God With Us
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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
Not Worth Missing Out On... | Posted September-27-2010
tobyMac’s 2010 album ‘Tonight’ garnered acclaim from both Christian and secular venues. A big reason being songs like ‘Get Back Up’ and ‘Showstopper’, both which have recently graced radio and television alike. But one of the main reasons this album struck a chord with so many people, was the fast written first single off ‘Tonight‘, released in late Summer of 2009, called ‘City On Our Knees’. The song held on to the #1 spot on the Christian Billboard charts, and with over 17,000 units sold in the first week, it is also Toby’s fastest selling single to date.
All this aside, ‘City On Our Knees’ took on a life of it’s own. Toby is quoted as saying of the song “City on our Knees' is really about a moment. A moment that we all come together. Where our differences fall by the wayside. And it’s really a reminder that that moment could be right now, tonight.” In early 2010, an idea triggered behind this “moment” sparked what would become Bethany House Publisher’s ‘City On Our Knees’ --authored by Toby as well as a few others. This isn’t Toby’s first go around as a co-author, accredited as being an author of the Jesus Freak series (with dc Talk) and the Under God books (with Michael Tait). Much like the two aforementioned, ‘City On Our Knees’ showcases the lives of others, here in America and overseas, who have ‘stepped across the line’ to show the love of God, and truly become a city on their knees.
Throughout the book you will read stories that range from young to old, from Alexandra Scott, a 4-year-old cancer patient who went on to raise a million dollars through Summer lemonade stands, to John Crowley, who developed one of the first ever medicines to help cure Pompe’s, a disease his children were diagnosed with when very young. From time to time, the reader takes a few pages to read ‘Toby’s Blog’, which are sections in which he showcases a people he knows personally who have inspired him to become ‘a city on his knees’. From time to time, the book will shy away from stories and offer up simple prayers, wonderful scriptures and powerful quotes. Shaking things up a bit, as well as making it easy to follow.
I must admit, this book was much heavier than I had bargained for. Much like the ‘Jesus Freak’ series (which I HIGHLY recommend) there were several times when I had to set the book down and walk away. Some of these stories will stir you and inspire you to take action, where others will leave you in awe of what an awesome God we serve. I don’t recommend it for ages 10 and under, just because some of the stories do get rather heavy topic wise at times, but it all depends on the maturity level of the reader.
Even if your not a fan of tobyMac or his music, this book is not worth missing out on. It’s not only a powerful example of how anyone can change the world radically for Christ, but that you don’t need to be in a certain class to do so. God has defiantly used it to challenge me to “step across the line” in a few areas in my life… I have a feeling He would do the same for you as well.
Solid Greatest Hits Record | Posted September-23-2010
Back in February of 2004, three sisters made jumped into the Christian pop/rock circuit with their first self-titled album, going under the name “BarlowGirl.” Listeners, thinking this was a direct rip-off from the hit Superchick song with the same name, soon learned, it was the farthest thing from a rip off. As a matter of fact, Rebecca, Alyssa, and Lauren Barlow WERE the Barlow girls --and they had something to say.
Skip ahead to 2010… the girls have released four successful studio albums, one Christmas project, been nominated for 19 Dove Awards, achieved multiple #1 radio hits, written a book, and toured like mad all over the globe. And while most bands don’t release greatest hits records only seven years into their carrier, BarlowGirl, once again, chose to break the mold. ‘Our Journey… So Far’ is not only a completion of BarlowGirl’s greatest hits to date, but also, a sincere thank you to the fans for all their support over the last few years.
