Christmas Together EP
by
Jamie Looking for some good Christmas music? This four song EP recently released by Jamie Grace is sure to give you that Christmas cheer!
Not Too Young to make great music! | Posted April-28-2011 "Not Too Young" is Mission Six's sophomore effort, released in 2009. The 10 track album is comprised of five regular tracks, as well as five karaoke tracks. For review purposes, I will just be talking about the five regular tracks.
"Not Too Young" begins with the title track, "Not Too Young". A fun song that has a great beat and solid guitars, "Not Too Young" is an anthem for teens all over. The chorus boldly states, "Here we go, now we're not alone, yeah we may young, but we're not too young to change the world!" The music of Mission Six is strong, and they have been compared to the Jonas Brothers and Relient K. They're a fun mixture of rock and pop. Overall a very good track, and one I'm sure you will enjoy.
Second we have "Stand Out", another high-energy song that encourages us to "stand out" and not back down. This track even features a surprise from bassist Michael Powers, at the end of the second verse. I'm sure this song is a blast live! Featuring strong, high-energy music and thought provoking lyrics, "Stand Out" is a top M6 song.
Now we've come to my favorite song off the album, "Misfits" which pretty much anyone can relate to at some point in their life, no matter how old they are. The song opens with Noah declaring he is a "misfit", then a catchy bass line. "Raise your hands if you don't fit in" starts out the verse, and once again Michael guests. Michael and Noah compliment each other very well vocally, and they did an awesome job on this song. The most stirring part of the song is the bridge where they slow things down a bit and sing, "Just when you think you're all alone, you find a place where you belong". Overall an amazing track that without a doubt encourages teens everywhere.
I can't review this song without laughing. It's not the nature of this song AT ALL, it's what I can imagine all the girls doing when they perform this live. "Forever" is a beautiful song about how important it is to stay pure for the one you will marry. "Everything has got a place in time, so before I call you mine, I wanna make sure you know you're worth the wait" is just a sample of how sincere and important the lyrics are to teenagers in our day. "Forever" brings strong vocals, equally powerful music, and even a fun outro complete with a good old, "yeeooowww"!
Lastly, we have a cover of the popular Newsboys track, "I Am Free". The music differs from the original a bit, giving a it more of a teen feel. Mission Six definitely does the song justice, and does not disappoint. I actually think I might like it better than the original Newsboys version. (Shhh!) It's an excellent cover.
Overall, "Not Too Young" is a solid sophomore effort. I know not everyone likes "teen bands", so this cd won't be for everyone. However, it's a great album! the sound of Mission Six has matured a lot since last year, and they will be releasing their third album, "Shockwave" next week, on May 3rd. They have been posting clips on their Youtube channel, and right now you can hear clips of three songs off that record.
Good, but not their best effort. | Posted April-23-2011
"Critically Ashamed" is the sophomore effort released in 2006 from FM Static. It is also my least favorite album from FM Static, but it definitely is not awful! Let's get to the review!
"Critically Ashamed" begins with a cute intro track that has Trevor's niece wishing him well on his next gig, and that track leads into "Flop Culture" which is a fun punk song in which Trevor laments the state of music in this decade. It really doesn't have much meaning, but is one of those fun songs.
"Six Candles" is one of the slower songs on the album, which is a welcome addition because FM Static's first cd didn't have any slow songs at all! "Six Candles" is a beautiful song about trusting in God whenever people say He's not real. This is one of the best songs on the album. "The Next Big Thing" is exactly what the song is about. Definitely a punk anthem, "The Next Big Thing" is about breaking into the music industry, but using your fame to make a difference, and is a fun listen.
Almost halfway through the album, "America's Next Freak" is all about standing up to those who put us down, finding ourselves in music, and name drops pretty much every artist in the music industry! It's an alright song, but not a favorite. The music seems a little average also. "Tonight" follows, and was a pretty popular track off the cd. I found out it is actually a song about Trevor McNevan's brother who passed away when they were children. "Tonight" is a very beautifully done track.
