Christmas Together EP
by
Jamie Looking for some good Christmas music? This four song EP recently released by Jamie Grace is sure to give you that Christmas cheer!
Rip Open The Skies | Posted December-28-2010
Remedy Drive is a band composed of four brothers, that sound very Switchfoot-esque. This cd was their 6th independent album. It's also free on Noisetrade.
First off the song, "Come Up", is a song about a struggling Christian, and the chorus could almost be interpreted as the verse in Revelation that says, "Come Up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter". I don't think this is the intention of the lyrics, but that message can be interpreted from this song. Overall, this is a good song, with positive lyrics and good music. This is a nice, easy listening kind of song.
Next is the song, "Real Thing", which rocks a bit harder, but doesn't really break any new ground. Seeing that this album was released in 2006, we'll let that fly. This song is a plea for the real thing in life, with lyrics like: "Give me the real thing not this watered down or in between
I want the real thing not this middle ground
I want the sight unseen"
I really like this song, and you can definitely hear the influence of Switchfoot in their band.
Third is the song, "Statues", which starts off with a nice enjoyable pop/rock feel, is all about refusing to live the normal life, to do something and "Rip Open The Skies". The ending of the song is a beautiful musical jam session that I really liked. Well written lyrics and an enjoyable beat make this song a favorite.
The fourth song is called, "King of Failures". This song slows things down a bit, but does not disapoint. The song is all about Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice he made, how he took our place. The second verse includes beautiful lyrics such as:"You were bruised
You took great pains for me to breathe now
I’m not a slave
You took my chains and set me free now.
Definitely one of the songs that stand out lyrically to me.
Halfway through the album,we come to "Right Side". The lyrics encourage you to make sure you are ready to go in the Rapture. This song sounds a lot like Switchfoot, and a few times, the lead singer sounds just like Jon Foreman. The music is good, with a very good guitar solo in the middle. This song is one of the best songs on the album, with great vocals and music.
Next is "Break". This is another Rapture song, but this one is all about the longing for the Rapture to happen. This is definitely the song where David Zach sounds the most like Jon Foreman. This overall a good song, but I find the music of the chorus to be repetitive and a bit annoying.
"Here's To The Years" is the next song. This song has great lyrics, full of promises that God is always there with us, and not to worry or fear. The music is good in this song for 2006. This song also has a nice guitar solo, which compliments the song well. These guys are good musicians.
"Upgrade" starts out with a great intro, about mid tempo speed. Throughout this whole album, I've seen a theme with the music, as if this cd was made for listening in the car; it's that enjoyable! The lyrics to this song encourage us to hold out for the "Upgrade" when Christ comes, and not to be content with this world. There is also another guitar solo, which Paul Zach pulls off quite well.
"The Sky's Alive" is another song about the Coming of Christ. I really like that so many of their songs include references to the Rapture. This is a well produced song, with good lyrics, and the lead singer doesn't sound like Jon Foreman on this song, and the guitar skills are put to good use.
The final song, "How Great" is a piano-driven track, but is the hymn, "How Great Thou Art"! Wow! They did an AMAZING job on one of my favorite hymns. The music and vocals are spot-on,slightly faster than the way we sing it. Or about the same tempo as my Southern friends sing it. :). I really love this version of the classic hymn!
Overall, "Rip Open The Skies" by Remedy Drive is a great album. Every song is good, and the recurring lyric theme of Christ's coming is refreshing. I would definitely recommend this album to anyone, any age. Also, it's free through Noisetrade, so even if you aren't a fan YET, get this album!
Britt Nicole....unplugged! | Posted December-27-2010
This is Britt Nicole's first acoustic album. However, I wouldn't really call it "acoustic" in the strictest sense because these songs have drums and other instruments. These are definitely not just "stripped down" versions of 5 songs.
For the project, she chose "Hanging On", "Headphones", "Walk On The Water","The Lost Get Found" from her 2009 sophmore cd, and one track, "Set The World On Fire" from her 2007 debut, "Say It". There is also a new song called, "Found By You".
Starting out with "Hanging On". I actually like this version better than the original version. This song has a nice, acoustic feel, the main instruments being an acoustic guitar, an organ, and some simple drums. The sound is slightly different, and just seems to be more personal than the cd version. This song was very well put together.
Next is "Set The World On Fire", which in the beginning was already an acoustic song. However, she redoes the song with a new spin on it. It's not extremely different, but its definitely not a carbon copy of the original. I was surprised with this song; I thought it would be my least favorite because the original was already acoustic. I really enjoyed this song. You can hear more maturity in her range in the acoustic version vs. "Say It's" version.
Third is "Headphones". The original was quite bubbly and fun, with a catchy piano vibe and a strong drum track. The acoustic version is done with just an acoustic guitar, slight keyboard, and some drums. This was an AWESOME rendition of "Headphones". It matches the original, if not surpasses the original in it's fun beat, Britt's fantastic vocals, and creativity.
Moving on to "Walk On The Water", Britt starts the song with very soft guitar and piano, her voice being the main focal point. She seems to have more feeling in her voice in this version, stressing words, almost like she is in the room, trying to encourage you. I very much like this song. The lyrics and the music speaks to each listener from Britt's heart.
The fifth track is "The Lost Get Found", which in my opinion is the most drastically different version on the cd. She turns the infectious pop song into a moving ballad, with just a hint of guitar, piano, and a shaker. She once again demonstrates a great range, with amazing feeling in her vocals. I do like the original version better, but this version is very good.
