Fading West
by
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
by
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
by
Skillet It takes mostly their entire catalog and mashes into one stellar of an album. The concept is beyond needed...
Look out | Posted August-15-2010
I had the privilege to catch this band at Purple Door, and I must say that I was blown away. The lead singer has an amazing voice. The guitar work is tight, the production smooth, and the balance between growls and screams make this album one to check out. This band hails from Harrisburg, PA (about an 2hrs away from me), and definitely one to support and help make it to the mainstream. Seriously check it out! Highlights are "We're Coming for You," "The Storm," "All I See is Hate," "The Truth," and "Angels."
Must Have CD of the Summer | Posted July-27-2010
This CD opens with a synth-pop orchestration that is also blended through out the song. "Relentless" opens the story, and the the pace for the rest of the album. You can already tell that you are going to take a trip back to the glory days of rock-n-roll; when it was all about making music from the heart not for the money, and telling a worthwhile story. I for some reason, started think about ABBA while listening to "Relentless." It is a great opener, but the next song "Elevator" is an instant highlight of this CD. The guitar riff is infectious and hard to get out of your head. You almost want to start jamming with your air guitar. This is an amazing rock song, and comes at a great time when the rock scene is kind of mulling right now (minus the Classic Crime's new CD). I absolutely love "Love is for the Middle Class," which come next. The line "If all I have is love, would I still be lovely/If all I give is love, would you give up on me/But if you measure love in false securities" has to be the most prominent songwriting I have heard in awhile. This song is life, and definitely a instant hit.
"So Far Away" follows and the hits continue. This is the beginning of the Meatloaf comparison. If you are a big fan of Meatloaf (like I am), you'll understand. This connection puts this song into my favorites column. Just listen to the line: "We've gotta hold on to hope/In this heartless world." That is so true. Then next comes the first single and video from the CD: "God Save the Foolish Kings." This song continues the Meatloaf vibe, takes me back to High School, and reminds me of West Side Story in a modern way; or Grease. I love the stories this CD tells, and you really have to listen to the lyrics to catch the meanings. It's not hard to get, but you do have to pay attention.
There is a reason behind way this CD starts of a song called "Relentless." This is because you are offered a relentless offering of unique, and fantastic songs. "Salt in the Sea" is a pretty metaphoric song, and probably the most blatantly Christian they get.
Up next is "Independence Day for a Petty Thief," which is really a song about come to age and finding your identity (at least I believe). While not one of my favorites, it gets the point across. And when it breaks for fireworks, then into the tightest guitar work I've heard in awhile, this song becomes amazing. I guess it will have to grow on me.
Following this is "Somebody Knows," which is a modern love story. The chorus with the choir is a standout of this song, and truly makes this song enjoyable. Another highlight is the guitar solo. A very interestingly crafted song, but still enjoyable. "Disappear" comes next and is probably the closest to HOH's previous CD's. I am not too fond of this song, and its pacing seems a little out of touch for this CD. There always has to be a least one dud on every CD, and this I believe would be it. I say this in comparison to the rest of the songs and what they brought to the production. The guitar work is fabulous, and probably the one thing I liked about this song.
Up next is probably the most interesting song on this CD, "She's Mighty Mighty." It bleeds in the same vain as "She's Always a Woman to Me" by Billy Joel. The obvious difference is that this song is faster and more rocking. At this point, I am starting to believe HOH is trying to challenge all those wanna be guitar players who spend countless hours on Guitar Hero. "She's Mighty Mighty" is not a dud, but is not a favorite on mine either.
"Constant" is the best song right now, and one of my favorite songs on this CD. It is also the most honest, and vertical songs on this CD. It's not out of place because the earlier songs displayed the craziness of life, and "Constant" delivers the only thing that is constant, God.
"Burn Me Down," is another one of my favorites and another like "Constant" and "Salt in the Sea" that is as blatantly Christian as HOH has gotten. It is another truly enjoyable song, with a little synth-pop, atmospheric elements, and more amazing guitar work.
Closing thoughts:
This CD is refreshing, and truly enjoyable; a must have of the summer. This CD is for anybody who love's rock-n-roll as it should be: raw, honest, fanatical, big, written from the heart, and more about making amazing music then about making money. CD highlights and my favorites: "Relentless," "Elevator," "God Save the Foolish Kings," "Salt in the Sea," "Constant," and "Burn Me Down." HOH is one of the most underrated bands to date, and are amazing live (and they don't even play with the same members they do in the studio). Enjoy.
