Aftermath
by
Hillsong UNITED [MAIN REVIEW]AFTERMATH is the highly anticipated, 11th full-length album and second-ever studio recording from Hillsong UNITED that released Feb. 15, 2011....
Leeland [Love Is On The Move] | Posted August-11-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
I personally find listening to Leeland joyful and refreshing. The band’s third album, Love Is On The Move returns again with all of the elements that have made the band so popular in the CCM industry and so appealing to its fans. Leeland’s latest work presents new and powerful hooks, rich melodies and dramatic arrangements. Once more, Leeland’s songs capture moments of honesty expressed by a humble group of believers who are lifting their hearts and instruments toward heaven. Frontman, Leeland Mooring’s lyrics resonate again with all of the sensitivity and conviction we’ve come to expect.
Today, Leeland Mooring is considered by many to be one of the best young lyricists in the business. His talent is evident on the new album and supported by his body of work which includes hits like “Yes You Have” from the band’s debut album, Sound of Melodies; songs he’s written for artists Michael W. Smith and Paramore; and contributions made on the projects, CompassionArt and Your Name. Explaining his inspiration as a songwriter, the Wikipedia.org website quotes Leeland Mooring as stating: "A lot of my songs are birthed out of prayer. The ones that we've received the best response from have been the ones God just kind of dropped in my lap while I was spending time in His presence. That's my main inspiration." The lyrics found on the new album are not only intrinsically pure, but also biblically based.
New tracks including “Weak Man” reflect Jesus’ call for service in Matthew 20:26 when it exclaims: “Jesus give me Your heart. Let there be a death in me. I’m making room for all that You are. Give me Your heart. My Creator….Oh, my Creator. May I be low, low, low so You’re made higher. I’ll be weak for You are strong…Weak for you are strong in the weak man.” Another song, “Pure Bride” (based on Revelation 21:2) reminds us, “He’s coming for a pure bride. See Him riding in the sky. See the fire inside His eyes. Through the darkness His light will shine. In His glory, He’s lifted high. He’s coming for a pure bride.” These songs and others offer timely reminders for Christians regarding the quality and focus of their faith.
In the end, Leeland’s third album continues where the critically acclaimed Sound of Melodies left off. Love Is On The Move injects this band back into prominence by way of its original and worshipful sound. The album successfully elicits a range of emotion from listeners, from introspection to exhilaration. Current fans will appreciate Love Is On The Move, and those not yet familiar with Leeland will now have a new opportunity to discover them.
For more Christian Music Reviews By Aaron, visit: http://reviewsbyaaron.com
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Leeland does it again! Love Is On The Move offers refreshing music, light sounding and humble in spirit. Its prayerful lyrics are riveting, reverent and adept. The new album captures the imagination with brilliant new hooks and sweet sounding, original melodies. Love Is On The Move should appeal to both old and prospective fans alike. Next to Jeremy Riddle’s The Now And Not Yet and Aaron Shust’s Take Over, Leeland’s Love Is On The Move is among my top 5 favorite albums so far this year.
Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Aaron Hassen | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Matt Redman [We Shall Not Be Shaken] | Posted August-11-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Matt Redman may be the premier songwriter in Christian music over the past decade as the writer of worship classics “The Heart of Worship”, “Better Is One Day”, “Blessed Be Your Name” and “You Never Let Go”. He is also part of the Passion conferences and most recently his hit song “Shine” was part of the Passion: God Of This City album. One of my favorite stories about Matt Redman, a native of England, is that in response to his church having too much focus on music he suggested they take a break from singing which led to his writing “The Heart of Worship”. The lyrics “I’m coming back to the heart of worship, it’s all about You” sums up Matt’s ministry and focus on vertical worship. His sincere singing and songwriting style and biblical inspired lyrics have made me a huge fan of Matt Redman.
“We Shall Not Be Shaken” sticks to the style that fans have come to admire and respect about Matt, starting off with “Through It All”, which includes an upbeat melody and a soaring anthem in the chorus, declaring: “Through it all You are strong. As we walk through the shadows still You shine on.” The goal of spiritual confidence points to the other key focus on We Shall Not Be Shaken, the centrality of Jesus and the cross. First single “This Is How We Know,” co-written with Redman’s wife, Beth, seamlessly blends the message of John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16. This is how we know what love is; just one look at Your cross… For You so loved the world that You gave Your only Son. Love amazing, so divine, we will love You in return.
