Fading West
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Switchfoot It took me awhile to catch onto Switchfoot, but once I did I haven't stopped listening to them. Now with number eight dropped in the thick of winter, this album is a breath of crisp summer air. There...
We As Human
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We As Human We As Human could have picked a better release date for their debut as this solid offering will struggle to overcome the shadow of Skillet's "Rise." It is fitting though that the band John discovered...
Rise
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Skillet It takes mostly their entire catalog and mashes into one stellar of an album. The concept is beyond needed...
Refreshing | Posted March-15-2011
As compared to what is being offered in the Christian Metal realm, this is refreshing. From a technical aspect, there is a nice blend of breaks, growling, and singing. More so, the lyrics are very true to the theme of the CD and the musical arrangments reflect this as well. A very solid sophmore release from Onward to Olympas. Definetely a band to watch.
Amazing | Posted March-09-2011
When worship music is not your forte, this is exactly what you do when you make a worship CD. Aaron teamed up with one of the best in the business, and then penned nearly all of the songs by himself. You hear his heart beating throughout each and every song, and the lyrics to each an every song are amazing! Aaron delivers a knock out punch, and this CD is one worship CD that you must buy. Well crafted, well penned, and well mixed. Very enjoyable, and it brings me into a place where I am totally focused on worshipping God. Simply amazing!
Oh My | Posted March-08-2011
I am not going to gush as Kevin did (and I don't know how objective he is being by the way), but I must say "oh, my!" I normally do not buy live worship albums, but this is one you CANNOT pass up! I listened to the previews on iTunes and was blown away. Tomlin shines and makes his studio album look like an unfinished, not fully developed product. Christy and Kristen are amazing as well. The addition of Lecrae on "Shadows" and "Our God" are a nice touch. The delux package is a must buy. I was nearly drawn to tears and this truly sent chills down my spine. Relevant Magazine maybe on to something when it said that worship albums would be the hit thing of 2011, but it is not about making money off of Christians. I wasn't their at the conference, so this is the next best thing. That's why I bought it, and I am really glad I did.
Okay | Posted February-26-2011
If you were looking for fireworks, this CD is not the place. It is more like the precursor sparklers. It's okay, everybody is allowed a second round dud, however don't count these guys out because they still have a lot of talent left. You can sense that with this release, but this was a mistep. It lacked umph and push the over the top musicianship. Still solid if you are looking for a break from the heavy-weights, but it still was just okay.
Wow! | Posted February-02-2011
This year is starting off hot! Just like Hollywood who dumps crapy movies into the late winter months, the music industry tends to do the same thing. Not in the case of RED and Heath! If this is what we are to expect from this year, 2011 is going to be the biggest year is Christian music! As for this album, the one word that comes straight to my brain is "chilling." I'd add haunting as well. I struck me to my core and forced me to analyze whether I am "hollow...faceless." Am I living to please this world or am I dying for Christ. Only good albums have the power to do this, and this is more than good, it's fantastic. I am not going to gush on the technical aspects because this has already been well done, but I must say the pacing on this album is fantastic. I go all pyscho before RED draws me back down before getting me all hyped up again. Then, it chills me out. Buy this!
Not his best... | Posted November-17-2010
Chris truly gets my props for being one of the leaders of the modern worship scene. However, "And If Our God is For Us..." is not his best. He does have 3 outstanding albums in "Not to Us," "See the Morning," and "Hello, Love," so I guess 3 out of 6 (I am not including his Christmas album and his live CD) ain't bad. He made his stamp with "The Noise We Make" but he blew out of the water with "Not to Us;" just in my humble opinion. As for this release, it is one that you can pick and choose. Like I'd take "I Will Follow" (though it is kind of getting worn out by now), "Our God," "Majesty of Heaven," "Lovely," "Faithful," and "Jesus My Redeemer." That's not even half the album; hence, the three stars. I just doesn't have enough "pop." (Not in the sense of the genre of music.) I admire his heart and his passion for God, but sometimes his writing is mediocre, shallow, and more horizontal than vertical. Which I believe was the case with some of the songs on the album. His heart truly shines in a live setting, so don't miss out on seeing him live. With that said, maybe after seeing these songs performed, I may have a different opinion. As for now, this is where I stand.
Wonder-ful! | Posted September-28-2010
Sorry folks, it's early and I don't have it in me to analyze each song. However, I will say that "Wonder" arguably has to be Michael's best album to date! It's deep, raw, and emotional. Each track is beautifully crafted, and well balanced. Michael is one of the pillars of CCM, and it is evident by "Wonder" that he will be for a long time. My favorite tracks are "Save Me from Myself," "Run," "I'll Wait For You," "Forever Yours," "Welcome Home," "Rise," "You Belong to Me," and "One More Time." However, there isn't a dud on this album. This is solid and worth buying.
Check In | Posted September-26-2010
"Check In" is the intro and sets the pace/tone of the album. "Rebel Intro," is still the hottest intro from Lecrae, but "Check In" gets the point across. "Killa" comes up next and deals with how "ruin comes upon us from our addictions and how it kills us." This is one thing I like about Crayola: real life, honest lyrics; he pulls no punches. More so, he does this all over a dope beat. The loops and the female guest vocal makes the message of the song that more potent.
