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GENRE: POP/ADULT CONTEMPORY/ALTERNATIVE LABEL: INO RECORDS RELEASE DATE: MAY 4, 2010 RATING: 5 OUT OF 5 Review By Brian Hall I have a lot of respect for MercyMe. Of all the AC bands out there,...

Music Review: Pieces Of A Real Heart | Posted March-23-2010
By Brian Hall, Lydia Akinola, & Thomas Jenkins

GENRE: ROCK
LABEL: SPARROW RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 9, 2010
BRIAN HALL’S RATING: 3.75 OUT OF 5
LYDIA AKINOLA’S RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5
THOMAS JENKINS: 3.5 OUT OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3.9 OUT OF 5

Brian Hall’s Review:

Sanctus Real is one of the few bands that only gets better with time. From their first album “Say It Loud” to their second album “Fight The Tide” there was a noticeable lyrical difference, but not much musical difference. But with “The Face Of Love” back in 2006, the bands direction as a whole was uprooted. The lyrics were a significant jump above the already high level they had set for themselves, the music was more mature; more Sanctus Real than Relient K. With that album, Matt Hammitt and Co. delivered singles that resounded with CHR & AC audiences alike. Continuing their trend of one-upping themselves they released “We Need Each Other” in 2007, and it was another smash that provides more lyrical depth and musical maturity. Now “Pieces Of A Real Heart” is up to bat, but does it live up to its predecessors very high standards? It does, and it even outdoes all other Sanctus Real albums to date.

From the banjo infused opening track and first radio single, “Forgiven” (which has sat prettily in the top 10 CCM tracks for many weeks now) to the moving and contemplative closer, “Keep My Heart Alive” the guys of Sanctus Real deliver the goods. The album explores themes that are at once personal and universal. “The Way The World Turns” deals with despair and doubt and the comfort and joy that comes from Christ, “I Feel the current pulling me down/Can’t keep the world from turning around/So I keep turning to You… ‘Cause you’re the hope of a new sunrise…”. Even family life is explored with lyrical poise and musical excellence (I was actually reminded of Sara Groves’s most recent album as far as basic lyrical punch goes) on “Lead Me”, “In picture frames, I see my beautiful wife… on the inside, I can hear her saying// Lead me with strong hands/Stand up when I can’t…”. Even an inquisitive and scornful letter to their hearts on “Dear Heart”, “Oh, Heart, you’ve let me down/Chasing love where it can’t be found…”.

All in all this is a five star album that deserves every praise and accolade available. Each track gripped me in different ways. Be it powerful lyrics (which are in no short supply here) or addictive melodies. Hammitt’s vocals are uniformly impeccable and the musicianship is expert. I honestly couldn’t find a single thing to complain about. It isn’t a copy of a previous formula or structure, it’s just Sanctus Real doing what they do best; delivering quality music that is accessible but unique.

Lydia Akinola’s Review:


There is no doubt about it: Sanctus Real deserve their spot as one of Christian music’s favourite bands. Pieces of a Real Heart is splendid, inspiring music, chock-full with that Sanctus Real sound so many of us love.

There is another thing that is clear: Pieces of a Real Heart is no We Need Each Other or Face of Love. Instead of spewing out a rehash of their old hits, the guys in Sanctus Real have done something that should make us sit up and notice. Pieces of a Real Heart signifies a completely new direction for the band, with softer, more melodic tracks than have ever been seen from them before. This new side displays the same captivating music and engaging lyrics as all its predecessors, but also goes to show that Sanctus Real have gone above and beyond what we expected in their fifth LP.

The first single “Forgiven” is the opening track and has already wowed listeners of CCM radio with its engaging message of forgiveness. As an opener is sets the bar for the rest of the album. A real ‘stand-out’ track, exceptional in the depths of what it communicates- is “Lead Me”, a prayer for every father in the land, inspiring be all that they can be. Born out of a personal experience, Matt Hammitt’s voice comes into its own, carrying the entire song beautifully. Almost before we recover, “The Redeemer” picks up emotionally where “Lead Me” left off. Lyrically powerful, the sincerity of the message of trust stays with you long after the song finishes –“I’ve given up on too many things/ But I’m not giving up on You/ Cause You can make anything new”.

