God With Us
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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 Hearty Welcome | Posted March-31-2014
When you hear a band like MercyMe declare that it is "out with the old and in with the new," there are several different things your mind can think.
Longtime fans of the group that has penned some of the most well-loved songs in CCM ("I Can Only Imagine", anyone?) might worry that their beloved band has gone off the deep end and created something so far removed from their signature sound, that any trace of familiarity is gone. On the other hand, you have scoffers who can't help but wonder if anything has really changed at all. I mean, how many musical bandwagons can you hop aboard before it starts to leave you a little cynical?
I admittedly fell into the latter group when I received my copy of MercyMe's latest studio project, Welcome to the New. While I've always been a fan of their Adult Contemporary-friendly sound, I couldn't picture this prestiged quartet doing anything differently, let alone doing it well. However, what I soon discovered upon listening was a series of songs that left my stuffy misconceptions utterly shattered.
"Welcome To The New" introduces the sonic shift, which is bent towards a balance of upbeat pop, and synth rock. They've always been something of a mature pop group at heart, but this completely renovates anything they've done before. Far gone are the days of sleepier jingles. This is something that stands up to the best of 'em.
The song also introduces the theme you'll find tied into almost every song on the record, about how Christ has set us free from the laws of religion and offered us grace enough to repeatedly fall down and get back up again: "You broke your back, kept all the rules, jumped through the hoops to make God approve of you, oh tell me, was it worth it? / The whole time you were spinning plates did you stop to think that maybe He's okay with just you? / There's no need to join the circus."
"Gotta Let It Go" blazes out of the gate and quickly sets itself atop a long list of some of the best material this band has put out, musically speaking. It carries a blisteringly powerful modern rock vibe, while somehow tipping its hat to the sounds found in much of the music birthed at the start of the millennium. Think Smash Mouth, without the cheesy nostalgia.
Another smokey rocker—no pun intended—is found on "Burn Baby Burn," perfectly incorporating synth elements into the backdrop of a gritty anthem about shining boldly for Christ. It's a theme that's being touched on more and more in CCM lately, but yet have I heard it come from such a fresh perspective.
OK, so the band has clearly proven that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks, but what about those fans who actually liked the old dog? Fear not! While Bart and boys have mastered the ability to reinvent themselves, fans who've been with them since the beginning with be glad to hear that worshipful and cutting MercyMe mainstays are indeed present here.
Lead single "Shake," the folksy "Greater," future radio darling "Finish What He Started" and open letter "Dear Younger Me" all return to the core of the group, which is to both challenge and inspire. Each song offers some of the strongest songwriting of their lengthy career.
One of the biggest gems will be found in "Flawless," which was originally slated to be the title track. It sums up everything good about this album in just over four minutes. Old meeting new, incredible lyrics, and a message that sternly reminds us that God isn't looking for our perfection, He just wants us: "No matter the bumps, no matter the bruises, no matter the scars, still the truth is, the cross has made, the cross has made you flawless."
Closing Thoughts:
I could say Welcome To The New is a step forward for MercyMe, but that would be lie. It's more like 12 steps and a giant leap. I'm thoroughly impressed by the production here, which is neither bypassed or overdone, something that has plagued some of their prior albums of the past. Bart Millard's lead vocals are the strongest I've heard yet, and the band is all playing together better than ever.
I have few complaints about this album, other than it was a little shorter than what I'm used to from them, but as I always say, if you're left wanting more, obviously they're doing something right. This is one of the strongest albums Christian music has to offer in 2014, and a step in the right direction for a band who has clearly shown that they still have many years ahead of them.
A 'Brave' New Direction | Posted March-31-2014
It's long been argued that Shawn McDonald is one of Christian music's most underrated male vocalists. "Underrated" seems like a strong word, seeing as mass appeal is never something the self-proclaimed introvert has ever sought out. Perhaps a more appropriate description would be that of a hidden gem, whose cutting way of crafting a musical tale sticks with you long after you've first listened.
Debate aside, his hidden gem status is at risk upon the release of his first new album in three years, Brave. An album I can foresee propelling his quiet career to new heights.
Anyone who has stuck with McDonald for awhile can attest to how these last several years have been a trying journey of both penetrating darkness and radiant light. Following a season of intense spiritual warfare and self-discovery, his latest effort promises to speak truth into the lives of the broken, while offering the immeasurable hope that only comes through Christ.