The track list, going in chronological order (which I appriciate) starts off with what is notably the bands most well known song, ‘Never Alone’, which was named one of the most played songs on Christian radio back in 2004. The girls other hit from their first album, ‘Mirror’, also makes the album. The next few songs categorize singles from their follow up albums ‘Another Journal Entry’, and my favorite of all their work to date, ‘How Can We Be Silent’. ‘I Need You To Love Me’, ‘Let Go’, ‘Million Voices’, and ‘Here’s My Life’, just to name a few. While self-penned ‘Hallelujah (Light Has Come)‘ from their Christmas album makes an appearance, the last half of the album boasts songs off BarlowGirl’s latest album, 2009’s ‘Love And War’, including one of last year's biggest radio songs, the stirring ’Beautiful Ending’, the album concluding with a up-tempo dance remix of ‘I Need You To Love Me’.
“Best Of” albums are always tricky. Because inevitably, fans are always going to wish something was or wasn’t on the album, ‘Our Journey’ being no exception. ‘Average Girl’, BarlowGirl’s wildly popular song which speaks of their choice to not casually date around, didn’t make the cut. Surprising to me, since it is one of their most well known songs. Other suprising choices are ‘One More Round’ and ‘Our Worlds Collide’, both are amazing songs, but neither were ever singles, while ‘Harder Than The First Time’ (the bands first song released to radio) also didn’t make the cut. The track list, while suprising at times, also showcases a few hidden gems, such as ‘Grey’ off ‘Another Journal Entry’, as well the blunt ‘Come Alive’. It’s tracks like these getting highlighted that mean the world to fans.
This is a pretty solid greatest hits album. It is a fun look back to see how these girls have grown, spiritually and musically as well. Without any new songs added or more bonus remixes tacked to the end, this may not be for fans like myself who already own the entire catalog of BarlowGirl albums (unless your interested in collecting the artwork), but for people who are just discovering the group, this is a GREAT representation of who they are and what they stand for. I’d recommend it.
This album goes to show that it’s been an exciting seven years for this group, and the funny thing is… it’s only the beginning.
Worshipful and Upbeat | Posted September-06-2010
The Afters were thrust into the CCM spotlight way back in 2005 with their first album ‘I Wish We All Could Win’, and ever since then, it’s been a whirlwind of success for this talented foursome from Texas. After two highly acclaimed studio albums and numerous attention from both Christian and secular media, fans couldn’t wait to see what these guys had up their sleeve next.
One things that has always confused listeners has always been the ‘girl or God’ notion in most of their material. But unlike any of their previous work (which, by the way, is worth looking into), the bands third endeavor ’Light Up The Sky’, offers listeners poignant Christ centered lyrics, even falling into the worship category more than a few times.. Trust me, there is no mistake about Who they are singing about on this album.
The album starts off with the namesake, and leads right into ‘Lift Me Up‘ and ‘Start Over’, a catchy upbeat about new life in Jesus. ‘Runaway’ (one of the songs featured on the bands ‘Light Up The Sky’ EP released a few months back) offers hope to the listener who is dealing with personal brokenness. ‘I Am Yours’ is a personal praise ballad that simply invites God to take us and make us new.
‘Life Is Sweeter’ take somewhat of a ‘the grass is greener’ notion, and speaks of life in the world opposed to life in Christ. The melodic ‘Say It Now’ speaks to the heart of a relationship in need of restoration, while ‘We Won’t Give Up’ makes a total 360 and turns up the volume to make a ‘we won’t give in’ stance. It’s one of my favorite songs the band has ever done, beyond catchy, and it wouldn’t surprise me to hear it on a television program or even a commercial in the future.
‘Saving Grace’ once again takes the worship-esq feel of this album and leads the listener into a time of surrender (…I run to my hiding place, my Saving Grace…) by far my favorite track off the entire album. ‘For The First Time’ is the closing track, and ends the album on a peaceful and lyrically beautiful note.
Overall? This is easily my favorite album this band has done to date. They have matured greatly since their previous album ‘Never Going Back To OK’ back in 2008, and it shows in their songwriting. I only wish the album would have been longer, but what you do have is enough to keep coming back to listen again and again.
