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
A Great Effort By A Positive Band | Posted December-05-2009
My intrest was sparked in this band when I heard thier first single 'Life Is Beautiful' on Air one day while driving...I was instantly hooked. My intrest grew even further when the band was announced to play at my church earlier this Summer. It wasn't long before I went out and had to own a copy of this band's album...
This album has a very upbeat tempo about it, think tobyMac meets Jump 5--a fabulous band for preteens, but something that adults of all ages will also enjoy listening to. Musically, the album is very diverse, from a latin flair in the song 'I Gve You My Love' to the rock riffts that run throughout the opening track 'Break It ut'. But lyrcally is where this band shines--inteligent worship with the message of hope. 'Angels Sing' is by far one of the most lyrically bautiful songs on the album--and one that will always stick with me, as one of my friends played it durring our graduation earlier this year... :)
'Say Say', 'Fixation' and 'Life Is Beautiful' are some of y favorites on the album, with a nice add of flair by some rap vocals on 'Say Say'.
Overall I realy do enjoy this album, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, seeing as it is mostly a pop album, but once you hear the bands message of Praise to our God and see all the wonderful things they are doing with thier minstry, you might just want to give this band a listen for yourself.
A Wonderful Addition To Your Christmas Collection! | Posted December-04-2009
A Wonderful Addition To Your Christmas Collection!
Talented female vocalist Ayiesha Woods surprised fans in the Fall of 2009 when she announced that she would be releasing a Christmas EP called ‘Christmas Like This’ via iTunes (hard copies only available at MusiChristian.com). I won of copy of this CD via Twitter a few weeks ago and it only took one run-through of the album for me to realize that this would soon become a favorite…
Ayiesha mixes favorites such as ‘Rudolph, The Red Nose Reindeer’ in with such beautiful and stirring classics such as ‘O Holy Night’ and ‘O Come Al Ye Faithful’. The musical diversity on this album is as fun and unique as her two previous studio albums, throwing in classical 50’s piano melodies in the holiday favorite ‘Jingle Bells’, while mixing in her Jamaican roots with a strong reggae flair in ‘Joy To The World’. I found this album to be, not only enjoyable, but I wound up liking it more than I expected too--Christmas album or not, Woods shows how much she has grown vocally and musically and it makes any fan look forward to her next full length studio album (and possibly another Christmas album in the future as well!)
This album is a wonderful addition to your Christmas music collection--fun to dance to and enjoy the season with family and friends, but also a wonderful reminder of what this season is all about--Jesus.
An Indie Treasure | Posted November-19-2009
Many hardcore Jeremy Camp fans (CAMPers, Team Campers...call us what you will) know a little something about his indie albums while he was a worship leader out in California. On of those albums being the 2000 release 'Burden Me'. Jeremy sold them after his shows, the origonal editions having a blue cover while the newer released editions (released in 2001) had a red cover. After his debut on BEC Records on 2002--the hunt was on. Copies of Burden Me, to this day, sell for $200+ dollars on E-Bay by fans who buy, sell and trade...many fans wish to to own one of the rare thousands who own copies of this album, to hear the music and see what was to come of an amazing and anointed artist--I was one of them. Earlier this year I was presented with a copy of this album for free. No strings attached, a friendly gesture of a blue covered 'Burden Me'.
I didn't quite know what to expect wth this album...was I absolutley thrilled to own a copy? You bet! But musically I mean...I expected it to have what would be known as the 'indie sound', but I was plesantly suprised by what I DID find...
It starts off with the title track, 'Burden Me' (it was later re-recorded for the special edition of his 'Restored' album in 2005) both versions I enjoy on different levels. The origonal being very acoustic sounding while the re-make takes the heavy rock sound that Jeremy's booming voice resonates so well...next up with the captivating 'He Will Come Through', followd by 'I See' and the upbeat and a dance-y 'Silence Me'.
'Can't You See' leads the way to the moving 'Believe'--a cry to this generation about the brokeness of this world and the restoring love of our Savior. I do hope that this will one day find it's way unto one ofhis albums--it's a message that's relevant now more than EVER before...'I Know Your Calling' (a song that made it onto his debut 'Stay) as well as Letting Go' (which made it onto 'Restored') make this album, it's very fun to hear the early rough versions as well.
Overall, I can see why fans will snag this album up. Not just for memorabellia sake (wich is the reason most people DO spend $200 on it), but because this is a great album--for something independent from a label, this is a VERY well made album. The Spirit of the Lord is felt throughout the whole album and it's something I wish all of his fans could own. Maybe one day he will re-release it, but do know, this is a fantastic indie album by an artist whom God has done, is doing, and will continue to DO many great things through for many, many, maay years to come.