"We Are Brave" displays this new lease on life from right its bright explosion. Shawn's style of acoustic pop is met with polished electronic elements, a combination you will find sprinkled throughout the entire effort.
"End Of The Day" has a uniquely cinematic appeal to it, while still remaining familiar enough to highlight his strengths. To live a life that reflects the very nature of God is the backbone of every lyric in this song, and portrays truth with grace-laden honesty: "I want my heart to beat with passion, I want my motive to be pure / I want the legacy that I leave to reflect the life You gave me."
A spine chilling section of strings prelude the haunting "Firefly," my personal favorite on the album. "The darkest moment comes just before the dawn / So hold on," he powerfully conveys in the bridge. Few and far between are songs with so much encouragement that carry such a tangible passion interwoven into each line. A memorable highlight, indeed.
"Hope Is Right Here," "Flower In The Snow," and the fun and funky "Your Love Is Saving Me" present an obvious musical maturity that will impress even the most skeptical fans, while still remaining true to what they expect at the songs core.
A singer who is always game to touch on the universal themes of life, love and heartbreak, "Worlds Apart" is an emotionally stellar proclamation of star-crossed devotion divided by different worlds. Though it is simple in nature, what it lacks in grandeur, it more than makes up for in depth: "Don't you see? You'll always be, always be the world to me / After all, just believe, you'll always be the one for me."
Closing Thoughts:
The ultimate test of a great album is the reaction it gets when someone goes into it blindly. I can't say I was was much of a Shawn McDonald listener before walking into Brave, but after basking in song after song, I was completely sold. This album only becomes richer and more complex with every repeated listen, and I find myself deeply steeped into each melodic layer and thought provoking lyric.
Shawn's signature acoustic vibe is perfectly blended with EDM undertones, presenting something sparklingly raw and authentic, without vainly trying to meet a mainstream trend. This is a game-changing release in McDonald's seasoned career, and will no doubt go down as one of my top releases this year. Take my word for it--don't let this one go under your radar.
A New Direction | Posted March-10-2014
On their first musical outing since inking a new deal with DREAM Records in 2013, the Nashville pop/rock outfit known as Satellites & Sirens is back with their latest effort, One Noise.
Following on the heels of two strong prior releases on their former label, and a quirky independent cover album that touched on everything from Maroon 5's "Payphone" to Chris Tomlin's "White Flag," the fan-funded project is their first new studio album since 2011, and promises further sonic innovation, with unashamedly gospel-centered themes.
"Crash Down" introduces the first of many catchy synth pop beats to come, and automatically brings to mind the musical stylings of Hillsong Young & Free as the worshipful chorus cries out in praise: "I, I, I, I will stand my ground / In You, In You my hope is found / Your love will change me inside out, so crash down on us."
The first single, "Jump Start My Heart," provides some extra meatiness while still managing to remain radio-friendly, and offering one of the most singable chorus' on the album. I hope to see this song do well for the group.
You'll notice right away the evident heart of worship on this album, which has been present on previous releases, but never as heady as you'll find here. Songs like "We Are Yours," "Our God Is Able," "Magnetic," and the title track "One Noise" follow along the lines of traditional praise music, and while it does offer something valid, it begins to feel a tad repetitive and crowded.
The appeal here turns upwards drastically with a song like "Keep Running," which melds the same ardent lyrics, similar to the aforementioned tracks, but provides a much darker, edgier vibe on the melodic side. It's the riskiest move the band takes on this project, and it pays off big.
"I can't move past the feeling that everyone around me will one day break this heart of mine." These words vulnerably open the tune "Teach Me How To Love," a prayer for God's compassion to permeate how we love others, regardless of the pain and sacrifice that may follow. Now THIS emulates what this band really wants to sound like.
"Breakthrough" features the guest vocals of Hawk Nelson frontman Jonathan Steingard, and provides a very fun, upbeat, Hawk-like vibe against the anthemic lyrics. Jon's voice blends well with lead singer Geoff Hunker. I'd love to see the two partner together for another song in the future.
The last half of the album turns the tides toward more praise and worship, and starts to fall sleepy after awhile. The final track, "United Kingdom," wakes things up as a redemptive finish.