This album has a great mix of soothing slow songs and upbeat rock anthems, and it sure to please the rocker and the AC crowd alike. It is defiantly one of the ‘must have’ albums of the year for avid Christian music fans. I know I’m snagging one… you’d be wise to do the same.
A Passionate And Soild Worship Album | Posted August-23-2010
Hard to believe it has been nearly eight years since Jeremy Camp’s released his first worship project ‘Carried Me’ in 2004, the follow-up to his powerhouse debut ‘Stay‘. Much has happened since then, three successful studio albums, two live LP‘s, and a Grammy nomination. You’d think with that kind of momentum, the sure thing to do would be to stick to “what’s working” --but Jeremy Camp has never been the one to follow the patterns of what‘s expected from a musician. ‘We Cry Out: The Worship Project’ has been an album in the making for nearly two years, and it has been well worth the wait.
Jeremy has grown much since ‘Carried Me’, spiritually but musically as well, this album being far more organic and live sounding than the aforementioned. Out of the 12 tracks on the album, Jeremy only penned a handful of them, wanting to cover songs God has been using to speak to him, saying of the record, “I feel like I’ve had a growth spurt the past two years in my walk with the Lord, and I think this album reflects that deepening. There’s a purity behind this record that I can’t even describe. I didn’t write most of it, so I can’t take the credit. And I love that.”
The album starts off with the first single ‘Jesus Saves’, and seamlessly leads right into ‘Not Ashamed’, co-written by worship leader Jon Egan. ‘The Way’ is by far my favorite track on the entire album, a powerful song that boasts beautiful string sections and showcases Jeremy’s strong vocals. Hillsong classic ‘Mighty To Save’ appears on the album, followed next by the title track, We Cry Out’. ‘You Are The Lord’ is a beautifully moving worship anthem that I do hope he and the band incorporate into their live show in the future.
Other covers on the album include a faster up-tempo version of Chris Tomlin’s ‘Everlasting God’(originaly penned by Benton Brown) and a very powerful rendition of Desperation Band’s ‘Overcome’, featuring a 30 person studio choir and guest vocalist, Jeremy’s wife Adie Camp. Matt Redman’s ‘You Never Let Go’ (which he and his band have been performing live for the last several years) is sure to lead the listener into a place of true surrender. The album comes to a close with two songs penned by Jeremy, the lyrically powerful ‘Unrestrained’ (“So take this selfish heart of mine / I want to give it all / And melt away everything that’s not of You”), and praise declaration ‘King Jesus’.
From a music standpoint, I can say that ’We Cry Out’ has taken the musicianship of Jeremy Camp and his band to the next level. If anything, it is just an exciting taste of what we can expect off the next studio album. But beyond any of that, this is a solid worship album from a seasoned worship leader. It’s sure to please not only longtime Camp fans, but also anyone looking to truly worship God with everything they’ve got. And while many are going to call this album out for it’s lack of new material, self-penned or not, I HIGHLY recommend it.
In the end, it’s not about ‘a song’ or how popular it is, it’s about worshiping God. I would rather listen to an album with covers sung 1000 times than something without a pure heart of unhindered worship behind it. All it will take you is one listen to realize, ‘We Cry Out’ has that heart --and a lot of it.
A Taste Of Excelence | Posted August-02-2010
After the high acclaim 2008’s ‘Never Going Back To OK’ received from fans and critics alike, many hardcore fans of Christian pop/rock band, The Afters, wondered if they’d be able to top it. Three years in the making, the band is finally making their return to the music scene in September of 2010 with their long awaited album, ‘Light Up The Sky’. As an early treat for those aforementioned fans, the band released a special EP to give listeners a taste of what lies ahead.