Prior to the shaping of the album there was one extremely notable shakeup: in July of 2008, Matt and Beth Redman and their three young children at the time, moved from England to the United States, and in November they welcomed their fourth child. They had never envisioned themselves calling America “home,” but clearly God had another idea in mind. They recorded We Shall Not Be Shaken in Nashville, TN and now reside in Atlanta. He and his wife will help plant the Passion City Church in Atlanta, GA alongside Passion Conferences founder Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels.
We Shall Not Be Shaken is intentionally Psalm-like, using simple poetic lyrics to express unbreakable truth in an age of utter brokenness. “This album praises God’s steadiness,” says Redman. “We’re being reminded how shakable earthly things are—job losses, home foreclosures. Among Matt’s favorite tracks on the new album is “Remembrance (Communion Song)”, which fulfills his long-held desire to write specifically for the ceremonial Lord’s Supper.
Matt co-wrote “The More We See” with Chris Tomlin and the album closes with an excellent soft song of praise and worship “My Hope”, combining words from 1834’s “On Christ the Solid Rock” with Redman’s lyrics: Though every kingdom be shaken, still I will rest in You. I’ve been collecting Matt Redman since 1999’s “The Heart Of Worship” and he is my favorite overall worship leader in all of Christian music.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
“Through It All”, “This Is How We Know”, “We Shall Not Be Shaken”, “Remembrance” and “My Hope” are my favorite songs on the album. If you like Delirious?, Jeremy Riddle, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder and Lincoln Brewster, then you must get “We Shall Not Be Shaken”, which is one of my top albums of 2009 and the best overall album by Matt Redman in my opinion.
Rating: 9.4 out of 10 (94%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Phillips, Craig & Dean [Fearless] | Posted August-04-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
A crumbling economy, wars without end, new health risks, security threats, and more. The media gives us a constant stream of reasons to be afraid. But what if God’s people shined a light of eternal hope right into the face of this world’s temporary circumstances? That’s the compelling idea behind Fearless, the tenth studio album from one of today’s most respected Christian vocal groups, Phillips, Craig & Dean. Uniquely gifted and positioned in their dual roles as musicians and full-time senior pastors in three different U.S. cities, Randy Phillips, Shawn Craig and Dan Dean know well the current struggles people face and are boldly taking the opportunity to respond to them in life and song.
I’ve been collecting every album by this trio since 1997’s “Where Strength Begins” including the 2 disc “Ultimate Collection”, which is a great compilation of the best hits from 1991-2004. The albums have always been worship-filled anthems of praise including the all-time great “When God Ran” about the prodigal son and “Shine On Us”, written by Michael W. Smith. This decade has been marked by a series of worship albums containing popular songs sung in many churches today including “Let My Words Be Few” and “Let The Glory Fall”, both written by Matt Redman and “Let The Worshippers Arise”, written by Pocket Full Of Rocks. Their last album “Top Of My Lungs” was my favorite worship album of them all, with a great version of “One Way”, written by Joel Houston of Hillsong United and “Your Name”, written by Paul Baloche.
Two million records sold and eighteen No. 1 singles later, “Fearless” picks up where “Top Of My Lungs” left off, with great versions of “Counting On God”, written by Jared Anderson of Desperation Band and “From The Inside Out” by Hillsong. Those 2 songs do a great job of setting the tone of the album, which is generally upbeat and engaging, in a word “Fearless”. The next song “Revelation Song”, originally recorded by Kari Jobe of Gateway Church, is climbing the Christian charts and is a great anthem of praise. The song builds to the amazing chorus: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Is the Lord God Almighty, Who was, and is, and is to come, With all creation I sing: Praise to the King of Kings!, You are my everything, And I will adore You…!”
The rest of the album contains some new songs, some written or co-written by all 3 guys. My favorite of the new songs is “The Distance”, written by Shawn Craig. The song is a soaring anthem of grace with heart-gripping words that read like a story poem. “The idea is that God couldn’t stand the distance between us, so He came near,” Shawn explains. I love that message and the picture of grace, which continues with “When Grace Walks In”. Randy Phillips co-wrote “Spirit of God Is Here” with Paul Baloche. Dan Dean wrote “Nothing to Prove”. Closing songs “Great Are You Lord” and “Name Above All Names” feature the signature harmonies and are instantly sing-able and certainly worship-filled like the rest of the album.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The album seems familiar and catchy and if you are a long-time Phillips, Craig & Dean fan, you won’t be disappointed with “Fearless”. For me, the highlights are “Counting On God”, “From The Inside Out”, “Revelation Song” and “The Distance”.