Up next is "Divine Intervention" and "Just Like You." "Just Like You" deals with a very real issue of boys not having a male role model. What makes this track hot is when Lecrae stop the beat to rap a capella. Very strong song. "Divine Intervention" has strong lyrics but is hurt by the injection of JR. I have nothing against JR, but he doesn't work on this song.
The most familiar tracks most people should be familiar with are "Children of the Light," and "High." These are very dope songs, but you may get annoyed with the chorus of "High." Prior to these two tracks are "Gotta Know" and "Used to Do It Too." One of the best tracks on this CD is "Gotta Know." Though it may be a tad commercial, it maybe one the track Lecrae gains more recognition for. It has slick rhymes, a tight hook, and a fantastic chorus; a true heart piercer. "Use to Do It Too" features a new member of the crew, KB, and a pretty slick guitar loop. Also, the drum line is pretty tight as well.
"New Shalom" is probably the most street song on this album. If you don't think that Christian rap can go hard, you'll think twice about that after listening to this song. "40 Deep" continues the flow, and drops another hot beat. It borrows from "Souled Out" from "Real Talk," and features two of the hottest rappers in the industry right now. In case you cannot figure it out, the song is about how there are no lone-wolves, we are all in together.
The next three are "Walking on Water," "God is Enough," and "Boasting." I am so glad that "Walking on Water" did not become a single because this is one song I do not want to tire of before this Tues. It is sure to bless a few cats. "God is Enough" will surprise a few people as it has a club pop beat that may fans may not like. Jai's voice is familiar because of her work on Trip Lee's album. This is truly a fun song, but one that may have to grow on me. "Boasting" is slower and a true R&B track. Anthony Evans is fantastic on this very strong, potent song.
The last three are "Background," "New Reality," and "Release Date." "Background" is medium paced, and drops a dope beat. I believe it truly sums up the project. "A trailing star that leads to the Superstar." Very chilling hook, and strong message: it is God's work in us that we have "Rehab;" it's not us because we are in the background. "New Reality" probably has the sickest beat/loop on the project. The track is pretty slick. "Release Date" finishes the album off strong, and what would a Lecrae album be without a strong finish!
Closing Thoughts:
"Just Like You," "Gotta Know," "Used to Do It Too," "Walking on Water," "Children of the Light," "New Shalom," and "Boasting" are the strongest and most well crafted songs on this project. Never once do the songs stray from the theme of "Rehab." Even if you don't like rap, it will be nearly impossible to not be impacted by Lecrae's ministry; especially this CD. Best part of all this is on 1/11/11, we get part two. This is arguably the hottest rap CD dropped this year. I'd say "Rehab," "Between Two Worlds," and "City Lights," are definitely projects to buy/check into.
Keeps the Fall Rolling | Posted September-25-2010
In my opinion, TD will have a tough time competing with Jars of Clay's release. However, both albums respectively are highlights of the fall releases.
I'll keep it brief. "Lift up your Face" is a powerful, moving (ah ha) song. I was truly touched by it. It has a nice, tight melody, and an old-school TD feel; also, a little southern gospel flair. "Make Your Move" is a surprise; a rocker in every sense of the word. The worshipful "Children of God" is next. This song has the most powerful lyrics on this album. I absolutely love this song! Bringing in the children to sing near the end added to the potency of this song. More so, this has to be one of the best written worship songs in awhile. While most churches will not (or simply won't) incorporate this into their worship program, it will be a great ministry tool and a song to sing with your friends and family. "We are the saints, we are the children, we've been redeemed/we've been forgiven, we are the sons and daughters of our God." Amen to that.
TD's southern roots shine through on "Surrender." This will get your feet stomping, and your hearts bowing to our Lord Jesus Christ. "Gotta stop runnin'/it's the end of the line/It's time to surrender...." Another worshipful song is up next in "Trust in Jesus." This song truly puts life in perspective.
"Follow Me There," is next and I found it to be a community-based southern gospel rocker. Wow, that was a mouthful, but the choir in the background made me think of this. I can imagine this to be a crowd favorite if they play it in a live setting. The "MOVE" theme comes out in "Gone." At first it comes across as little impersonal, however it reminded me of Paul talking to his favorite church. We have a mission, and yes we may have to cut ties with people to keep moving. However this does not mean we stop praying and sending words of encouragement. This is what I draw from this song. And I loved the harmonica solo.
From here, the album slows a bit with "What Have You got to Lose." We can all admit holding onto...whatever...but this song encourages us to let it go because, after all, "What Have You got to Lose." Another southern gospel flavored song, "I'll be Your Miracle," follows. It has an up tempo beat, that can be used to encourage a friend or family member. It is spoken from God's perspective, and it does nicely speaking from this perspective; I can actually imagine God saying what was written.
