Into the Wild
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Manic Drive Ontario-based electronic pop band Manic Drive continues to push their musical boundaries with their sixth studio album, Into the Wild. While their style is still as fresh and funky as ever, the...
Love So Wild
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C3 Live The product of C3 Church in San Diego, C3 Live is a dynamic worship team with a heart to touch others for Christ. Their goal is "to create a meeting place where heaven and earth collide and people...
Untraveled Roads (Live)
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Thousand Foot Krutch I've always felt that live albums are made for the real fans. For the casual listener, the cheering crowds, interaction from the artist, and name-dropping the city where the show was recorded may distract...
Positive Pop | Posted October-28-2015
From her obsession with all things pink to her bubblegum pop music style, V.Rose is a girly girl through and through. She's also a beautiful young lady whose love for God and heart for His children echoes from every lyric she writes.
"Fairy Tale Ending" is upbeat and bouncy, a song stating that life with God is even better than a fairy tale. "Love Shaped Heart" carries an encouraging message particularly to young ladies struggling with negative self-image.
If you're a hip-hop fan, you may have been captured by V.Rose's haunting vocal contribution to Flame's 2010 single "Surrender." V. collaborated with the rapper again on her 2014 album Forever After, as well as several other hip-hop artists, including KJ-52, Shonlock and Da T.R.U.T.H. In "Take a Broken Heart," she tries her own hand at rap while briefly featuring popular rapper Derek Minor. This track is a bit repetitive and seems just slightly off, perhaps because we're used to hearing V. slicing through the sound waves with her vocals rather than rapping. That being said, I applaud her for pushing her musical boundaries and trying a new style. All artists grow by trying something different with each album, and perhaps this is the start of something for V.
"Bottom To The Top" is a bio of sorts, with V.Rose reminiscing on her journey into the music business. This song is also an encouragement to listeners to persevere in following their calling in life while remembering to keep their faith top priority as they gain success.
Closing Thoughts:
V.Rose's music is peppy and fun, served up with giggles and cheesiness. This EP is another offering perfect for tween girls or really anyone who likes poppy, positive music.
Eclectic Innovation | Posted August-03-2015
He's an innovator, a dreamer. He's been at the frontlines of Christian music since the early 90s, and he shows no signs of slowing his momentum anytime soon. TobyMac's signature rap/hip-hop style has evolved over the years, each album slightly different than the last, keeping us guessing. Toby has long been known for his love of diversity, and fans have come to expect an eclectic mix of flavors from his musical pot of gumbo.
This Is Not A Test is a hybrid of sorts. The album combines a more seasoned and polished form of the slower-paced, radio-single style that Toby began in Eye On It with a few more of his coveted hip-hop tracks. In many ways it's comparable to the ebb and flow of Portable Sounds and Tonight.
As one of the founding fathers of Christian hip-hop, Toby is the perfect mentor for up-and-coming artists with a dream. He has a passion for young talent and takes pride in featuring that talent on his albums. The title track, "This Is Not A Test," spotlights another heart-pumping collaboration with his protégés from Gotee Records, Capital Kings. An electro-rock mix that will undoubtedly be a hit at concerts, this song encourages us to make the most out of the life we're given as we only get one shot at it.
Ryan Stevenson adds some killer vocals to "Lift You Up" while Mr. Talkbox brings the funk to latest single "Feel It." Newcomer rap phenomenon NF spits some impressive (and soul-searching) lyrics on the rap/rock infused "Till the Day I Die." And you can't have a TobyMac album without a Tru-Dog track, right? This time, fans are in for a treat when Toby's son Truett throws down some lyrics of his own on the hip-hop-tastic "Backseat Driver," a fun, dance-worthy track that reminds us to let God take control of our life rather than trying to offer our input into His plans.
Then we have "Love Feels Like." In this track, Toby reunites with his dc Talk bandmates Michael Tait and Kevin Max, a collaboration for which fans have been pleading for over a decade. The song has a classic dc Talk feel with an evolved, modern twist, basically picking up where the band's Supernatural album left off. We hear Toby shouting out rap lines like the old days, with Kevin and Michael singing on the verses. Obviously a team-up of this magnitude comes with a high bar of expectations from die-hard fans. I guarantee that this song will exceed those expectations.
The album also contains an element of old soul in "Move (Keep Walkin')" and even a bit of worship in the smooth, milky "Undeniable" in which Toby combines vocals on the chorus with slow rap on the verses. In "Fall," Toby sings a sweet love song to his wife, Amanda.