Wow | Posted July-23-2010
I can hear the haters now: "Disciple has gone soft." Yeah sure, this CD starts of with mellow strings and a ballad in "Dear X (You Don't Own Me)," but "Watch it Burn" packs a decent punch and great break downs; ends up being a great rock song. "Invisible" is "After the World" turned up, and kick up a few tempo notches. Great song from God to us. I don't know how many times I've felt like being someone else, and then I realize that I am not "Invisible" to God. God sees me and love me, no matter how ridiculous I can get. "Invisible" has become a top 5 Disciple song for me.
At this point in the CD, it only picks up from here. "The Ballad of St. Augustine" starts of with a wicked drum line makes you say, "Oh, yeah! Bring on the old school!" Sounds like something that could fit on "Back Again" or "This May Sting A Little." This is a solid rocker, and you begin to recognize the absences of Tim and the presence of Trent on drums. The breakdown around 3:11 is ear candy; too bad it is short lived. The old school feel continues with "Shot Heard 'Round the World." I can't wait to mosh with this one (With my bloody fist raised/You can't stop this fire now/You can't blow it out!)
With "Collision" we get two things: a breather, and the next single. For a band who has come a long way, it's okay to have a few radio-friendly songs on your CD. Especially with a song like "Battle Lines" next in line.
I must say "Battle Lines" is the most wicked (in a good way) Disciple song I have heard. This is what "Game On" wish it could be. It is a brief song, but a very fast paced thrill ride.
"Remedy" could be another single. It's not bad, and after "Battle Lines," it is a nice change of pace. I actually enjoyed Disciple's use of the string arrangements they used, and on this song it is particular fitting. The pace, breakdowns, and lyrics are uplifting and refreshing it the most rocking sense you can get. While not a favorite on this CD, I still enjoyed it.
Next in line is "Eternity," a decent rocker that point beyond the Cross to the point we are in God's presence for eternity. This has to be the most worshipful Disciple has gotten on a CD. I will go on a limb and actually call this a worship song, though many will disagree; but just listen to the lyrics. What headbanger wouldn't want to raise their hands and worship God with this one.
"Revolution: Now," starts of with some weird electronic beeps, and the strings are back for this song as well. This is another flat out rock song, and something old fans may go "uh" at, while new fans will go "YEAH!" Just listen for the faint water echo thingie (that's what I call it) in the song and then the break down at 2:11. It's all fitting because of what the song title is; but it's interesting for a Disciple song--still enjoyable. Love the guitar work throughout this song.
"Deafening" is about hearing God and about coming back to Him. One of my favorites on this CD. It has great lyrics and pacing. "It's never too late...you're never too far away."
Finishing up this CD is "Worth the Pain," that draws out the piano to drive into the song. This song is nothing like any Disciple fan has heard from them. It is hands down the best song on the disk. All the elements of this song work beautifully together. Definitely a song worth replying a couple times before replying the CD because you are going to want to that too.
Closing thoughts:
"This May Sting A Little," "Back Again," "By God," "Scars Remain," and now "Horseshoes & Hand-grenades" are the best albums from Disciple. With H&H, we get to hear a different side of Disciple, and we get back to what makes Disciple, Disciple. Forget "Southern Hospitality," which was a 3 star performance, and get ready to be blown away. Album highlights: "Watch it Burn," "Invisible," "The Ballad of St. Augustine," "Shot Heard 'Round the World," "Battle Lines," "Eternity," and "Worth the Pain." Get the pre-order and you don't have to wait until 9/14 to get your face rocked off. (Note: this is the most biased review you'll probably read. I've been a huge Disciple fan since "What was I Thinking?")
Pay attention | Posted July-07-2010
John Mark's official reemergence has to be the greatest thing ever for Christian music. What JMM offers is a fresh, raw, and honest sound. It is very rare we are blessed with such talent, and a storyteller such as JMM. As for "The Medicine;" this is southern maple syrup to your ears. Finally, an artist puts out music that is as imaginative as it is powerful. From the worshipful "Skeleton Bones" (one of my favorites) to the metaphoric "Ten Thousand." This is gusty rock-n-roll in the step of Springsteen. After seeing JMM at Creation, I officially declare him an artist to pay attention to. This CD is definetely a must buy. My favorites: "Skeleton Bones," "Reckoning Day," "The Medicine," "Carbon Ribs," "Death in His Grave," "Belly of the Lion," and "How He Loves." While I have favorites, this whole album is worthy of its 5 star rating.
