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
One Of The BEST Christian Albums Of The 2000's | Posted August-13-2009
The year is 2002, the tour? Festival Con Dios. Jeremy Camp is an unknown Christian artist who had made a name leading worship at churches in Southern California--yet here he was opening for acts such as The Benjamin Gate, Audio Adrenaline and tobyMac. People didn't know what to expect, but what they walked away with? The songs of a man who had walked though one of the darknest valleys anyone could ever go through, losing his wife to cancer at only 21, and coming out the other side, with his hands held high, praising God for His neverending faithfulness. 'Stay' was relased a few months after Jeremy's run on the tour, and fans were FAR from dissapointed...
'Understand' sets the whole mood of the album--trusting God, even when it's the toughest, to know His Word is, and always will be true. 'Right Here' is a cry to God about knowing He will never leave us nor forsake us, while the biggest hit off the album, the moving 'Walk By faith' (written while on his honeymoon with first wife Melissa) is the firm foundation found in 2 Corinthians 5:7, "we walk by faith not by sight". Written in a time here Jeremy really was walking by faith and not by what he could see, this song is an anthem for anyone walking through trials of fire and trusting God through it all...finding Him faithful always.
'Stay', the title track is the fourth track and it diaplays Jeremy's booming vocal power as well as the amazing musicianship on this album. The music on this cut sounds easily like something you would hear on secular radio--with better lyrics to boot. 'All The Time' and favorite 'I Still Believe' follow up while the lyrically powerful 'One Day At A Time' offers up the raw message of beauty from pain. 'Breaking My Fall' and 'Nothing' slow down this emotional album, with both songs bringing into focus the powerful message of mending and healing. 'I Know Your Calling' (a track taken from one of his earliest indie albums 'Burden Me') is remade for this debut album. Jeremy's acoustic guitar playing on this song shine bright and the lyrics will stand out all on thier own as well.
Fan favorite (and one of Jeremy's most beloved songs to preform live) 'Take My Life' take this album to a whole new level. The grinding rock guitars, crashing symbols, powerful raw lyrics and Jeremy's bouts with the occasional death growl make this a hard one to ignore on this album--whether or not you buy this album, this is a song worth listening to if your into heavier rock music. The album closes on a worshipfl note with passionate praise song 'In Your Presence'. Not like what you might hear on Sunday morning, this is what makes this powerful worship song with heart gripping lyrics so wonderful to listen--and to worship God to.
'Stay' will remian one of the most infulential debut albums in Christian music and, in my opinion, it will stand out as one of the best Christian albums of the 2000's. This is an amazing start for Jeremy Camp, who has been and is going to continue to be, one of the most prominent male vocalists in Chrstian music.
Your Ticket....To A GREAT Buy | Posted August-12-2009
Myself like so many other tobyMac fans were estatic to learn that he would be releaseing a live CD/DVD sometimes in 2008. Toby puts on, what could be, thee most electric live show in Christian music, so the possibility of a live recording would put many fans over the moon. And this CD/DVD doesn't dissapoint.
CD:
Recorded live durring the 2007 'Portable Sounds' tour with BarlowGirl and Thousand Foot Krutch to a sell-out crowd in Texas, this CD starts off with fan favorite 'Ignition', implementing just how many stops and hits Toby and his band Diverse City apply in thier live show. 'Catchafire (Whoopsie-Daisy)' is next followed by an amazing version of 'Boomin''.
'No Ordinary Love' smoothy transitions into 'J-Train'. Toby gives a short promise to his fans about given them the show that they paid for that night befor diving right into one of his biggest hits 'Gone' and 'Irene' (with an AMAZING guitar intro by Diverse City guitarist 'TimmyRose'). 'I'm For You' is cut short in the set to share with the audience some of 1 John 1, the passage that inspired the next song 'In The Light' (Toby and the DC crew do an amazing job with this song consitering dc Talk did this song brilliantly live).