Closing Thoughts:
This Is Not A Test contains an overarching theme of dependence on the Almighty, reminding us to check our pride at the door of our heart and give glory to our Creator for everything He pulls us through. It contains a healthy mixture of soul, funk, hip-hop, rap and even some sugary pop tunes. Toby serves us some songs worthy of repeat and proves once again that he's got what it takes to top the charts.
Something New | Posted July-15-2015
Let's be honest: we all play favorites. We naturally gravitate toward certain things that have caught our fancy. We have our favorite color scheme that we use when shopping for clothes, our favorite drink to order at Starbucks, and of course, we have our favorite genres and music artists. We trust our favorites, and sometimes we look at unknowns with a curious and perhaps skeptical eye. But sometimes the unknowns can surprise you. Sometimes that new Starbucks drink that you tried becomes a new favorite, or that t-shirt with the flashy colors becomes a go-to outfit in your wardrobe. And sometimes that new rapper who appears on the scene proves that he can hold his own.
In the album Light It Up, CJ Emulous provides a good variety of workout-playlist-worthy songs, including "Party in the Clouds" and "Tailgate." These songs have a solid beat and a catchy vibe that will keep you moving. Songs like "Against the Grain" bring the pace down to a contemplative level while CJ rhymes about standing out for Christ.
Every hip-hop album is a little more fun with a signature Hispanic track, and "Vamos" fills this role nicely, providing us with some fun Spanglish and a message of fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel.
"No Need to Rush" promotes Christ-centered dating, while "Ain't Me" encourages relentless, unshakeable commitment to our spouse. In the latter, CJ raps about a love-hungry woman chasing after his attention even after she discovers that he's married. Despite her efforts to sway him, he adamantly relays to the woman that although she's looking for a man to love her, "it ain't me."
In several songs, CJ uses euphemisms such as "dang" and "heck," which can occasionally cause concern among Christian circles. However, given the fact that secular hip-hop is known for being littered with profanity and vulgar imagery, and that CJ himself has been redeemed from a hard life on the streets, I think we can excuse and understand a few non-curse words.
Closing Thoughts:
Sometimes finding great Christian rap can feel a bit like collecting name-brand sneakers or gourmet coffee. We connoisseurs know what we like and can be hard to convince to try something new. CJ Emulous has a brand of rap with a flavor worth trying-- you'll likely enjoy it.
Restorative Songs | Posted July-13-2015
In recent years, there has been a small surge of new artists who are helping to redefine the worship genre. These individuals have replaced the cliché of seven-eleven choruses and shallow Sunday School theology with a modern sound and heartfelt lyrics birthed from their personal journeys with the Lord.
Laura Kaczor is one such artist. Laura's musical fingerprint is adult contemporary meets worship, a style that meshes well for both genres. Her soothing voice is one of hope in the power of Christ and passion for His Kingdom.
Restore Me hits on many different aspects of worship by focusing on a handful of characteristics of God. "Once And For All" joyfully recites the Gospel story, praising Jesus for the sacrifice he made on the cross. "Only You" centers more on the creator side of God and some of the many Hebrew names that describe Him in Scripture. "We Don't Always Understand" gives praise and glory to a compassionate and all-knowing God, who always has a plan even when we can't see it.
Closing Thoughts:
In keeping with its title, Restore Me is an album that brings rest to a weary heart and calms a tired soul. After a long stressful day, sometimes the best medicine is to turn on some slow-paced music that reminds us that God still has us in the palm of his hand. Restore Me reminds us that whether we're experiencing untold blessings or are having trouble seeing God's ultimate plan through the fog of pain, He is worthy of praise through every circumstance.
Inspired by you | Posted April-21-2014
Rapture Ruckus has always written their songs with a specific person in mind, someone to encourage and uplift. Family or friend, vocalist and Ruckus founder Brad Dring will home in on the root of that person’s struggles and develop a song of hope. And as often happens when stories and music unite, these songs become a beacon of spiritual refuge not only for those by whom the song was inspired, but for hundreds of others who can relate.
So who inspired this New Zealand hip-hop band’s latest musical endeavor? You. The fans. You who’ve met the guys after shows and shared your stories. While you were inspired by their songs, they were inspired by your lives.