Beauty From Brokenness… | Posted November-17-2009
Gotee Records rocker Stephanie Smith mad her debut back in 2008 with her ‘Not Afraid’ album. Stephanie got a following while touring with tobyMac in early 2009, and it was while she was on that tour when she began writing for this new iTunes exclusive EP simply titled ‘The Stephanie Smith EP’.
From the first listen you will hear it right away--Stephanie’s vocals have matured quite a bit since ‘Not Afraid’, she defiantly has one of the most powerful vocals in Christian music…what else that has matured is her sound. ‘Not Afraid’ covered a lot of the basics, pop rock and punk. This new EP reveals a darker musical side to the gifted female vocalist. This album, lyrically, obviously came from a tough place in Stephanie’s life--but the beauty of the songs is the fact that in each moment of that, God was not only with her, but He got her out of it. Some of the songs on her first album were almost confusing in their meaning but all that has been cleared up with this EP for sure…
‘Back To Innocence’ and ‘Pieces of my Heart’ reveal a broken spirit but with that non-stop message of hope and faith that have gotten her tough. Musically, it is much edgier, most of the pop has been replaced with heavy rock rifts that will make any rock music fan amazed at the powerhouse vocals she matches it with.
After ‘Not Afraid’, I was a bit confused by Stephanie’s style of music, but this EP has cleared all that up for me. Stephanie’s music has changed a lot in a year and a half and this album is proof of that--it is also proof of the faithfulness of our God and how He will always be with us and get us through--He promises that. This album is a real treat for fans, and now that she is headed back out on the road with tobyMac for the rest of 2009, a whole new group of fans will hear Stephanie’s tunes…and they will like what they hear. I guarantee it.
A TRUE Live Album At It’s Best! | Posted November-19-2009
I am not a real big fan of live albums that DON’T sound live. That might seam like a crazy statement but it’s a true one…a real live album to me is a live album that includes SCREAMING fans, somewhat live ‘shaky’ vocals’, the artists talking, and the inclusion of EVERYTHING--mistakes and all. Jeremy Camp’s newest release, his second live album but his first with a band (his first being acoustic)…covers ALL these bases.
Half of this album was recorded in Los Angeles, California while he was on the ‘Boomin’ Beyond Measure’ tour with tobyMac back in 2008 (most of the older music off of ‘Stay’ and ‘Beyond Measure‘) while the half of the album with the newer music off of his latest ‘Speaking Louder Than Before’ was recorded back in early 2009 while on the ‘Rock and Worship Roadshow’ tour in Dallas, Texas.
This album captures what is a Jeremy Camp concert at it’s absolute best…straight ahead worship, the falling of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God preached right from the stage, as well as a TON of laughs had by all. Jeremy has made it VERY clear whenever he tours that it is not just a ‘show’…but a time to connect with God and be changed by His word, to fall on our faces before Christ and receive all that He is and what He has done for us…that is what makes his show one of my FAVORITES in all of Christian music. This album takes that and displays that in it’s fullness.
Fan favorites such as ‘Take You Back’, ‘Lay Down My Pride’, ‘Tonight’, and ‘Let It Fade’ are among some of the newer hits such as ‘There will be A Day’ and the new live version of ‘This Man’, also throwing in the VERY powerful edition of ‘Hallelujah’ and a cover of Matt Redman’s ‘You Never Let Go’. ‘Take My Life’, one of Jeremy’s heaviest rock songs makes the cut for this album, throwing in the addition of strings and one of the catchiest rock sections I’ve EVER heard on a live album--fantastic! The album comes to a moving close with ‘Give Me Jesus’.
The only problem with this album is that I found it to be entirely too short! 15 tracks might seam like a lot, but in ‘live concert time’ that adds up to about 45 minutes worth of music--other than that? This easily ranks as one of my new favorite live albums. BEC Records didn’t cut any corners with this one--this is a live albums the way live albums are supposed to be made--real, raw and fun. I only wish all live albums could be made this way…
Jeremy Camp fans, DON’T miss this one. It won’t be long into the album before your longing to go see this amazing live show for yourself. :)
A Great Addition To An Already GREAT Album! | Posted November-07-2009
Matthew West's 2008 release 'Something To Say' is something to remember all on it's own--a fantasic album WELL worth the money you spend to hear it, but this 2009 Christmas season, Matthew and record label Sparrow Records have put together 'Something To Say: Christmas Edition'.