Fans of the edgy rock Sanctus Real produce so well will find solace in “Take Over Me”- one of the few rock ballads on Pieces of a Real Heart. The calls for surrender and release are beautiful accompanied by top notch work from Pete Pervost and Dan Gartley. The other louder track – “I Want To Get Lost” offers a fantastic selection of all the best elements of alternative rock. Furthermore, the honest, confessional lyrics avoid trite phrases whilst acknowledging our shortcomings – “It was easy to find my way/Not as easy to get out/Oh the roads to my own rule/Are too easily found”.

What puts Sanctus Real ahead of others in their field are their consistence, their maturity and remarkable musical ability. In terms of consistence, every new record is always an improvement on previous efforts, maintaining what is good, but still pushing at limits that they haven’t tried before. In regards to maturity, Sanctus Real are never afraid to tackle the weighty issues in which we all fall; yet they avoid clichés and stereotyped expressions choosing instead originality, ingenuity, and impact. Pieces of a Real Heart contains some of the best lyrics I have heard from the band. “These Things Take Time” is a perfect example.

How could success make us feel like failures?
And the harder we fall the harder we try

The more I have the more I need
Just to feel like I’m getting by

But these alone do not make bestselling albums. One still needs a solid foundation of truly know how to create a memorable tune, how to mould the perfect song. It is here that Sanctus Real really shine, the music that they create speaks for itself. Pieces of a Real Heart has been created with care and the finished article is truly exceptional. Perfect in almost everyway, this album has been a fantastic addition to my collection of Sanctus Real treasures.

Thomas Jenkins’ Review:


Sanctus Real is one of the biggest forces in the Christian music industry. Their singles, “I’m Not Alright”, and “Whatever You’re Doing (Something Heavenly)” were both very popular, and are a major factor for the band’s popularity. They’ve always been known for delivering catchy pop/rock tunes, and honest, thought provoking lyrics. While that may sound like a lot of Christian bands, Sanctus Real genuinely does it, and manages to put out songs that are both memorable and well crafted.

The first thing that jumped out at me about Sanctus Real’s new album was how polished and smooth it was. It’s evident from the first few minutes (although I’m not a huge fan of the banjo on “Forgiven”) that this is a band that knows exactly what sound they’re going for, and are achieving it very well. There isn’t a single song on Pieces of a Real Heart that isn’t completely sure of where it wants to go, and does a solid job of getting there. Singer Matt Hammit’s voice blends perfectly with the instrumentals, and the various elements of the vocals, guitar, drum and bass parts, and the honest heartfelt lyrics all make Pieces of a Real Heart a great listening experience.

That being said, of course, it’s not perfect. The first issue with the album is the songwriting. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s solid. But if you take the songs here and compare them to other Sanctus Real favorites such as “Eloquent” and “I’m Not Alright”, one can’t help but see that a step down has been taken, however miniscule that step may have been. Other than that, the only main problem is that however polished and smooth it may be, Pieces of a Real Heart seems a bit too safe at times. As I said above, Sanctus Real’s found their sound, and they’re not going to change their formula.

Pieces of a Real Heart is a great album from a band that deserves a great album. It’s hard not to like Sanctus Real when they put out songs as honest as “I’m Not Alright”, as catchy as “Forgiven” and still manage to keep a good bit of creativity in their songwriting. This is a band that can actually create pop/rock songs that are fun, catchy, honest, and not cliché. Despite a couple of minor flaws through the course of the listen, Sanctus Real has crafted another solid album, and it’s well worth your money if you like the band, or their style.

Review copy provided courtesy of Sparrow Records

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: Everything Is Different Now | Posted March-23-2010
By Brian Hall & Lydia Akinola

GENRE: POP/PUNK/WORSHIP
LABEL: INO RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 9, 2010
BRIAN HALL’S RATING: 4 OUT OF 5
LYDIA AKINOLA’S RATING: 3.75 OUT OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3.8 OUT OF 5

Brian Hall’s Review:

Stellar Kart won me over back in 2006 with “We Can’t Stand Sitting Down”. The sound was fun and infectious, the lyrics were heartfelt and meaningful, and the guys knew how to rock. Now, the boys are back in town with Everything Is Different Now, a guitar driven pop/punk worship album that is sure to please long time fans and maybe even make some new ones along the way.