Setting the tone for the Invader Volume 1 EP is In Crowd, an anthem for the outcasts as it were, featuring Family Force Five’s very own Solomon Olds (a.k.a. Soul Glow Activatur). Brad Dring describes it this way: “This song is about celebrating our diversity. God made us all different and we’ve all got a unique quality that no one else has. It’s like everywhere you look there’s something that’s telling you how you need to look, what you need to wear, how you need to act. What the perfect person looks like. God didn’t make you to fit in with the crowd – He made you to stand out.”
The music video for In Crowd features Brad as a school janitor, jamming through the halls of a high school amassing his own “in crowd” of “uncool” kids. The video drives home the message that you don’t have to be a clone of society in order to matter. In fact, why blend it when you can stand out?
Everybody Get Up sports a unique blend of old-school funk and rap. Another call to stand out and buck against the flow, it challenges listeners to seek more out of life than cheap, fleeting entertainment. In one of the last lines, Brad states God’s transforming work in his life as the reason he wants to be a new kind of role model for today’s youth. “Some things in life that you just can't explain, like who I was to who I became. That's why I just can't be here to entertain. Gotta speak my mind, and go against the grain.”
Head Held High and Carry Me are similar to Rapture Ruckus’ popular single Hold On. These songs soar with hope in Christ and encourage those sludging through the darkness of pain and confusion that Jesus can light their way into a brand new day.
In This Together is a song of community, urging believers to be there for each other. A hand to hold, a listening ear, an uplifting word of truth. We were never meant to make it through our Christian walk on our own. We walk with a family of friends.
The title track of this EP, Invader (Part 1) is really one long rap verse, just about two minutes long. It nicely sums up the heart of the EP, stating that we will not conform to who this world wants us to be, but instead seek the ultimate power of Christ. A power that has dark forces running scared and scrambling to squelch our passion for the Creator.
And let’s not forget the amazing electric dance remix of In Crowd, remixed by David Thulin (recording artist, producer, and older brother of Press Play’s Jonathan Thulin). David’s remix is the perfect high-energy ending to the EP.
Although a bit more poppy than their 2011 release Open Your Eyes, Ruckus’ Invader Volume 1 delivers a strong message of spiritual identity and hope in Christ. I’m intrigued to hear what musical morsels Volume 2 will offer.
Fading West | Posted January-16-2014
“We play these songs because we believe in them. Whether or not they’re hits, or whatever that means. … this is our story.” ~ Jon Foreman, Fading West documentary
One characteristic you’ve got to love about Switchfoot is their honesty. In Fading West, designed as somewhat of a soundtrack to their documentary of the same name, Switchfoot delivers a new level of transparency, giving us a glimpse into their world while encouraging us in our own journeys.
The album begins with Love Alone is Worth the Fight, the popular single that has made a splash on Christian radio charts in recent months. This catchy pop song is a reminder that nothing else in life is worth our time or obsession. Fear often holds us back from the one thing that is truly important, and that is love.
Who We Are starts off with a repeated count to five and a tangy guitar solo leading in to Jon Foreman and the well-placed vocal layering of a group of children singing “we were just kids …” The five-member band brilliantly brought their own kids into this track, effectively infusing it with a youthful flair as they sing about their early years as a band, discovering their own identity and style in the world of Christian music. This song is a great anthem for Switchfoot’s personal journey, as well as for any wide-eyed dreamers with the faith of a child, living more for a grand purpose than a paycheck.
When We Come Alive seems to, appropriately, flow with life and energy. It’s about a burning passion within us that, if set free, can set the world on fire. Frontman Jon Foreman says of this track, “For me, the verses enunciate the darkness where the fire shines the brightest. And the chorus reminds me that we have this spark, this ability, this beauty – when and only when we come alive. Truly alive. Not just breathing, but burning brightly, setting the world on fire with a light that is not our own.”
Upbeat, aggressive, and pulsing with soft rock, Say It Like You Mean It explores the challenges of living in the spotlight and finding the correlation between what you say and how you live.
Introduced with the chatter and laughter of African children, The World You Want abruptly transitions to a soft, almost mournful melody. The song makes the point that whatever we believe and however we choose to act – that is our “religion.” No matter what we do, we’re going to change or affect the world. Will we change it for better or worse? The South African children’s choir, Kuyasa Kids, lend their angelic voices to the chorus of this track, giving it an even deeper emotional pull.
Slipping Away is about the strange numb feeling that accompanies the loss of a loved one and the hope of life beyond this life.