Closing Thoughts:
While it's not as strong as some of their previous work, One Noise is a welcomed return for one of Christian music's most upbeat bands. I felt at times it rang a tad too formulaic, both lyrically and musically--almost like they're trying to force their direction down a route they're not sonically cut to follow, and I do hope to see them return to more rock-based roots in the future. Nevertheless, longtime fans should enjoy this new synth pop direction, while simultaneously gaining the attention of some new listeners along the way.
Franny's Defining Work | Posted March-11-2014
Music can can be an sentimental scrapbook of sorts, highlighting life changing moments that reflect the heart of the artist who sings them. Take Francesca Battistelli, for example. Now three albums deep into her career, each project displays a detailed snapshot of her ever-evolving existence, and although she's only been on the scene for about six years, there is far more to be said than one might think.
Her debut, My Paper Heart, introduced us to this fresh faced singer/songwriter, and completely changed the game for females in the Christian music industry. Written from the perspective of a dewy-eyed newcomer dreaming of love and passionately serving God in spite of personal insecurities, it presented us with the message that we're free to be flawed in a world of airbrushed perfection.
Coming just two years later, 2011's Hundred More Years demonstrated more progression. Dwelling on the universal themes of friendship and loyalty, it spoke truth through the eyes of a newlywed and mom-to-be discovering both the joy and sting of love's sacrifice, basking in the process of self-discovery along the way.
Perhaps the biggest developments however, are found on her latest effort, If We're Honest. Now a devoted wife, doting mother of two toddlers, recent Nashville transplant, and—oh yeah—traveling musician, what you'll find here isn't a package of sugary sweet words wrapped to Pinterest perfection. Each song chronicles both the highs and lows of a person working their way through the craziness of life, while ardently pursuing the God who created it.
"Write Your Story" is the perfect starting point for the album. It's no wonder it was released as the first single. Upbeat and prayerful while managing to avoid cliché, it's the most modern pop-sounding track Francesca has released to date. In can be seen as Christian music's response to Sara Bareillies' "Brave," with a much brighter message.
Echoing the thoughts of every toiled employee or exhausted parent on the planet who just wants a few minutes to catch their breath before the madness of the day begins, "When The Crazy Kicks In" is a whimsical invitation for God to invade our daily lives, lest we try it on our own and collapse under the strain: "Pushed and pulled by a thousand expectations and all the roles that I'm supposed to play / To hit the ground running's a temptation, but I have learned this lesson the hard way."
"He Knows My Name" is an uplifting anthem, reassuring listeners of the love adorned on them by their Heavenly Father, thematically falling along the same lines as some of her previous hits.
"Unusual" sonically radiates and provides a dose of old school Francesca charm. The earworm melody shares that the bold stances we take in our faith, the ones the world often sees as strange, are ultimately what set us apart to live a life that honors Jesus. It's the bubbliest tune you'll find here, and one of the most lyrically clever, with lines such as "you're the zebra in the pony show," and a subtle jab to some famous "shades of grey."
Soaked in rich, bluesy soulfulness, "Choose To Love" is about unbridling a heart afraid of love, choosing to live a life of faith rather than one of fear.
Both "Run To Jesus" and "Find Rest" find themselves entering into worship territory, which has never been absent from any of Basttistelli's releases, but never as forward as you'll find here. It's a welcomed inclusion. The latter of the two pulls its roots directly from Psalm 43:5, telling our downcast souls to find rest in the comfort of our Sustainer.
The title track "If We're Honest" boasts an instantly haunting melody, driven solely by eerie vocals and an accompanying piano. The song tackles just what one might think it would, and encourages us to lay down the lie of acting like we have it all together, when there is a perfect God willing to take us as dirty and broken as we are.
"Giants Fall" is the biggest gem on the project, inspired by a young girl named Mallory who started her own mission aid organization and has gone on to raise over $20,000 dollars for kids in Uganda. Her faith, despite being told she was too young to make an impact, caused her to make a difference, and now sparks the same hope for others looking to step out and leave their comfort zones: "So step into the fight, He's right there by your side / The stones inside your hand might be small, but you're gonna watch the giants fall."
The final two tracks become vertically oriented once more with "Hands Of God," featuring Sanctus Real frontman Matt Hammitt, and "We Are The Kingdom." The first recounts the honor of being able to go through life and serve God with a faithful companion by your side, while the other encourages the body of Christ to rise up and remember their authority as beloved sons and daughters of a King.
