it into her own airy acoustic feel.
Jamie-Grace is an artist to watch in 2011 and beyond. Don’t let her age fool you, she is wise beyond her years and it shows in her dedication to her music. This is a fun EP and I recommend it to fans of artists like Britt Nicole, Francesca Battistelli, or anyone who is into catchy pop with a message for Jesus. I really enjoy this EP and I’m looking forward to what is coming next from this up-and-coming artist. Great things lie ahead for her.
Musical Growth | Posted February-27-2011
Francesca Battistelli didn’t just splash into the music scene back in 2008... she cannonballed. Since the release of her 2008 debut album, ‘My Paper Heart’, much has happened in the life of the reigning GMA Female Vocalist of the Year . She’s been nominated for multiple Dove Awards, garnered a Grammy nod back in 2009, been rightfully awarded the title of being the best selling female Christian artist in over five years, and alongside all this? She met and married her husband, former NewSong percussionist Matt Goodwin, and given birth to their son in September of 2010. Needless to say, with all the growth in her life these last three years, personally and professionally, Francesca Battistelli’s sophomore album was one everyone was going to be looking at.
Hundred More Years starts off with the first radio single, the crazy upbeat ‘This Is The Stuff’, a song that talks about the hassle we go through in life from a fun perspective, offering the message that the things we struggle with are ultimately for our own good. It sets the right tempo for the rest of the album. ‘Constant’ is along the same lines as the first song on the album, tackling the issue of change, and how in the midst of chaos and movement, God always stays the same.
‘You Never Are’ is a fun song that sounds a lot like material you would have found on her first album, musically speaking. ‘Angel By Your Side’ and ‘Motion Of Mercy’ are two of the slower tracks on the album that showcase the musically maturity Francesca has made, leaning more towards airy pop melodies that fit her powerful vocals very well. ‘Emily (It’s Love)’, with a guest appearance by none other than acclaimed singer/songwriter Dave Barnes, is one of the quirkiest yet most heartfelt songs on the album. The lyrics are addressed to a girl, Emily, who feels unloved, the message of course being that there is a God who loves her unconditionally.
‘Good To Know’ offers a message to a prodigal child of sorts, the lyrics explaining that it’s easy to get distracted and stray, but in the end, it’s good to know that God will always take us back and make us the people we’re meant to be. The acoustically driven ‘So Long’ gets back to Francesca’s singer/songwriter roots, while ‘Don’t Miss It’ takes the role of being the most aggressive song on the album, once again along the lines of ‘This Is The Stuff’, with a moral that reminds us of how short life is, and how we can’t get caught up in the petty things and miss out on life.
‘Worth It’ takes the role of conveying the painful side of love, but how in the end, it’s worth every moment you give. It is lyrically beautiful and the piano driven melody couldn’t fit the song any better. I hope to see this song as a single in the future. The album comes to an end with the title track, ‘Hundred More Years’, which honestly brought me to tears. Francesca enters storytelling songwriter territory by sharing the tales of a couple on their wedding day and the story of a father and his daughter, and how in each moment like this, we need to make the most of it, knowing God smiles down on those who enjoy the life He gives. It is by far my favorite track on the album, if not my favorite song Francesca has done to date.
‘Hundred More Years’ is what many Christian music fans would call a one of the ‘must-have’ albums of the year, and I absolutely agree. The theme of this album of spending our time on earth wisely and investing in treasures that last is very encouraging, and the changes in Francesca Battistelli’s life have clearly impacted her musicianship, leaning towards a more organic approach to her craft. But more than that, it reflects in her songwriting. This is one I know I will be playing far past the first few weeks. I look forward for what the future holds for Francesca Battistelli, because if her next album shows as much growth as Hundred More Years, I can safely say she’ll be one to watch in the CCM industry for a very long time.
New Sound, Same Great Storytelling... | Posted March-29-2011
It’s the year 2007, and there is a new song on the radio you keep hearing with a catchy beat and virtually no chorus called “I’m Not Who I Was”, an unlikely choice for a radio single, but a brilliant move nonetheless. Skip ahead to 2011... Brandon Heath, the voice behind the aforementioned hit song as well as others such as “Give Me Your Eyes” and “Love Never Fails”, has not only become a two time Dove Award Winning male vocalist of the year, but he has also released two successful albums and been nominated for two Grammy’s. It’s no surprise that with all this success Brandon soon acquired a large fan-base, all of whom were wondering what Brandon had up his sleeve next. The answer? His third and newest release, “Leaving Eden.”
The album starts off with the title track, ‘Leaving Eden’, with a poignant and lyrically descriptive message about the growing darkness in this world, offering the reminder that this world isn’t our home. Eden‘s first single “Your Love” is next, a solid track that most fans will instantly gravitate to.
Others songs on the album such as “Light In Me” and “Now More Than Ever” sound a lot like previous hits such as “Give Me Your Eyes” and “Wait And See”, while the more slower tracks on the album such as “Only Water” mirror material more likely to be found on his debut release. “Stolen” is by far my favorite track on the entire album. Musically, but lyrically as well. Brandon has a way of painting abstract word pictures that grab your attention, this song being one of them (““You catch me like a thief in the night and hold me when I put up a fight… “)
“Might Just Save Your Life” and “No Good To Be Alone” are a few example of some new sounds Brandon used on this new record, which are a bit different from what you’ve heard of his music before, but still brilliant in the end. “It’s Alright” once again comes back to Brandon’s straightforward style of writing what can almost be considered grown-up lullabies, comforting the listener with the promise of God’s truth, this song also having a beautiful string section that really ties the words to the music.
