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
Sure Fire Hit | Posted September-26-2009
Being honest, I bought this album back in late 2006 due to the fact that ‘this girl named Rebecca’ did a duet with one of my favorite groups, BarlowGirl. Now please give me a break…at the time I was a newer fan of Christian music, let alone did I know anything about the genera or anything about the lengthy carrier of Rebecca St James before the release of her album ‘If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something’. Now, knowing what I know now and more recently going back to listen to this album, I see it with whole new eyes.
‘IIHOCTTYS’ starts off with ‘God Help Me’, a straight up rock tune about the need of our God…the first single off the 2005 album, ‘Alive’ follows up, a true RSJ song, pop/rock with very relatable lyrics that are sure to touch any heart. ‘You Are Loved’, a song where the album gets it’s lengthy namesake from, was written about one of Rebecca’s close friends in Australia whom she grew up and lost contact with, later finding out that he fell away from his faith. This song cries out to not only him, but to the dying world, letting them know that ‘they are loved’…defiantly the standout track on the album.
This album carries the message of ‘loving’ very well. Whether it be the issue of crying out to love in ‘You Are Loved’ to the love between friends in the heartfelt ‘I Need You’, Rebecca lost much of her pop sound on this album and traded it in for a more organic almost modern rock feel…’Thank You’ (not to be confused with her pervious hit ‘I Thank You’) is a duet between Rebecca and tobyMac about being thankful to God for all the things He gives us, even when we don’t se it. Toby’s vocals shine on this song and he brings his hip-hop flair to the table, Rebecca taking it and rolling with it wonderfully. ‘Take All Of Me’, a cover of the beloved Hillsong tune, is done wonderfully while ‘Forgive Me’, the duet with three sister trio BarlowGirl takes this album to another level. Fan of either band or RSJ or not, this song is sure to move you. The music in this song will haunt you, pure piano with roaring string orchestra builds up through the song makes this one stand out all on it’s own. Lyrically, it will move the hardest heart to tears…worth a listen whether you buy thus album or not.
Overall this album is a great listen, something you’ll love listening to from time to time and a CD that is sure to leave Rebecca’s fans wanting more. These same fans look forward to Rebecca’s long awaited next album sometime in 2010, but until then ‘If I Had One Chance To Tell You Something’ is a sure fire hit.
Your In For A Treat... | Posted September-23-2009
There is always hype around the release of a Gotee Records artist, mostly because the label is known for producing some of the best music out there from artists past such as Relient K, Jennifer Knapp, Family Force 5 and Grits AND artists present such as Sarah Kelly, John Reuben, Stephanie Smith and the label’s newest edition, a singer/songwriter/rapper named Brian Reith, or better known as B.Reith. B earned himself a lot of new fans last year due to his successful EP ‘The Forecast’ as well as his touring last December with tobyMac and his web show ‘Something 2 Remember’. Many were hoping that after the acclaim of ‘The Forecast’ that B.Reith and Gotee Records would release a full length album by the end of 2009--that has now come true with the September 2009 release of ‘Now is Not Forever’.
The album starts off with a short and hooky intro and then it seamlessly glides into the first track, ‘The Comeback Kid’, which is reminiscent of ‘Go On’ from his first EP--you might almost call it ‘Go On: The Sequel’ seeing as it address much of the same very humorous issues as it’s predecessor. It also has the feel of a clubby/tobyMac tune, whether or not you buy the whole album, defiantly check out this one, it’s worth the album alone. ‘I Know’ follows the same rhythm of acoustics meshing with clever rap lyrics while ‘Mess’, first heard on the ‘The Forecast’ is a great addition to this album. The first single ‘Antidote’ is a melodic ballad about God reaching out to us, and us to Him, He being our antidote. A very well written song.