If you're opting for the standard edition, this is where your journey ends, but, for diehard fans, five extra songs await you on the deluxe edition of this album.
A cover of Brian and Katie Torwalt's "Holy Spirit" is a chilling and prolonged moment of intimate praise, while "Keeping Score" serves more musical flightiness.
"I Am Home" is an autobiographical nomadic love story that talks about Francesca's life on the road with Matt, serving a dual role as her husband and drummer. It's a storyteller's song through and through, and should have made the final cut on the standard edition, in my opinion.
Another should-have-been inclusion is the solemn "Tonight," with guest vocals by David and Leslie of All Sons & Daughters. It's a worshipful lullaby, and sounds like something the duo themselves would have recorded for a project. It a beautiful way to end the bonus selection of songs.
Closing Thoughts:
One of the reasons Francesca Battistelli's style of songwriting is so inviting, is because it means so many different things to so many different people. It's a boost for the lonely in need of some hope, an empowering anthem for the person desperate to change their circumstances, a sigh of relief from the overworked parent who realizes someone can relate. While there are a bevvy of gifted songwriters in our industry, few are able to use their voice in such a relateable way, but Franny seems to pull it off flawlessly every time.
If We're Honest is appropriately titled. What you'll find here is a series of transparent songs that range from uplifting encouragement, unpopular opinion, personal struggle, intimate worship, and just about everything in between. Granted, a few of this album's best tracks landed on the deluxe edition when they should have been included on the standard, but it's a flaw worth overlooking when all of the songs presented are so incredibly solid.
With enough soulful familiarity to satisfy, and the careful touch of some new sonic elements to keep things fresh, listeners have much reason to rejoice with the release of this album. It is undoubtedly Francesca's best yet, and one of the must-own highlights of the year.
Return of the Kings | Posted March-10-2014
Few and far between are debut albums that carry a sliver of the name-power as Capital Kings' freshman release did back in early 2013. Boasting a mouth-watering combination of bombastic concoctions, the album featured guest spots from some of the industry's most respected talents—TobyMac, Britt Nicole, and Solomon "Soul Glow Activatur" Olds—just to name a few.
Don't think these guys are merely relying on the abilities of others, however. The youthful duo, comprised of lifetime Washington, D.C. friends Jon White and Cole Walowac, can hold their own just fine, and have done so for several years. Previously remix masters and EDM royalty for the likes of many others, their debut unveiled them as vocalists and performers in their own right. This move has more than payed off with a series of successful radio singles and coinciding tours.
Barely a year later, the "kings" of Christian dance-pop have returned yet again, only this time, presenting an EP of remixes that toss the spotlight onto their own music—a welcomed change!
Following in the same chronological order as the original album, the REMIXD project starts with "All The Way (Neon Feather Remix)." It follows along the lines of your typical dance track, but does a wonderful job of restructuring an already solid beat.
"We Belong As One (Family Force 5 Phenomenon Remix)" finds the group teaming up with Soul Glow once again, creating the rare occasion where the remix is actually slightly better than the primary. Opening with some new verses courtesy of Jon on the front end, everything about the song is improved for the better. The cameo spot by TobyMac has been toned down drastically, but somehow, you don't seem to miss it.
A song that initially paired Capital Kings alongside Tauren Wells of Royal Tailor, "Living For The Other Side (Nico Stadi Remix)" is set against a distinctly '90s nightclub beat, and throws in some old school shades of Justin Timberlake's pop side here and there. A bold attempt, it runs well over six minutes, and could have done with some trimming to prevent the song from growing tired.
Staple song "I Feel So Alive" finds itself 'remixd' twice, once in the hands of the acclaimed DJ known as Telemitry (whom you'll find on the tail end of this EP), and again with the "Matthew Parker: U REMIX," which was the winning entry in the duo's online remix contest they held earlier last year.
"Ready For Home (Smile Future Remix)" falls victim to being the weakest offering here, but is quickly redeemed by "Born To Love (McSwagger // Cap Kings Remix)." More emphasis is placed on Britt Nicole's guest vocals, and while it would be an obvious exclusion to remove her voice from the song entirely, I would love to see certain elements of this remix incorporated into the group's live show.