The final track is her new song, called "Found By You". It starts off with soft piano and a shaker, as Britt sings softly, offering up a prayer for God to guide and direct her, to draw her close to Him. This song is one of my favorites on the album. "Found By You" is written by Britt Nicole and Brandon Heath. They work quite well together, both lyrically and musically as I'm pretty sure that's Heath singing background vocals.
In conclusion, I very much enjoyed Britt's "Acoustic" album. As a fan of both Britt Nicole and acosutic music, I enjoyed the beautiful arrangements and how you could connect with Britt Nicole through the way she sang passionately about Christ and the hope He gives. Britt Nicole really hit the mark with this album, delivering enjoyable melodies and using her amazing vocal range to her advantage.
Mr. Talkbox | Posted November-22-2010
We'll skip the intro, and get right into the songs.
Track 2. "Talkbox Time":
Well, he likes Autotune. My first reaction is...um? I do NOT like all the fake robotic vocals. There is a girl singing, and it sounds like either Bianca from G1C, or Nirva Saint Ready from Diverse City. It's definitely upbeat!
Track 3. "Clap Ya Hands"
This track features Canton Jones and DJ Promote, and autotune. The sound of the song is very catchy, but the autotune is annoying right off the bat. I know he is called, "Mr. Talkbox" for a reason, but I'd like to hear what he actually sounds like. The lyrics are quite positive, from what I can make out. The song is about having fun, yet in a good, fun way. The appearance by Canton Jones and DJ Promote takes the song from a 3 to a 4.
Track 4. "Get On Up"
This track sounds very "roller skate rinkish"....but MORE AUTOTUNE!!! Grr....But once again, the lyrics have a great, positive message. This song talks about getting up, and living like we were made to be.
Track 5. "Funkadelic Sound"
It's definitelt "funkadelic", but he's starting to sound like a auto tuned rip off of tobyMac. Although his lyrics are clean, and have positive messages, I really don't hear any explicit spiritual references yet. Which is disappointing.
Track 6. "Ground Zero"
AHA! Some spiritual references! But more references about him! It's a lyrically confusing song. Maybe I'm a fuddy duddy but 90% of the time I can't understand what he's saying.
Track 7. "Lose Control"
First slower paced song. I can understand the lyrics! This song is a plea for help from God. So far my favorite song on the album. The only problem I have with the song is there is SO much auto tune....
Track 8. "Revolution"
A good song! The song has a positive message about getting rid of pollution in your life, and about finding the truth. Godd lyrics, but just ok music.
Track 9. "Fighting/ Amazing Grace"
This song starts out WITHOUT auto tune!!! YAY!!! He can actually sing well without all the auto tune. The lyrics in this song is basically his auto biography. The listener is encouraged to keep fighting on. I love the way he added "Amazing Grace" at the end. I really like this song.
Track 10. "Make You Smile"
"Make You Smile" sounds very Kirk Franklin-esque with auto tune. I like the message in this song very much. The praise message of this song is absolutely great!
Track 11. "My Time"
The title track, "My Time", is all about leaving behind negative thoughts and influences. The one thing I've noticed in this album is several of the choruses of songs are VERY repetitive. I do like this song, however.
Track 12. "Everything Works Together"
"Everything Works Together" is all about how our struggles and problems can work together for our benefit. The Chorus is nearly word for word from Scripture. I like how he opted for a different sound by having a choir join him. Best song on album.
Summary:
A positive hip hop album, chock full of beats, synths, and auto tuned vocals. The lyrics have a great message, and for the most part are written quite well.
However, I found the heavy synth and auto tuned vocals to be quite tiresome and annoying after several songs.
I would recommend downloading. "Get On Up", "Clap Ya Hands", "Fighting/Amazing Grace", "Make You Smile" and "Everything Works Together".
Light Up The Dark | Posted June-09-2010
At first listen, they remind me of Group1Crew....Not a bad thing, but as I have said before, I'm really not into rap/hip hop.
However, the lyrics are quite good and catchy. I would reccommend it though if I knew someone who likes this genre!
Pretty good. | Posted March-27-2010
I really enjoyed this album. Great variety from what other CCM artists put out. They have a very unique, enjoyable sound.
Favorites are:
You Set The Rhythm, Listen To The Lord, Do You Believe In Love?,There Is A Way, Weary,lol pretty much all of them. The Jamaican Praise Medley kinda cracked me up though, and the Rocky Road song had me wanting Rocky Road ice cream. :)
Happy! | Posted October-11-2009
Fun and cheerful, yet serious and good! I love "Happy" and "More" Has Matthew West ever had a bad album? I don't think so, and I doubt it that will ever happen!
Great Book! | Posted October-09-2009
I had never read a Terri Blackstock book before but this book made me a fan! I loved the plot and charcters, the only fault I find with it is that you don't get to find out 2 things: Whether Parker's career as an artist gets a second chance, and if Pete stays sober. Yes, those are little details but I would've liked to have known. But this book was fantastic, a must read for people who like suspense/mystery. Can't wait for "Intervention"
Awesome | Posted October-08-2009
Matthew West never disappoints! Great songs with meaningful lyrics and catchy, memorable tunes are always in his albums. My favorites from this album are "History" and "Only Grace"
One of my most favorite books | Posted October-08-2009
I absolutely loooove this book! Cathy Marie Hake does such wonderful job on historical novels. Fancy Pants was really awesome. The plot was good, I loved the characters, and I laughed throughout the entire thing. This book is so well-written, it feels as though you are almost part of the story. Great book!
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