This album is a fine idea...basically the entire 'Something To Say' album with a few other Christmas songs and some acoustic takes on favorites are tacked onto the end of the album. There is 'Christmas Makes Me Cry', which was featured on Mandisa's 'It's Christmas' album a few years back, as well as the new song on the album, a duet with Amy Grant titled 'Give This Christmas Away'...a song that changes people's perspective on what December 25th really is and a challenge for followers of Christ to truly understand that it is 'better to give'...a wonderful song and well worth the re-release alone. There are acoustic versions of 'The Motions' and the moving 'Save A Place For Me' that are sure to leave anyone a fan of Matthew.
While people migt say that this re-release was un-nessasary, I COMPLETLY dissagree. This is a fantastic way to gift Matthew's album to family and friends this Christmas season, and to make fans of people who have never heard his music or ministry.
I am thankful that they have released the last few tracks to iTunes for those of us who already own the original version of the album, but believe me when I say, it would be well worth buying the whole thing again to get this extended version.
A Great Christmas EP! | Posted September-26-2009
‘This Christmas’ was released alongside tobyMac’s first solo release ‘Momentum’ in 2001, a true EP with only 2 songs, this was a real treat for tobyMac fans looking forward to all the forthcoming dc Talk solo projects, but now also a treat for those who have since become such devoted fans of Toby’s music.
It starts off with ‘This Christmas (Joy To The World)’, a very sweet tune about loving all around us, not only during Christmas, but all through the year, the bridge also adds the touch of ‘Joy To The World’ as well as a scripture reading by son Truett, aka truDog. A very catchy song that is sure to leave you with a very warm feeling, and a passion to love others. Toby’s striking rendition of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ closes the short EP with a bang--defiantly a different interpretation on the song. Reggae, hip-hip and the African Children’s Choir top of the song that is set to a very danceable beat--the song is also featured on the WOW Christmas Green album.
The only problem with this EP? It’s far too short! These two songs are enough to make you wonder what a full Christmas album from tobyMac and Diverse City would hold, and I hope that it is a venture that the group one days decides to do…this album is enough to prove that it would be more than amazing.
Diversity Of Christian Music At It's BEST! | Posted September-26-2009
This band got it’s first taste of the American crowd when they were invited to open for the Newsboys on the 2001 Festival Con Dios Tour, the tour started a short time after they released their first album titled ‘[Untitled]’ and what this album proved?: The Benjamin Gate was a force to be reckoned with, both lyrically and musically as well.
This exceptional album starts off with ‘How Long’, mixing a very electronic sound with somewhat groovy melodies that is sure to catch the listeners ear, showing them that is unlike anything that was, or has been in Christan music since it’s release…’Scream’ is the fan anthem (the ‘fanthem’) of the album with crunching guitars and a power packed chorus, lyrically relating to the passion we feel toward our Creator, valiantly screaming His name. The first single, Dove Award nominated ‘Al Over Me’ showcases the raw lyrics of a band who wasn’t afraid to be bold about their relationship with Jesus, Adrienne Liesching’s (now known as Adie Camp to many fans) soar in this tune.
The pop driven ‘Heaven’ is contrasted by the fifth track, ‘Lay It Down’ which goers back to the grungy sound of the band, the thrashing power vocals of Adrienne and the lyrics that convey our need to lay out burdens down at the feet of our Lord. ‘Nightglow’ and ‘Blow My Mind’ takle the subject of our Gods’ amazing love for us with both songs sounding like they could easily be played in a nightclub, upbeat and extremely danceable--you’ll find it hard to stay standing when these two tracks play. ‘Halo’ takes the album back down to a softer tone while the drum laden ‘Rush’ brings the tempo back up, by far the biggest rock track off the album including a wonderful vocal tradeoff between Adie and producer Quinlan (seen as ‘Jude’ in Hero! The Rock Opera) as well as a surprise yet wonderfully crafted reprise with a rap of Psalm 1.
‘Secret’ showcases The Benjamin Gate’s ability to not only rock, but take on lyrics that boggle the mind of the listener, ‘My life shades, can You kiss me with Your lips?’ might be miss-taken by most listeners, but the core root of this song (much like ‘Your Kisses Blind Me’ off their next album ‘Contact’) reveals a heartfelt cry to God, about needing Him to be real to us and not just when it’s convenient. ‘Hands’ is the standout track on the album, a stirring worship song with only the instrumentation of a haunting piano, cracks and all, make this the one you don’t want to miss on this album. This is one that is gonna stick with you…the album closes with the pop/electronica ‘Live Out Loud’ while the hidden track ‘True’ is a very upbeat pop song about God’s love and how it will never die.