After sitting through a series of recreations, listeners are treated to a new track, current new single "Be A King." Without a doubt, it's the most grandiloquent tune the two have released yet, and highlights an unbelievable amount of maturity in such a short amount of time, while still managing to stick to their electronic roots. If this is any indication as to where this band is headed with their sophomore release, the wait is going to be well worth it.
Closing Thoughts:
One of the biggest issues with so many remix projects today is that they are either completely dull and present little-to-no change to the structure of the song, or they are so overproduced, it's frankly, painful to listen to them. There is a very fine line between reconstruction and a remix-gone-wrong. I'm pleased to say that with REMIXD, Capital Kings has fallen along the lines of the better.
With strong moments that heavily overshadow any weak spots, this is a fantastic EP that displays bold artistry, and highlights all the reasons why this band is so unique in the first place. Something tells me this won't be the last series of remixes we hear from this group, and you won't hear me complaining.
Don't Let This EP Pass You By | Posted February-26-2014
The name Carrollton may not immediately ring a bell with dedicated Christian music listeners, but I have afeeling that is quickly about to change.
Comprised of members Jordan Bailey, Michael Loy, Jeremy Menard, and Justin Mosteller, the group formed in 2008, and quickly began to make a name for themselves in the indie worship circle under the name Mosteller (Justin's surname.) After signing with Centricity Music in 2013, these worship leaders took to tape and immediately hit the studio to record their debut EP, Breathe In Deep.
There are six powerhouse tunes on this EP, unless you have the actual CD. For those who purchase the physical version of this project, calling this an EP is awfully generous, considering it is packed with a whooping nine songs--far more than the usual three or four in a standard extended play. The lengthy showcase is led by the track "Pass You By." Immediately, shades of NEEDTOBREATHE come to mind as Justin's silky yet gruff voice, combined with the folksy, down-to-earth feel their style provides, paints a clear picture of this group's melodic vibe.
"Holding Me" tells the tales of a girl who clings to the promises of God, despite the tumultuously unending seasons of pain in her life. It tells an relateable story, while still providing a praise filled ray of hope: "If You're the one who walks on water, if You're the one who calms the sea / If You're the one who holds the heavens, then I believe You're holding me."
"This Is Life" melds southern infused folk with the subtle hint of wannabe rock in a way that captures your attention, while the band's roots as dedicated worship leaders at their respected home churches present themselves fully in the hymn-like anthem "You Are Faithful."
"Wash me white with Your red" sings the band in the track "Red," likening the blood of Jesus to that of an unending river of grace. I'll admit, this style of music isn't particularly my cup of tea, but the way they present this track leaves me surprisingly interested, even wanting to hear more.
"Death Has Lost Its Way" is the final proper tune on this EP, and leads the way to some of the extra front porch sessions (AKA acoustic tracks). The aforementioned is the only song re-recorded, while three new tunes find themselves met with the simplicity of mere guitars and vocals, "Bring Me Back Home," "Rest" and my personal favorite of the three, "Found."
Closing Thoughts:
On Carrollton's Facebook page, the band states that they want to make an impact in the world of Christian music, and that they do with this EP. Fans of groups like Third Day and Rhett Walker Band will eat up this new batch of passionate worshipers, and following some time and growth, I can see them becoming a potential mainstay in the industry. With lyrical depth and the musical chops to back it up, this is definitely a band to keep an eye on.
The Ruckus Don't Stop | Posted February-25-2014
Crowdfunding seems to be the way to go for most recording artists these days. It gives fans the rare chance to get involved in the recording process, while receiving some sweet incentives along the way.
After a successful attempt at fan-funding their first music video, the New Zealand import known as Rapture Ruckus launched their second campaign late in 2013, raising the money the record a two-part series of EPs. Their initial goal surpassed in an 11th hour stretch, the Tooth & Nail trio was again successfully funded, and immediately got to work on new music.
Following their US debut with 2011's Open Your Eyes, the first of their two 2014 extended plays, Invader V1, promises to deliver the vibrant sounds this upbeat group of techno rockers are known for, while still managing to push the creative envelope a step further.
Right off the bat, "In Crowd" shows a clear evolution in the band's sound, while still remaining consistent in both their uplifting message of anti-conformity, and their signature electronic elements. The brief appearance by former Family Force 5 frontman Solomon "Soul Glow Actiavatur" Olds is a nice touch, and no doubt his addition will catch the ears of a few more listeners.