Ba55 … musically, this may be the most unique song on the album. Grittier. It has a bit more of a late nineties rock sound than the rest of the album, in a way reminiscent to DC Talk’s Supernatural. This makes a great, high-energy introductory track to the Fading West documentary.
Let It Out is a fun, bouncy tune that challenges us to push past our fears and do what we were born to do. As some of the lyrics say, “From the day we're born, we are scarred and torn. We've been scared to sing out loud. But we don't care no more because we know life is short. We don't care who hears us now. Breathe it in and let it out.”
All Or Nothing At All explores the danger and ultimate joy of unconditional love. Loving through the pain, loving despite another person’s flaws. Loving although your heart may break. In a way, this song revisits the message of the album’s opening track and peers at it from a slightly different angle. But once again we hear the much-needed point that love is worth all the risk and effort that we put into it.
With a beautiful chorus that could double as a worship song, Saltwater Heart is about longing for God’s Spirit and love to wash through us like an ocean. As if it’s saltwater flowing through our veins. We often begin to feel stuck, in the middle of a dry spot, creatively or spiritually land-locked. This is a song about finding freedom and inspiration after the low times. Inspired by Switchfoot’s love of surfing, Saltwater Heart flows with two-fold purpose and meaning. It drips with a passion for real saltwater and with the metaphor of God’s love being as vast and cleansing as the ocean.
The final track, ironically titled Back to the Beginning Again, speaks of the fears and doubts that lurk beneath our dreams – and finding God in the midst of the insanity. Starting anew with the Creator as our focus. It’s a great wrap up to the album. A clincher statement, if you will, to reestablish the reason behind why these guys do what they do.
Ultimately, Fading West is a challenge. A challenge to love deeply, to pursue our driving passions and talents, to overcome the crippling effect of doubt and fear. To make a difference with the lives we live. It’s a challenge from others traveling the same road. It’s not about thinking that you have arrived, it’s about the journey of discovery that we all take through life.
“I’m singing these songs as a person in transit. As a soul that has not arrived yet.” ~ Fading West documentary
In the end, it’s about finding who our Creator made us to be … and living that with everything we are.
In a world as dark and foreboding as the fear that rules it, one man is entrusted with a centuries-old secret and awakened to a life forbidden for half a millennium. Having impulsively ingested a bit of ancient blood with only a cryptic message as his guide, Rom Sebastian discovers an unknown power that lies dormant in every soul. A throng of emotions -- passion, sorrow, hope, love -- beautiful and terrible at once, but so vastly far above the simple life of fear known to every inhabitant of the decomposing earth.
Now on the run from a fearful government who views him as "out of Order," Rom must choose either to live in the familiar clutches of fear or bravely seek out the truth behind these new emotions. To learn their purpose ... and his.
Ted Dekker and Tosca Lee serve up a heart-racing thriller that'll engage your every emotion and leave you craving more while digesting a hard-hitting truth. The truth that true life is not one that sits back in pillow-fluffed ease while fearing the future. True life is one of seeking purpose beyond ourselves, no matter what the cost, and no matter what the pain along the way. "Because in life we risk death. ... The heart can bleed. And it will." (Forbidden, page 373)
Once again, Dekker transports us to an alternate reality to help us better understand our own. Once again, he weaves a climactic tale of romance and redemption to remind us of a certain life-giving blood. Much like the power of that life-giving blood, this is a story that cannot possibly be understood through mere description ... it must be experienced.
Warning:
While similar in many ways to Dekker's Circle series (and personally, I believe that Thomas Hunter plays an unseen role in this story, *wink, wink*) The Books of Mortals trilogy takes it up a notch on the violence scale. Okay, maybe several notches. (Think head-chopping violence and mega-creepy villains from Green and rack up their frequency a bit.) Also, the spiritual analogies are slightly more vague, at least in this first book of the series. But dig deep and think hard ... the content is rich.
You can also view or comment on this review at my blog:
I've always thought of Ted Dekker as a writer whose genre wasn't really for me. His novels looked a little too dark and gruesome for my taste, but knowing that his books have a Christian message, I would always recommend him to people who like things a little on the darker side.
One of these people happened to be my brother who subsequently became a huge Dekker fan and began telling me all about the amazing novels he was reading, one of which was the Circle series. He assured me that this was one Dekker series I would love. Curious, but not totally convinced, I borrowed this comic book version from a friend, thinking it would give me a pretty good overview of what was in the books. Let me tell ya, my brother was right! The Circle is filled with astounding spiritual metaphors that are impossible to miss, not to mention action, suspense and romance that keeps you on your toes and flipping pages as fast as you can! I can't wait to get my hands on the actual novels!