The opening track “All My Heart” sets the tone for the rest of the album beautifully with its high energy level and vertical lyrics. “We Shine” is one of three cover songs on the album. The song originally put Fee on the map three years ago, and while SK is already very much “on the map”, it is still sure to attract fans of the worship genre to their music. The awesome, “Sprit In The Sky” is another cover song originally made popular by Norman Greenbaum and later covered by Elton John. Again, the guys manage to make this song theirs by kicking up the tempo and adding great harmonies that would make other harmony based bands proud. The last cover on the album is Matt Redman’s worship standard, “You Never Let Go” which is probably the weakest cover as it is such a well known song and they fail to really put their mark on it.

Other great songs like “Until My Heart Caves In”, “Like The Sun”, “Something Holy” and “Rescue” really showcase SK’s talent and abilities. Their live shows are full of energy and excitement, and I feel like this album captured similar elements. This is easily the bands best album to date, and I would really love to hear the band offer up more worship tunes in the future. Make this an addition to your Stellar Kart collection, or maybe you should start one here.

Stellar Kart has grown up. And, oh! what a difference it has made. Apprehensive about what to expect their latest LP, to say that I was pleasantly surprised would be a gross understatement. These guys have come a mighty long way since their debut “All Gas. No Brake”; the improvement is considerable.

Lydia Akinola’s Review:

One of the reasons why I was hesitant about Everything Is Different Now, was the number of covers I saw in the track listing, 4 in total. Casting back to their first album with its awkward cover of Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer”, I wasn’t sure what to prepare myself for. But, happily, things have changed- in fact, their cover of Matt Redman’s “You Never Let Go” is one of the strongest tracks I have heard from the group- ever. The other covers include a magnificent take on Fee’s “We Shine”, as well as “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum and Audio Adrenaline’s “Until My Heart Caves In”. All are noteworthy performance, although nothing can quite beat the original Audio A sound.

Everything Is Different Now marks a return for Stellar Kart to worship music. Rather than focusing on relational issues, the band have shifted their efforts into creating fun, upbeat, pumping praises songs that can be sung and enjoyed by anyone who is young at heart. From the opening track “All My Heart”, the change is apparent, and their hidden of skill of packing a rock tune with powerful, worshipful lyrics becomes clear. This shake up began to get me excited.

Enter “We Shine”. It is given a little Stellar Kart treatment and transformed with electronica programming: the result is an epic power-pop praise tune. From then on, I was converted. This is party-praise, fun, loud music that is easy on the ears and good for soul. The lyrics are God-centered, the music is energetic and alive- the end result is generally fantastic. “Something Holy” is another highlight, reminding listeners that we are called to a part something of something bigger than each of us. What sets Stellar Kart apart from many other pop-punk/pop-rock artists is the way they can condense nuggets of faith in a song less than 3 minutes long.

The title track “Everything Is Different Now” is classic Stellar Kart: in pace, in structure and in sound. But for this album, everything is just a little tighter, the production is just that bit sharper, the sound has something extra- in short, Adam Agee and his band has raised the bar. The memories of just ‘alright’ music seem have been put behind us as Stellar Kart grow older and become wiser and master the trade. Change is the operative verb.

With the aforementioned “You Never Let Go”, Stellar Kart has captured the essence of the song, but has also successfully added their trademark guitar riffs, drum work, and unmistakable drive to it. It will appeal to those who look for edgier, peppier versions of popular worship songs to listen. The closer, “Like The Son” will also appeal, showing off some of the best talent musically that Stellar Kart has to offer with a resounding interlude that ties of the album magnificently.

Stellar Kart has done a lot of work, but as always, there is still more to do. It would be great for them to tackle slower, unhurried songs and I would love to see them continue to write more of their own work. Nevertheless there is plenty for the fans to love and for newcomers to enjoy. All in all, I believe that Everything Is Different Now sets the standard and is the foundation from which Stellar Kart will continue to work on. As a massive improvement on their past efforts, it goes to show how bands can develop and get better with time. This LP reminds us how far a little bit of change can go in the journey of development … I’m hoping that their next release will revolutionize everything again, and let us join them on their adventure.