Rating: 8.9 out of 10 (89%, B+)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Mark Schultz [Come Alive] | Posted July-29-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Platinum-selling, Dove Award winning recording artist, Mark Schultz, releases his long-awaited, fifth studio album, “Come Alive” on Word Records. One of Christian music’s most acclaimed singer/songwriters, Schultz’s first new studio album in nearly three years is also his most personal recording to date, inviting listeners to “come alive” through these songs birthed by stories of hope, loss, joy and redemption.
I've been collecting Mark Schultz since his debut self-titled album and his sincere songwriting and pure vocals have always caught my attention. The emotion behind his songs "He's My Son", "When You Come Home", "Letters From War", "Walking Her Home" and "Everything To Me" have all made my regular rotation of my favorite songs of the past 10 years in CCM. “Come Alive”, Mark's 5th studio recording, is his crowning achievement in my opinion. From the emotional power behind first single "He Is", a great follow-up to hit song "I Am", to his story-song of encouragement "Live Like You're Loved" and the gospel-choir backed "Love Has Come", this album had me singing along in praise to my God and Savior from start to finish.
Opening song “All Has Been Forgiven” gets this great album going with an upbeat reminder of what it means to live in the freedom of God’s grace. That theme continues with the second song “Grace Amazing”, another upbeat anthem that could be sung in churches as a great new version of “Amazing Grace”. Both songs have solid musical arrangements and signature guitar parts that fans of bands like MercyMe, Remedy Drive and even Coldplay will enjoy, especially the intro to “Closer Than I’ve Ever Been”, which reminded me of “Viva La Vida”.
“He Is,” the first radio single from “Come Alive”, is an expression of this hope that was inspired by the stories of two families battling cancer.“ Payton Cram was a girl who came to one of my concerts in Michigan with her dad,” recalls Schultz. “I was really amazed at her maturity for her young age, even as she had cancer. When the cancer started to get bad, I flew up and spent a day with her and prayed with her and her family. She was a beautiful girl. She was never going to blame God for her cancer. She never asked ‘Why me?’ She just always knew there was a bigger purpose in it.” During the same time Payton was fighting cancer, Mark learned from his wife, Kate, about a missionary family whose fourth child was born on a Friday and on Sunday they found out the mother had terminal cancer. “The father of the family said, ‘Well, we can’t praise God on Friday and curse him on Sunday…We have to trust that He knows what’s going on,’ and that’s when the idea of ‘He Is’ was born,” says Schultz. “He is, He was and always will be. It’s a pretty important message–no matter what kind of rough road you are riding through.”
“What It Means to Be Loved,” is “the only song I’ve ever played in concert that received a standing ovation before the end of the first chorus was over,” recalls Schultz. Kate was again a source of inspiration for the song: “My wife said to me, ‘Since you are adopted, I think we should adopt kids too. I think we should adopt kids with special needs…maybe someday we adopt kids with special needs that doctors know are only going to live for a year or two,’” recalls Schultz. Here are some of the lyrics: “I want to give her the world / I want to hold her hand/ I want to be her mom just as long as I can and live every moment until that day comes/ I want to show her what it means to be loved. “
“God of Glory” and “Closer Than I’ve Ever Been” keep the great musical and lyrical intensity going. “God of Glory” is another song that I can imagine singing in church with fellow believers. “Closer Than I’ve Ever Been” is one of the songs I keep playing over and over with the musical hook and the personal uplifting lyrics. Title song “Come Alive” was co-written with Matthew West and is another highlight. It is sung in the person of God calling out to “Bring your broken heart to me, Lift it up and you will see, That love can make a heart that’s barely beating, Come alive, come alive”.
As a father of 3 young daughters, I am very moved by the song “Father’s Eyes”, which is an emotional parallel for me of what it means for my daughters to know that they are loved by their earthly and Heavenly fathers. The album closes as strong as it starts with a story-song of encouragement "Live Like You're Loved" and the gospel-choir backed "Love Has Come".
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This is the best overall album by Mark Schultz and one of the top albums of the year in my opinion. “He Is”, “What It Means To Be Loved”, “God Of Glory”, “Come Alive” and “Closer Than I’ve Ever Been” are among my favorite songs ever by Mark and I expect GMA award nominations for this great album.
