God With Us
by
Laura Laura Story has become a champion in the female vocalist community within the last several years. From her powerful songwriting for other artists (such as on
A Portrait of Potential | Posted September-30-2014
What do you get when you mix the blissful electronic pop stylings of bands like Everfound with the moody, emotive vocals found on a Tenth Avenue North record? Some might say sheer confusion, but confusion is far from the outcome when OBB is the end result. In fact, what you'll find instead is something unexpectedly fun and refreshing.
Having already achieved the success of a popular radio single with "All Eyes On You" and a coveted opening spot on 2013's Winter Jam Tour Spectacular, the three piece trio comprised of brothers Zach, Jacob and Nich Oswald (OBB = Oswald Brothers Band) are set to propel their career to new heights with their first full length album, Bright Side.
The aforementioned "All Eyes On You" hints to the electronic sound they've shifted towards since their debut EP roughly a year ago. While it wasn't the direction I necessarily imagined them taking, it pays off big time. With an upbeat, vertical message and a hook that stands up to most mainstream counterparts, it's easy to see why listeners have gravitated towards this song and its catchy chorus: "All eyes on You and in everything I do, everywhere I move, let Your love shine through."
"Who Cares If We're Dancing" follows along the same high energy wavelength, with the sweet and sincere "Looking For A Girl" sure to win over some female fans with its positive message of respect and purity: "All that make-up is make believe / The truth is that I wanna see her put Someone before me."
The Tenth Avenue influence comes into play when the band takes it down a notch and offers raw and cutting lyrics that openly worship while still speaking straight into the hurting souls who are listening. "When hope is just a fading dream and doubt is pressing down on me, help me to believe You're above it all:" so sings out the the prayerfully vulnerable "Above It All."
Perhaps no greater example comes than on "My Relief," taking that same emotional grit and spinning it into something much more lighthearted and true-to-size. It paints a portrait of this band's potential, using glorious shades of color and originality.
Closing Thoughts:
While it's clear that the Oswald brothers' sound still needs some fine tuning, they are leaps and bounds above many other bands in their genre (and at a young age, mind you), with solid lyrics and tight melodies to prove it. With time and maturity, I can foresee this trio going on to do incredible things in the Christian market and beyond. Technicalities aside, this is a strong debut from a band that has the potential to stay the course for years to come.
Reconstructive Surgery | Posted September-29-2014
The old saying goes "if you're good at what you do, the people will come to you."
These tried and true words couldn't be more relevant for emerging remix master David Thulin, who after years of leaving his mark on the underground EDM circuit has begun to make a name for himself in the ever-evolving genre of electronic pop and dance.
His major market debut The Reconstruction caught the attention of CCM's finest (and ultimately, led to an hour-long weekly program on NRT's very own online radio network). As time has gone on and musicians have noticed the Thulin's high caliber, intricate work, it hasn't taken them long to make the approach regarding possible remixes and collaborations.
Reconstruction 2.1, his follow-up EP, was promising, but with this next installment in the Reconstruction remix series, David Thulin is prime to blow the EDM market out of the water.
Word Records artists Francesca Battistelli and pop/rock brother trio Everfound are just two of the names to have the spotlight put on "reconstructed" versions of their popular singles. Franny's "Write Your Story" gets a complete facelift as the upbeat radio hit is transformed into a synth heavy dubstep track, while Everfound's "God Of The Impossible" becomes a closet clubber's melodic nirvana.
"Jumpstart My Heart" by Satellites & Sirens is already a fairly danceable tune in itself, and I wondered if and how Thulin was going to be able to enhance it all. Color me incorrect as he takes one of the group's biggest songs to date and, in my opinion, makes it even better.
Press Play's "Force Of Nature" also receives the royal treatment. Gritty yet playful electronic notes infuse the trance track, making a song that stands up on its own already something worth rediscovering.
The standout original track is featured on this EP in multiple versions, with both a remix and a radio edit. "A Million Lifetimes," with vocals by up-and-coming female vocalist Amber Adams, combines everything wonderful about the dance scene movement while managing to keep the sound fresh and vibrant. Worshipful while still subtle enough to catch the ear of any mainstream listener, I'm rooting for this one when it finally does hit radio.