‘My Story’ is another straight up rap track that mixes danceable beats with B.Reith’s ability to make you think and crack you up with his lyrics at the same time, ‘My Story’ being his self told autobiography from then to now…’U Should Know’, much like his previous song ‘Awe-Stuck’, is another love song written with a lot of heart in it, never crossing the line and even wonderfully mixing in the message of purity with the lyrics ‘true love is worth waiting for, so I’ll be patient’…’Wish That’ is a song of recompense and regrets with the message of forgiveness and hope while ‘Old School’, much like ‘My Story’, takes a look at modern culture and how we need to find out what we are called to do, and not just follow the crowd. ‘Rain Down’, also taken from the EP brings the album to a very soft close, much different from the beginning of the album, ‘Just For You’ and ‘Breathe’, with virtually no rap take the message of God’s love for us and make both songs into beautiful times of worship, with simple acoustic guitar and piano as well as haunting cello in both songs. A very positive way to end the album.
Fans of B.Reith are NOT going to be disappointed with this album, many thought that ‘The Forecast’ couldn’t be topped but this album just goes to show that the year long process to make this album was well worth the wait. Rap fans looking for new music will defiantly want to pick this album up and even those who might not even like the genera might want to give this album a try…you will be presently surprised, and you’ll be in for a real treat.
A Modern Day Classic | Posted September-11-2009
BarlowGirl has said that it was always a dream of theirs a as a band to one day record a Christmas album together--to not only make for their fans, but also for themselves and for their family to cherish. On the green WOW Christmas album in 2005, fans got a taste of just how BarlowGirl could rock a Christmas tune with their amped up version of ‘O Holy Night’. But Don’t be fooled, although this band can rock, unlike fellow band Relient K who took the route of making a rock Christmas album, this time around for this full length LP, the girls decided to take the traditional approach and show just how amazing they can harmonize when they put their interments down as well.
‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year’ begins the album on a classical upbeat note while it goes on with one of thee best versions of ‘Carol of the Bells’ with ‘Sing We Now Of Christmas’ I have EVER heard. It’s no surprise why this was chosen as one of the best Christmas albums of 2008... ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ comes from the heart for these sisters while the song that they penned ’Hallelujah (Light Has Come)’ will go down as one of their best--Christmas album or not. It’s a tune that you will find yourself listening to year-round.
‘O Little Town Of Bethlehem’ takes more a quirky jazzy turn while ‘What Child Is This’, sung by Rebecca Barlow (in her first EVER time singing lead for a song in the group) takes this song to a blues-esq mood, very slow and full of soul. ‘Panis Angelicus’, a Latin Christmas song is sung seamlessly Alyssa Barlow while ‘Angelic Proclamation’ and ‘Go Tell It On The Mountain’ bring this album back to the upbeat swing of things. ‘O Come, O Come Emmanuel’ is one of the most chilling on the album, with a haunting string section and flooring harmonies. The album comes to a close with the classic piano driven ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’.
Not only is this one of the best Christmas albums of 2008, it’s one of the best that I own. Fan of the band or not, you’ll find it hard to not like this one. Many fans have stated that while they like this album they hope the band will take the Relient K route one day and make a Christmas rock album…I think that this will be the first in many Christmas albums by the band and rock or traditional, if they are anything like ‘Home For Christmas’, I will keep buying and listening to them time and time again.
Speaking Louder For Sure... | Posted September-11-2009
Jeremy Camp fans are some of the most loyal out there so when a new album is announces, fans will jump at the chance to grab it.
‘Speaking Louder Than Before’ offers 12 fresh cuts, one better than the next. The album starts off with ‘Slow Down Time‘, a cry about taking time out of our busy lives to spend time with God. It goes on with ‘Capture Me, the title track and his first radio single, ‘There Will Be A Day,’ and then the album beings to slow down with the song ‘I Know Who I Am‘, starting off with a somewhat haunting melody that will be sure to stick with you.
The CD goes on with ‘I'm Alive’ and ‘You Will Be There’ (with one of the best string arrangements I’ve heard in a very long time). ‘Healing Hand Of God’ is the next song and one of the most anticipated on the album. The music is beautiful but the lyrics are what makes the song shine bright. Probably one of Jeremy's best songs to date.
‘So In Love’ goes into a more melodic sound, very similar to a Leeland song, while ‘My Fortress’ sounds almost like a breezy 70's ballad. Great for any older fans who are into that genera of music.
‘Giving You All Control’ could quite possible be the standout track of this album. Going into rather untouched Camp territory: punk rock. Very heavy and very fun to jump around to, you haven't heard a song like this since 'Take My Life' off his first album.