"The Video Store" carries some synth and punk riffs, and is a song about meeting a girl at a video store. I find songs like this a bit silly, but FM Static has a reputation for being fun and crazy! I really like the music in this song though. Another song about girls is "Girl Of The Year". It's ok. Probably my least favorite on the album. "Nice Piece Of Art" is a good song about how we have all been made unique by God. I like this song a lot, but I find the repeating "art, art, art, art, art" takes away from the song.
Next we have "What It Feels Like" and I like the opening with the drum rolls very much. It's something that stands out on the album. I'll admit I laughed at the lyric that said, "don't try to page me". Haha. It's a good song with good lyrics. Trevor speaks of knowing what it feels like to be on the outside, and is one of my favorites off the album. "Waste Of Time" is a bit formulaic in the music, but the lyrics take it far.
Finally, the last track is "Moment Of Truth". The track is about Trevor's moment of truth, realizing he loved a girl. It's ok. As I have said in the past, I'm really not a love song fan. It closes the album well, however.
"Critically Ashamed" is a decent album, but in my opinion, not the best one they have ever put out. If you are new to FM Static I would recommend "Dear Diary" or 'What Are You Waiting For" to start out with.
My ears say....I like! | Posted April-06-2011
This album was definitely one of my most anticipated albums of 2011. I can't begin to explain how excited I was when I saw it was the NRT Preview album of the week! Well, let's not waste anytime, and get straight to the music.
Kicking off the album is my favorite track, "My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go". Full of infectiouse beats and a fun hip/hop feel, this song is sure to please any FM Static fan. The lyrics are quirky, enjoyable, yet carry a little more depth than FM Static songs usually carry. "F.M.S.T.A.T.I.C" continues the upbeat, crazy music, complete with cheerleaders and a strong guitar line. Another great track, this song exudes letting go of "what we used to be". Another awesome track!
Third on the cd, we have "(Hey) I Want It" changes the sound a bit, and I enjoy the lyrics and music very much. This album carries more maturity than other FM Static albums, but still has that "high school" feel. "Lost In You" carries more of a techno pop feel, and is definitely a great track for easy listening. This song hints at spirituality, but I can see it interpreted as a relationship song. So far I am loving this album!
"U Don't Know Me Like That" speeds into the speakers with Trevor singing about people who think they know him, yet they don't really know him. Pretty much a song about high school smack talkers, but I do not mean that in a bad way! This is a great song, and the lyrical content stands out. If you talk smack about this album, prepare to be smacked back! Lol!
"Cinnamon & Lipstick" is a very odd song name, in my opinion. But the music is great, and stays true to the FM Static stereotype of relationship songs. Definitely a track worth listening to. "Black Tattoo" takes the serious road, and speaks of a girl who runs away after being physically abused, yet refused to give up her spirit. This is definitely an anthemic, amazing song.
"Last Train Home" is the big single from this album, other than the title track. This song wasn't one of my favorites, but isn't a bad song at all. "Last Train Home" has good lyrics, and good music, and is a song many FM Static fans love. "Breaking Me Again" shows the more mature side of FM Static, and sounds a little Skillet-esque. The lyrics are a prayer to God, and I really enjoy this spiritual side of FM Static.
"Inside Out" closes the album, an slows things down some. A song about relationships, it makes for good listening. It's not a shabby song at all, but I think I would have preferred a song with spiritual matter as a closing song, but I am not in FM Static! However, it is a good album closer.
Overall, "My Brain Says Stop, But My Heart Says Go!" is definitely the best release from FM Static. There is definitely a more mature feel to both the lyrics and music. In my opinion, this fourth effort from Fm Static is one of the best releases of 2011. Be sure to pick up a copy wherever good music is sold!
Something Big | Posted March-26-2011
Mary Mary has cemented their place in Gospel Music after releasing many great albums. I had found "The Sound" a little disappointing in some areas, but now I can't wait to review, "Something Big"!
The title track, "Something Big" kicks things off with a fun hip hop beat, and shares the story of "something big" that happened. Salvation! I really enjoyed this track! I love the sort of back and forth vocals, and the extremely fun beat. This song has a church feel to it, and I can totally imagine singing this in church! If "Something Big" is any indication, this album will be amazing!