Three tracks long, the album starts off with the title track, ‘Light Up The Sky’, bringing to mind a tobyMac ‘City On Our Knees’ feel melodically, while the band delivers their trademark powerful worship lyrics that pack the biggest punch. Making a total 360, the band goes right into ‘We Won’t Give Up’, a power anthem for the believer that delivers a ‘we won’t back down’ message with one of the catchiest drum beats I’ve ever heard the band put out (and they've done some memorable ones). This is the kind of song you could hear in a sports commercial, easily, no doubt it will become a fan favorite. The short, but sweet EP comes to a close with the powerful ‘Runaway’ speaking to the contrite heart with a beautiful message of hope.
As someone who has been a fan of The Afters for quite a few years, I can honestly say that this is some of the best material the band has put out to date. Not that anything was ever bad, but the growth and the musicianship on this album is evident in the lyrics and the melodies.
I cannot wait to hear the rest of ‘Light Up The Sky’ …this EP is an eclectic and well made mix of what is to come from this band, and trust me, it’s excellent.
5 Stars Isn’t Enough… | Posted July-06-2010
When Newsboys announced the departure of longtime band member and lead vocalist Peter Furler, no need to say just how shocked fans were, but not nearly as shocked as they were when they announced who would be ‘stepping up to the microphone’ this time around… none other than dc Talk-er himself, Michael Tait. The initial response from Christian music was welcomed, yet fans weren’t so sure, even going as far saying that the band should have just called it quits --the boys weren’t going for it.
Everyone who has ever had the privilege of sharing the stage as a Newsboy has left their mark on the band. From the spirited John James, savvy Paul Coleman,. and quirky Phil Joel, each member of the group has left their imprint on the band, and in his last year and a half as Newsboys front man, Tait is no exception. Not only have fans been pleasantly surprised by the fresh sound, but I think everyone else was somewhat blown away by what the ‘new Newsboys’ could accomplish together. This being proven in their first album back since Furler’s departure, the aptly named ‘Born Again’.
Your going to hear right away that this album has a heavier vibe than any of their pervious material (think more along the lines of ‘No Grave’ from their 2009 release, ‘In The Hands Of God’), obvious by songs such as the solid title track and ‘One Shot’, one of the hookiest songs on the entire album. ‘When The Boys Light Up’ will no doubt become a beloved fan favorite for this group of guys, sharing the story of Michael’s invitation to join the band, with the classic whimsical Newsboys lyrics everyone has come to love so much.
As fun as these guys lyrics can be at times, they also know when it’s time to get down to business, this being one of their most lyrically deep albums together. ‘On Your Knees’ covers the topic of a prodigal returning to their faith, while ‘I’ll Be’ is a reminder to the listener that even when the whole world has forsaken you, God hasn’t and He never will. ‘Build Us Back’ will remain one of the memorable tracks on this album for me, the perfect anthem for anyone in the middle of a storm, sharing the hopeful message of restoration and unfailing love.
Other highlights on this album include the upbeat and witty ‘Miracles’ (one that is sure to become a favorite to hear live), and ‘Escape’, co-written by longtime Newsboys songwriter, Steve Taylor. ‘Born Again’ comes to a close with their powerful rendition of renown worship track ‘Mighty To Save’, and, to the surprise of Newsboys and dc Talk fans alike, a remake of 1995’s ‘Jesus Freak’ with KJ-52 on the rap end. As a HUGE dc Talk fan, and someone who thinks ‘Jesus Freak will always remain untouchable, I am giving the band some serious credit… they nailed it flawlessly and I am VERY impressed. It’s a fun way to end an amazing album, and no doubt 90’s Christian music fans will enjoy the new mix.
I had high expectations for ‘Born Again’, and they were all met, if not surpassed. Michael Tait has certainly left his stamp on the group, and they will defiantly not be the same after this album. This is by FAR one of my favorites of 2010, and catalog wise, it ranks up there with the likes of instant classics such as ‘Going Public’ (’94), ‘Take Me To Your Leader’ (‘96) and ‘Go’ (’06). 5 starts just isn’t enough for this smashing album, more like a well deserved 10.