The album ends with ‘Surrender‘, a very moving slower song where he and his wife, fellow Christian musician Adie‘s, vocals soar, proving how well their voices go together.
The special edition DVD is yet another treat for fans. Featured 12 video devotionals by Jeremy (one for each songs--including scripture, stories and songs) and a special behind the screens featurete that was recoding while in the studio. The DVD is fun, it’s chalk full of the Word of God with a few lighthearted and silly moments as well.
This album has a breath of fresh air upon it, and lyrics that are sure to cut you to the core. It is strikingly different than any of his previous albums but it’s a GREAT change. If your a Camp fan, be sure not to miss this one, and if your not...I think it's time you gave his music a shot. You won't regret it.
Darker and Different | Posted September-11-2009
I'm a rather newer fan of Skillet, so I may not be as 'up' on thier music as most of thier more hardcore Panhead fans. But I DO know that afer the succsess of thier 2006 album 'Comatose', that Skillet was going to have some big expectations to meet with thier next album...so I guess the real question here is: Does 'Awake' meet the hype it was lived up to?
It starts off with the first single 'Hero', the biggest change on this album is the addition of the female vocals from new drummer Jen Ledger (she took over after Lori Peters left the band in early 2008). Jen's vocals add something extra to his album, although much of Korey Coopers background vocals are missed on this album--it's one of the reasons 'Comatose' had so much musical depth. 'Monster' is one of the heavier songs on this album with lyrics that standout right away. The 'monster' symbolicaly being the ugliness of self.
A running theme through this album seams to be 'living in the flesh VS living by the Spirit'. This is found in 'Hero', 'Monster', 'Could've When You Should've', 'Awake and Alive' (my favorite track on the album) and the lyrically moving 'Lucy'. Lyrically there seams to also be a lot of anger in this album, maybe not forth right, but songs like 'Believe' and the darkest track on the abum 'Sometimes' have this way of hitting you with raw honosty.
Overall this is a great rock album. Skillet fans won't be dissapointed--but this may not be everyone's cup of tea. It's very heavy both lyrically and musically and although it has it's lighter moments, the tone of the album stays the same throughout. Newer fans who want to get into this bands music might want to start off with 'Collide' and 'Comatose' (this album, being almost a perfect mesh of these two albums).
So, the answer to the question before? Yes. This album does meet the hype. But i'll leave the rest to you to hear for yourself...
Perfect For True Fans | Posted August-27-2009
By the release date of BarlowGirl's newest album 'Love & War' being moved up nearly 2 weeks by Word Records, this is just proof to the music world that BarlowGirl has a very devoted and loyal fan base.
The 'Beautiful Ending EP' offers up just a few varieties...a radio edit of the song (most of the changes are small, just enough to shave a few seconds off the song) the acoustic version (which is basically the original version set to piano and tambourine) and the biggest thing to attract the fans-- the 'Beautiful Ending' music video (this is the biggest treat for fans consitering MANY BarlowGirl fans were upset due to the fact that the girls never recorded a video for thier 3rd record 'How Can We Be Silent').
This may not be the thing to buy for casual listeners of BarlowGirl--the single on iTunes might just be for you. But this is a great buy for anyone hardcore BG fans or for anoyone, like myself, who appericates the thought and time that are put into acoustic and radio edits.
Worth The Wait | Posted August-24-2009
It came as a surprise to everyone in early 2009 that Michael Tait of dc Talk and Tait would be filling the shoes of Peter Fuller, one of the founding members of the Newsboys and lead vocalist since 1998 after the departure of original leader John James. It came as a shock not only because of the suddenness and the major change to the band, but also because the Newsboys next album ‘In The Hands Of God’ was set to release just a few short months later. Rumors began swirling that Tait sang lead vocals on the entirety of the new album (a rumor that was quickly put to rest, although he did sing much of the background vocals on the album). With this stunning announcement, fans were eager to see (and hear) what would become Peter Fuller’s last album singing lead for the band. The result? In true Newsboys fashion, a fantastic album.