"Something Bigger" follows, and has this very neat intro, and the ladies start out rapping, and already I am enjoying this album! I enjoy the positive lyrics of this song, as Erica and Tina sing and rap about how good God is, and how He can change lives, and make them "Something Bigger"! This song has a lot going on, some may think a little too much, but overall I don't see how anyone can complain. Definitely a favorite!
Third on the album is "Blind", and continues the great beats, but tones things down a bit. "Blind" is a song of God's love, about how we can sin and become basically "garbage", however, God still loves us and will forgive us when we call on His name. This isn't a slow song necessarily, but is a slower tempo when compared with the previous two songs. Very good, so far I have no faults with this album!
"It Is Well" follows next, and isn't necessary a cover of the hymn, but rather a version of the same subject the hymn covers. This is a beautiful acapella song, however, I found the background vocals to be a little annoying as they are completely auto tuned and electronic sounding. I suppose some people might like this, but I find it just a bit annoying. However, this is a great song that showcases Erica and Tina's amazing voices!
Coming in at Track 5, "Never Wave My Flag" has this almost creepy intro, and gives the song a mysterious feel. As they sing about struggles, about giving in because "life is hitting me in the face", it turns into an anthem of never giving in, and she will "Never Wave My Flag" in surrender! This song has a very techno/electronic feel to it, which makes for great listening! The lyrical themes in this song are strong and powerful. I am totally hearing in my head a mashup of "Never Wave My Flag" and another song...
"Walking" has very 90's feel to it, complete with the electronic synthesizer you hear as part of the main beat. The verses I find are really good, but the chorus is all repetition, which is a little off-putting in my opinion. We as Christians sometimes need to realize that it doesn't always take running to get ahead. This song isn't one of the highlights of the album in my opinion, but has a strong, positive lyrical message with a fun 90's beat.
About halfway into the album, "Slow Walk" comes through your speakers. The intro is attention getting, for sure, having a little kid yelling, "1,2,3!" and having the chorus of the previous song sped up, and then slowed down. "Slow Walk" deals with the topic of taking time to slow down, and not miss the important moments in life. The interesting thing about this song is the rap, and I thought it was a great addition to the track.
"Survive" is another song about struggles, and how they overcame. The chorus is once again repetition, which I find to be boring. This song is a testimony that will encourage those who listen. The bridge is a sort of song sermon of encouragement, and rounds out "Survive" very nicely.
Well, are you ready? Seriously, "Are You Ready"? Ninth on the album, it starts out with a fun guitar strumming, clapping, and a few "La la la's". Immediately my ears perked up! Definitely different, in a good way! This song is about a girl who decides she wants a better life, and packs up to leave her ghetto to live the good life. In the chorus, however, the question is asked, "Are You Ready" for this? Can you make the best of your time as you are right now? This is a great song, and goes right up on the favorites board!
"Catch Me" slows things down, and speaks of how though we can try our best, we still fall, and are dependent on Christ. This is another beautiful song, and does not fall into the "sleepy boring" category of slow songs. There is nothing super crazy about the music, but it is absolutely perfect for the song.
As we come to the end of the album, "Sitting With Me" is next to last. It starts out with someone criticizing Tina and Erica (as we later find out in the verse) for being "Holy Rollers" and "Jesus Freaks" as well as a young man who is saving himself for mariage. In spite of being made fun of, and ridiculed, the people being sung about always let Christ show through them. And it paid off. The chorus is so amazing, and will definitely encourage Christian young people and Pastor's kids all over the world. I love the part of the chorus where it says "I'll sit on the sidelines as long as He's sitting with me". One of the BEST songs on the album!
Finally, "Homecoming Glory" finishes the album out. It is a very interesting song both musically and lyrically. Basically the story in the song is of Heaven, and the things to come. The welcoming choir, knowing our work is done, when life is forever, and then seeing God face to face. It's definitely a different song, but nevertheless, is one to enjoy.
"Something Big" is definitely the best Mary Mary album. Containing strong lyrics, packed with references to God, Heaven, and the love we have been given. The music is also strong, with fun beats, and then simplistic melodies backing the girl's vocals. Tina and Erica's vocals shine in every song! "Something Big" is without a doubt, something big! You will not regret buying this album!