Review copy provided courtesy of INO Records

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: Live At Gray Matters, Vol. 1 | Posted March-23-2010
By Brian Hall

GENRE: ROCK
LABEL: PROVIDENT LABEL GROUP
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 2, 2010
RATING: 3.25 OUT OF 5

Jars of Clay is no stranger to live music; they tour seemingly incessantly and they even released a live album a few years back. Now the guys of Jars of Clay deliver a new collection of live tracks on Live At Grey Matters, Volume 1.

Grey Matters is the name of the record label Jars runs and it is also the name of the studio the label records in. Given that information one could reasonably conclude that JoC recorded this new EP (or set of EP’s rather) in said studio, making this an experientially different record as you have some mild production gloss, but crowd vocals and other potentially objectionable concert noises are absent. Focusing exclusively on tracks from their most recent record The Long Fall Back To Earth; an 80’s inspired pop/rock opus that is easily one of the best Christian albums in recent memory, the guys of JoC waste no time in introducing their listeners to their unique live sound. Don’t Stop opens the collection with its catchy guitar hook and Dan Haseltine’s unmistakable vocals. However the song is also a great example of the main problem I had with the album. The album fails to give any additional character to the songs featured; no dramatic changes in the arrangements, no enhanced focus on specific instruments, just a more echo-y vocal. While other tracks (Safe To Land, Two Hands) get fleshed out a bit more with that aforementioned “character”, it is still lacking from the overall project.

This album is not a total bust; the songs are still enjoyable even if they aren’t too different from their hyper-produced counterparts. I eagerly look forward to future volumes in this series covering Jars of Clay’s prestigious career, but I sadly must insist that if you already own The Long Fall Back To Earth, then pass on Live At Grey Matters, Volume 1.

Review copy sent courtesy of Provident Label Group

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: Me In Motion | Posted March-23-2010
By Kyle Kiekintveld & Thomas Jenkins

GENRE: ALTERNATIVE ROCK
LABEL: CENTRICITY MUSIC
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 23, 2010
KYLE KIEKINTVELD’S RATING: 4 OUT OF 5
THOMAS JENKINS’ RATING: 3.5 OUT OF 5
OVERALL RATING: 3.75 OUT OF 5

Kyke Kiekintveld’s Review:

Me In Motion is a self titled debut album and is worthy of a listen for any Christian Rock fan. It is a light album that does not lose its religious roots while remaining easily enjoyable. Few bands and albums can maintain that sort of balancing act but Me In Motion does it well and make it look easy.

“Welcome to Your Life” is an example of how to band can deliver a sincere emotional song while not sounding overly dramatic. It is one of the better tracks on the album and one of the most addicting as well. At the center of the track is the message we all need to change our lives and leave the negative behind through Christ.

Me In Motion excels in its simplicity. It is not over produced and it is not overly complex leaving the album feeling like a great live show. The softer tracks offer wonderful acoustic guitars and great drums and the hardest tracks still keep a mellow energy at its core. It is a hard album not to enjoy, offering sincere emotion lyrics without losing any momentum.

Me In Motion offers listeners an energetic debut album that is sure to win over fans of lighter rock. The lyrics are light but not superficial, deftly avoiding becoming a bubble gum pop album. The entire album is simply produced and executed leaving it feel like a good live show.

Author’s Note: Me In Motion’s debut achieves what any debut is meant to, it introduces a band in the best way possible, by being a really good album. It falls a little short of greatness merely because it just isn’t my choice of fair. I have no doubt this album will be well received and Me In Motion will be a band to watch out for in the future.

Thomas Jenkin’s Review:

All I knew about Me in Motion before I started listening to their self titled debut was that they were touring with Red and Pillar. Naturally, from the bit of information, I thus expected Me in Motion to be on the harder edge of the rock spectrum. As anyone who has ever listened to this band before would tell me though, this simply is not true, as Me in Motion delivers solid pop/rock, with enjoyable lyrics, and deliver an altogether satisfying debut album.