Let me first say that this album is being far too criticized in my opinion. It isn’t ‘Go’ nor is it ‘Take Me To Your Leader’--the two CD’s that EVERY Newsboys album will most likely be compared to for the rest of the bands life. This album, ‘In The Hands Of God’ is a new chapter in the life of group, breathing fresh musical air into CCM genera. Starting off with the catchy ‘The Way We Roll’, the album quickly turns serious with the heavy set ‘No Grave’. The bands most mature song to date and by far one of their best songs they’ve ever put out. I do hope to see it as a single on Christian rock radio in the future.
‘This Is Your Life’ is rather breezy for a Newsboys album, calm yet fun to listen to, a great song about how we need to be living our lives that way God has called us to be living them. The current single ‘Glorious’ follows suit--since the albums release the current version has been re-recorded with Tait on lead vocals--both are amazing but Peters vocals on this album are just worth listening to. ‘In The Hands Of God‘, the title track and first single are sure to get anyone off their seat and praising the Lord, and it‘s a great addition to hear former Newsboy Phil Joel singing background vocals as well--his voice is sorely missed on this record.
‘The Upside’ and ‘My Friend Jesus’ take us back to the true formula of the band with upbeat rock music and humorous lyrics (the ‘soundtrack of hell’ reference on ’My Friend Jesus’ is sure to get an ‘Amen’ and a chuckle out of anyone…)
‘Lead Me To The Cross’ is next and it brings the album back to a powerful tone of worship. Both Brooke Frasier (the writer of the song originally) and Chris and Conrad’s versions of this song came out, literally, right at the same time as this bands album, and in my opinion--I rather enjoy the Newsboys version. The lyrically friendly ‘Dance’ and the quirky ‘RSL 1984’ close the album on an upbeat note and are a great addition to the album.
I really enjoyed this album--it wasn’t until late 2008 that I became a big Newsboys fan and I’m happy to say that this album didn’t disappoint. I think too many fans are being harsh on it because of it being Peters final album and that they are expecting far too much for something that is ending. I think Peter, Duncan, Jeff and Jody and Steve Taylor did a great job on this album and it makes me exited to see what the guys and Tait are going to pull off together in the future.
More and More... | Posted August-17-2009
A new Matthew West album is always an adventure--between the new music itself and the fun and hilarity they put in the CD linders (which by the way, if you've never looked at any of them--do yourself a favor and check them out)--it always makes for a great buy.
When Matthew West appeared on the scene in 2003, mnay people had never heard of this guy who welded a guitar and honost raw lyrics about his walk with God, but they soon found out that he wasn;t a guywho played any games when it cames to music and musically? He could stand up to ANY o his acoustic rock driven secular counterparts.
'More' (the first HUGE hit of Matthew's carrer) is the first song on the album and it sets the mood right away. 'Happy' follows up and is the FARTHEST thing from 'More' on the whole album--with hooky beats and, dare I say, some fast rap at the begninning of the song? Matthew sure knows how to change thngs up...
'The Turnaround' is my favorite on this whole album. Honostly, for the longest time I skipped by this song to move on to the rest of the album--but it wasn't until I was sitting in th car one day listening to this album when I heard this song for the first time. The music is string driven with lyrics that cry about making the ultimate change in our lives-- to follow Christ. Worth buying digitaly if the whole album isn't your cup of tea.
'I Can't Hear You' and 'You Know Where To Find Me' bring the album back down to earth with some powerpunching tones before 'The End' takes the album back to the catchy beats and whimiscal lyrics that Matthew's music is known for. 'Out Of My Hands' is up right before one of the best off the album 'The Lie'. Facing the impurities of this world and how we can't believe that lies that it feeds us. It's too bad this one was never a single--I can see it would have done very well.
The rest of the album with 'My Finest Hour', 'Every Second' and 'Curtain' once again take this 'happy' album to a softer place with more hushed music an pure lyrics. A conversation with a person and God are the best way to discribe the way that Matthew writes.
'Happy' was a fine start to what is becoming one of the most well known carrers in Christian music. Newer fans of Matthew might want to start off with his third album 'Something To Say' and move backwards to see just how music he has grown both in music and in lyrics. This is a fantastic album, and i'd reccomend it to anyone.