"Everybody Get Up" serves up a modern vibe atop a funky 70s beat, while the lyrics are the true star of the show. Cheeky and unapologetic at best, some listeners might be surprised by the brute honesty. Once you get past the shock factor however, what you'll find is clever song about giving up any false fulfillment the world tries to offer, and living for Christ regardless of what we might have to lose.
"Head Held High" is a stern encouragement that goes out to anyone feeling like their walking through hell on earth. It brings to mind the progression found in Manafest's music, due mostly in part to frontman Brad Dring voyaging away from rap, and into more proper singing.
A brilliant interlude, or all-too brief track? With "Invader Pt 1," it's your call. Perhaps the sequel to this quirky space themed tune, about a rising army of pious protagonists, will come in the next installment of EPs. Time will only tell.
"Carry Me" falls victim to being the weakest number on the project, mostly because it follows a series of tracks that are so melodically strong.
The bubbly, synth pop "In This Together" would be a fun song to rally a crowd if played live, and with the guest vocals of Chicago based female vocalist Shuree, I becomes one of the band's strongest and most unique songs to date.
A David Thulin remix of "In Crowd" ties up this EP nicely, with the perfect blend of dubstep ticks infused into this already danceable track.
Closing Thoughts:
Rapture Ruckus continues to push boundaries with the first of their Invader EPs, both on musical and lyrical fronts. Confronting strong topics in a way that can come across PG-13 at times, it's that kind of brutal honesty that has won the trio the trust of so many listeners, and will continue to win over many more. It also serves as another sonic leap for the group, as they branch away from their melodic formula, and into uncharted territory.
While the second installment of Invader is promised to be more mellowed out and unplugged, its predecessor is an impressive collection of tunes well worth your time and attention.
New Heights | Posted January-13-2014
Labeling 22-year-old Jamie Grace as an overnight success might seem a bit far fetched, but when you go from an average Atlanta teenager trying to get a break in the music industry to being discovered and signed by TobyMac, dominating the airwaves of Christian radio, and being crowned GMA's New Artist of the Year in less than 12 months, how else would you describe it?
Short yet loaded, Jamie's career exploded after the release of her 2011 debut One Song At A Time, which produced the mega-hit "Hold Me." Since then, it has been a whirlwind of dreams coming true for the guitar wielding, cowboy boot wearing songstress (who has a not-so-secret fetish for Reba McEntire).
All eyes were on Jamie once more as the long-awaited news of her sophomore follow-up, Ready To Fly, went public. To say the standard is high would be underplaying the obvious. This is the real question on all of our minds: does it live up to the "Hold Me" hype?
Right from the get-go, Ready To Fly offers shades of her debut. A short guitar twinged prelude titled "So Amazing" transitions into the bubbly pop single "Beautiful Day," with guest vocals by producer and mentor TobyMac. It's eerily reminiscent of how One Song At A Time opens up, but it is a formula that seems to suit her well.
This doesn't means Jamie can't hold her own, however. As a matter of fact, she more than proves herself as a solo singer/songwriter on more than one occasion. "Fighter" rises to the top as an upbeat power anthem based on her battle with Tourette syndrome, which she was diagnosed with as a teen. The song, birthed from her own struggle, also goes out to all the men and women fighting their own battles. The lyrics encourage them to face their conflicts as conquerors through Christ, listing their courage as a reason to keep believing.
"To Love You Back" is a profound moment of Divine adoration, combining the beautiful chemistry of Jamie's maturing vocals alongside an illuminating piano arrangement.
Perhaps the biggest highlight on the album comes from the powerful track "The Waiting." Co-written with Natalie Grant, the song speaks openly about the inner turmoil and doubt that is often paired with waiting on God's timing. This song proclaims that though His time-frame may not always make sense to us, we can be assured that He is faithful, and through our tested patience, He will never let us go: "All of the questions, secret confessions, Lord, You make sense of it all / And I know You'll show up, so I'm letting go of these thoughts that are taking control / This is the waiting."