The album concludes with “The One”, another upbeat track with a convicting message to go out and reach the world around us, and the melodic “As Long As I’m Here”, which goes back to the resonating theme of the album of temporary life on earth, eternal life above and the opportunity to make a change and reach the world for Jesus while we are here. It’s a solid way to the album and I like the fact that it acts as a journal of sorts, seeing as it begins with a question and ends with an answer.
Overall, I enjoyed this new album. I particularly enjoy the new sounds Brandon has started experimenting with musically, moving from straight up acoustic guitar driven songs (which he does quite well, might I add) to playing around with some funky automatic effects as well as some heavier programmed beats that fit his voice and the songs nicely. Some longtime Heath fans may not be too into the musical changes this album takes compared to his previous two albums, but they can all agree that lyrically, he has and continues to be one of the most honest songwriters in the genera. I look forward to hearing what’s next from Brandon, because if it’s anything like this album, we should expect something great.
Short But Sweet | Posted October-14-2010
The term ‘whirlwind year’, while it might sound cliché, basically describes what 2010 has been for the Newsboys. After a successful run on January’s Winter Jam tour, a 13 week #1 stint at radio, an album (‘Born Again’) hitting #4 on the Billboard charts, having the most added radio single of the year, and a series of packed out Summer shows, you’d think these guys would just want to take the rest of the year and relax… you’d think wrong. Accompanied by a Winter tour, “Christmas! A Newsboys Holiday” is the first Christmas effort the band has ever done, and while it’s not a full length album, this EP of 5 songs is sure to whet the appetite of Newsboys fans, and Christmas music lovers alike.
The album starts off with the unlikely but fun cover of the Mariah Carry track ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’. Picking up the speed once more is the boys take on ‘Jingle Bell Rock’. I love their version of this song, tack the beloved quirky lyrics onto Newsboys signature crunchy grooves and you have what is definitely one of my versions of this song . A soothing version of ‘O Holy Night’ (with an undertone 80’s vibe) follows right after, and leads into a playful rendition of ‘Winter Wonderland’. The most surprising aspect of the album is the last track, ‘The Christmas Song’, which isn’t something the band worked on together, but a track Michael Tait cut years back on his last solo effort. I am VERY happy they added this onto the EP, it highlights Tait’s powerhouse voice, and it showcases an amazing version of this song which was rather underappreciated back when it was released. It brings the album to a warm conclusion and sets the tone for a wonderful Winter season.
I really enjoy this EP, it captures the warmth and fun of what Christmas music should be. I only wish it could have been a full length album, but with all the hype this EP is going to get, I’m sure it will eventually come. This is great mood setter for driving around to start your shopping, and it’s something I can see many families enjoying together around the holiday season. Short but sweet, it is sure to put a smile on your face, and most of all, remind you why we celebrate the season.
An Album With Layers | Posted October-05-2010
Matthew West’s last album, 2008’s ‘Something To Say’ is proof how talented of a songwriter he is. Never one to shy away from clever word play or in-your-face topics, people have a way of connecting to his songs unlike any other artist out there, that being made clear by previous hits such as ’The Motions’ and ‘More’. When Matthew announced in early 2010 he’d be working on a new project, listeners were somewhat intrigued by the idea behind it: he wanted fans to write in and share their story, and out of the entries received, he would take the ones that spoke to him the loudest and turn them into a song. When word of the project caught on over internet and radio, it took off unlike anything people had expected. Over the course of several months, Matthew received over 10,000 entries of people writing in sharing their stories… good, bad and ugly. The end result? A biography- like album entitled ‘The Story Of Your Life’.
I’ll be honest from the get-go, this one isn’t for the faint of heart. While Matthew is known for his upbeat style of acoustic pop, this album, lyrically, has an edge, while, musically, it shies away from the upbeat sound Matthew has come to develop, most of it being pretty raw and organic, but it fit’s the idea of the album very well and it highlights Matthew’s songwriting ability. The album starts off with the title track and leads right into the first single, ‘My Own Little World, which in a way, is the theme of the album --stepping out of your comfort zone to understand what others are going through.
It’s amazing to hear how each song covers such a broad range of topics, from ‘Family Tree’ (about a girl coming from a dysfunctional family) to ‘One Less’ (about a couple adopting a little girl from Guatemala) and how in the end, each song offers such hope to the listener and the truth of peace when they turn to God. ‘Broken Girl’ might be the standout track on the album, it is by far one of my favorite songs Matthew has done to date. It talks about a girl who has gone through sexual abuse and how she feels she is unworthy, the song going on to tell her “your not as worthless as they made you feel, there is a love they can never steal away, you don’t have to stay the broken girl”. This is one I know many girls could relate to and I do hope to see it as a single in the future.
‘Two Houses’ is written from the POV of a child of divorce, while ‘Survivors’ covers the many stories he received about people dealing with some sort of cancer or sickness. ‘To Me’, featuring guest vocalist Leigh Nash from Sixpence None The Richer, is my favorite track on the album, dealing with the story of a boy being bullied in school and how there is someone out there who really does love him for who he is. It’s one that many kids and parents are going to relate to right away. The closing track ‘Healing Has Begun’, in a way, ties together all the stories of brokenness and pain and fashions them into a song that tells the listener that there is hope on the other side.
This album has so many layers, it’s hard to cover them all. It is going to touch those who have gone through similar struggles and triumphs, and effect the way believers treat others around them. In a way, the whole album is a challenge to step across the line and share the love of Jesus, even when it’s hard. I know many of the songs have challenged me on a personal level, and I pray they’d do the same for you as well.
This is going to be a standout album in Matthew’s carrier, as well as a standout album in the history of CCM. Nothing like it has been made before, although I can see many artists taking this approach to their music in the future… and for good reason. ‘The Story Of Your Life’ is a solid album with powerful music and an even powerful message. You won’t want to miss this one.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
