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...
EXCITED!!! | Posted July-07-2011 YYYYYEEEESSSSSS!!!! :D CAN'T WAIT!!!Obviously, being a mega Toby freak, I've been excited about this Christmas album ever since I heard him mention that he was working on it in a behind-the-scenes interview at the Dove awards. I can't wait to snag it in a few months and write a review here about how awesome it is. ;)
Ready for an eclectic mix of hip-hop awesomeness? That’s what you’ll get in Shonlock’s latest lyrical serving. If you love hip-hop, you’ll simply eat up Never Odd or Even.
You may have heard a few of his past singles or seen him on the road as a backup singer/choreographer for TobyMac. But whether you’ve known Shonlock’s stuff from the beginning or are just being introduced to his music, his newest solo work (and first full-length album) should give you a taste of his true talent.
The musical mood ranges from the flowing, gorgeous God-love-songs “Could U Be” and “Something in Your Eyes” to the upbeat craziness of “Simple Man” and “Bet Ya House.” As always, Shonlock has no problem switching between singing and busting out a rhyme. He also covers a wide gamut of topics on this album. “Scarred” is a rather deep song speaking on the hurt that sin leaves behind and the healing grace available through Christ. “Cheers” was written on a personal level, dealing specifically with the relationship between Shon and his mother. “Monsta” is slightly eerie, which is appropriate for a song that focuses on subtle demonic influence. The song leads off with Shonlock reading Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” The Scripture adds great effect and perspective to the song.
“Get Free” narrows in on the subject of breaking away from the chains of sin while the soothing title track “Never Odd or Even” explores the unchanging nature of our God. “Hello” is a fun, sunshiny song that challenges all those listening to shoot for their dreams and aspirations. And according to a behind-the-scenes interview with Shonlock, that is the biggest theme that threads its way through the entire album. You wanna change your lifestyle? You wanna change the world? Despite what the naysayers declare, despite what they tell you to break down your goals, you can make that change today. Not by your own strength, but by the power of Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:13) Whatever they say you can never do, let that be your springboard into the amazing work that God has in store for you.
Yep. It’s Never Odd or Even. Consider this your cue to go get it.
A Shoulder To Cry On, a Hand To Comfort | Posted October-31-2010
What’s your story about His glory? Whatever your situation, you may be able to relate to the stories creatively portrayed by award-winning artist, Matthew West, in his new record.
In what he describes as the “sequel” to his 2008 album Something To Say, Matthew delivers a touching array of songs that will humble you, convict you, challenge you, and undoubtedly bring healing to many hurting hearts.
Inspired by the true stories of thousands of fans, The Story of Your Life digs into deep topics with a freshness and sincerity that’s often hard to come by. It tactfully covers issues like divorce and abuse, as well as a few tough questions people ask about life and the purpose behind it.
Above all, this album offers hope in the midst of hurt. To me, it’s the model of how Christians should comfort those who’ve been through rough times. It may be another follower of Christ or it may be someone who’s just searching for someone to love them. But when they cross our paths, what should we do? We should leap out of our comfort zone, out of our own safe little world, reach out our hand and say, “I know it hurts. You’ve been through a lot, but your story can have a happy ending.” That’s what this record does. It’s like a shoulder for the broken to cry on, and then it gently lifts their face and says, “This is the hope you can have in Christ ...”
Through his music, Matthew shows that whatever your story, Christ can be your hope and your healing.
Lift-Off to Love | Posted September-27-2010
Group 1 Crew is back from their “outta space” studio with an album that transcends earth’s atmosphere.
It’s not too hard to decipher the meaning behind the new album name. In an interview with CCM, Manwell described it this way, “God’s love is so big that it does not fit on this earth. It’s literally out of space. It surrounds the earth.”
On top of creating a record that portrays God’s unimaginable love, the crew was determined to serve their audience something fresh and out-of-the-box. Though the songs from Outta Space Love are replete with the style that fans have come to love and expect from G1C, they certainly give you a taste of something new.
“Live It Up” initiates our space ride with carefree lyrics that encourage you to live your life to the fullest. This song could possibly be misconstrued to mean “living it up” in a life of sin, but if you really listen to the lyrics you’ll find that’s as far from the meaning as you can get. It’s about making your life count, having fun, enjoying the little things. Basically it’s a call to be happy and content with what God’s given you and to realize that everything about your life “is blessed and oh so evident.”