The comic version is great if you're wanting to get a glimpse of the Circle or if you're a fan already and want to see the pages come to life. According to my brother, they leave a lot of stuff out in the comic version, including some violence. So this might be a good thing to get for young readers who might not be comfortable with the violence or who may get lost in a really deep storyline. They'll still benefit from the super rich spiritual metaphors without having to read the novels.
For those who like to dig deeper, I suggest delving into the novels as well. Which is totally what I plan to do ... see you in the Circle. ;)
Powering into their work with heart and emotion comes as naturally as breathing for Indie band, Phao, whose second full-length album drops on Tuesday, June 19th. In fact, Playing With Fire captures some pretty raw emotion in its Anberlin-sounding rock. Centering primarily around broken and strained relationships, this Canadian band’s new album definitely delivers on their goal to create tangible and relatable songs to their audience. In a society gushing with severed ties and broken hearts, no doubt there will be no shortage of listeners who can nod their heads in some form to what Phao has to offer.
A press release on Phao’s website said this about Playing With Fire: “The record explores catharsis and the struggle to cleanse from the past and constantly set and reach higher goals.”
In this way, the record seems to have been therapeutic for lead singer Mike Gnandt, who says that it “got him through a lot.” And it is his hope that these songs will do the same for listeners.
Commencing the journey with Too Late, the album starts out with catchy electronic rock and dives into a song about a friendship broken by pain and betrayal. At first listen it appears to be a story of unforgiveness, but closer scrutiny of the words may reveal something a little deeper. Here we have the story of a person who’s trying desperately to get their life out of the gutter, when a “friend” pulls them back again. (Back into a life of sin, perhaps?) From this viewpoint, it’s not so hard to see why the chorus surmises “it’s too late to be friends,” since the betrayed person may not be refusing reconciliation out of hatred, but out of a desire to steer clear of the wrong crowd.
Playing With Fire, the title track, delves into the power of song and the fact that lyrics can be damaging if misused. In a sense, making music can be like “playing with fire” since it has such an influence on people’s lives. It’s up to the artist or band whether they use that power to make a difference or to plant damaging thoughts in a listener’s mind.
Know Your Name is about a girl who doesn’t want to get in a serious relationship with the singer (or main character) of the song and his angst following her “I’m not ready for a man in my life” declaration. The good points are: he explains that he isn’t trying to “find a hotel room” and doesn’t want a one-night-stand. The confusion enters in when he also declares that he has no ring to offer and isn’t trying to walk her down the aisle. He just wants to know her name. That is, to be her friend. If the song didn’t start out with him trying to kiss her on the lips, the chorus would be much more believable. As it is, the song shows us the guy’s double-sided turmoil, with the verses revealing his inner thoughts about wanting to have something deeper while the chorus is his reassurance to the girl that he doesn’t expect any more from her than her name.
The next song, Brought Me Back, is almost like a sequel to Know Your Name, with the guy still wondering how he can find the courage to start a relationship with the girl who makes his heart do somersaults in his chest. One verse preceding the chorus says, “… we’re so afraid to lose that we might never even start.” It’s a song about searching for the obstacles that are keeping two people apart and trying desperately to leap over those obstacles in order to discover the next level.
Drag You Down asks the question, “What are you gonna do with you life?” It offers a choice: let go of what’s holding you back and keeping you from moving forward in life or it could drag you down. This song has a strong “shout with me” anthem feel to it which drives the challenge home with umph and moxy.
Sporting probably my favorite phrase on this album, Live to Fight proclaims, “If we only live to fight, we’re gonna die someday.” In the world’s eyes, you may have every reason to fight, to hold a grudge, to bring your offender down for all they did to you. But in the end, if revenge and bitterness becomes your life, eventually it will backfire. If fighting is your only purpose, you can expect it to lead to death.
In Backbone, rather than being pegged as the victim in a failed relationship, the singer takes the offense, saying “show me what you got.” Basically, an “I can take it if you can dish it out” approach.
More of a pop/punk rock song than most of the others on the album, the carefree, slightly Hawk Nelson-esque Anything We Want explores the plight of a couple caught up with all the troubles of life and just wanting to take a break to get away from it all. It suggests that because “one life is all we got” we shouldn’t let its problems completely consume us. Which is so true … Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28, "Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.”