Anthem Lights | Posted March-04-2011
Anthem Lights is a new pop/rock band recently signed to Reunion Records. The band was formed in 2007, when Alan Powell and Chad Graham joined creative forces to write songs for Chad Graham's solo album. However, as they collaborated, they began to see God's bigger plan. The songs just seemed meant for a group. Soon, Liberty University students Caleb Grimm and Kyle Kupecky joined the band. Their debut EP as well as their forthcoming album (dropping May 2011) was produced by the Write Brothers, aka Seth Moseley and Juan Otero. How does their debut stand out in a industry covered in pop/rock artists? Let's find out.
The EP starts of with the single, "Can't Shut Up". As the track starts off with a neat intro, it gives you a sense of anticipation. Within seconds a fun, catchy vocal and music mix catches your attention. "I had a heartbeat, I was breathing, and I kept going and going without a reason, I was living to just be living, until He really gave me life.", are powerful lyrics that start off the lyrical message. This song is a powerful anthem, about how we "Can't Shut Up" about what God has done for us! "We got to break the silence, we've been quiet for too long" is a true message of many churches and youth groups in this hour. This is a strong song lyrically, as well as having a great pop feel. There is no "lead vocalist" in Anthem Lights, and I find it refreshing to hear different soloists.
I Wanna Know You Like That" is next, and talks about wanting to give all to God, and to know God like David and other great people of God. "To live, to love, with everything I am, to give it all, I wanna know You like that, to become a man after your heart, and not look back." truly expresses the heart these guys have for the ministry. A song with strong vocals, great message, and fun music, "I Wanna Know You Like That" is sure to become a favorite among pop fans.
We're nearly to the end of the EP, and "Can't Get Over You" slows things down. Is it just me, or does it seem nearly every artist in the business slows things down for the third track? Just something I noticed....anyway, back to the review! This song is a passionate song of thanks to God, with lyrics that speak of God's great love, how He loves when we don't deserve it, and how He's changed our live. The chorus speaks of how after all God has done for us, we can't get over it! It's a beautiful song which is probably my favorite off the EP.
Lastly is "Circles" which has become a favorite among the Rock and Worship Roadshow audience. Another slow tempo song, hits the issue of how we as Christians can go in circles, one minute in, and one minute out. This song really speaks to us, and it challenges us to be committed to Christ, with ALL of our hearts. This is by far the best song on the EP, and if you could only choose one song from this album, it should be this song! Besides the amazing lyrics, Anthem Light's vocal talent really shines through.
This is a strong debut from Anthem Lights, and I can't wait to hear their full album in May. This EP has strong lyrics, good pop music, and talented yet diverse vocals. I kept hearing a voice that slightly reminded me of Billy Goodwin from NewSong, and it turns out it's Caleb Grimm. So if you think you're hearing Billy Goodwin, you're not!
If you like pop music with a bit of a rock edge, Anthem Lights is for you. Their lyrics are strong, and they have some amazing talent. Be sure to pick up the full album in May!
Strong debut from former iShine artist | Posted February-22-2011
A while ago, I heard about a girl named Jamie Grace. She toured with the popular tween-geared iShine Live tour, as well as performing on iShine Kinect. She has an amazing musical style, and a great sense of humor! Recently, she broke away from the iShine artist circle, and was signed by tobyMac to Gotee Records. Her debut EP came out today! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this. How does it measure up? Let's find out!
Jamie Grace begins the EP with a great track, called "Hold Me", featuring TobyMac himself. It's a fun, acoustic track, reminiscent of Britt Nicole. When I first heard the song, I thought maybe it was a love song, but Jamie Grace quickly puts to rest any doubts this about some guy. "Lord I love the way you hold me" speaks of the love God has for us, and how thankful she is for that love. This was a great opener, and Jamie Grace's vocals really shine on this song.
"One Song at a Time" comes up second, and immediately you get a fun, funky beat with a neat keyboard intro. All about having fun "One Song at a Time", is one of those songs you can imagine playing at a party, or simply riding in your car. Jamie Grace has a signature sound, with a new twist on acoustic pop.This song features GabeReal from Diverse City! His cameo fits perfectly, and is the perfect complement to this track.