'Yours' starts off slower and then builds up to the classic rock tune that fans know and love, followed next by 'The Slam' and 'Love Is In Th House', before which Toby gives an amazing message on what it means to truly show the love of Christ. 'Atmopshere' is next up while Mandisa makes a guest apereance on stage that night for the hit song 'Lose My Soul'. DCer GabeReal does an amazing job of ryhming Kirk Franklins part, but you can't help but miss Kirk's soothing vocals in the live version. 'Diverse City' was supposed to be the last trac of the night but due to an overwhelming audience (which you will hear on the album repeatedly screaming 'One More Song!!!') the crew comes back again to preform not only 'Made To Love' (which is FANTASTIC live, almost better than the recorded version in my opinion) but 'Burn For You' and yet another dc Talk classic, 'Jesus Freak'--which they pull off seamlessly in thier own special way with new breaks and grooves, an amazing re-make, although it will never be the same without Micheal and Kevin in my eyes...The album comes to an end with an energetic version of Toby's first solo hit 'Extreme Days'.
This CD is amazing. From a technical point of view, the recording is very smooth without ever having to wonder what was said. And although you will find yourself listening to it time and time again, once you see the DVD, you will understand most of the screams and cheers the audience offers a certain points in the songs.
DVD:
The DVD has the exact same track list as the CD, seeing at it is the same exact live show, only this time, seeing exactly what you've heard before. Once the lights and sights are added in, you can truly see why his live show is consitered one of the best. Another treat of the DVd is seeing the things you would miss in the CD--including guest guittarist on 'Jesus Freak', Rebecca Barlow. Simply said, the DVD is worth seeing for yourself, there is too much detial put into one of his live shows to simply put into words. I'll let you be the critic from here.
The Behind-the-Scenes footage is also atreat to watch, from a 'day in the life' style retospect into tobyMac's life to the story of how each of the members of Diverse City made it into the group, your sure to be left wanting to see more. The fun footage doesn't end here though, there are a few last minute tidbits that are sure to get you laughing--like Toby and some crew members trying to teach him to backflip, Shonlock imitating Toddiefunk playing video games and Tim's and Toby's 'debate' on how to pronounce Albany (worth the DVD alone if you want to have a good chuckle).
This CD/DVD set is worth every penny you will spend on it. Something the whole family will enjoy watching over and over--by the end, you yourself will be ready to go for the next tobyMac concert in your neck of the woods.
Older Material, Same Great Message | Posted August-12-2009
I, like so many others, was amazed the first time I heard 'Never Alone' by this three sister trio. I as coming out of a very dark period in my life personally, so when this song was released, it was one of those moments when you feel like a song was written JUST for you. Needless to day I rushed out and bought their first self titled album right away...
Listening back on it now, it amazed me how much this band this band has progressed since 2004. Four albums and a very sucsessful Christmas album to boot have made this band one of the most sought-after acts in the CCM industry.
The album starts off with 'On My Own', a pop/rock song about not being able to save ourselves, next up is 'Pedestal', a streight up pop song about idoletry and the quote-on-quote 'power' of stardom. Lyrically it is very well written and, in today's world, MUCH needed...musically thought it grabs the tween crowd right off the bat. 'Never Alone' is the third cut and the most powerful on the record. It's sound is nothing like the rest of the album and those who have heard it will tell you that it will grab you and not let go for awhile.
'Harder Than The First Time' goes back to the pop sound the band first established on this record while 'You Led Me', a streight forward worship tunes, goes right to the core of a mellow tune with a gradual build up. 'Mirror', a song about self image is one of the most powerful songs on the record. Had 'Never Alone' not made the cut on this album, I can imagine this would have been the biggest hit off thier debut.
'Superstar' and 'Clothes' once again go back to the whimsical lyrics of the band and the pop/rock melodies that earned them thier fan base. 'She Walked Away', a moderen day tale about the prodigal son displayes the soaring vocal power of Alyssa Barlow (who, on this album, sang most of the lead vocals). 'Average Girl' is the anthem on the album that many BG fans, boy and girl alike, have adapted. This song about not dating and waiting on God's timing is one that will hook you instantly, and whether or not you like this band, there is no denying by this song that they VERY serious when it comes to thier stance on purity. A fantastic song. 'Surrender' closes the album on a somewhat mencholly note. A cry to God about not wanting to let go of our personal goals and dreams, but in the long run, giving them up for the sake of our calling. Tacked on at the VERY last second is a little 'band roll call' spoken by producer Otto Price's children--sounding a little too much like they are trying to copy what tobyMac does with his son truDog, it's still cute nonetheless.