This is by far one of the most unique releases in the history of Christian music, it’s no wonder why TBG’s fans were so diehard, because this band was hard not to be diehard for. This is also an album that would require a very acquired taste, a little rock mixed with loads of electronic pop make this a whirlwind to listen to, you’ll cry and dance and praise and by the time this album is through, you will be tired, and that is always a good thing to say. If your looking for some more rock driven material, check out their sophomore release ‘Contact’ with a VERY different sound that ‘[Untitled]’, but if your looking for something new, ‘[Untitled]’ is just right for you.
A Beginning... | Posted September-26-2009
dc Talk started as a little group called ‘dc Talk and the One Way Crew’ while still students studying together at Liberty University in Virginia. Back in 1988, there was virtually NO rap music to be found anywhere in Christian music, but that didn’t stop three guys named Toby, Michael and Kevin from perusing their dream of creating a new brand of music for our Creator. While this may not be the album that will forever be remembered by some fans, it sure is a landmark recording in the history Christian music, the begging of what was to become (and still becoming) a Christian music revolution.
The album starts off with the fan favorite ‘Heavenbound’, incorporating what was some of the first rap music to be released in CCM, next up is the catchy and lyrically ‘Gah Ta B’, with the message of not being able to save ourselves. ‘Final Days’ and ‘The King (Alleluia)’ follow suit with upbeat God centered lyrics while ‘Spinin’ Round’ addressed the issue of serving God one day, and then the world the next. A message that wasn’t being sung nearly enough back in music of the 80’s, a trend that would begin to grow Christian music afterwards…’Voices Praise Him’ is a song that is sure to get you swaying back and forth to the catchy beat and great lyrics (the little dialogue between Toby and Tait is sure to get a chuckle out of you though, come on people! It was 1989--you’ve gotta laugh!)
The album closes with a rap monologue by Toby about the message of dc Talk in ’Time Ta Jam’ while ‘He Loves Me’ is the rap free interpretation by this band of ‘Jesus Loves Me’, a very moving moment on the album that later went ton to become a very moving moment when sung at their shows.
This album is a far cry from ‘Jesus Freak’, even from ‘Free At Last’, but it is one that fans will NOT want to miss and a GREAT album that all Christian music aficionados MUST own due to the sheer power punch of history behind it if anything. Although I HAVE you say, your gonna grow to love this album--count on it.
A Very Good Change | Posted September-26-2009
Fans of The Benjamin Gate were not only stunned, but also delighted to hear that in 2006, after a brief period away from music, former Ben Gate lead singer Adrienne Liesching-Camp would be releasing her first solo project after the disbanding of the group in late 2003. After the ending of the band, Adrienne (now going by ‘Adie’) focused on her new life as wife to then up and comer Jeremy Camp and growing their family with the addition of their two daughters in 2004 and 2006. With all that change, it was bound to happen that Adie’s sound, known as rock at best, would change and become, yes, MUCH softer.
‘Don’t Wait’ opens with the raging acoustics on the first track ‘Your Way’, the change from The Benjamin Gate to this album is evident right away…this isn’t the same style anymore and while most fans may not want to embrace that, many loyalists would find it refreshing and a great change of pace. ‘When It’s Over’ and ‘Sufficient’ follow suit with spot on piano throughout. ‘don’t Wait (Lazy Day)’ is one of the most pop driven songs on the album while ‘Overwhelm Me’ takes on a soulful edge with clever lyrics to boot, about needing God’s love to overwhelm us and set us free.
‘Time’ is the standout track on this album, a very soft moment of worship about not wasting the God given time that we are given. ‘If I’ll Ever’ brings back the upbeat pop that this album carries so well while ‘What Have I Done’ another moment of worship on the album is sure to touch your Spirit. A moment of asking God ‘what have I done to deserve Your endless love?’ and then with the realization of ‘You’ve made me worthy of You’. a very powerful moment on the album. ‘Broken’ is driven by acoustic guitar and a shirt cameo by husband Jeremy Camp on this track is sure to make fans of both artists very happy. The album closes with Adie’s rendition of the 60’s favorite ‘Turn, Turn, Turn’ (taken out of the book of Ecclesiastes), the most rock driven song on the album, THIS is the one that most Benjamin Gate fans were waiting to hear on this album and it doesn’t disappoint.
Fans of Jeremy’s style of music are sure to become fans of Adie’s right away, and while it might take TBG fans a but to get used to Adie’s new style of music, in the end they are sure to see that it is the game girl writing the same God loving, passion driven lyrics--just with a different sound. And it’s a very good change.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
