Fading West
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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
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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
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Skillet It takes mostly their entire catalog and mashes into one stellar of an album. The concept is beyond needed...
And the Dove Goes To... | Posted August-26-2009
This is by far the best Mark Schultz CD to date. You can really tell through his vocals that he poured all his heart and soul into each and every song. The instrumentals and lyrics are strong from beginning to the end. My favorites are "All is Forgiven," "Grace Amazing (a great modern twist to Amazing Grace)," "He Is," "Come Alive," and "Father's Eyes (a tear jerker)." Ever song is great, but these stuck out to me the most. This is a must buy in the stores or purchase on iTunes or whatever you do; you will truly enjoy this CD.
The more mature Leeland | Posted August-18-2009
Leeland was young when he started his band by his name, and it has been a joyful experience hearing him grow in his music. Love Is On the Move has to be the most well crafted, well written, well mixed, well sung, worship albums of 2009. "Pure Bride" is a call to check your self and to get ready for Christ's return. By far one of my favorites on this album. Not that the songs before it aren't any good, they are, however they are steps leading to "Pure Bride," which I believe cultivates the messages of "The Door," "Follow You" (which by the way Brandon Heath and Leeland blend well), "Via Dolorsa (an excellent song about the work Jesus did on the cross). The next song, "New Creation," jives it up a bit, a real joyful danceable song about being just what the title says. "Lift Your Eyes Up," is singable worship song; very light, and fun. "Weak Man," really sets the focus for this album because for "Love [to be] on the Move," we must "low, low, low, [so] You'll be higher." The tempo is upbeat and this is a sure anthem of the new worship crowd. For the title track, Leeland slows it down and gets serious. This song is so powerful, and truly speaks about life as raw as life can get. But, as Leeland says that despite the junk going on around us, the best thing we can do for them is to love them. This song was chilling. "Learn to Love," picks up the pace but keeps the message serious. I love the guitar and vocal work on this song. A song about putting our needs aside to love on our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Excellent. The energy continues to flow into "Holy Spirit Have Your Way," which is another gem of this album. A call to humble ourselves before God and allow the Holy Spirit to take over in us. The bonus song, "Jesus," is about Jesus being the living water, and really is a fantastic song. The instrumentals are fantastic.
Closing Thoughts:
A vivid display of Leeland's maturity, honesty, humbleness, and writing talents (much ado to Ed Cash). This is the new worship generation, and Leeland is leading the way. The highlights are: "Via Dolorsa," "Pure Bride," "Lift Your Eyes Up," "Weak Man," "Love is on the Move," "Learn to Love," "Holy Spirit Have Your Way," and the bonus "Jesus."
Another Hit Factory by Skillet | Posted August-18-2009
Skillet has done it again. "Awake" will definitely generate many hit singles. The first two singles start the album, then it slows down to let you breathe before pumping you up again. This has to be John's most transparent album to date. The songs are so raw and honest; something I have grown to love about Skillet. "Awake and Alive" is by far the best song on this album. "It's not me, It's You," will have fists pumping at a concert near you, so get ready! The fall music scene has started off with a bang!
There is nothing out there like this! | Posted August-08-2009
I saw them on Gospel Music channel and I really digged their sound, so I went out and bought this album. "Hero," "Lion of Judah," "On the Move," "Arise," "Stand Up," and "Go Forth" are highlights of both Shachah's talent and lyrical artistry. Very very good album. Well mixed and well delivered. You will enjoy this album; a must buy.
Fantastic | Posted August-05-2009
I have always enjoyed worshiping with Hillsong because that is what you are basically doing when you listen to their live albums. What troubles me the most though and what stuck out to me the most in this album, is the fact that it seems Hillsong is making God a product and not the Spirit He is. There are a few songs on this album were Darleen or Reuben are almost forcing you to worship. I don't know if I am reading too much into this, but that is what I heard on this album; more so than any other album. However, with all that aside, this still is a great album of worship. My favorites are "For Your Name," and "Glow."
Shust just keeps getting better. | Posted August-05-2009
"Take Over" is by far one of the best albums of 2009. There are many songs that make you fall to your knees and pray to God. Songs like "To God Alone," "Take Over," "Still You Love Me," and "Rest In the Arms." There are really no weak songs on this album. The whole album is filled with passion, worship, and energy. One of the rare gems in the fluttering Christian music scene right now. A must buy, or download...whatever you do LEGALLY.
I can't wait! | Posted July-16-2009
Dude, listening to the first two singles, my body is shaking with excitement. I almost went into a coma listing to Comatose over and over again, not that it wasn't any good (it was awesome!) but 3 years is too long to wait for new Skillet. The wait is over!!!! Well not really, we have a month to go, but anyways. "Hero" and "Monster" lead the CD off with a bang, and I can't wait to find out if the rest of the album is just as good as the first two singles. EXCITED :)
The Last of Peter | Posted May-06-2009
I have been a fan of Newsboys ever since I began listening to Christian music a couple of years ago, and I am upset that I never got the chance to see them in concert now that Peter has left the band. Not to dis Michael Tait, but Newsboys is never going to be the same. That said, I have to say that In the Hands of God is a great finish for Peter. However, this album is a mix of duds and studs; the studs being "No Grave," "Glorious," and "In the Hands of God." The songs are up and down through out this album and make you think that the tracks should have been arranged differently. Songs like "The Way We Roll," and "This is Your Life" should have been placed later in the album. "Lead me to Cross" is one of the most popular songs to redo as of late, and the string arrangement on Newsboys' take makes it a strong rendition. And "Dance" will make you dance, or rather, bob your head but again is misplaced on the album. I agree with christianmusicreview's review when they said that Newsboys set the bar high on their album Go. This doesn't come close, but is still a great album. Newsboy fans will not be disappointed.
For Fans of Reliant-K | Posted April-22-2009
There are many differences between Philmont and Reliant-K. However, for fans of Reliant-K, Philmont will be a great addition to the CD rack. The vocals are smooth and energetic, and the music flows fluidly through tempo breaks. Very solid release. Definitely a band to watch.
SDS nailed it! | Posted April-08-2009
There has not been a rock worship album this good since "Strong Tower" by Kutless. SDS original songs blend well with their covers. The way Joseph sings the songs on this album is spine-tingling. He sings with such conviction and passion. However much I like the original versions of the songs on this album, SDS arranges them in such a way that they bring new life to them; a different edge. "Take Everything" is by far my favorite song on this album. This song clearly points to the fact that it is not what we do for Jesus that matters; it matters that we trust him and submit ourselves to him. Buy this album, you won't be disappointed.
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