I didn’t have high expectations when I started listening to Me in Motion. I hadn’t heard anything from them, so maybe I was being a little unfair, but for some reason I expected that they would be another run of the mill pop/rock band with little to make them stick in from the proverbial crowd. After I heard the first song though, “Losers”, all of my expectations drastically changed. The song starts off routinely, but then as the chorus with its solid vocal harmonies kicks in, it turns into an album highlight, and a great song for the band to pick for a single. The following song, “The God I Know” also shines, with good lyrics, and yet another great chorus. These two first songs give a fairly good example of what’s to come on this album, as it’s almost entirely pop/rock anthems with only a few stops along the way. One of those stops comes in the form of the ballad “Seek Justice Love Mercy” which immediately follows “Losers” and “The God I Know”. Although it has an intriguing title and concept, it’s sadly tailored all too well for Christian radio, so there’s nothing special there, although I’m sure some will disagree.

Any other missteps that Me in Motion make in their debut come in the middle of the album. For example, the song “You Never Fail Me” which is entirely predictable and easy to forget. Fortunately for everybody though, Me in Motion picks themselves back up, and end the album solidly with the infectiously catchy “Here in the Middle” and “You Move Me”

Me in Motion does a lot of things right with their debut. It’s definitely not perfect, but if you like pop/rock it’s also definitely worth checking out. They’re clearly still learning, (“You Never Fail Me”), but they also know how to write fun pop/rock songs (“Losers”) and show a lot of maturity for such a young band. They’ve got a lot of potential, as well as a solid debut album, and should definitely be a band to look out for. Recommended

Review copy provided courtesy of Centricity Music

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: Somewhere Down The Road | Posted March-23-2010
By Brian Hall

GENRE: POP/SINGER-SONGWRITER
LABEL: SPARROW RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MARCH 30, 2010
RATING: 3.75 OUT OF 5

Amy Grant is easily one of the most legendary artists in CCM history, right there with Michael W. Smith, Keith Green, Michael Card, Rich Mullens and Steven Curtis Chapman. She also is the maker of what most reviewers and critics and “suits” believe is the best and most influential Christian record of all time; a little album called Lead Me On released back in 1988. While some of us younger folks would love to contend that notion, I can’t help but partially agree with them. Lead Me On asked hard questions about life and even theology, but never offered clear answers; therefore opening dialogue that otherwise may not have taken place among lay people. For that, and the mainstream radio friendly sound, it easily became one of the most loved records in CCM history. While Amy has released a plethora of other albums, ranging from collections of hymns, to country, to dance pop, story songs have always her strong point. Now, it is 2010; a new decade, and a new generation of music lovers ready to consume whatever sonic goodness is thrown in our general direction. So is Somewhere Down The Road just another ripple in the pond, a wave eroding at the rocky shore, or is it that fat kid that jumps in the pool and drains it of all its water, much to the dismay of bystanders?

Well, to be clear: this is not a bad album. It is not revolutionary like Lead Me On may have been, but it is not beyond enjoyment either. The first track, Better Than A Hallelujah displays Amy in wondrous artistic form; from the songs thoughtful lyrics (“God loves a lullaby, in a mothers tears in the dead of night, better than a ‘hallelujah’ sometimes…”) to Amy’s unmistakable vocals. Musically it is forgivable that it leans more towards 80’s-90’s acoustic pop, seeing as a few of the songs were recorded during that very time, and the album would be a mess if it didn’t have continuity to its credit. Other true standouts include Overnight; a mellow duet with Amy’s youngest daughter Sarah Chapman who sounds very much like Colbie Callait, the title track that is a total throw back to Amy’s glory days, the tribal Third World Woman, a song that explores charity in a thoughtful and unique way, and Arms Of Love (not the song that Kutless made famous on their Strong Tower album).

I was disappointed in a few places; Imagine/Sing The Wondrous Love Of Jesus is mediocre at best and easily skipable and Come Into My World is another less memorable song.

If you are an Amy Grant fan from any point in her illustrious career, Somewhere Down The Road is perfect for you. If you are new to Amy’s music, this album will be hit-or-miss for you. Overall it is highly enjoyable, but hardly memorable.