“Need Your Love” and “Walking On The Stars” are beautiful love songs to the Savior, appropriately more mellow than some of the other tracks and perfectly worshipful.
With a message about life a little deeper than that of the opening track, “Let’s Go” reminds you that although life isn’t a box of sweet delights, it’s given to us for a reason and it’s up to us to use it to change the world. A cameo appearance by the legendary TobyMac makes this song an extra treat.
“Lean On Me” (not another cover of Bill Withers’ popular song) is about Christ-like friendship. Being there to hold someone’s hand through the tough times, to listen to their problems, and encourage them with the hope of Christ. This is followed by the light-hearted “Beautiful,” which persuades girls to view themselves in a positive light and know that God sees them as beautiful in the way that He made them and in the way that they serve Him by showing kindness to others.
“Transcend” is probably one of the best hip-hop tracks, a definite dance number that boldly claims the group’s goal to rise above the jabs of critics and love them no matter what. This flows in nicely to the title track, a metaphor about taking people to outer space to experience God’s love.
The desperately intriguing “Please Don’t Let Me Go” will take you back to earlier Group 1 Crew days with a sound and meaning similar to their popular “Forgive Me.”
Hopeful romantics will adore the song “Wait.” This catchy tune is a perfect theme song for people waiting for the Lord to bring that special someone across their path.
The first song ever released from the album (even before the Spacebound EP) is the mega-fun “Breakdown.” Group 1 Crew describes a breakdown as the part of a song that you can’t wait for –- your favorite part. So how creative is it to write a song that’s one big breakdown? It lives up to its name and is likely to be one of those songs that always has you holding your breath in anticipation.
As the album wraps up, it certainly doesn’t wind down, keeping you movin’ to the very end while “telling you what the goal is” with “Manipulation.” This is the crux of the record, the very heart and reason behind all of Group 1 Crew’s music. They produce hot beats and rhymes not to get famous, to get attention, or to get recognition. Their music is a ministry. They make stuff that Christians will love and can share proudly with their friends, saved or unsaved, being confident that the message will make its way to the heart by way of a highly pleased ear canal.
Believe me, this is a record and a group that you can trust to that end.
Walking in the Breakdown | Posted June-18-2010
As usual with Group 1 Crew, they don't disappoint. With the first single "Breakdown" released as an appetite-whetter a few weeks before the EP, I couldn't wait to see what else this group in my top favorites would dish out.
"Breakdown" is still my favorite from the album so far. "Live It Up" and "Manipulation" also offer fun party beats typical of a Group 1 Crew dance number. "Walking On The Stars" is, in my opinion, the most worshipful song on the EP.
As a huge Group 1 Crew fan, I'm definitely looking forward to the full album release in September, and I'm hoping for more of the close-to-God ballads that I've come to love from Group 1 Crew. My only prayer is that in their attempt to be recognized by mainstream, they will not dilute their message or downplay their heart for God.
May they keep walking on stars while holding His hand.
A Great Holiday Treat! | Posted February-22-2010
I was so pleased last year when the Christmas season was approaching and I was able to pop in this CD before the radios started playing any Christmas tunes! "This Christmas," the title track, is a touching story of a young orphan boy named "Jonnie" (Johnny) who longs for a real family. It sends a heartfelt plea to God Who is the "Father of the fatherless" and encourages Christians to reach out to those who don't have a home. The appearance of Toby's son Truett (TruDog) reciting James 1:27 is adorable. “O Come All Ye Faithful” is a fun twist on an old Christmas favorite with a zestful Spanish sound. So if you’re lookin’ for some holiday cheer, go ahead and grab This Christmas for a fun holiday treat!
He's Got Momentum, Baby! | Posted February-22-2010
Back in the days when DC Talk announced their "intermission" I'll bet many fans wondered what would become of the band members' solo careers. Few likely expected the momentum that would begin with TobyMac's first solo album. Ya gotta laugh when you listen to "Wonderin' Why," at the beginning of which (in the track “Quiet Storm”) a fake reporter comments that it appeared as though Toby would take a permanent hiatus from his "rap game." Not a chance! Toby delivers rapping and rock in this record with "Get This Party Started," "What's Goin' Down," "Momentum," “Yours,” and "Extreme Days." The latino-style ballad “Irene” will always be a favorite from this CD. And let’s not forget my personal favorite from Momentum – the lighted-hearted, ever so catchy “Love Is In The House.” And of course, nobody can forget the many bonus tracks, including the humorous “Triple Skinny.” I still plan to order that drink from Starbucks someday. . .