This album is a fantastic debut--you'll be hooked instantly. The band's sound has matured drasticlly since the release of 'BarlowGirl' and if your looking for something with some heavier lyrics and grungier music I would deffiatly check out thier next few albums, but if your wanting something to uplift you Spiritually and leave a smile on your face--this is an album worth looking into.
Not Bad...Good. | Posted August-10-2009
This album, needless to say, was a bit of a shock to Krystal Meyers loyal fan base. Her previous two albums firmly established the young rocker as a forced to be reckoned with in gospel rock music. When Krystal announced in early 2008 that he third album would be differently musically than anything she’d done before--she wasn’t kidding.
‘Make Some Noise’ not only garnered Krystal a large fan base with fans of the pop/techno crowd, but in a way, her move in changing her sound also lost her the respect of many of her fans. Many people were quick to say that Krystal ‘sold out’ and that her music ‘wasn’t the same’. As a fan of both pop-ier music AND Krystal’s older material, I decided to buy the album and see for myself what all the fuss was about…
The first track (the title track) sets the tone of the album right away, heavy bass rhythms and the catchy chorus immediately tell you that this girl was serious when she said that it would be ‘different’ than her previous material. The next track ‘Love It Away’ sounds too much like the first track…’Shine’ is the third offering from the album and the first single. One of the catchier tunes on the album, speaking of our calling to be salt and light in a dark world. Musically, it’s stays about the same.
‘SOS’ is next and by far the standout track on the album. This is one that Krystal’s fans might have expected off her third album, being the rockiest track on the whole album. Lyrically, it is also where the album shines (no pun intended) as a urgent cry for our Father to save us…very well done. ‘Feels So Right’ goes right back to the pop/techno feel of the album, a love song assumably written for her boyfriend (now her husband) and guitar player Alex. Track 6 ‘My Freedom’ offers up some more danceable material while ‘Beautiful Tonight’, once again, musically remaining just the same, shows you just how much Krystal has matured lyrically since ‘Dying For A Heart’ in 2006. An anthem for those who run to broken and empty replacements when all they need to feel beauty, is to run into the arms of the Creator who made them beautiful.
‘Up To You’ is my least favorite track on the album. It’s not my favorite track lyrically, I’ll let you make your own interpretation of it though. ‘You’ll Never Know’ is the catchiest track on the album, easily danceable, not sounding extremely like the previous songs and lyrically, it goes back to the heart of the love of God. The album ends with ‘In Your Hands’, another electronic ballad.
This album isn’t as horrible as many called it to be, I rather enjoy some of the songs on this album. Easy listening when your having a great day…lyrically though? I still prefer her older albums. I feel this one didn’t have as much to go off of Spiritually for me. Many might like that…but the whole album just isn’t for me. As much as I enjoy pop and techno style, each song sounded a little to much like the previous.
‘Make Some Noise’ is defiantly worth a listen before you buy…but if your looking for rockier material with more in-depth God centered lyrics--check out her two older CD’s.
Not Exactly Acoustic, Not Bad At All | Posted August-10-2009
When Jeremy Camp released his 'Live Unplugged' DVD in 2005, fans ate it up. Jeremy is known for putting on a fantastic live acoustic show and fans were not dissapointed. After the release of 'Beyond Measure' in 2006, Jeremy and his band recorded an iTunes session featuing a few new new songs off the album and some older tunes to boot.
This album, unlike 'Live Unplugged', isn't exactly acoustic. You will hear some heaver guitar rifts being used on this EP but the underlying tone of the whole album is more more mellow and relaxed than what you would hear on a regular album. Think more of a stripped down raw version of each song.