Known for her outspoken and often quirky views on dating and purity, two tracks on the topic get a much welcomed feature, and it just so happens that both are duets. "Just A Friend," featuring Manwell of Group 1 Crew, is written from the perspective of a lovesick schoolgirl wondering if her crush will ever notice her existence, with Manwell's perfectly timed rap stepping in as an older brother of sorts, encouraging the lyrical protagonist to hold out for the guy who will treat her like a princess.
The second and my favorite of the two, "White Boots," comes from a slightly more grown-up point of view. Featuring Jamie's older sister and musician in her own right, Morgan Harper Nichols, the unashamed pop/country song complete with twangy guitars talks about the beauty of waiting and being able to walk into marriage completely guilt free. Normally a topic that can get cheesy really fast in a song, Jamie and Morgan (who just so happen to have a country side project called HarperStill) make it something to walk away from with a smile and an "amen."
Closing out the 13 track project is a song fans of the singer most likely already know. The album's namesake "Ready To Fly (Avery's Song)" was the original prelude used on her first album, but this time it appears as a full length track. The song is dedicated to an 11-year-old fan of Jamie's named Avery who died in a tragic car accident in 2012. The original version, written about Jamie coming of age, was played at Avery's funeral, and takes on a whole new meaning as the lyrics now represent the frailty of our lives on earth and how we need to seize the one chance we're given at life to soar for a greater cause.
Closing Thoughts:
Ready To Fly is a self-portrait of sorts, impeccably highlighting just how much Jamie Grace has grown in the two and a half years since her debut, both as an artist (her vocals have grown notably stronger) and as a songwriter. While her lyrics still sound youthful and maybe even a tad girlish at times, it's hard not to notice many of the more matured themes being touched on here, namely in songs like "The Waiting" and "Fighter."
Don't go thinking this means doom and gloom is the forecast. Far from it! Clearly on another level lyrically, Jamie's upbeat and diverse sonic sensibilities provide enough fun to appeal to all ages, especially her teenaged audience. In a market saturated with promiscuity and controversy, Jamie's brazen themes of hope, love, and purity serve as a breath of fresh air, becoming something both youth and their parents can enjoy.
It looks as if another successful chapter in the story of Jamie Grace's overnight career is about to take flight. Let's hope this is only the beginning.
An Unconventional Christmas | Posted December-02-2013
Call him old fashioned, but Dove Award winning CCM mainstay Brandon Heath fancies Christmas much like the high-class department store Nordstrom. He is more than happy to indulge in all things marry and bright... just as long as it's after Thanksgiving.
So you can imagine how strange it must have been for the self-proclaimed holiday purist (who by the way, has proudly coined the hashtag #ChristmasIsntHereYet over on his Twitter account), to have spent most of the summer recording his first seasonal record, ironically titled Christmas Is Here.
While I can't say I agree much with his stern timeframe on the holiday—you're talking to the girl who would proudly display her tree and lights in September if culturally acceptable—the one thing we do agree on is our love for the old, vinyl-like nostalgia Christmas music should bring to the table. A purist he is, but a traditional one at best.
With tradition in mind, it's only natural that the talented songwriter would delve deep into the roots of some old school classics on his first holiday outing, as well as penning a few new trademark Brandon Health-style original tunes.
"The Day After Thanksgiving" solidifies his outspoken stance on waiting till December to celebrate the holiday by poking fun at the Christmas commercialism that starts at the end of Summer. I'd be lying if I said it wasn't something downer to use this as the opening track for a Christmas album, but it serves for a good laugh nonetheless.
Shinier classics such as "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," "Away In A Manger" and "Go Tell It On The Mountain"—featuring the rustic vocal stylings of Gospel group The Isaacs—rekindle the tender spirit of the holiday, while a twinkling rendition of Nat King Cole's all-too covered classic "The Christmas Song" is enough to make you drop what you're doing and start decking the halls.
Pulling a gem from the trenches of obscurity, "In The Bleak Midwinter" become Heath's Americana nod to an overlooked Christmas tune of old, his signature vocals singing out the time-honored lyrics.
"Just A Girl" serves as one of the original songs he penned for the project. Taking creative liberty regarding the story surrounding Jesus' birth, he fashions the innkeepers' decision to keep Mary and Joseph from going inside the inn to that of having a reputation to keep, only to regret his decision later. It's an interesting perspective, and while some may say it's a tad controversial, it sure does offer something to chew on outside the usual warm and fuzzy holiday tune.