Duncan, Jeff, Jody, and Michael have proven to the “doubters” that the Newsboys have still got it. Longtime fan or not, give this album a shot… your in for a treat.
FARTHEST Thing From A Slump... | Posted September-06-2010
Addison Road splashed onto the music scene back in 2008 with the debut of their self titled first album, producing hits like ’All That Matters’ and ‘Hope Now’. The band garnered a wide fan base by their touring on the first ever Rock and Worship Roadshow tour last Spring, as well as their now infamous iTunes podcasts (which, by the way, if you‘ve never seen one, I suggest you do yourself the favor…)
In the two years since their debut on INO Records, the band has seen it’s fair share of up’s and downs, including the departure of longtime drummer, Jeff Sutton. The most noteworthy feat the band overcame though, was a devastating van fire last year that not only destroyed all of their merchandise and equipment, but also most of the personal belongings of band members, Jenny and Ryan Simmons and their newborn daughter. It’s the things like this that can easily make the average band want to pack it up and quit…but Addison Road isn’t your average band. They overcame the hurtles that came along with the fire and have since gone into the studio to produce their sophomore release, ‘Stories’.
You might think that will all that they’ve gone through, that ‘Stories’ might have a darker feel than their melodic pop driven first album, but it just isn’t so, quite the contrary actually. This is by far one of the most positive albums I have heard in a long time. It kicks off with the first single, ‘Fight Another Day’ (co-written by none other than tobyMac), from there you enter into ‘Change In The Making’, which is one of the strongest tracks on the album, vocally and lyrically. ‘This Little Light Of Mine’ is a matured vision of the beloved children’s hymn, that beautifully displays this band lyrical depth.
Musically, this album is pretty diverse compared to their first album. Songs like ‘Need You Now’ and ‘Show Me Life’ stay on the slower more worshipful side, while the band sticks to their down to earth roots with upbeat tracks like ‘Won’t Let Me Go’ and the namesake of the album, ‘My Story’. Highlights on this album include the dance club-esq ‘Don’t Wait’ (about, funny enough, the death of a friend), and my favorite song on the whole album, ‘Where It All Begins’, covering the topic of what it means to be a light in a dark world (“I wanna love when it’s costly, be quick to forgive, run to the One who calls me to live…”).
‘Stories’ is the FARTHEST thing from a slump for this talented group of musicians. If anything, the trails this band faced over the past year made them stronger, it shows in their musicianship and in their cutting (and oftentimes, quirky) lyrics. My one and only flaw with this album? It is too short! And you will defiantly be left wanting to hear more, but in a way? It is also a good thing, because it makes me wonder what their next album is going to hold for the listener…
This is going to go down as one of my favorite new albums in the year, and it is already one that I find myself listening to on days when I need the reminder that we serve a God who is always faithful to His promises, even when things around us are chaotic. I dare you to try and walk away from this one without a smile on your face. :)
The Verdict Is? | Posted August-12-2010
It is one thing to discus reviewing an album with someone else who reviews albums, but it a whole new picture when you actually have the chance to speak to an artist about reviewing thier own album --that changes things.
I had the priveldge of meeting the band Chasen a few months back and having a short discusion with band member Even Silver, about what it meant to review an album. The overall conclusion that we both have come to as that there is a fine line between 'knit picking' and a solid review, this is something that I had in mind as I picked up thier album and gave it a listen. It sure wasn't long before I realized that I wasn't nessesarly going to have a lot to 'critisize' on this album...
starts off solid with 'Castaway' and leads into 'Love In Your Name'. 'On And On' lands the cut as track three and is one of my favorites on the entire album. 'Leave You Alone' carries a powerful message with a very catchy chorus while 'Airplaines' showcases this band musical talent, vocally and lyrically.
'One In A Million' and 'Bullet' would both make outstanding CR radio singles while I can see the very melodic and beatiful 'Eyes Of A Rescue' on more of a CHR format. This album boasts a handful of songs that would play great on stage as well as from any radio station.