Fresh Beats and Hope | Posted August-17-2009
'All That Matters' was the first single off of this, Addison Road's first album on INO Records after a string of indie projects, and if your local Christian radio station is anything like mine--you heard this song a couple times a day and by the end of the week, you knew all the words by heart. So needless to say, after hearing the song a few hunded times, I had to run out and buy this album.
It starts off with the earthy and upbeat song 'This Could Be Our Day' about living our lives to the fullest every day and letting nothing fall to the wayside. 'All That Matters' is up next followed up by 'Sticking With You', another upbeat pop song about God never leaving our side.
'Hope Now' is the standout track on the album. Musically sounding much like Leeland and The Fray with the electronic melodies that make the song ebb and flow, and with lyrics so simple yet so powerful as 'I Am Not My Own, I've Been Carried By You All My Life' , this is sure to be one of your favorites on the album as well.
'Start Over Again' runs long but with the same electronic beats as 'Hope', it will leave fans wanting more...'It Just Takes One' takes a clever turn musically. Whimiscal and upbeat, a lot is going on in this song. Sounding almost like a collaboration between tobyMac and Newsboys, with the same message as 'This Could Be Our Day' about making a diffrence in the world around us.
'Always Love' follows the same suit of fresh beats with a hopeful message while the album slows itself down again with the wake-up call song 'Casualties' about the world slowing dying around us in need of a Savior, and the lyrically chilling and musically moving 'Run' (my favorite track on the whole album).
The most current single off this album closes it with a punch. 'What Do I Know Of Holy', Just lead singer Jenny Simmons vocals and a piano, tackles the issue of authentic Christiananity, anbd what it truly means to follow Christ with our whole hearts. A very moving song--whether or not you buy this whole album this one at least worth listening to.
This was one of my favorite debut albums from 2008. Fresh beats and the consistant message of hope running through the album are sure to leave any listener satisfied. I look forward to seeing what the band comes out with next--if your a fan of of some of the more modern earthy pop bands--Addison Road is the band for you.
Give It A Shot | Posted August-14-2009
As a person who became a dc Talk fan after thier 'intermission', I heard the stories about how amazing Tait and tobyMac's solo records are (and they are)...but then I also heard about Kevin Max's albums. And how they were, how shall I say this...unique?
And it is because of people telling me how awful his albums were that I resisted buying them for a very long time. Until one day I saw a copy at my local Christian bookstore, and I knew right then and there I needed to at least give it a shot. and i'm happy I did.
'The Imposter' takes on the topic of the flesh VS the Spirit within us, and how we cannot let 'the imposter' in us win, but the allow the Holy Spirit within us to shine.
Songs like 'Sanctuary' and 'Your Beautiful Mind' deal with Spirit-matters while songs like 'Confessional Booth', 'The Imposter' and 'The Imposters Song' take on the rough and tumble message of the spiritual battle we are in as children of God. This album came after a dark period in Kevn's life personally, and you can hear a lot of that pain in the undetone of this album, yet you also can't help but feel that neverending sence of hope that exists at the end of every song.
'Jumpstart Your Electric Heart!' is the winner on this album for me. Lyrcally candid and very vivid, this song takes on the topic of a spoiled starlet who needs to drop her act and face her Creator. A raw song with one of the catchiest guitar rifts you could hear on a rock album--well written and well played. Kevin's vocal power also soars high on this album as well, having one of the most 'standout' voices in music, he sets the bar high for all of his next albums with this one.
To be rather honost, i'm still sorting through this album, just as I am all of K-Max's albums ('The Imposter' being my favorite out of all of them at this point) but I must say that all the so-called 'opinions' of other who told me to stay away from his music, in my eyes, were wrong. I enjoy Kevin's solo work just as his fellow dc Talk counterparts solo projects.
My advice? Give this album a listen and give it a shot. Kevin's stuff is some of the most 'unique' out there and it's worth discerning for yourself.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
![Speaking Louder Than Before [Special Edition] by Jeremy](thum_creater/phpThumb.php?src=../images/album_cover_images/cover_6566.jpg&w=90&h=90&hash=5eb4bc0ad46582762f5bac6ff993938d)