Review copy provided courtesy of Sparrow Records

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: Losing All | Posted January-26-2010
GENRE: ROCK/ALTERNATIVE/METAL
LABEL: RAZOR & TIE
RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 26, 2010
RATING: 4 OUT OF 5

After four long years of waiting for new music from Day of Fire, we are treated to Losing All, an exceptionally good record that is starting to grow on me with every listen. Upon first listen, I was honestly shocked. Front-man, Josh Brown’s signature melodic vocals that were made famous by the bands hit song “Cornerstone” have been traded in for a rockers growl. I felt betrayed. As a long time listener, I truthfully felt ripped off; this was not Day of Fire, this is a whole new animal! However, my instant loathing rather quickly turned to epiphany. The realization that this was a new Day of Fire was starting to intrigue me.

This is a sound more akin to the guitar driven classic rock of the 70’s mixed with modern day production, rather than most of the rock you hear on the radio now (think Disciple’s Southern Hospitality as a point of reference). While there are songs that are more classic DoF, most is a bit of a re-invention. Some really cool guitar solos (similar to stuff from Pillars most recent offering) are spread out over the record. Tracks like “Light Em Up”, “When I See You” and “Lately” feel like Decemberadio with an edge. This is certainly not a copy cat album, but there are very clear influences for the stylistic approach; from Bon Jovi to even a bit of the B-52’s on a track.

Comparisons aside, this is a good album. While I would have liked to have jumped in and loved the album, I couldn’t. I like it, but I found no reason to love it like I did with DoF’s first record. It is certainly enjoyable; “Cole Addiction” and “Landslide” are pure angst rock anthems, but above what could be described as despair, hope emerges. “Long Highway” is one such example. It’s a good old fashioned story (with an analogy) song. The second to last track “Strange” grabbed my attention due to its intentional lack of production and stripped acoustic setting. While the lyrics may be a tad cliché (“Hollywood is burning down…”) it serves as a good lead in to the final track. “The Dark Hill” is a beautiful reflection on the accomplishment of the Cross. While mostly inquisitive and speculative, it is a moving song that is sure to speak to many listeners.

While it didn’t hit me as an instant classic, Losing All is a fresh start for Day of Fire. After their highly successful first album and a rather mediocre sophomore attempt, the term “Third time’s the charm.” seems to fit perfectly. The band sounds comfortable with the style and I optimistically look forward to more like this from Day of Fire.

Review copy provided courtesy of Razor & Tie Records.

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: To The Secrets & The Knowledge | Posted March-23-2010
By Thomas Jenkins

GENRE: ALTERNATIVE
LABEL: TOOTH AND NAIL RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 2010
RATING 4 OUT OF 5

Number One Gun has an interesting story. There’s side projects with one person performing all the instruments, and there’s bands that simply break up. Although these two musical happenings don’t seem related at all, they both happened to Number One Gun. Everybody except one single member, Jeff Schneeweis, (Yes I’m pretty sure that’s the correct spelling) quit the band, leaving one sole fellow to continue the band’s future. From that time on, Number One Gun has released one album, The North Pole Project, and have recently completed another one, To the Secrets and Knowledge.

To the Secrets and Knowledge isn’t too different from the musical stylings of its predecessor, The North Pole Project. The airy guitars, the slight electronic meanderings, and the solid alternative and emo sound of Number One Gun are all here in abundance. “The Victory” starts the album off on a good note, and the tracks that follow it, “Big Machines” and “Forest” are also solid listens. “The People” is also an enjoyable song, with introspective, well written lyrics and a solid message Musically, it’s hard not to give Schneeweis credit for crafting and producing a complete album filled with well written songs all by himself. From the first few songs on the album, it’s clear that this man is a very talented musician, and that appearance doesn’t change as the album progresses. After the first listen to this album, I will admit I was a little unimpressed, but after giving it a second chance it grew on me, and now I can only describe it as a solid album. The songs all fit together well, and although this album certainly isn’t too accessible, like many other good albums it’s “A Grower” at least in my experience, and shouldn’t be written off after a premature listen.

There’s not much that holds this album back. At worst, a few songs can feel a bit forced, and others can seem to blend together a bit too much, but these issues are quite honestly small.

To the Secrets and Knowledge is an extremely well crafted album, and it’s the next step in the interesting journey of a solo singer/songwriter. Schneeweis deserves a lot of credit for continuing on without the rest of his band, and yet crafting music that’s worthy of that same band. Fans of the band won’t be disappointed, and if you’ve never heard of them (or him) then now would be the time. As a bonus, there’s even a solid cover of “Don’t Stop Believing”. What’s not to like?