The moody, "Everywhere You Go," continues the album. It is a different spin on "Follow You" by Leeland or "We Will Follow" on Jars' new project; however the message it essentially the same. As for the tune itself, this a more mellow rocker but still a rocker the same. The message is pretty basic, and the music a little redundant, but still a decent song. The third worshipful and another beautiful song on this CD is "Sound of Your Voice." There truly is nothing greater than listening to God, and this song--with the strings, and backup vocals--captures this message.
This album finishes as it started with "Don't Give Up Hope." "Lift Up Your Face" and this song go hand it hand, which is a nice way to shape the album. If you notice anything on this CD it would be the southern flair, and this song is no different. Again we have choir backup vocals, and an organ, among the instruments of the rest of the band. A pretty well crafted song.
Closing thoughts:
In my opinion Jars of Clay's CD is the stronger release of the major releases of October. However, don't discount this CD. The message is solid, and TD's core sound is still breathing. They stick with what works, and add essentials to make their sound stronger. More so, the write with such passion and conviction that I am surprised you don't hear their hearts beating in the background of the songs. Truly amazing work, but it is still #2 in my book. Highlights of the work are: "Lift Up Your Face," "Children of God," "Surrender," "Trust in Jesus," "What Have You Got to Lose," and "Don't Give Up Hope." A must buy of the fall as TD continues to make solid, life-altering work. Oh, sorry this was not brief as promised.
Truly Amazing | Posted September-04-2010
It has been a long journey for me and the band mates of Jars of Clay. I don't say this as I know them, I say this as a avid fan of the band that brought me to Christ. I'll try to be objective as possible in this review, but I am forewarning you that it will be hard to do so.
"The Shelter" starts off will "Small Rebellions," a gentle rocker tainted with the sonic sounds of "The Long Fall Back to Earth (TLFBE henceforth)." Heath's voice blends well with Dan's, and this has to be one of the best opening songs I have heard from Jars since "Liquid," and "Work." The chorus sets the tone for the album with verses such as "Senseless brutal acts of kindness from our song," and "If we stand between the fear and firm foundation/Push against the current and the fall." This track lets you know that you are in for a treat, and that Jars is truly going to bless you again with their God-given talents.
Up next is "Call My Name," which has a tune reminiscent of "The Eleventh Hour" days. Thad and Audrey are great additions to this confession of faith: "I will wait in the darkest hours, for You will be the light." It is fitting that "We Will Follow" is next as these two songs are compliments of each other. "We Will Follow" is sure to be the anthem of authentic Christians worldwide. You can conclude from these two songs that we realize that God will take care of us, and because He will we have the capability to follow Him where ever He wants us to go. The verse I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me comes to mind. If you are not sensing a theme of this album, you will shortly.
Next up is "Eyes Wide Open;" a song tainted with a little Third Day and "If I Left the Zoo," flair. While not one of my favorites, one cannot walk away from this without tapping their feet or wanting to start clapping along; the tune is that infectious. This song is all out fun with a deep meaning.
The title track is next, and you cannot listen to this song with out being moved in someway. "In the shelter of each other/we will live/we live," captures the true essence of Christian community and really hits home that we are not in this walk alone. Toby adds his signature flair and helps make this song the best of the CD. If it becomes a single, it will sell like hot chocolate in a snow storm.
The first single is "Out of My Hands," and is probably the only song on this CD that sounds like it would fit nicely on TLFBE. However, despite this distinction, there is nothing more humbling than admitting that we are not in control. If we are truly to be authentic followers of Christ, and truly be the body, we must admit it is not about us and that it is all about God. This song captures this beautifully, and is another highlight of the album. "No Greater Love," up next, has an old school feel to it, and again compliments the song before it.
"Run in the Night" is probably the only "weak" song on this album. The lyrics are strong, but I don't believe they fit the tune of the song. I would render this song interesting to say the least. It okay, folks, because "Lay it Down" picks the album back up. You would think that Crowder would influence this song in terms of song structure, but that does not happen on this rocker; rather Dawn's and his voice strengthen the chorus of this song.
Another highlight comes with "Love Will Find Us," which again has an old school feel. Sara and Matt add a great dynamic to this mellow song.
Last comes "Benediction" which I truly believe is telling us "okay you heard these songs, now go live this out. it's one thing to listen to our music, it's other to actually be what you listen to." I love Amy's voice on this song, and she blends nicely with Dan. I don't see how you cannot get a sense to be the change, or to live this message out after hearing this song.
This is truly an amazing CD and will challenge Third Day's "Move" for the top CD of the fall. At first I was little worried about the whole concept of guest vocalists and songwriters, but I feel that without this dynamic, this CD would be nowhere as great as it is. It is a call back to true authentic Christian community set to music. Some of my favorites are "Small Rebellions," "We Will Follow," "Open My Hands," "Shelter," and "Lay it Down." However, (despite "Run in the Night) it will be hard to find a bad song on this collection; truly a blessing of a CD.
hebrews1316's Music and Book Reviews 
![Passion: Here For You (Deluxe Edition)[Live] by Passion](thum_creater/phpThumb.php?src=../images/album_cover_images/cover_9885.jpg&w=90&h=90&hash=9285b2356fbcec4431682467554e7a6c)