Next we have a slower track, called "Holding On". A beautiful piano intro plays as Jamie Grace sings of holding onto God as she faces life. This is such a beautiful track. Jamie Grace has a beautiful voice, and a great range, which this song takes advantage of. I love the message of this song, as it encourages us to hold on to God, no matter what comes our way.
Last on the EP is the dc Talk cover, "Into Jesus". I loved this track! With a simple acoustic guitar and a great beat, it does the original more than justice. Jamie Grace is the perfect artist for this song. I found myself singing along in no time! I'm glad she chose this song to cover, and dc Talk fans will not be disappointed.
Overall, this is a strong debut from former iShine artist, Jamie Grace. Filled with fun, acoustic pop music and beautiful vocals from Jamie Grace, this EP is a worthy addition for anyone! Fans of Britt Nicole, Shawn McDonald, Lanae Hale and Charmaine will definitely enjoy this album.
The Heart And Its Hope | Posted February-01-2011
Shine Bright Baby is a new and coming up band out of Orrville, Ohio. Posed to perform at Creation 2011, I'm sure people will want to know how their music stands up. This is a review of their first album which was released in 2009.
"Deadbolt" starts things off with a fast electric guitar intro, which immediately catches your attention. As Emily starts singing, you notice she sounds a lot like Hayley Williams of Paramore. She can hold her own however. "Deadbolt" is a great song about supporting a friend in a hard time, and giving a great message of hope and love. Midway through, the song slows a bit, and Emily and one of the male members (he has a decent voice, he just sounds a little deadpan) sing of how they've been through hard times. The song speeds back up and Emily ends the song with the plea, "You can give up on me, but don't give up on love." I really enjoy this track, both lyrically and musically. If you're new to Shine Bright Baby, I advise you to at least give this song a chance. You can download the acoustic version of this song FREE on their Pure Volume.
The second track is called, "Heartbreak!" It's another rocker, an again has a strong intro. It has a very Paramore-esque feel. The lyrics speak of someone who has been put down and broken. The Chorus says, "Who told you that you’re not good enough? Who filled your head with lies and undermined everything you are? Who told you that there’s something wrong? There’s nothing wrong with the way you are." This song is great lyrically, but I feel the music is a bit generic, like I've heard it before. That does not mean it's not an excellent song, however.
"We Were Made To" is next, and slows things down some, but it's definitely not a ballad. I enjoyed the verses on this song, but the chorus seems a bit cookie cutter. The chorus feels like it should be on a Hillsong album. Otherwise, I found this song to be strong vocally, lyrically, and musically. Emily has a very strong, beautiful voice.
Next to last on the album is "1000 Ideals of Man". It starts of with a retro feeling intro, which I really like. I found this song to be a favorite! A song of how we can be stuck in the "ideals of man", but yet we long for more. This song mixed things up a bit, throwing a hint of male screaming into the beginning of the second verse. I definitely didn't expect that! This song is also filled with thought provoking lyrics such as "My soul is aching for something more glorious than what I see. Another smudged page is turning with a salty stain. Crooked and depraved is such an awful state…I’m left jaded in the wake of one thousand ideals of man, but none of them can stand beneath the pressure!" This song experimented a bit, and we are given a great song full of thought provoking lyrics, strong vocals and music.
"I'm Temporary" is the closer, and the only ballad on the album. It starts off with the story of wrestling an angel, but before the angel left, she wanted to know if she was strong enough to do God's will. It's a beautiful, almost modern retelling of when Jacob wrestled an angel. I know it's long, but I want to include these lyrics in my review. The 2nd verse says, "The leaves rustled on the ground, and I found myself afraid. It’s not lack of faith, I swear. But today, I feel so inadequate. And maybe today I’ll wander but I am never lost. I’ll walk through the flames if it refines my heart, that’s so untamed. The impact causes these grave clothes to fall… so I can now be whole. As Israel who cried, “I have seen the face of God! I have seen the face of God!” Whoa…". Beautiful, amazing song. I love the Biblical nature of this song. Not the most experimental ballad I've ever heard, but this is an amazing song.