Great | Posted June-15-2010
It took me awhile to warm up to AR, but once I did I cannot get enough of their music. This album gives me another reason to love them more. AR is a true testimony of how trials produce perseverance, and "Stories" puts this into motion. This album is very refreshing to the mundane CCM music scene right now. "Change in the Making" is much like "This Could be Our Day," and it pairs well with "Fight Another Day" (a TobyMac cover that suits their style well) to start off the album. It is almost as if the self-titled debut and "Stories" are seamlessly entwined; like they are dealing with the same issues. However, "Stories" shows greater mastery of musical elements and songwriting. The lyrics are raw and very emotional; which is show on "Need You Now." You can truly hear the growth of Jenny and crew in these songs. "Little Light of Mine" will lyrically sound familiar, and I think AR did a great job of putting their artistry into this song. I'd have to say that the stand out song for me would have to be "Won't Let Me Go," as this song will be relatable for many people, and will encourage them as well. I was truly touch by this song. I enjoyed "My Story" which summed up the album well: "We are his story, we are his song/A beautiful melody that shows the world his love
When we’re on this journey, when we’re on this road/We are a part of the greatest story ever told." I like how AR is able to remain strong in their faith amidst their various trails, and "Stories" is an encouragement to us all.
No Slump Here | Posted May-11-2010
I anticipated this album to be so fantastic that I spent the $30 to pre-order the CD; boy was the wait and the order worth it. For the money, the pre-order package was nice. It included a T-shirt, the CD, an autographed cover, and a journal that covers the heart behind the songs. I tell you I first got excited for this CD when they starting putting out video journals that correlated to the songs on this CD. It is hard to miss the passion and the heart of the band on this album. The album starts off strong with "Healing Begins (one my favorites)," "Strong Enough to Save," "You Are More," and "The Truth is Who You are." While the next songs are great in lyric content, style, and mixing, the strongest and the best songs are "House of Mirrors," and "Empty My Hands." I don't know of other listeners of this CD pick up the call of being transparent and putting the past behind you to the live in Christ theme, because it is all over this album. And I love the concept. If the summer keeps going this way (MercyMe last week, this Cd this week), I am going to go broke. I suggest buying this album, and I will tell you that you won't be disappointed.
Fantastic | Posted May-08-2010
One reason to buy this CD: with every sale, a portion of it goes to support their ministry in Indonesia. Another would be the fact that their hearts pour out into their music. The are compassionate and friendly people, and very energetic performers. If you haven't seen them live, go sometime when they are close to you. As for the music, it is honest and the lyrics are well penned. The mix is doing well, and the vibe is sweet. I really enjoyed every minute of this album. Buy it now!
Speachless | Posted May-06-2010
I can't speak, so I will type. The energy on this album is ridiculous. The lyrics are deep and full of love, however this is not bubble-gum pop that doesn't change lives. This entire album is a call to action. Just listen to the lyrics on "Crazy Enough:" "Reaching out to the ones who need help/
Treating them as you first would treat yourself/
Now that would be insane..." The whole theme of this album is to be counter-cultural, and to live out the biblical mandate of loving your neighbor as you love yourself. The honesty of "Beautiful" is touching, and will be played (or should be played) at many daughter-daddy dances. The mixing is superb, Bart's vocals are top notch and shows a lot of range. Everyone's (as in the band) beats through each of these songs. While many songs don't sound like MercyMe, it's only because the rawness of their previous songs. Everything is polished, and neatly done. You will enjoy this even if you aren't a MercyMe fan. Awesome!
Don't Miss This | Posted April-06-2010
Where other bands fail, TCC has succeeded. They have been a refreshing addition to my music catalog. While TCC doesn't make ground breaking music, they make music that is against the grain. Raw and honest, is all I can say. They are like moss on a tree: once you let them sink in, they will grow all over you. Don't pass them by.
No sophmore slump here. | Posted March-09-2010
If you are looking for another "Crazy Beautiful" don't look for it on this CD. Rather anticipate a more mature sound from Chasen and crew. What I love most about this CD is the strings and pianos, let alone the lyrics to the songs. This CD is truly fanastic. If you don't know Chasen, you will shorlty not be able to get them out of your heads. Amazing!
hebrews1316's Music and Book Reviews 