Closing Thoughts:
David Thulin has manufactured some of his most invigorating work to date with Reconstruction 2.2. Keeping the integrity of the songs in check while still managing to put his stamp on every individual sound, some of today's biggest Christian music hits become all the better in the hands of this musical surgeon. Only time will tell which major artists he'll be reconstructing next!
Song To Download Now:
"A Million Lifetimes" feat. Amber Adams (Get it on iTunes here.)
Raising a Banner of Praise | Posted September-22-2014
Based out of Colorado Springs megachurch New Life, the worship team known as Desperation Band is credited most notably for the creation of popular songs like "I Am Free" and "Overcome" (made famous by Newsboys and Jeremy Camp, respectively). This fall they are returning once more with their latest full length live worship offering, Banner.
Led primarily by songwriter and vocalist Jon Egan, the 12 song collection features the dual components of soul-stirring moments of praise and high energy songs that are sure to get you out of your seat.
Songs like "Fun" and "Future" show off the rousingly playful side of the group with Egan at the helm, while moments on songs like "Fall Into You" and "With All My Heart" know when to turn the turn down the noise and allow God's presence to creep in through the silence. "More of Your presence, less of our pride" invites the group on the strikingly powerful "We Are Yours," hands down of the most most cutting tunes you'll find here.
The flawless soprano vocals of Gateway church super songstress Kari Jobe make a welcomed appearance on the track "On The Throne," a declarative anthem of our steadfast trust in God's sovereignty: "For the Lord is, He is able, He is faithful, higher than the mountains that I face / Every season, I will press on, for God alone is on the throne."
The title track "Banner" is a strong representation of where the group wants to go, shifting musical gears into more modern sounding melodies and lyrics that stray away from overused praise anthem analogies. Desperation has incredible potential musically, and with their next few releases, I hope to see them tap into it.
Closing Thoughts:
Desperation Band is beyond question one of the most well known acts in the area of congregational worship, and this album is a perfect representation as to why. While they may not find themselves named among the high standing ranks of Passion and Hillsong United as far as innovation, there is something to be said about the authenticity of their worship. Real, raw and moving a few words that come to mind when listening. What Banner lacks in musical originality, it more than makes up for in spiritual substance.
Heating Up | Posted September-15-2014
Since the release of their debut project Rules Of The Broken back in 2010, the men known as Boiling Point have taken to audiences all over the U.S. Having opened for big names acts such as Switchfoot and Thousand Foot Krutch at various summer festivals, the four-piece ensemble is a rising talent looking to spread authentic messages of hope through their honest lyrics.
Following a short EP in 2012, the band's latest effort, More, promises to deliver more of the power packed truths they are known for, while musically, highlighting yet another chapter in their sonic evolution.
Right off the bat, the listener will discover that this an album full of solid pop/rock anthems. Songs like "Brand New Day", "One Day" and the single "When You've Lost It All" all paint a marvelous portrait of this band's defining sound. Pairing well composed harmonies alongside the strong penmanship they're already known for.
Channeling the vibe of old-school Goo Goo Dolls, "Leave It All Behind" runs with their encompassing message of hope, encouraging listeners to let go of past hurts and run towards the only love than can fill the empty void in their souls.
"Put Your Hands Up" carries the grittiest sound on the record, and with lead vocalist Eric Bjorklund's thick and raspy vocals dominant throughout, I feel as if sticking with this style of edgier rock would do this band a lot of good. Not to mention, this will be a stellar track to enjoy live.
Throwing in the use of some light synthesized elements, the worshipful "Reason" comes as a pleaful prayer for God to help find our purpose in this life.
"Ordinary Girl" tells the common story of a woman looking to others to validate her, only to discover that the acceptance she's been desperately seeking has been with herself the whole time: "You are pretty when you don't pretend, you're radiant in your own skin / You're beautiful when you're yourself, you're beautiful like no one else."
Closing Thoughts:
Boiling Point has a crazy amount of potential as a band. While dated production makes it very clear that they are still trying to establish roots within their chosen genre, with More, I believe they've struck the right chord. Songwriting wise, this is one of the best indie releases I've heard in a very long time, and I'm eager to hear how their talents grow as their lives progress, both personally and professionally. I hope to hear more from Boiling Point in the near future!
Song To Download:
"When You've Lost It All" (Get it on iTunes here.)