Rating: 9.6 out of 10 (96%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
STRYPER [Murder By Pride] | Posted July-21-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
In 1984, Stryper broke on to the scene with their debut EP Yellow and Black Attack, and have since gone on to sell 8 million albums and tour the world spreading an inspirational message through their branded sound of rock songs, heavy guitars, and pristine harmony vocals. The group’s unprecedented 1986 album To Hell with the Devil went platinum and was named one of the “100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music” by CCM Magazine.
For me “Murder By Pride” is a great listen, definitely the best album I've heard by STRYPER since "To Hell With The Devil". In fact, having listened to both albums consistently recently, I have to give “Murder By Pride” the top billing as the best overall album by STRYPER. Opening track “Eclipse Of The Son” sets the tone nicely for this very solid album. If you liked 80’s metal bands Poison, Guns N Roses and Whitesnake, then you’ll be hooked right away by the great dual guitar solos and pulsing and catchy melodies of this entire album. Since those 80’s metal bands have all recently attempted comeback albums, I’ll also suggest that STRYPER has outdone all of them with “Murder By Pride”.
“4 Leaf Clover” might be the signature song from this album. I am very impressed musically by the entire album, and especially by this song. It has a great driving rock beat and Michael Sweet’s vocals have never sounded better. In 2008, Michael Sweet joined legendary band BOSTON on vocals and guitar Murder by Pride includes a great cover of the BOSTON song "Peace of Mind" that features BOSTON guitarist Tom Scholz on the recording.
“Alive” is a great ballad in the style of all-time STRYPER great song “Honestly”. What’s refreshing is that lyrically there is no doubt that the band is Christian as just about every song features a crying out to God, and at the end of “Alive” the painfully honest acknowledgment that God loves us unconditionally regardless of our doubts and loneliness. Michael recently lost his wife to cancer and this song brings out the emotional side of that painful experience. “After recently learning about how precious life is and how often we take for granted the time that we have here on earth, I realized that this tour may very well be the most important tour in the history of Stryper," says Michael Sweet. "Tim, Robert, Tracy, Oz and myself are all stepping out together to show the importance of unity and forgiveness and the only way to show this is to live it. We've been faced with challenges over the past 25 years but two things have remained certain within our hearts and within our lives - the power of God's love and the beauty of God's grace."
“The Plan” and title song “Murder By Pride” are thematically linked based on the concept of dying to the great sin of pride and living in God’s will. “Murder By Pride” has a very convicting chorus: “Gotta fight, gotta stop living a lie, Gotta fall, gotta lay down and die, Gotta stand and run to the other side, Gotta live or it’s Murder By Pride”. The tempo slows down a bit with “I Believe”, “Run In You” and “Love Is Why”, however the flow is natural and allows you to really reflect on the answer to the questions of self-doubt raised earlier in the album, particularly in “Love Is Why”, which includes a bridge based on the words of 1st Corinthians 13:4: “Love is patient, Love is kind”. Also, the band’s name STRYPER is based Isaiah 53:5 (KJV), “With His Stripes We Are Healed.”
Closing songs “Everything” and the re-recording of “My Love (I’ll Always Show)” from 1984’s Yellow and Black Attack bring back the rock and ends like the album begins with Stryper's trademark blend of melodic vocals, heavy guitar licks and pounding drums.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
For me, the standout songs are “4 Leaf Clover”, “Peace of Mind”, “Alive”, “Murder By Pride”, “I Believe”, “Love Is Why” and “Everything” and I truly believe this is the best overall album by this legendary band.
Rating: 9.2 out of 10 (92%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
MIKESCHAIR [MIKESCHAIR] | Posted July-15-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
The origin of MIKESCHAIR was set in a freshman guy’s dorm room one night at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. The band’s name, MIKESCHAIR, begs for an explanation. “The 'chair' was the central gathering point where we got our start,” says Sam. “All of us lived on the same floor of our dorm at Belmont, except for Mike. But, since he was always hanging out with us on our floor, we decided to get him piece of furniture to make him feel a little more at home. The chair was his only piece of property on our floor. He wrote his name on it in big capital letters, and it kind of became his seat of inspiration for writing songs and being creative. The name is a reminder of our humble beginnings and how far God has brought us.”