Overall, Shine Bright Baby is a band that can be easily compared to Paramore, but with Biblical lyrics and a bit of a different sound. If I did have to compare them with another band though, it would be Paramore.
This album is full of great lyrics and strong vocals. I just find the music to be not quite as breaking the mold, but I can overlook that.It's definitely a strong debut, and if I can go to Creation this year, I will definitely try to see them.
I would recommend this cd to anyone looking for a good, Christian alternative to Paramore or Evanescence.
Until We Have Faces | Posted January-27-2011
Red's third studio album has been highly anticpated for quite some time. Do they deliver? We'll find out.
"Feed The Machine" is the first track, and starts out with a suspenseful intro which leads to a heavy guitar. To be honest, Red is a bit harder than what I usually listen to, but I found the lyrics of this song to be amazing! I like the message of rebelling against the way the world tells us to do things. Overall, the music is hard, and there is quite a bit of screamo, but I'm sure Red fans will love this album if "Feed The Machine" is any indicator of cd as a whole.
Second is "Faceless",another rocker. Once again, the lyrics are strong, acknowledging that they cannot live unless God saves them. "Can't find who I am without you near me/I'd give anything to live
Cause without you I don't exist/You're the only one who saves me from myself. I really appreciate the strong Christian content I've been hearing. There is more screamo in this track. Although I am not a screamo fan, I'll try to look at this from a non-biased viewpoint. From start to finish "Faceless" is a strong track which I am sure many will love.
Next up we have, "Lie To Me (Denial)", which starts off suspenseful, with voices and strings, which leads into a guitar riff. I feel a little overwhelmed by the heavy guitars by now, but this song lets up a bit in the verses. The lyrical content could be taken as God speaking to someone, or as a relationship between two people. I find Red has very strong lyrics that are well written. "You’re not alone, you don’t have to run again". The music feels a bit generic, but not to the point of annoyance.
"Let It Burn" slows things down some, which I feel was something needed at this very point. A plea for someone to keep fighting as they go through struggles, but to let their facade burn, and accept God's help. The bridge is absolutely amazing, and I really love this song. The music and the lyrics complement each other perfectly. I like the fact they got a woman to help out with the bgvs, she was a perfect addition to this song.
"Buried Beneath" is another slower song. This song really speaks volumes. The lyrics are a cry to God for help before they are "buried beneath" their sins and darkness. the second verse references a house built on the sand, referring to Matthew 7. I find a lot of Red's slower songs sound alike, but never hinder the song. Overall this is a pretty good track with solid lyrics.
Next is "Not Alone", the slowest so far. I love the lyrical messages we find in this album. Every song has some sort of message of how we can overcome through Christ. This song has such a beautiful message of hope, how god will never leave us and carry us when we feel we can't go on anymore. This is definitely my choice for the best song on "Until We Have Faces".
"Watch You Crawl" comes up next, and brings the rock back. I find this song to be an angry tirade against someone who has tried to destroy him. I initially didn't like this song because of how hateful the lyrics sounded, but I could see this song being a declaration against the Devil.
"The Outside" is the eighth track, and the intro to this song is creative, and a bit freaky. The lyrics tell the story of someone who is daring to go against what he has been taught, and now sees ''that you're dying on the inside" and "I’m not you/I will never be you/I won’t let you pull me through". This song proves to have a strong message and solid music.
"Who We Are" has a very good intro, and I find I really enjoyed this song. The lyrics "We can be who we are now we are alive/We can fight, they cannot contain us/It's who we are, we are not dying/We're us forever/We won't hide our faces from the light/Eliminate the space between us" are sure to become an anthem among Red fans. Definitely one of the best songs on the album, with solid vocals, lyrics and music.
"Best Is Yet To Come" is a song about a relationship, possibly a marriage headed for divorce. The lyrics speak of a desire to do whatever it takes to fix things, because the "best is yet to come". Perhaps I'm wrong and it's a song to God from a heart that desires to get things right with God. Either way, it's a beautiful song that is sure to be a favorite.