Review copy provided courtesy of Tooth & Nail Records.

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: Glory In The Highest | Posted November-30-2009
By Dan Harmeson

GENRE: HOLIDAY
LABEL: SIXSTEPSRECORDS
RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 6, 2009
RATING: 4 OUT OF 5

Sometimes I hesitate to buy Christmas albums. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE Christmas. It’s just that people look at you funny when you’re rockin’ Jingle Bells in July. Unlike other music purchases, your investment is limited to two months out of the year (four if you’re my wife). If only Christmas albums were more versatile. Don’t lose hope; Glory in the Highest: Christmas Songs of Worship by Chris Tomlin solves our quandary. This album is primarily a worship album, secondarily a Christmas album.

Chris Tomlin and his band recorded two live sets in Nashville, Tennessee to compile this much anticipated album. Incorporated in the record are Audrey Assad, Christy Nockels, and worship giant Matt Redman. Besides these guest artists, Chris Tomlin doesn’t present anything new or fresh in his own sound. Glory in the Highest is a collection of unique songs and conventional Christmas favorites. A majority of Glory in the Highest grants us the opportunity to worship our new born King all year long.

Softly beginning with “O Come All Ye Faithful,” there is an instant revelation that this album will not disappoint and the urge to curl up by the fire and take part in corporate worship takes over. Tomlin flavored versions of “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Emmanuel” welcome the listener to raise their hands and worship where they are.

After listening to “My Soul Magnifies the Lord”, I found myself singing the chorus in my head throughout the day. This isn’t a song that makes you tap your feet and dance around, but one the transports your soul to a place of glorifying our Lord and King. This is the finest song on Glory in the Highest and deserves to be sung in every church, all year long.

To accomplish fresh new sounds Chris Tomlin relies on his friends. “Light of the World” featuring Matt Redman is a beautiful picture of God sending his son to become flesh and die on the cross, as a Light for the entire world. “Winter Snow” features new artist Audrey Assad. With soulful flavoring, this is the least Tomlin-like track on the album.

This has to be one of the most versatile Christmas albums in recent years. Christmas is about Christ and Tomlin reminds us that a true Christmas song is about God becoming flesh among us. While jingle bells and bellowing of HO-HO-HO have their place, I appreciate that this Christmas album is different. You can tell Glory in the Highest is a Chris Tomlin record from the first breath of vocals. The decision is up to you on how Christmassy each song on this album is, but I guarantee that you will find enough songs to worship our King 365 days of the year.

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: Beauty Will Rise | Posted November-09-2009
By C.E. Moore

GENRE: CCM
LABEL: SPARROW
RELEASE DATE: NOVEMBER 3, 2009
RATING: 5 OUT OF 5

I believe Steven Curtis Chapman’s newest album Beauty Will Rise is going to be absolutely review proof. For years I have argued that Speechless was his greatest work and the story behind it makes that hard to argue with. Those songs came from such a deeply contemplative place, nothing could replace that. However, with the recent tragedy that befell the Chapman family, I don’t think Steven could have written a more beautiful, questioning, tear-jerking album if he tried. Years ago, Chapman wrote a song titled “Rubber Meets The Road,” that talks about faith being tested by the fires of life—that faith meeting real life will reveal its mettle. Well, this album is a testament to the fact that Chapman’s faith, despite the longing and questioning and confusion, is a deep and abiding one. Though from a place of intense sorrow and loss, Beauty Will Rise offers a sense of hope amidst the questions that plague us when bad things happen to good people.

“Heaven is the Face” is the album’s opening track and the one you have likely been hearing played at AC radio. You could say that the song is the first of many prayers that Chapman prays throughout the project, beginning with hard questions and ending with expectant peace.

Title track “Beauty Will Rise” follows with a nice pairing of piano and cello, creating a dark and ominous intro before Chapman’s light acoustic strumming and vocals rise to the fore. Chapman sings, “Out of these ashes beauty will rise…” and you can almost envision the artist sitting like Job, covered in sackcloth and ashes, declaring God’s goodness through unimaginable bereavement.