MIKESCHAIR is a very good debut self-titled album this year by a promising new band. I like the history behind the band name and in the past couple of years, Rush of Fools, Tenth Avenue North and Fee have all made a big impact as new bands on the Christian music scene, all having been nominated for best new artist and I expect a similar outcome for MIKESCHAIR. Their sound seems to be a very nice combination of the sound of those acclaimed bands. Right away, the sound of this album had me hooked as opening song “Outside of Me” set the worshipful tone for the whole album. Vocally, Mike reminds me of Wes from Rush of Fools and the second song “Straight To Your Heart” reminded of me “Lose It All” by Rush of Fools both in sound and message about God reaching out and pulling us closer to Him. It has a great keyboard part and instrumentally is my favorite song on the album.
“Back To Life” keeps the rock going, and has a great positive message about “being tired of going through the motions and God bringing us back to life”. Great honest straightforward message. “Can’t Take Away” is already a top 10 hit on Christian radio and is the stand-out song of the album. According to the band, it was the last song they wrote and got added late to the album. What a blessing as the song really speaks to the Truth that no matter what happens in the world around us, “you can’t take away my God”.
“Let The Waters Rise” is a great ballad and a great crying out in faith that no matter what, we will follow God. “Hallelujah” rings out with another great keyboard part and cry out in thankfulness and the song reminded me of “Burn For You” by Fee. “Fight The Feeling” and “Silhouette” are both nice mellow tempo songs great for quiet times of prayer and reflection with God. “Keep Changing The World” is a great anthem about taking action. As believers, we are called to fight for the broken, hold onto love, and reach for the lonely. This whole album is very encouraging and always stays true to themes of hope, faithfulness and praise to our Great God!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
For me the standout songs are “Outside Of Me”, “Straight To Your Heart”, “Back To Life”, “Can’t Take Away” and “Let The Waters Rise”. If you like Rush of Fools, Tenth Avenue North and Fee, you can’t go wrong with MIKESCHAIR.
Rating: 9.2 out of 10 (92%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Aaron Shust [Take Over] | Posted June-28-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Aaron Shust’s latest release, Take Over is a solid compilation of prayerful lyrics with gentle hooks on a backdrop of mid-range contemporary acoustic rhythms. The album is less moody than the last, but stays true to the introspective depth of expression and worship you expect from Aaron Shust. This is not an album of one or two standout hits. Rather, it’s a full album where the more you listen to it, the more it draws you in and you appreciate the music. Take Over very much plays like one man’s prayer and petition to the Lord. There’s gratefulness and beauty in Aaron’s expressions of adoration.
For younger fans there are a few up-tempo tracks like “Come Save Us” and “Still You Love Me”, but as is consistent with Aaron’s style, listeners should expect arrangements that keep a moderate-to-slow pace. For those of us that appreciate the power of slow builds resonant with praise, Aaron delivers again and again. Songs like “Rest In The Arms” which declares, “You can rest in the arms of The One who holds you. Rest in the arms of The One who knows you. Rest in the arms of The One who won’t let go…” and “Forevermore”, with lyrics, “There is no other God before You. No one can replace You. You are forevermore…” (inspired by Isaiah 46:9-10) are vehicles for you to sing out to the Lord.
Aaron’s God-given ability to capture heartfelt, honest moments and express them in psalmist fashion is not only captivating, but award-worthy. Now on his third studio album, Aaron has already garnered the Song Of The Year award for the song “My Savior My God. For those that follow Aaron’s music, there is no doubt that his lyrics are one of the central elements that sets him apart from other artists. Among my favorites on this album include lyrics from the title track, “Take Over” which exclaim, “I tried to run. I tried to fight you, I’m done. I’m giving up. I’ve learned to trust You, Your love…Can you take over, take over – can you take over me? I’ve been here over and over again, here on my knees. I’m only closer and closer to where I wanna be. When you take over, take over – can you take over me?” This album is special as well because so many of the lyrics explore the depths of the soul of the believer.
There was a great deal of anticipation for Aaron Shust’s third album after the breakout successes of Anything Worth Saying (2005) and Whispered And Shouted (2007). In the end, I find Take Over to be even more hopeful and upbeat than Whispered And Shouted, though similarly compelling. With Take Over, Aaron Shust continues on with his signature artistry, putting forth a solid effort that is certain to be well received by both fans and critics alike.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Aaron’s latest album, Take Over is a vehicle of praise. If you’ll replay this album again and again and let it soak into your soul, you’ll find it not only to be inspired, but inspiring. The great thing about Aaron’s music is its depth of message. Believers in their daily walks can easily identify with Aaron’s sentiments. This is a good album to take on a car trip, to play in the office, to listen to during a morning jog, or during a commute. You’ll want to have this one in your collection – I am so glad to have it in mine.