Last on the album is "Hymn For The Missing." It's a soft ballad that tells of a heart that wanders lost and wounded.I found this song to be a bit confusing, as to whether it is a romantic relationship gone wrong, or a song for the hurting. Seeing the other lyrical themes in this album, I am guessing it to be the latter. Overall this is a decent ballad, but it almost feels like an odd way to close out the album.
Throughout "Until We Have Faces" we see a desire to change; cries from a heart that's desperate for the hope God gives, with a heavy, hard rock sound. In some songs the music seems a bit generic, and I would have liked to see a bit more diversity. However, "Until We Have Faces" is a solid album that many will enjoy.
The Greater Tide | Posted January-14-2011
Attalus is a new, Indie Christian band that shows great promise. Do they avoid the dreaded "poor quality indie cd" curse? Yes, they do, and quite well.
To start things off, a track with a distorted, but pretty piano plays. It's a nice intro that starts things off well.
"The Rich & The Poor" is the first complete tracks. This track reminds me of House of Heroes, but Attalus definitely holds their own! I love this song start to finish, the music is amazing. This song is all about how "Good guys get the short end of the stick" while rich but evil men seem to have it all. Then he realizes that the rich man never really finds happiness. What profits a man if he gains the world, and loses his soul? One of the best lyrics in this song is "It's not what we have without, it's what we have within." I love the lyrics in the song as well as the music. Attalus is definitely a very talented band musically, vocally, and lyrically.
The third track is called, "Behind Your Eyes". It's another rocker, and a good one. I've got to say, these guys are pretty creative, not content just to have the "normal" track setup. They experiemented, and it paid off! However, I couldn't find any lyrics for this song, so if I get any wrong, I'm sorry! The main message that I get is how we all have demons and problems, yet God still loves us, and will never cast us off. This song gives us a great message of hope and love, and some pretty good music too! Love the outro on this song.
"One Defining Spark" was the first Attalus song I heard, and I liked it immediately. Through the lyrics we find a hard heart, who has built up walls against God and others, but God's love is "Strong enough to break the hardest heart, deep enough to leave a lasting mark, Brave enough to fight the devils of the night, blinding them with one defining spark!" The bridge is also one of my favorite lyrical parts. So far, I haven't heard a song I don't like.
Fifth on the EP is "Message In A Bottle", which tells the story of carefree men who thought they were God, then, disaster struck. They found out they were mere men. All the men died except one, the storyteller. "And I don't know why I survived, I too deserved to die, but Providence has turned His eye, Grace has chosen me to stay.....Grace was still a greater tide" This is a beautiful song, one of the best songs lyrically I have ever heard. This song starts out as a ballad, then crescendos into a beautiful song of redemption. I'm extremely impressed by Attalus. The vocals and music on this album have been outstanding!
"The Finest Hour" is next, and continues the theme of God's love changing hearts. The message of this song is to reach out and show love to those around us, and accept it ourselves. "Life is a moment, Love is our finest hour" is such a thought provoking line.
Unfortunately, there is a last song. The title track "The Greater Tide" closes the album out. It's almost like "Message In A Bottle" part two. The song starts out with the story of the men who died, although, this is a warning. "Their minds were set, their hearts were brave, they kept their promise to the grave." This song is sort of their biography. As they died, they realized they had been wrong, and cried out to God, who brought the "Greater Tide". The chorus then changes to " O come hear the tale, and stand amazed, at those who dance upon the waves, their minds are free, their hearts are safe, upon that sea, beyond the grave." This was a beautiful song of forgiveness and redemption.
Overall, this is one of the best albums I have heard in a long time. Several times, when you hear "Indie Band", you think, "Oh, poor quality music and medicore songs." Take one listen to Attalus, and you will NOT say this about them. "The Greater Tide" has some of the best music and lyrics I have ever heard. I'm definitely impressed by the amount of talent and skill these guys have. This is an album I'll recommend to everyone, as it contains well written, uplifting lyrics and music that measures up to and even beats some of the top Christian artists out there.
Overdosing on Lecrae | Posted January-10-2011
Lecrae has been on the Christian Rap scene for quite some time, and has put out some of the best music in his genre. How does "Rehab: The Overdose" compare?