Probably the softest and most romantic song on the record, Worth It sounds like it would make a perfect addition to the soundtrack for The Vow. Though I doubt that this song is actually about a girl with amnesia, some of the words remind me of the undying love portrayed in that movie. Particularly parts like, “You’ve forgotten everything you ever knew about me and you,” and “why pretend when I’m hurting? ‘Cause baby you’re worth it. Baby you’re worth it to me.” In any case, it’s about a girl who’s worth waiting for even though she doesn’t feel as strongly about their “relationship” as the guy does.
For You is a song written for fans, revolving around the exhausting, yet rewarding lifestyle of a touring artist. It would be a great number to perform live as the song itself gives you the feeling of singing along at a concert. The fun thing about this song is that it puts the band on the same level as the fans. (“Tonight, we are one and the same…”) Ultimately, it’s about putting everything you have into what you’re passionate about. This song also makes a brief Scripture reference to Matthew 26:41 with the line, “I’m willing, but my flesh is feeling weak.”
Faking Love is about being in a relationship with someone who’s only in it for recreational dating, seeking entertainment rather than love.
Topping off the record is Something Cold, the title track of Phao’s April-released EP. With a similar “plot” to that of Too Late and Backbone, this song is probably the most bitter and might I say “coldest” song on the album, about a girl who gains a strange, sadistic enjoyment out of causing emotional suffering.
Phao’s style and sound do indeed show a great deal of promise for them in the pop/rock world. They have a palpable talent that, like the flaming bird on their album cover, may take flight and catch some of the world afire. In that case, it’s good that they understand the power they possess. The power of song. The power to make a difference or to lead astray. Just as their title track declares, they know that they’re playing with fire.
The comeback kid is back for another round, and in keeping with classic B. Reith candidness, he tells you exactly how he got there. Born out of a host of struggles and trying circumstances, along with a few “beautiful experiences,” the theme running through this record is that of persevering through hard times.
Starting out in the fast lane, “Next Move” introduces the album with fun and funky Reith rap. Probably the jumpiest song on the record, this is almost a dance/pop sequel to Brian’s summer single “Knocking on My Door.”
Transitioning from “Next Move” comes the silky, romantic strains of “Simple Days,” a song about a couple wanting to get back to their first love and focus more on each other than on the various “things” that they’ve acquired.
“Lonely Hearts Club” melds B.’s melodic voice with his top-notch rapping for a ditty about love gone wrong. Or … love that’s run away.
“2 Steps Forward” is another catchy beat with clever lyrics and the story-telling style reminiscent of “Go On” and “Comeback Kid.” One of those totally honest behind-the-scenes peeks at the life and business struggles of B. Reith as he navigates the choppy waters of the music industry.
Lecrae and Lisa Gungor join in as the first of the album’s cameo artists on “Made For More.” Lisa breathes out the hauntingly beautiful chorus while Lecrae’s familiar rap style takes over a few verses.
“Moments Like This” is for anyone who’s ever stepped back and wondered if following the dream of their heart is really worth all the trouble. Those who know they have an extraordinary calling on their lives, but can’t see how they’ll ever make it through the fog. Having weathered through a few of those moments recently, B. said in a video interview, “I’m really learning how in my weakness God’s ability is made known to me. That doing what you’re best at doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it’s so worth the fight.”
Another cameo, PJ Morton brings a jazzy, R&B feel to “For Once in My Life.” He and B. blend well in this smooth-textured song about making our life count by standing up and taking action.
The lovely “New Found Love” is about encountering the extravagant love of our Savior in a brand new way, while “I’ll Get By” speaks to all those coping with life’s most difficult circumstances and gives hope that God can help them through.
The title track is a perfect sum-up for the theme of How The Story Ends and a soothing encouragement to anyone who doesn’t understand the current situations in their life story. It urges us to hold on because “the Author of your story had the end in mind when He wrote this page.”
“Not Who I Am” issues a challenge to become more than who we are at the moment. It’s a challenge to refuse mediocrity and to always push ourselves to be more of the person God made us to be. Dave Barnes makes a great addition to this track.
So how does the story end? I think it ends with victory. Not only B. Reith’s victory in producing another album of amazing music, but the victory, the hope, that is available to every believer who chooses to trust God for their next move.
Brian said it this way: “I think making this record is a parallel to living life. It’s a series of obstacles. It’s a series of coming face to face with our biggest challenge which actually is one of our biggest opportunities.”
We know how the story ends. And it’s good. So good.
AmandaDeWilde_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