'Beyond Measure' and 'Everytime' showcases Camp's booming vocal power while 'All The Time' and 'Even When' display his captivating musical style. 'When You Are Near' is somewhat different then the 'Beyond Measure' version, much of the electronic feel of the original is taken away and replaced by keys --some fans may not like that as many as others would, but I enjoy this version as well. Fan favorite 'Take My Life' is the track on the album that is sure to suprise you...completly restructured, this version is not only amazingly, mid-tempo, but with the key changes and rearangements, you can't help but wonder if it is even the same song. Jeremy and his team did an amazing job at revamping this one.
Fans are sure to eat up the 'Live Sessions (iTunes Exclusive) - EP', but even those who would question Jeremy's musical style should give this one a shot-- you will be plesantly suprised.
You'll Have Something To Say By The End... | Posted August-08-2009
If you know the story behind this album and the many fires that were walked through to get it out--then you’ll already know that Matthew West has something to say.
Recorded in late 2007 after his vocal surgery, many people (Matthew included), wondered if he would ever be able to sing again. The answer? Yes.
With his previous albums, ‘Happy’ and ‘History’, Matthew had already made a name as one of the top writers in the CCM genera, proving why once again with this album. Starting off with a string arrangement, the album soon shifts into the title track. Matthew again uses his whimsical sense of humor to convey his message and capture the audience, and it never ceases to disappoint.
‘The Motions’ (the current #1 song on the Christian charts) is next, a passionate cry to God to live a full life for Him, and not just lukewarm and empty. The worshipful ‘You Are Everything’ and ‘The Center’ follow. ‘Center’ (sounding much a like a cross between Jimmy Needham--meets--tobyMac) offers some of the best lyrics on the album. The next few songs, ‘Save A Place For Me’ and ‘Life Inside You’ deal with heavier issues of death and heaven and a teenage couple contemplating abortion, and ultimately choosing life.
‘Safe And Sound’ is a soothing lullaby written for Matthew’s daughter, Lulu. ’The Moment Of Truth’, a though provoking tune on the choices we make in life, is followed up by the comical yet sincere song ‘Friend In The World’ (with a cameo experience by tobyMac, throwing back to the dc Talk track ‘The Hardway’). Very similar to his song ‘Next Thing You Know’, it’s sure to leave a smile on your face and a song in your heart. The album closes with the moving ballads ‘Al The Broken Pieces’ and the standout on the album, ‘Stop The World’, about cutting out the noise of the world and getting in tune with our Creator (the little bit at the end of this track with Matthew and Lulu is sure to get you laughing…)
I bought this album on a whim in 2008, and it has since become one of my all time favorites. Matthew’s ability to make you laugh and think at the same time is truly a gift from God. He is an amazing lyricists with a bright future in Christian music. Thinking about buying this album? Stop thinking and do it--take my word for it. :)
Worth The Wait | Posted August-07-2009
Ths is one of those songs that has quickly grown on me. I first heard it on the radio and had no idea it was Skillet untill after it had played...but once I had heard it a few more times I quickly went out to buy the single.
'Hero' just goes to show how much Skillet has matured lyrically and musicaly since 'Comatose' in 2006. Always having that rock edge to all of thier songs, the depth of the groves hits harder in 'Hero' and the tradeoff between John Cooper and new drummer, Jen Ledger's, vocals is brilliant. Lyrically, speaking of the inner hero within all of us, goes back to the ultimate Hero we have in Christ who saved us.
Skillet's new album 'Awake' drops at the end of Augest...and if the whole album is anything like 'Hero', it worth the wait. :)
Brilliant | Posted August-07-2009
Understated would be, well, an understatement to the way that this, dc Talk’s last full studio album, is remembered. Of course, following up ‘Jesus Freak’ would be a huge task, but it was one that Toby, Michael, and Kevin did seamlessly. ‘Supernatural’ came out in 1998, right at the start of the boy-band craze of the late 90’s. but there three guys were far from being another boy band…they were three guys with a heart after God, looking to make music to draw people closer to Jesus.
