A Mixed Bag For Me | Posted September-09-2009
I must say that I was very impressed with lead CHR single, "Secrets and Regrets" from Pillar. Having heard the entire album, it remains my favorite off of it. Lead Rock single "Fire On The Inside" is a pumping rock track that should satisfy fans of Pillar's harder rock side.
When I read this quote,"Confessions is the kind of album that will make CHR radio listeners fans of rock music," I must say, I was even more intrigued. But I must say, the album doesn't really live up to this name.
CHR music fans will have plenty to love here, as the track listing is about split evenly between softer and harder songs. However, I wouldn't say this album will make them fans of Rock music. Perhaps this would've been accurately had not nearly every single Rock track be weighed down with screams. The melodies were good enough and likely could have made that claim about the album true, but alas, "Call To Action," is the closest they get to a hard rock track that is scream-free, and even it sneaks a small one in there at literally the very last second. I'm sure Pillar's fans will love that, but hooking CHR fans? I am not so sure those tracks will do it.
That's not to say that the softer tracks are negligible. Quite the contrary, they are very well done. Secrets and Regrets, is, as I said, a very good song. It's a nice crossover song. There are even a few orchestrated ballads in here in the form of "Better Off Now"(another album highlight), "Will You Be There," and "Lose It All." I could easily recommend CHR fans to hit up iTunes or Amazon for these tracks, but unless you like some scream in your rock(and if you do, you're probably not the ones referred to in the quote about making CHR listens fans of Rock), you might want to pass on the other tracks.
But if you do like some scream in your rock, you'll likely find this album satisfying enough. The lyrics may be a bit cliche in parts("Call To Action," gee, I wonder what this one is about), but I didn't find them overly bad.
Ultimately, I give this 3 stars, cause I am being nice. Most of the songs had some high enjoyability to them, even the rockers(you know, when they weren't screaming), and the softer songs are definitely enjoyable. I like Rock music already, but not the screaming kind, and unfortunately, Pillar's "Confessions" did not do much to change that.
It's Good | Posted August-24-2009
Leeland is back with their third offering only a year and a half after the release of their Sophomore album, Opposite Way.
Opposite Way seemed to lack the passion felt on the first album, but it had enough uniqueness of it's own to offer to make it a worthy followup.
Now Leeland is back with Love Is On The Move. It's clear that not too much has changed with Leeland. They still have soaring light rock anthems(The Door, Carry Me On Your Back), and slower and moving songs(Follow You, Via Dolorosa, and the title track). And you can hear the honesty and love in every note lead singer Leeland Mooring lets out. Also, New Creation is something different for the band. They pull it off well enough too.
The problem lies in that the songs tend to be fairly unexciting, especially in the latter half. They are certainly good, but they just don't leave the lasting impact that the last albums made.
If you are a Leeland fan, I recommend listening to the new album at one of the available online listening parties before running out and buying it. You might like it(it is good afterall), but you also might be a bit let down, as it's arguably not as strong as their previous releases.
There is enough good stuff here to keep Leeland popular though, and the album is at least worth a listen, and hopefully they'll surprise us with their next offering.
THEY'RE BACK.... | Posted August-18-2009
And better than ever! It's been almost 3 whole years since the last full length Skillet album, Comatose, which not only took a great band and made them even greater, but it took a popular band and made them even more popular. Continuing that trend, Awake is arguably their best effort yet and is sure to get them even more attention.
From the get-go, it's clear that Skillet didn't reinvent themselves like they've done on albums past. The cover art alone having the same logo tells us that. But that is understandable. Comatose worked, and it got them to reach a lot of people. They'd be fools to deviate too much from that style, and thus, they didn't.
But fear not, this is not Comatose II. It's Awake. Opening rocker hero and the title track are arguably VERY Comatose-esque, almost to the point where you wonder during which session they were recorded.(Not that it matters One Day Too Late is also arguably a Comatose-esque song.
But that's about as far as the "Comatose II" feeling goes for me. Lead Mainstream single Monster is an intense and catchy rocker that is sure to be a Skillet classic. Other intense rockers include "It's Not Me, It's You" and "Sometimes."
Skillet also really improves their writing for some rock-edged slower songs in "Believe," "Never Surrender," and even the album closer, "Lucy." All three songs are extremely good and show that Skillet is really improving as a band.
"Don't Wake Me" is also a good song, although not as memorable as the three previously mentioned songs.
"Should've When You Could've" is arguably the weakest track on the album. Yet it's so catchy, that you really want to like it, and looking deeper into the song, it's fairly easy to like it.
Ultimately, Skillet has another winner here that is sure to please the wide audience. Those hoping for them to rehash Collide or another earlier album will be disappointed, as will those hoping for Skillet to again reinvent themselves(why they aren't allowed to stick with a winning formula, I don't know). The lyric writing is top-notch, and the music is epic. Awake proves to be one of the best albums of the year and a highlight of Skillet's discography.