The Dream is Alive | Posted September-15-2014
Just two years shy of their last album Run, offering the popular singles "Promises" and "Pray," the five piece group of Ohio-based rockers known as Sanctus Real are back with their latest effort, 2014's The Dream.
Joined by new members Jake Rye (bass) and Seth Huff (guitar), band mainstays Chris Rohman (guitar), Mark Graalman (drums), and frontman Matt Hammitt deliver 12 new tracks, promising to add yet another layer of depth to their ever assailable themes.
The title track "The Dream" starts off on a moody and slightly electronic note. It's a nod to the familiar vibe of Sanctus Real back in the day, but boasts an apparent maturity: "The dream is alive, I feel it inside / When You're close, I see the light."
The electronic influence doesn't stop there. Songs like "Easier On My Heart," "One Word At A Time," and most notably "I Need You" run with the current musical trend, while still managing to keep their core originality intact. Nothing ever feels forced--a difficult feat in today's musical climate.
Much like their last few albums, the band balances their introspective tunes with songs that could easily fall into the category of contemporary worship. "Same God" is a prime example of this. With the likeability of a rousing toe-tapper, the vertical chorus proclaims God's steady sovereignty: "We are united by the same life giving us a reason, same love giving us our freedom, same God that we believe in / Same way leading us to heaven, same hope holding us together, same God always, forever."
The song I feel best reflects the group here all around is found with the retrospective "33," invoking the nostalgia of a mother's prayer having been answered in the life of her child, who despite challenges, has stayed the course of faith. Matt Hammitt is arguably one of the industry's most candid songwriters, and does a brilliant job of weaving yet another tale of poignant personal vulnerability.
Closing Thoughts:
As someone who reviewed Sanctus Real's prior release last February, I was taken back by how drastically their sound had evolved since 2010's Pieces Of A Real Heart, mostly in their choice to stray from their alternative rock roots and headed more into adult contemporary territory. It would appear as if the AC sound is here to stay with The Dream, and while the band pulls it off successfully, I'd be amiss if I didn't acknowledge the grittier void. Those who became listeners because of their hit song "Lead Me" several years ago are sure to enjoy this album, but I can imagine fans of the original Sanctus sound may have a harder time coping with the direction.
That being said, the growth they've experienced as songwriters is spellbinding. Personal life events and tribulations have left each individual member with more to say than ever before, acknowledging life's brokenness while still standing on God's unchanging promises. This is a solid release from one of Christian music's most established acts.
Shaking Up a Genre | Posted June-02-2014
The upbeat worship team known as Planetshakers, hailing from Planetshakers City Church in Melbourne, Australia, returns this Spring with their latest offering, Endless Praise.
Already a force to be reckoned with in the modern worship movement, the passionate group of innovators were some of the first to tap into the now-hot market of electronic worship music (a movement that has grown thanks to fellow Aussies in Hillsong Young & Free).
Title track "Endless Praise" enforces their techno pop sound strongly and throws in the grittier elements of electric guitars and crashing drums. In a genre currently saturated with synth, the addition of a few organic elements are much welcomed, and you'll find them sprinkled throughout on this album.
"Dance" lives up to its name. A burst of bombastic adrenaline, it's hard to not to be on your feet and shouting right along with the group: "Everybody give it up for Jesus! Give Him glory, for He has redeemed us!"
Softer, more vertical moments on the project can be found just as prominently as the higher octane songs. "Set Me Ablaze" and "Leave Me Astounded" usher in prayerful surrender, while "Kiss Towards" brings to mind the impromptu moments of worship you'll find from bands like Bethel, beautifully raw and divinely unscripted.
Closing Thoughts:
Planetshakers are one of worship music's more underrated acts, but I doubt their underground status shall remain that way very long. Clever, bright and whimsical, while still remaining powerfully authentic, Endless Praise is a project not to be overlooked.
Smitty Still A Player in Christian Music | Posted May-12-2014
Sitting down and trying to pen a brief synopsis of Michael W. Smith's 30+ year career is nearly impossible. After thousands of concerts, three GRAMMYs, over 40 Dove Awards, and a handful of books, movies, and television appearances, what can possibly be said about the man that hasn't already been said by hundreds of writers before me? I abdicate.