The string sections on 'Slow Down' will blow your mind, while the album comes to an all too soon close with the moving 'There Is Love', speaking the many forms that we love, from or God to us and from the love He gives us for others, a calming and wonderful way to end such an amazing album.
I found myself listening to this album over and over after I got it, and Chasen has since become a favorite band of mine. This is great for the person who love bands like The Afters and Leeland, but I encourage everyone to give this band a listen, you'll be glad that you did.
A Passionate Praise and Worship Album | Posted March-09-2010
Unfortunately with many people in the world, it’s the painful moments in life that cause people to turn away from God instead of running TO Him like they should. With Christian female vocalist Adrienne Camp (aka ‘Adie’) --this is just not the case.
Adie was in the process of beginning her sophomore follow up to her 2006 album ‘Don’t Wait’, when she and her husband, fellow CCM artist Jeremy Camp, discovered that they had lost a baby in the second trimester. After taking some time away from recording, Adie surprised fans by returning to the studio and finishing the album. When asked why she chose to continue, her answer was simple: ‘God is STILL good. God is STILL faithful. And God STILL deserves to be praised.’
‘Just You And Me’ is described as being more raw and organic than ‘Don’t Wait’, and it’s clear right from the get-go. The first single, ‘Where Could I Go?’ starts the album and sets the worshipful tone of the entire CD. Adie’s vocals have matured since her Benjamin Gate days, you almost wouldn’t believe it was the same girl singing, vocally as well as lyrically. Blunt right from the start (‘…Out of Eden’s fall, I’m still falling here…’) the listener is in for a treat…
With ‘All I Need Is You’, one of the covers on the album, Adie takes a beloved Hillsong chorus and makes the song all her own. ‘Beautiful Lord’ is next up, yet another cover on the album, but so well made that you may not have even recognized the song. The whole album carries a very breathy and melodic feel to it, almost something you’d find reminiscent of a Phil Wickham or Leeland album, it suits Adie’s soprano voice well. The music and her vocals are never outdoing one another, and she allows the words to speak far above the rest.
‘Shelter’ was one of the first tracks recorded after Adie‘s sabbatical from the studio, and one of the most passionate tracks on the recording. ‘Seek You’, the shortest track on the album running in at under 3 minutes, is by far one of my new favorites. Powerful and to the point. ‘Redemption Song’ brings to mind an old style hymn and retools it to fit modern worship, I can imagine you might hear this song sung in churches --very well done (and the strings are amazing). ‘Captivate Us’ (an iTunes only exclusive) is one of the most lyrically moving songs on the album. It makes me wish that it would have been on the hard copies as well…it brings the album to a very calming and noteworthy end.
In ‘Just You And Me’, you will find a very passionate praise and worship album, but with an underlying tone of faith and peace in the midst of a chaotic world. This album is perfect for anyone who needs that reminder that God is always faithful, but also for the person who just wants to praise Him because He is God and He is great.
Fan’s of Adie’s first album are sure to love this, but I also suggest that any Benjamin Gate fans who might have lost touch with Adie’s music and ministry give this a try. You won’t find any tortured loops or screaming vocals, but what you will find? The message of an awesome God, His restorative almighty power --and His personal love for each and every human life.
That being said … ‘Just You And Me’ will defiantly go down as one of my favorite albums of 2010. Give it a listen --I have a feeling you might walk away saying the same thing.
Well Worth The 3 Year Wait | Posted February-08-2010
What is there to say about tobyMac that hasn’t already been said? Three successful solo albums aside from dc Talk, several #1 hits, multiple Dove Awards (including ‘Artist Of The Year’ back in 08’), and a Grammy. Needless to say, after the success of his 3rd album ‘Portable Sounds’, people were gonna expect a huge follow-up …and ‘Tonight’ delivers just that.