Skillet: Back and Better Than Ever! | Posted August-13-2009
Skillet stormed their way to the top of the charts time and time again with the seven hit singles from their previous release, Comatose. And now, they are poised to do it again with their new album, Awake.
Hero is the first single from the album, going to Christian CHR and Rock stations. It's already a chart topper and one of Skillet's best songs to date.
While it might not be quite as epic as the lead single from Comatose, the hard hitting Rebirthing, it is still a worthy first single and a highly enjoyable Rock tune that is destined to become a Skillet classic.
Skillet's skilled writing is on full display here and new drummer Jen adds her backup vocals to the son, making for an enjoyable contrast with lead singer John Cooper.
All in all, this is a worthy first single and does a fine job paving the road for Awake, which drops on August 25 and shows the potential to be the best from Skillet yet.
The Best Yet From Downhere | Posted April-10-2009
Downhere is a bad that never ceases to amaze me. Just when you think they can't possibly get any better, they go and do just that. After the brilliant Wide-Eyed and Mystified, I thought for sure this next album would be a letdown, but I couldn't be more wrong. Start to finish, it's fantastic music. Downhere is for all those tired of the overplayed typical CCM on radio.
The album has variety and something for everybody. Songs like Bleed For This Love, Cathedral Made of People, and Something Heavenly rock things up a bit and keep their message for Christ strong throughout every lyric.
Songs like My Last Amen and Coming Back Home have an old school feel to them and are surprisingly upbeat given the weight of their subject matter. The Problem is starts out quite humorous but develops into a thought provoking message on the world's problems.
Don't Miss Now and How Many Kings are great slower songs lead by Marc. But in terms of slower songs, that's usually when the other lead singer, Jason Germain, takes over. Lead single Here I Am sounds like it'd fit right in on AC radio(It's No. 5 chart performances confirm that), only it's better. Songs like Hope is Rising, All At War, and Live For You are additional great examples of Jason's deep songwriting.
The subject matter of an end being a beginning is hardly new but Downhere presents it in an enjoyable fashion. So if you're tired of the same ole, try Downhere and see what you think. I certainly can't recommend it any more.
Absolutely EPIC! | Posted April-07-2009
I was blown away by Cities from the first to last note. There isn't one place I can find a weak spot. It is just sheer musical brilliance. From the moment "Debut" opens, I got the feel that I was listening to greatness.
Anberlin, without a doubt, knows how to make music. Whether it's blood pumping rock(Godspeed, A Whisper and a Clamor), upbeat pop(Adelaide), or even soft and slow songs(The Unwinding Cable Car, Inevitable), they give it all they have and the result is incredibly enjoyable.
Cities is an album of epic quality. But Anberlin saved the bets for last. They close the album with the epic near nine minute (*Fin). The song is a perfect example of musical brilliance. After many listens, it just seems to get better.
It's rare to see an album that is fantastic from start to finish. Most albums have at least one track that often finds itself being skipped over to get to another song. Not so with Cities, each and every time it is spun, there is nothing I wish to skip over. I simply cannot recommend this album anymore for fans of the genre.
Another Winner From Jars of Clay | Posted April-07-2009
Jars of Clay have been making great music for over a decade now. Their last big release was in 2006, with the rocking Good Monsters. Now, an EP, a phenomenal Christmas album, and a change to their own label later, Jars of Clay is back with their new album.
The album opens with "The Long Fall" which is primarily an interlude that leads into "Weapons" which is a typical great Jars song.
Next comes the first single, "Two Hands," which is very enjoyable. Other great songs include "Heaven" and "Don't Stop." Also included on this album are the new songs from last year's Closer EP, "Closer" and "Safe To Land." Both are enjoyable and fit well with the album.
A highlight of the album is the soft "Boys (Lesson One)" in which the guys of JoC give words of wisdom to their sons.
Following that is an album highlight and arguably an album highlight, "Hero." This song with used in promotion for NBC's show King's. The song is great rock tune and is likely to become another classic Jars hit.
After that, the album kind of slows down. The final four songs are by no means bad, but they are not as memorable as most of the preceding ones were and tend to run together somewhat.
However, the album is definitely another great one from Jars of Clay. While it's not outstanding from start to finish, it's at least very good from start to finish and during it's highlights, it is indeed quite outstanding.
Another Great Installment | Posted February-05-2008
Sanctus Real is back with yet another good album packed with good music.
"Turn On The Lights" opens the album on a strong note which continues into the exciting title track. "Whatever Your Doing" is destined to be a radio hit. "Black Coal" and "Leap of Faith" are also among the album's highlights. Unlike previous albums which closed on a soft ballad, "We Need Each Other" closes with the exciting "Legacy" leaving quite a strong impact. Another track or two would be appreciated but the album is still quite strong. It should be noted that not all tracks work that well, such as "Half Our Lives" which tends to feel a little bit slow. But as a whole, this album is definitly a winner. It's early yet but this could end up being Sanctus Real's best work yet and easily become one of the Highlights of 2008 in terms of Christian Music.
JJFrancesco_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