The album starts off with a short intro that gives you the feel for this what-will-be eerie album. It gets going with the song ‘It’s Killing Me’, and this song just goes to showcase to musical maturity that these three achieved in their ten year carrier as a band. No sign of rap or hip hop anywhere to be seen on this album…
It goes on with ‘Dive’, yet another song that brings the theme of the album back into the lyrics. What is that theme you may ask? Walking on water and supernatural warfare. While it might sound complicated and overwhelming, the lyrics are delivered in a way that will make you want to dive more deeply into the Word of God.
‘Consume Me’ is easily the standout of the album. It was the first time that the guys truly penned a worship song, yet in true dc Talk nature, they wrote it in a very non-conventional way that works beautifully. It will surely lead you into a time of worship that you won’t want to escape. ‘My Friend (So Long)’ is the fifth track and one that will for sure get a laugh out of you. Yet another reminder of how the boys took their message seriously, but when it came down to the root of them…they had no problem being honestly hilarious.
‘Fearless’ and ‘Godsend’ make the next two tracks….amazing lyrics (in true fashion of the band) and music that was unlike anything out there at the time. A modern mainstream sound but with words that would make you want to go deep in your walk with God. ‘The Truth’ is yet another song with the theme of the album in tote. While ‘Since I Met You’ is an upbeat take on becoming a Christian and how our lives instantly change for the better.
‘Into Jesus’ is the most uncanny on the album. Very chilling melodies and words that really make the whole idea of supernatural warfare in your mind come alive…by the end of the song; you know that we are in a battle. The title track ‘Supernatural’ follows up with a rock songs that will sure to get you off your feet with a great and steady message to boot. The haunting ‘Red Letters’ is the last song on the album, running over 6 minutes with words that will hit you hard in the gut, and string arrangements that will leave you in awe of the musicianship of this album. ‘There Is a Treason At Sea’ is the last track on the record, a poem written by Kevin Max that brings the whole album back to the main theme of itself.
With the enormous popularity of ‘Jesus Freak’, I do believe that people might have been to critical on this record for not being the exact same thing. The guys made it very clear that for this album they were shooting for something new, and they did exactly that. Both ‘Jesus Freak’ and ‘Supernatural’ have very deep and intense messages, but both are very different. While ‘Jesus Freak’ focuses on a daily walk of a believer, this album will leave you with a deeper understanding of God and who He is and the battle for souls we are in. This album is a wake up call to believers… and a very relevant message still today.
Future Hit Maker | Posted August-07-2009
Since the departure of those such as Paul Wright and Grits, Gotee Records has more recently been producing more and more Christian rockers than hip-hop artists. But all of that changed when earlier this year, record co-founder tobyMac announced that they had found their newest rap artist, a southern boy named Brian Reith, AKA, B. Reith. B. Reith’s first EP ‘The Forcast’ was released to iTunes first a few months ago but just recently has started to sell online.
I’m a pretty diverse people when it comes to CCM…I can listen to anything, so when I first got this album I was very anxious to see for myself: would I enjoy this? And would people who aren’t rap fans listen and like it? The answer? Yes.
‘The Forecast’ starts off with ‘Here We Are’, an upbeat song that gives you a taste of what’s to come, ‘Rain Down’ and ‘Mess’ are the next two tracks, songs that mix rap beats with worship lyrics can get messy and fast but he pulls it off without a beat missed. ‘Awe-struck’ is the fourth track and a very enjoyable one to boot, I wouldn’t call it a love song as much as I would a ‘love-sick song’. Very enjoyable and you’re sure to get a giggle out of the story behind it…
‘Bottom of the 9th’ is a very definitive song on it’s own, but with the help of rapper Knine, it brings the sing, about using your time on earth for Gods Kingdom, full circle. ‘Cold World’ is easily the standout of the album and the mix of rap, pop and strings will leave you with a very eerie message that you won’t soon forget. The album closes with the fan favorite ‘Go On’, a very danceable tune with lyrics that would make the meanest person on earth laugh. Very much like a song you would hear from KJ-52.
Hip-hop beats with singable choruses makes this album something very reminiscing to what Toby himself would do. Even if you aren’t the biggest fan of rap, th beats on this one are just too catchy to put away. My only problem with the EP is that, well, it was an EP! I look forward to B’s new album ‘Now Is Not Forever’ dropping at the end of 2009!
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