When Toby describes this album as being more sundry stylistically to any of his previous work, he’s not kidding. It starts off with the clubby sounding ‘Tonight’ , featuring the brilliant edition of vocals by John Cooper, lead vocalist of Skillet. It brings a new level of complexity to the song that I enjoy. ‘Get Back Up’ boasts what would make a fantastic radio single with lyrics that hit home with everyone, no mater how many times we lose our way, we need to remember to get back up and not let our situations hold us down. One of my favorites songs of Toby’s off any of his albums. And might I add, I rather enjoy the auto tune on it as well.
‘Funky Jesus Music’ (featuring vocals by Siti Monroe and new CCM artist Beckah Shae) brings back a somewhat 70’s jazzy feel, heavy with horns and a thicker beat, while the first single off the album, ‘City On Our Knees’ goes very pop mellow and electronic. Many people have vocalized that they weren’t very pleased with this first single, but I enjoy the depth in the flow and the beauty in the lyrics, far from anything he’s ever done stylistically and I enjoy the diversity (no pun intended). One of my favorites.
The album kicks up once again with ‘Showstopper’, which is without a doubt going to become a fan favorite to hear live, the addiction of Bryon ‘Mr. Talkbox’ Chambers take it to a whole new level. ‘Changed Forever’ brings back a hip-hop flair with Nirva Ready from his Diverse City band on vocals alongside Toby. ‘Hold On’ offers a message of hope while synth vocals take this song with a bit of a modern R n’B melody to new heights, almost a ‘City On Our Knees’ feel.
truDog AKA Toby’s son Truett makes his return in ‘Loud n’ Clear’ alongside his 3 year-old brother Judah…I won’t give too much away since I know how much fans look forward to a new ‘truDog’ track, but I will say this…it’s impossible to NOT smile while listening to it.
‘Hey Devil’ takes on the topic of temptation and rebuking the enemy, a topic I sure wish more artists would tackle, I was pleasantly surprised by the rawness in the lyrics, I’m happy that he has the guts to take it on in a modest and yet, still bold way. Musically, I love the 80’s pop feel to it. I hope to hear more songs like this by other artists in the future. Musically, but also lyrically.
‘Wondering’ throws in a cameo vocal from Relient K frontman Matt Thiessen (a nice edition to a somewhat mellow song). If you ever wondered what a tobyMac worship song would sound like, ‘Captured’ answers that in it’s entirety. It’s VERY reminiscent of dc Talk’s ‘Consume Me’, and maybe that is why I enjoy it so much, modern worship lyrics to a breathy and upbeat melody. I’d love to hear this as the next radio single.
‘Start Somewhere’ with a very Latin feel and ‘Break Open The Skies’ (a reggae inspired song with the addition of Grammy award winning worship leader Israel Houghton) take this album to a very calming close. It’s unlike his ‘Portable Sounds’ album that ended with a bang like ‘Lose My Soul’, but it fits ‘Tonight’ well, after dealing with such deep topics and at time, rather melodically radical songs, it feels right to end on a softer note.
Everything on this album works together so beautifully. tobyMac fan or not --I say this from a music enthusiasts perspective when I say that I really can find NOTHING that I don’t enjoy on this album. Musically diverse, multiple styles, catchy hooks, deeper lyrics than any of his previous albums, and God’s Word shines FAR above any of it. What more could you ask for?
This is an album I have found myself to not only enjoy more than I expected to (and believe me when I say that I had high expectations and excitement for this album, all that were met and MORE) but one that I will no doubt find myself listening to frequently. There is something here for everyone, and whether you’ve liked his albums in the past or not, this is the album people will want to pick up and see for themselves. I have a feeling more than one person’s opinion might change by albums end.
This is by far one of the most anticipated albums of 2010, and in my opinion? It’s also one of the first ‘must own’ albums of the year as well. DON’T miss this one --you won’t regret it.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