So if you like the harder stuff from Toby, this is the album to get! Cause he’s got momentum baby, and he hasn’t slowed down yet!
Why Not Tonight? | Posted September-27-2010
If you’re lookin’ for some funky Jesus music to break open the sky and change you forever, then you’ve got to get this album Tonight!
Toby’s done it again! He’s written a whole album full of songs that the Lord has put on his heart. Beginning with the harder rock of the title track and playing through to the worshipful “Break Open the Sky” at the end, this record is further proof of Toby’s creativity, diversity, and dedication to always bringing the audience something better than before.
Redemption and friendship seem to be two of the themes throughout this album as Toby reveals in songs like “Get Back Up,” “Hold On,” and “Start Somewhere” that he desires to be there for his friends through mistakes, hard times, and even misunderstandings and arguments – and above all he’ll be lifting them up to the Lord.
Toby also never fails to mention his faith and loyalty to the Master in songs such as "Changed Forever" and "Captured,” proclaiming that he’s “a prisoner by choice” to the God of all creation and like all of us can be, he’s been changed by His grace.
Old school and new music lovers alike should enjoy the 80’s flavored “Hey Devil,” and the Everly Brothers/60’s style song, “Wonderin’.” Trudog fans will not be disappointed with “Loud n’ Clear” which is no doubt musically Truett’s best performance yet. “Showstopper” and “Funky Jesus Music” will likely become two of the most anticipated live numbers. Whether you’re listening at a concert, on your iPod, or your home stereo, their catchy lyrics and “dance-to-it” tunes are simply irresistible.
Chuck full of amazing guest appearances and complete with the hit single “City On Our Knees” this album is one you won’t want to miss! So if ya gotta get it sometime, why not here? Why not now? Why not tonight.
Check it Out! | Posted January-04-2010
If you haven’t gotten this single CD yet, you may be wondering why you should buy it when the new album is just around the corner. Let me assure you that it’s worth every penny! Containing the hit single “City On Our Knees” and cleverly adding in a piano-ladden “Lose My Soul” remix and the catchy “Boomin’” remix from the special edition of Portable Sounds, this CD packs more than the average CD single. And perhaps even more fun than the songs is the 15 minute interview with Toby at the end! Toby gives his fans a behind-the-scenes peak at the new record, serving up clips from three new songs as well as the story behind them. He also explains the God-filled story behind “City On Our Knees” and why he chose that song as the first single instead of “Get Back Up.” (Which I found quite insightful! I was curious as to why he had changed it.) All in all, I felt that I got a pretty sweet deal on this baby! I’d pay twice as much for it if I had to! Go check it out!
Don't miss the show! | Posted September-27-2009
It’s time for five-two television! All the way from the record’s zany into, Christian rapper KJ-52 promises you “a show like none other” and delivers well in what may be his best studio album yet. KJ maintains his signature humor and fun beats throughout the album, mixing fast-paced rockers like “Let’s Go” and “Gonna Be Alright” with some more serious, slower-tempo tracks like “Broken People,” “Dear God,” and the heart-tugging true story “Picture.” Technology provides the underlying theme for this album, as alluded to in the title, and KJ cleverly uses comparisons of social-networking, texts, and phone calls as a metaphor for our spiritual lives. Also hiding just under the surface is the story of the imaginary and mysterious character of Christopher Carlino, who KJ says is what he envisioned himself becoming had he not accepted Christ as a teenager. Pausing between chunks of songs, each narrated-blog interlude will bring you closer to piecing together Chris’s story. But will we ever know what happens? Does the struggling Chris ever completely break down his spiritual barriers and let the Lord of the universe into his life? You’ll have to find out for yourself! Containing cameos from a host of other amazing artists and even a super-fun Spanish rap song and hilarious “autotune intervention”, Five-Two Television is one show that you won’t want to miss!
AmandaDeWilde_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