This is a case where formality goes out the window, friends. I can only speak to my own opinions, and in this reviewer's eyes, what makes the man dubbed Smitty so interesting is his nearly effortless ability to reinvent his image, while still remaining true to himself and his style. A pioneer in the 80s, an icon in the 90s and a consistent mainstay ever since, Michael makes the job of reinvention look almost too easy, never losing his faithful crowd of listeners along the way.
Coming four years after his last studio effort and just two months after a Cracker Barrel exclusive Hymns project, Sovereign is the latest in Smith's lengthy catalog of musical endeavors.
Lead single "You Won't Let Go" displays the evolution nicely. Contemporary enough to leave radio happy, it still manages to highlight sonic growth and tips the hat to some dominating mainstream trends.
"Miracle" proves that Smitty's vocal chops are tighter than ever, while "Sky Spills Over" pulls from hearty Americana roots and sprinkles in a few catchy electronic elements, making it unexpected ear candy.
Despite his many pop music successes, worship is still what Michael W. Smith is best known for. "You Are The Fire," the prayerful "Christ Be All Around Me" and title track "Sovereign" all play to this strength.
Perhaps the greatest worship moment on the record however, is found in the duet with Kari Jobe titled "The One That Really Matters." It steps away from more corporate sounding worship and draws the listener into holy intimacy with the Creator. Kari's added vocals take this song to another dimension.
Closing Thoughts:
Sovereign is a solid musical representation of Michael W. Smith's growth as an artist in the last decade. His trademark vocals and melodies are met with a fresh, melodic youthfulness that will be sure to keep his name in the game for years to come, while his worshipful, ministry minded lyrics steal the show, and showcase his uncanny ability to lead listeners to the throne in surrender.
Seven-time Champ | Posted April-21-2014
Fierce, female independent darling Beckah Shae returns with her seventh and most passionate project this spring, Champion. The album, produced by Beckah's husband and well known remix master Jack "Shoc" Shocklee, follows a successful Kickstarter campaign that saw the duo soar past their initial goal and surpass it impressively. Don't be fooled by her indie status, friends. While Shae may be one of Christian music's more overlooked artists, what she lacks in overall exposure, she more than makes up for in a mighty group of loyal listeners.
In fact, it was those very fans she set out to encourage upon embarking on this recording process. Champion is more than a clever title; it sums up Beckah's current ministry mindset, which is to encourage believers to run the race set before them with confidence, knowing that in Christ, they are already overcomers.
The title track "Champion" sets the unshakeable tone of the album, and also displays a maturation in her already solid sonic baseline, throwing in some intense dubstep elements courtesy of Shocklee's electronic pop genius.
Both "Incorruptible" and "Turbo Style" were singles released to radio earlier in 2013, but both finally find their home among the 11 other solid cuts on this record. "Incorruptible" boasts one of the fattest and most pulsating beats Beckah has released to date, while the latter of the two will instantaneously inspire you with a burst of melodic adrenaline. (Older fans may also be slightly reminded of a certain "flashdancer" back in the 1980s...)
While she's never been one to shy away from star power on her records, this is the first time Beckah has invited the likes of some well-knowns into the studio to collaborate. The Lyrical Assassin himself T-Bone makes an appearance on "My All," while CCM pioneer Crystal Lewis offers her ever powerful vocals on "Legacy."
"Jericho," featuring worship leader extraordinaire Israel Houghton, is one of the standout tracks on the project. An innovate blend of passionate worship links hands with some turntables to create a one-of-a-kind worship experience.
"Heartbeat" is my favorite track on the album, pulling out some massive drum sounds and pairing them alongside Shae's unique vocal quirks. It also showcases some of the most empowering lyrics you'll find here: "Where warriors have fallen, there's a resurrection coming / It's your time to rise and shine / Oh, rise up you sleeping giant."
Closing Thoughts:
Beckah Shae is one of the most innovative and original artists in our industry. Among the few voices who tapped into the art of EDM before it was a mainstream music trend, Champion reaffirms all the reasons why Shae and her husband are masters at their craft. Popular pulsating club beats are meshed with Beckah's own brand of thick, sonic richness, sure to please both longtime listeners and fans of this chart-dominating style of music.
On the lyrical front, you are met with straight scriptural truths that are often pulled directly from the pages themselves, making this yet another set of appointing songs that are sure to leave spirits raised and pulses racing. A 15-track monster of an album, Champion doesn't disappoint.