Once more bringing his hysterically unique point-of-view to the table, "Mama Wouldn't Lie To Me" tells the tale of his childhood woes regarding his belief in Santa Claus. Another one of Heath's time-honored traditions is that parents should never lie to their kids about Santa. I'll allow you to listen to the song for yourself to see how his story ends.
The album closes on a triumphantly grand note with the ageless "O Come All Ye Faithful/Angels We Have Heard On High" medley, which sounds like it was ripped directly from the pages of a brassy Broadway musical.
Closing Thoughts:
If I had to sum up Christmas Is Here in one word, it would be "unconventional." Then again, I don't think Brandon Heath ever strives for convention, as much as he does honesty, and that you'll certainly find here. Filled with Christmas classics and the occasional holiday hot-topic, this is a CD that is sure to please fans of the singer/songwriter, as well as any who might be looking for something a bit more out-of-the-box this holiday season.
Serving a Solid Sampling | Posted September-30-2013 For nearly two decades, the annual WOW Hits compilation has been one of the most substantial and best-selling digests that Christian music has to offer. Launching in late 1995, the two-disk collection highlights some of CCM's best and most influential songs over a period of the the last 12 months.
As someone who discovered many of my favorite artists through the WOW series as I began diving into Christian music as a teenager, I can very much attest to how big of an asset it is to the music buyer, both for casual listeners who enjoy some of the years biggest radio hits and for new fans of the genre who are itching to uncover some solid and uplifting new tunes.
This years WOW Hits 2014 collection continues the series' musical momentum. Through two disks full of 33 diverse tracks, this three hour ensemble of music provides something for everyone.
Disk one, normally geared toward fans of the Adult Contemporary format, starts us off with Chris Tomlin's smash "Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies)" from his Burning Lights project. Other worshipful tunes included on the disk are MercyMe's "You Are I Am," Jeremy's Camp's "My God" and Kristian Stanfill's cover of Jesus Culture's "One Thing Remains," which quickly propelled both him and the song to national fame.
Amy Grant's duet with legend James Taylor, "Don't Try So Hard," and Francesca Battistelli's vulnerably bubbly tune "Strangely Dim" provide some input from some of CCM's top female voices, while "Come However You Are" by City Harbor and "Starts With Me" by Tim Timmons are two welcomed inclusions by newer artists who aren’t necessarily receiving a ton of airplay just yet.
The most timely inclusions on disk one are Matt Redman's "Your Grace Finds Me" and as Steven Curtis Chapman's latest single, "Love Take Me Over." As nice as it is to see some of 2013's biggest radio hits tacked onto this completion, seeing newer songs given some rightful attention is always a welcome plus.
After a stellar line-up of songs on disk one, we're introduced to another round of 16 songs on disk two, pulling hits from the CHR/Hot AC charts. "We Won't Be Shaken," the follow-up to Building 429's record-breaking "Where I Belong," is an all but necessary inclusion, and sets the stage for TobyMac's prayerful hit "Steal My Show."
Britt Nicole's crossover hit "Gold" (which also found its way onto the mainstream NOW compilation series earlier this year) as well as Plumb's "Need You Now (How Many Times)" are well deserved additions. Seeing Mandisa's latest single "Overcomer" earn a spot on this disk is also a nice surprise.
It would be borderline appalling if Tenth Avenue North's "Worn" and for KING & COUNTRY's "Proof Of Your Love" didn't land on this year's project, and I'm very pleased that the monologue mix of the latter is the one that found its way onto the album.
Perhaps the song I'm most thrilled to see on this compilation is Everfound's "Never Beyond Repair," providing one of Word Records' exceptional latest additions with a wide platform to reach a broad audience.
Closing Thoughts:
Wow Hits 2014 does a great job of summing up some of Christian radio's biggest hits over the last year, and also throws a few pleasant surprises into the mix with the addition of both newer songs by well known artists and a few quiet gems from some of CCM's rising stars.
While I feel like 2014's compilation of songs is definitely stronger than the collections of years past, I can't help but feel that a number of these songs are a tad outdated at this point, and I would have rather seen the addition of a few newer singles that are making a splash over at radio. Regardless of the puzzling time-frame, this is a much deserving class of songs that are sure to please listeners of nearly all styles, and in turn, introduce new fans to some of the best that Christian music has to offer.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