I’m trying to wrap my mind around Chapman’s ability to pen a song like “Our God Is In Control” after everything he and his family have gone, through. But, write it he does. And sing it he does, with the resolute conviction of a man tried by the fires of life. He sings, “This is not where we planned to be/When we started this journey/But this is where we are/And our God is in control/Though this first taste is bitter/There will be sweetness forever/When we finally taste and see/That our God is in control.” How? How can a man sing those words when chaos moves in and takes everything that a person finds precious, leaving them breathless and impoverished? I’m not going to even posit an answer to that question.

If you do not get chocked up over “February 20th,” then I question if you have a heart. I could hardly listen without getting misty eyed. It recounts the story of Chapman’s daughter, Maria Sue wondering if God’s house has lots of rooms and how badly she wants to go there to see Him. All I could ask was, “Would I be able to call God ‘faithful’ if I lost my daughter like Chapman lost his?”

These are but a sampling of the sad and hopeful songs that characterize Steven Curtis Chapman’s newest record. I have not even spoken of the depth of such songs as “God Is It True (Trust Me),” “Jesus Will Meet Me There,” or the magnificent “Spring Is Coming.”

This is easily the saddest album I have ever listened to by a Christian artist. But, it gives language to those thoughts and heartaches that defy description. For anyone who has experienced loss—and that is all of us—Chapman offers not just one song touching on the topic, but an entire album. Both Jesus and Chapman’s little girl seemed to have reached out of heaven and touched each track, leaving their fingerprints.

Beauty Will Rise is a gorgeous tapestry—woven together with threads of indescribable pain, unspeakable joy, deep sorrow, unfathomable anticipation, profound loss, and stunning hope. This is Steven Curtis Chapman’s finest work. There is no returning to the shallow end for the artist. Like hymnist Horatio Spafford penning “It Is Well With My Soul” upon hearing that his four daughters had perished and only his wife had survived, Chapman has looked into the chasm of death, looked up into Heaven’s Face and still declared, “You are faithful.” Beauty Will Rise is a modern day “It Is Well.”

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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Music Review: Life Is Not A Snapshot | Posted October-15-2009
By C.E Moore

GENRE: CCM
LABEL: SPARROW RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2009
RATING: 1 OUT OF 5

Josh Wilson is back with 7 new radio-friendly tunes that is sure to blaze a trail across the saccharine saturated AC charts. His previous effort Trying To Fit The Ocean In A Cup didn’t exactly strike a chord with me. This project is a step down. However, if you like easy-to-swallow, part worship, part pop music, then you’ll find something to love in his second album, Life Is Not A Snapshot.

“Sing” begins the album and it’s pretty straight-forward and straight-laced. Actually, it’s so straight-forward and straight-laced it’s almost offensive. Nothing against the message of “God’s continuing presence and hope,” but if delivery is part of the package, then Josh Wilson’s public is going to be hovering somewhere around 40. (That is a sweeping generalization, of course. They could easily be much older than that.)

“Before The Morning” is the obligatory “God-is-there-even-when-life-is-dark-so-dare-to-believe-it” songs that seem to characterize CCM albums. You know how you’re going through hell and then you hear that song that captures how you feel or gives you hope in the midst of it? This isn’t that song. This is the trite, clichéd version of that song.

Remember Greg Long? He’s part of Avalon now. Before that, he was a solo artist. Decent at times. Not so decent at others. Anyhow, he had a particular sound. “Listen” captures that sound well. Wanna venture a guess as to what the song is all about? That’s right! Listening to the voice of God!

“Do You Want To Know” is a song that would make a great concept video and, subsequently, the only track on the album I liked. Wilson weaves a story about walking past a homeless/downtrodden person, imagining that person’s similarities to the passer-by.

The instrumental “Amazing Grace” ends the album. It’s decent, but the really amazing thing about it is that it ends such a terrible project.

Unfortunately, Life Is Not A Snapshot never rises to the level that so many reviewers seem to think it has. Josh Wilson certainly has a lot of potential, but he’s not saying anything that hasn’t been said before and he certainly hasn’t delivered a form of music that wasn’t conveyed by Michael W. Smith, Greg Long, PFR, and Steven Curtis Chapman in the late 90’s.

This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from The Christian Manifesto. Click here to visit TheChristianManifesto.com today!

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