Piercing Lyrical Honesty | Posted March-31-2014
If you would have told singer/songwriter Michael Boggs he would one day be a musician performing in front of thousands of people, there is a good chance the former college football star, who dreamed of going pro, would have laughed in your face. God's sense of humor sure is grand, isn't it?
A former member of the well-known 90s group FFH, Boggs took to a solo career after the group went on hiatus back in 2007, going on to release various worship-oriented albums, including both a live and a hymns project.
More Than A Lion is Michael's latest release, and was birthed from a spiritual awakening of bravery, where God was challenging him to start acting "less like a lamb and more like a lion."
Those unabashed themes of honesty and bravery are evidently strung throughout the course of this 12 track effort. With a twangy infusion, "Turn Around" speaks openly about the lives of those who might seem fine from our perspective, but are struggling to keep it together. It's a well-crafted reminder that we were all a mess at one point, but that Jesus can redeem any broken life for His glory.
"The Resurrection And The Life" is a short portion of spoken-word Scripture that is surprisingly darker in nature, but the perfect prelude to the song "Alive," a convicting song about how Christ didn't come to save good people, but rather, bring those who are dead in sin to life. An incredibly powerful pair.
"Heart On My Sleeve" and "Song In Me" showcase how this album perfectly bounces back and forth between rootsy folk and blatant country. I can't say that I'm well-educated on either genre, or that I listen to much from either as well, but as someone who is a rookie to this style, I'm immediately impressed by how well Boggs' meatier, Southern vocals partner with his sonic craftsmanship and forthright lyrics. Lyrics he openly admits, he is only now brave enough to sing.
Perhaps the biggest highlight is the track "What Would Jesus Undo." The title alone sparks an idea of what lies ahead for the listener, but what you'll find here isn't merely a list of religious cliches that Boggs is suggesting fall to the wayside. Rather, what you will discover is the heart of a gracious Savior who cries out to the hearts of His follows to stop living legalisticly in His name: "I wonder if He shakes His head and thinks "that's not what I meant" / What does hurting the hurt improve?"
Closing Thoughts:
More Like A Lion lives up to its title fully. Boggs has crafted some of the most piercing lyrics this listener has heard in quite some time. While it doesn't have much to offer from a musical standpoint (the songs tend to sound similar after a few listens), it definitely left me questioning my beliefs in the best way, wondering how I could better represent Christ to a world desperate for truth. If that was his mission, Michael Boggs has more than accomplished it.
Nothing New, but Well-Rounded | Posted March-31-2014
Jason Bare is no stranger to the world of music. With his third and latest effort, Love Is Alive, the singer, songwriter and longtime worship leader, returns to offer his eclectic spin on the modern anthems shaping the way the church praises God.
"God Of All" opens the album with praise that invokes the masses, while "More Than Enough" shifts gears a bit and goes back to his roots as a singer/songwriter. It brings to mind the likes of artists such as Brandon Heath, who offer nothing new melodically, yet still somehow create a symphony of sounds that is all their own.
Songs like "When I'm Found in You," "Bigger" and "Miracle Maker" also follow the same niche, setting elegantly edifying lyrics against the richer, less complex sounds of front porch jam sessions with a few guitars and voices intermingling.
"Lamb Of God" offers a taste of diversity, while still staying in the vein of praise. It's a tender ballad that is perfect for softer moments of reflection.
While I applaud his attempt at musical creativity, the title track "Love Is Alive" falls victim to being the weakest inclusion, offering a boldly Latin pop vibe that feels sorely out of place out of place with the rest of the project.
Don't think Bare's attempts as crafting a variety of sounds is a loss, however. A song such as "Light Of Your Love" passes the test with flying colors. Modern pop infusion mixes his low-key sound, creating something that feels big, while still remaining small enough to sound intimate: "Set our hearts on fire for what You desire / So all the world would see the light of Your love."
Closing Thoughts:
Love Is Alive may not be breaking any new ground, but it's hard to deny that there is genuine sweetness to this album. Jason's vocals are raw, and give you a clear picture of this passionate worshipers heart. In an industry where worship is becoming more and more produced, that is rare, and worth noting. This is a well rounded group of songs that set the stage perfectly for Sunday morning praise.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