For more Reviews by Aaron, visit:
http://www.reviewsbyaaron.com
Rating: 9.1 out of 10 (91%, A-)
Review written by: Aaron Hassen | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Jason Crabb [Jason Crabb] | Posted June-28-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
I was first introduced to The Crabb Family in 2004 when someone from our church performed the song, “That’s No Mountain”. I was so moved by the message of the song that I decided to look for more from this group. I was quite surprised to find that Crabb Family’s large collection of songs were a plenty. “Please Come Down to Me”, “Please Forgive Me” and one song that’s message has really helped me through times in my life that I really needed to know that the Lord was there. A reminder that He was there to help me through those tough times, to know that I wouldn’t go through the fights alone, that through Him I could come through the fire and be whole on the other side. The song in which I speak, “Through the Fire” was released on the Crabb Family’s 1999 release Pray and is perhaps one of my favorite songs of all-time. Written by Gerald Crabb, the song’s popularity has grown over the years, especially when performed by his oldest son, Jason.
June 30, 2009 marks a special day for Jason, whose self-titled solo CD releases to the masses. While I can admit that I am not really what you would call a true country/bluegrass fan, I was quite impressed with the album. While I am familiar with the catalog of Crabb releases, I was hoping that Jason’s solo CD would follow the same path and would be something that I would enjoy just as much. I can’t say that I am disappointed to say the least. In fact, the album exceeds everything I thought it would be. Jason and his fellow siblings have enjoyed much success and accolades over the years, being involved with many other ministries along the way. Some of those include, according the album bio, “…performing at Carnegie Hall, become a ‘fan favorite’ at the Grand Ole Opry, appeared regularly on the Gaither Homecoming Series videos, and was honored to sing for the Rev. Billy Graham’s farewell crusade in New York City.”
Jason’s solo debut is nothing less than unforgettable. Vocally, Jason could be compared to the low, gritty vocals comparable to early Bob Segar with perhaps a bit of soul and vibrance of Michael Bolton thrown in. Now just to kind of introduce the album, none of the songs on the record were written by Jason, which normally would be something that doesn’t really impress me initially about the artist. I am impressed most by artists who write their own music, play their own instruments and can sing those songs live just like the record plays. Jason however is a different case. I think the songs chosen for his solo album were great choices, being able to highlight his unique and soulful voice.
The opener “Somebody Like Me”, was quite fitting to use as an intro to the album. The message was one that is all-to-familiar in the church today. Church should be a refuge. A sanctuary where the sinner can come to find Christ, find repentance, to find acceptance among God’s people. Sometimes that is not always the case as this song’s message depicts. It’s sad but true. As the body of Christ, we’re to reach out to those who the world rejects and throws away. That’s Jesus to the world. One of the co-writers of the song caught my attention too, being Michael Boggs, guitarist from the CCM group FFH (Far From Home).
Jason’s cover of the Cathedrals-penned “Daystar” is impressive as well. For so many years I was used to hearing this song sung by the Gaither Vocal Band, thinking the whole time it was written by Bill Gaither. I mean, isn’t all the biggest songs in southern Gospel written by Gaither? Lol. Just kidding! No seriously, I really enjoyed Jason’s take on the song. Its lyrics are just so beautiful and encouraging to any believer seeking to live in the light of God’s grace. The chorus and its worshipful yearning for God’s light of grace and love to shine down on us says it all. This song is one of those examples of how Jason’s vocals are somewhat similar to that of 80-90’s artist Michael Bolton.