First we have, "Overdose". Lecrae raps about how people don't want to "overdose" on the Gospel, and how his life has changed since he overdosed. This is a great start to the album, with a great beat and catchy rhymes.
The next track is "More", and has a great beat that I absolutely LOVE! This song is a plea for more of Christ, yet an offering of thanks for the change in his life. This song is awesome, although the hook is a bit repetitive. But I think that is what a lot of hip hop is about. :)
Battle Song is the third track, and has a neat intro. It features Suzy Rock, and she is the perfect addition to this song, both her singing and rapping. The beat is great, and of course Lecrae's rhymes are perfect. I love how this song is all about fighting for Christ, and being his army. One of my favorite lyrics in the song is: "Give me the faith to live and die for the Gospel" as well as a line in the chorus that says, "Whether dead or alive, this is do or die, and Christ is the gain". This song is my favorite. (so far!)
Anger Management (featuring This'l) is the next track on the album, continuing in the subject of "Rehab". This song vents about the frustration and hardships we face in life. I was kind of puzzled at this song in the beginning, until the second verse when Lecrae raps about being a kid in the ghetto whose life is ripped apart by death and loneliness. The song turns into a apology for not showing God's love, and shares the story about how Jesus loved us even when He was beaten, rejected and crucified by US. this is an absolutely beautiful song.
The fifth track is called "Blow Your High" featuring Canon. This song has a sort of dreamy, eerie feel, and has a great message about how drugs will never compare to the "high" Jesus gives us. I really appreciate that Lecrae has a real theme in this album, and I feel that if a sinner were to pick up this album on the street, and were to listen to it, he/she could really relate to this and would be impacted by this album. I love the thought provoking lyric. "You could either be a slave to an object, I'd rather be a slave to a God thats honest". At least I think that's the lyric. Lol I'm a white girl who doesn't listen hip hop much. I also like what Lecrae included at the end of the song.
Halfway through the album, we come to "Strung Out". This song has a great story about how sin will give you pleasure for a while, but will eventually bring destruction. "Strung Out" paints a perfect picture of how sin is so destructive, and I really like how Lecrae includes bits of Scripture in his lyrics. "Strung Out" is another favorite.
Next we just have an instrumental, called "Chase That Intro". It's a very beautiful string arrangement that is a perfect introduction
to "Chase That".
"Chase That (Ambition)" is Lecrae's biography of how he loved to rap as a kid and how he got into rap, and how he sought after fame and money, but it didn't make him happy. Then he found Christ, and found happiness. No longer does he chase the things of the world, but the things of God. One lyric that really stood out to me was, "I tell you what's better, or better yet worse, chasing your own glory by doing the Lord's work." So many times Christian ministers, singers, teachers and so forth get caught up in fame and glory, and end up doing their own thing instead of glorifying Christ. This is yet another favorite. Ima Ima chase that! :) This song has a great beat and message, and there is also a cool little outro to finish the song.
Moving on to "The Good Life" featuring J. Paul. One of the slower songs on the album, this song has message that will make you think. Is the world's version of the "good life" really better than a life lived in submission to Christ? Lecrae and J. Paul effectively weave their lyrics and music to show that no, it isn't. What profits a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul? The music and collaboration compliments both artists perfectly for an overall great song.
"Like That" has a cool beat that I love! A girl who is in an abusive relationship/in love with sin yearns for real love, and Lecrae encourages her to look for Jesus is the main theme of the song. Why do we let sin push us around? Why do we let the devil "play us"? This song speaks to women and men of all ages, if you're looking for love, look to God. This is once again, another favorite.
Unfortunately, this album has to end sometime. The closer track is called, "Going In" featuring Swoope. (I don't know if that was an intended pun, but it made me smile.)I love the Scripture references in this song! The whole song is about Heaven, and what things will be like when Christ returns to make all things new. This is the perfect song to close the album with. great msuic and lyrics make this song yet another favorite.
Overall, this is an AMAZING album, even if you don't normally listen to hip hop, at least give Rehab: The Overdose a try! It's chock full of great beats and positive, catchy lyrics that will uplift you, and I guarantee you will find yourself singing the songs hours later.
shortperson22's Music and Book Reviews 
