A Great Second Album | Posted August-18-2007
Big Daddy Weave released their debut album in 2002, capturing the highest debut for a new artist and securing the highest charting AC single for a new artist that year as well. As good as that album was, it failed to capture the group's high-energy live performances. Consider that issue resolved with the group's second album on Fervant Records, Fields of Grace. Produced by Jeremy Redmon (guitarist) and Mike Weaver (lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter) of the band, Big Daddy Weave successfully took their songwriting and their production to the next level, delivering an album overflowing with songs worshiping the freedom, grace, forgiveness and healing that God delivers to all who seek Him. Highlights on the album include "New Every Morning," showcasing the pure musical talents of this group including saxophone and keyboard player Joe Shirk in some incredible solos and "Completely Free," a simplistic ballad that speaks the truth of finding new life in Christ. Big Daddy Weave proved that their first album was not a fluke. The band is gifted in writing captivating songs, contagious in both their rhythm and their worship. They are truly a unique find in a land full of copycats.
A Solid Debut - But Too Slow | Posted August-02-2007
Avalon's first album earned a nod from the Doves and garnered them many awards all around, and after listening to this album, it is not hard to figure out why. Avalon blends unique harmony with strong lyrics and moving music, but their self-titled debut album does not stand up to its predecessor. Reviewing the project by itself proves that this is a great album, but with their other albums on the market I expect more from this band. Avalon is a softer side of the group, focusing more on a quieter, moving music, then the fun upbeat music on their other albums. Standing on its own feet, this album is still worthy of a listen.
Still Can Move Ya | Posted August-02-2007
Looking for some absolutely matchless pop that will simply blow you away? Look no further! Christian pop newcomers Avalon released their sophomore album after a successful self-titled debut album in 1996. This group has an incredible energy-packed pop style, and successfully matches awesome vocal harmony with dance music. I guarantee, if your heart isn't as cold as ice, this album will speak straight to your soul. And if your body isn't dead, you'll have a very hard time not moving to the beat! Even 11 years later after the release.
Fun Album | Posted August-02-2007
Avalon's third album continued to prove that the grup was here to stay. They hit the number one spot 7 times before this release, and this album produced number 8 with "In And Not Of", a catchy tune that reminds us to be in the world, but to stay out of its temptations. Although there are still the catchy tunes and awesome lyrics that make Avalon who they are, some of the ending tracks seem to drag. Nonetheless, this album continues the quest for life lived under the light of God's grace and admonishes us to deepen our daily walk with Him.
Avalon Delivers | Posted August-02-2007
Avalon's fifth studio album stayed close to home, only venturing into new tertirory for a visit here and there. Much of what we've grown to love about Avalon, the amazing harmonies, the catchy pop tunes, the ballads and the vertical lyrics, are all found on Oxygen. The album starts off looking a little dull with the first three tracks. The phrase "been here, heard that" kept coming to mind, and then the album takes off for the next 5 tracks. The rest of the album is give or take. Songs like "Never Givin' Up," "Undeniably You" and "The Glory" are the future of Avalon! Possibly one of the best songs ever released from the group is "Make It Last Forever." All four members gave amazing vocal performance on this song. It's a fresh new sound that is extreamly high energy, which is much needed from this group. The title track is extremly cliche' ("You are my oxygen/I breathe you in/I breathe you out") but it works. All in all, Avalon delivers again, hardly ever missing a beat. The vocals are strong, the lyrics are great and some of these songs will simply never leave your head...kind of like...oxygen (speaking of cliches'!)
Has Not Aged Well At All | Posted August-02-2007
AA's sophomore release was a completely different ball game from their self-titled debut. The first album was more punk-rock, while Don't Censor Me was more pop/alternative. Although this album has been out for awhile it's still fun to pop in the CD and listen to "Big House" and the title track. Musically, this album is horrible, and you can tell that this band is still in the maturing stage. The album did produced a HUGE hit for the band, "Big House" which was re-recorded by label-mate band Seven Day Jesus. Their music is great, but this album is just plain early 90's.
Their Second Best Album - Fun To Still Listen To | Posted August-02-2007
Bloom was Audio A's third studio album that reevaluated the signature sound that defined the band in the early 90s. The instantly accessible hooks that peppered Don't Censor Me are pretty much gone, though "Never Gonna Be As Big As Jesus" does come close, both musically and lyrically, to the tone they've taken before. Like the previous album D.S.M, this album delivers lyrics that will be sung for generations to come. This new sound was edgier and simply put, more fun than their previous albums.
Some Kind Of Great Album | Posted August-02-2007
Audio Adrenaline's fourth album gave this popular Christian band a new sound. With it's roots in pop, Some Kind Of Zombie delivered it's fans music that was nothing they had ever heard from the band. On this album, the sound is leaning more towards rock's roots than the pop sound that put this band on the map. They teamed up with The Supertones on one track that simply rocks. Although the music is good, it was a disappointment from their previous album Bloom.
Hands Down - My Favorite AA Record | Posted August-02-2007
Audio Adrenaline has finally returned as the band we know and love. The numbers show us that Bloom was their most successful project to date, and this album has the musical potential to top that. Returning to the roots of Audio A. Underdog takes the listener through rock, latin, dance, R&B, soul, and even rockibilly while surfing over twelve amazing songs. Being the first record totally produced by the band, they had some fun with this one. You have your signature hit (Get Down), your touching ballad (Hands and Feet) your popular remake, even if it is your own song (DC-10) and your make-no-sense-but-hey-it's-fun-song (The Houseplant Song). Sounds like all the good makings for an excellent album? You betch-a. This album will be anything but an Underdog.
Another Boring Collection | Posted August-02-2007
Audio Adrenaline has been making music for ten years, and they are celebrating their anniversary with their contribution to the latest barage of "greatest hits" albums (see Newsboys and dc Talk). I love this cover because it really sums up their music visually. They are loud, they are here to have fun and they scream the Lord's name wherever they can and to whoever will listen. But as much as I love this band, they have their moments of simplicity that make you wonder how they managed to make it in today's music world. Sometimes, their writing just misses the mark. Unfortunatly, their two new songs on this record fall into that catagory, and your left with 15 of the their "biggest hits," none of which are remixed. This left me wondering what this album offers that their past recordings do not.
KevinMcNeese_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