“Lead me Lord, I'll follow anywhere You open up the door / Let Your word speak to me, show me what I've never seen before / Lord I long to be Your witness, You can take what's wrong and make it right / Daystar shine down on me, let Your love shine through me in the night”
Now I couldn’t write a review on this album and not talk about “Through the Fire”. This song is an amazing piece of lyrical art. The song was originally recorded by the Crabb Family and has gone through quite a few changes over the years. This is actually the second time Jason has recorded it solo, the first being a more urban Gospel track then onto the ‘Egyptian-version’ (as I call it) on this release. I still prefer the 1999 original, but I like how Jason was able to re-tool it and really mold it in and around his unique vocals. It definitely brings out the best in performance and truly shows what he’s capable of. This is another song that’s chorus really encourages me personally, reminding me as a Christian man, that God never promised that my life’s road would be without trials and tribulations, but through Christ I could come out on top. (Philippians 4:13)
“He never promised that the cross would not get heavy / And the hill would not be hard to climb / He never offered our victories without fighting / But He said help would always come in time / Just remember when you’re standing in the valley of decision / And the adversary says give in / Just hold on, our Lord will show up / And He will take you through the fire again”
The next track, “Sometimes I Cry” was a gem on the album too. The song, penned by Jason’s father Gerald, was truly inspiring. It should serve as a reminder to the ‘ladies in our lives’ that although we are the strong, handsome and fearless men in their lives, we have feelings and we’re people too! Even as Christian men and the challenges we face daily, being the man of the house, the one who God holds most accountable, is not always easy. Yeah, we might play off that everything is alright, but deep down inside we yearn to being acceptable in God’s sight and doing things right and His way. I could relate especially to the part in the chorus that says “Sometimes I can’t get it right no matter how hard I seem to try / Sometimes I fall down stumble over my own disguise”. I think I have heard my wife even say that out loud! Wow, was Gerald writing about me? It’s funny how a song could mirror yourself that it almost has you believing that it was written about you!
One of the more personal and definitely the most touching song on the album would be the slower tune, “Ellsworth”. Definitely the country ballad of the album in my opinion. The story hits close to home with Jason, who says “Ellsworth” is “the kind of song that sticks in your heart and reminds you how precious life is, everybody wants a love like that, and to see it in that story... well, it’s just a powerful thing.” Jason’s wife Shellye has a grandmother who suffers from Alzheimer’s, so to pick the song for the album was like a tribute to her and to help encourage those who are in similar situations with family. I was reminded of other similar stories told in both film (“The Notebook”) and in song, (Mark Schultz’ “Walking Her Home”) when listening to this one. Country star Vince Gill (husband of Amy Grant) also brings his unique vocals to the background in this tune.
The closing numbers, “No Love Lost” written by former White Heart bassist Tommy Sims and “Forever’s End” slowed things down a bit to end out the album. Both of these songs, as good as they are, almost feel out of place though. While most of Jason’s album comprises of country-flavored tunes, these were the two that almost have an 80’s adult contemporary feeling to them, rather then the country feel. An interesting fact -- I didn’t know until reading up about Tommy Sims, that he was a co-writer of Eric Clapton’s hit song “Change the World” from the Phenomenon movie soundtrack. Clapton was an artist and song I grew up listening to and who I have had the privilege of seeing a few times in concert. He has also served as producer for groups like Natalie Grant, Marvin Winans and Israel and New Breed.
While the last two sound different from the rest, I did think that it was a good way to end the album. Almost as if it were a way to maybe introduce what will come next in Jason’s solo career? Who knows, but I can truly say that the hour or so I spent listening to this album was refreshing to me. When most of the music found on my iPod these days hover around the hard rock scene of Christian music, it’s always good to ‘stumble’ over a project that can help you truly admire and respect a genre of music you normally don’t tune into. Not really into country or southern Gospel music? I would give this one a try still. I think anyone can find a song or two on here that will get them movin’ and singin’ along!
Be sure to check out Jason on the upcoming July 14th release, Glory Revealed II: The Word of God in Worship. Jason sings together with Needtobreathe’s Bear Rinehart and Jonathan Shelton on the song, “Wake Up, Oh Sleeper”. Be sure to check out Jason on a few of these YouTube videos too. Check out the “Daystar” video here*. Check out the montage video for “Through the Fire” here*.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
“If there was ever a question of whether or not Jason Crabb could be successful and survive as a solo artist, this debut album from the Crabb Family’s oldest sibling speaks volumes of what he is capable of bringing forth. Long considered to many fans and critics alike as one of the most gifted and talented male vocalists of this generation, Jason Crabb brings those fans another reason to shout and sing and… bring praise to God at the same time”
Rating: 9.2 out of 10 (92%, A-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Christy Nockels [Life Light Up] | Posted June-02-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
One of Christian music’s most recognizable and prolific female voices, Christy Nockels, was born in Ft. Worth, TX. Together as Watermark, Christy and her husband Nathan recorded five albums with Rocketown Records, including hit songs “Knees To The Earth”, “My Heart Your Home” and “Glory Of Your Name”. Christy and Nathan have served at Passion Conferences since 1997 and in 2008, they moved to Atlanta, GA to be a founding family of Passion City Church.
Christy released her first solo worship project, “Life Light Up”, with sixstepsrecords on June 2, 2009. The album opens up with a new recording of “No Not One”, co-written with Brandon Heath and originally released on “What If We”. I can’t get enough of this new version as it has a techno-style electronic beat and beautiful lyrics and a catchy melody. First single “Life Light Up” is next and is another highlight of the album with the call to live to be a light in the darkest night. I have to say, this is also the coolest album artwork I’ve seen since “Revelation” by Third Day.
The album slows down for the next several songs, all original songs written or co-written by Christy including an amazing hymn-rewrite original version of “A Mighty Fortress”. I can totally imagine singing that song in unison with other believers in praise of our God. After another nice ballad “In Your Hands”, written by Molley Moody, are the 3 excellent closing songs of the album. “Marvelous Light” was originally recorded and written by Charlie Hall and Christy does an amazing job of updating this excellent song. Just like “No Not One”, the song has an electronic feel and I love this song and new recording. “Hosanna” is originally by Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood and recorded by Hillsong United and also covered last year by Starfield and by Christy on “Passion: God of This City”. This is one of my favorite new praise and worship songs of the decade and I can’t get enough of the song. I love that two of the premier female voices in Christian music have brought us the best studio and live recordings of this very passionate song. Christy does total justice to the great song and cry to “break my heart for what breaks Yours” in the bridge moves me every time I hear it.
The album closes with another hymn-rewrite of sorts, “By Our Love”. The song reflects the biblical truth “they’ll know we are Christians by our love”. Just like the other slower songs, Christy’s tender and powerful vocals are captivating and this song is sweet and moving like “I Saw What I Saw” by Sara Groves. This whole album just gives me goose bumps.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This is my favorite female solo album of the year along with Lanae’ Hale’s “Back & Forth”. The highlights for me are “No Not One”, “Life Light Up”, “A Mighty Fortress”, “Marvelous Light”, “Hosanna” and “By Our Love”.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10 (95%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Hillsong United [Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls] | Posted June-02-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Hillsong Church has long drawn its worship leaders from the deep and talented pool of songwriters discovered in its United youth ministry, which includes over 3,000 young people at the church’s Sydney and suburban campuses. My initial feedback as a long-time collector of Hillsong and United is that the new album is on par with previous great albums from Hillsong and "Soon" and "You Hold Me Now" are great new worship anthems from the writers and singers of "Lead Me To The Cross", "Mighty To Save" and "From The Inside Out". I hear Joel Houston and Darlene Zschech on a few songs and I love the vocals on the song "Soon", which is written by Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood and the song is beautiful. Also, I'm not sure of the name of the male singer on "You Hold Me Now" another great song, but he reminds me of Chris Tomlin. “Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls” features 10 brand new live praise & worship songs and new recordings of “Desert Song” & “Your Name High”, previously released on “This Is Our God” by Hillsong.
“Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls” is Hillsong United’s first new live CD since 2006. I’ve been singing “The Stand”, “From The Inside Out”, “Mighty To Save”, “Salvation Is Here” and many other Hillsong classics at my church for many years and I expect there will be several more worship classics from this album. One of the standout songs to me is the first song “Freedom Is Here”. From the opening keyboard part and pulsing drum beat and live audience participation, I knew I was in for a real treat with this album. The next three songs keep the energy going and this album was meant to be experienced along with a live audience as these are truly corporate worship songs.
The new recording of “Desert Song”, written by Brooke (Fraser) Ligertwood is another standout song for me and the vocals and sweet chorus of the song are very engaging. The anthemic “Tear Down The Walls” is a great call to unity and reminded me of “The Stand” which is one of my all-time favorites. The songs I keep coming back to over and over are “Soon” and “You Hold Me Now”. I’m looking forward to singing both of those songs with fellow believers “soon and very soon”. “Your Name High”, written by Joel Houston is another beautiful song that had me singing along and the closing song “Yours Forever” reminded me of an upbeat newsboys song in the style of “I Am Free”.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I'm impressed by the consistent quality and fresh worshipful songs that come from Hillsong United. “Across The Earth: Tear Down The Walls” is no exception. A must-have for your praise and worship collection.
Rating: 9.4 out of 10 (94%, A)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
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