The music video for this song features images from Boston and other tragedies. It's kind of a pop song but still hopeful and pleading for peace, knowing it will happen someday when Christ returns. Check...
A Heart Revealed
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I have to say, it was quite a bit of creative thinking that resolves this one. It was lovely seeing the other O'Connors again. Julie Lessman writes well. However, it's not for everyone - if you skip...
by
This is the second man-on-death-row-is-he-innocent? book I've read recently. (The other was Randy Singer's "The Last Plea Bargain") I thought this was well-written, but sad too. There's two twists...
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Did you ever play the game "Telephone" before? It's a classic illustration of what can
happen when the same story is passed down from person to person; you either wind up
with a totally different message than the original, or no message at all. It is this point that
Mark Hall wants to make in Your Own Jesus; unless we have a relationship with Jesus that
is not of the hand-me-down variety, we can never truly have a meaningful walk with him.
When I first heard this book was coming out, I have to admit I was excited because of the
author originally, not the subject matter. I happen to be a huge Casting Crowns fan and I
really respect Mark as a songwriter because he's not afraid to tell the open honest truth.
He also possesses a remarkable ability to put this truth into simple yet meaningful words,
and Your Own Jesus is no exception.
I got to read the first chapter online when it was posted as a preview for the general
public. My first reaction when I came upon his story of considering suicide was "He almost
did what???" It's awesome that a guy can go from contemplating self-annihilation to
becoming the leader of a top-selling, incredibly popular Christian band. Even cooler is
that he's willing to tell us he's human. Many Christians (myself included) aren't as open
about their weaknesses as they probably should be.
Each chapter uses points made in the songs from The Altar and the Door. In Chapter 1,
"Explaining The Wind", Hall talks about forgiveness and logic. Our humanity leads us to
regard forgiveness from God as skeptics. We weigh all the evidence and decide we can't
possibly be forgiven completely by God. We attribute to God human inadequacies He
doesn't have. Another trap we must avoid is hypocrisy; God's law applies everywhere, not
just in church.
"Infinite", continues where Chapter 1 leaves off. It begins the story of Blue, a man who
experienced firsthand what can happen when you give in to sin. Hall also discusses Psalm
1, and reminds us that nobody becomes lost in a split second; rather, it is a slow
regression of sin that escalates with every little compromise. The only way to stop this is
to quit throwing fuel on the fire.
"Stuck" discusses the "what happens in church stays in church" syndrome. We enjoy the
music, the preaching, and the fellowship but when the time comes to take it to the streets,
we either check our Christianity at the door like an old hat we're too embarrassed to be
seen in public wearing, or God leaks out of our heart all the way down the aisle. Or worse,
we decide that God looks a lot like us, faults and all. Jesus wants all of us and we must be
willing to give him access. We must also be on guard against sinful thoughts which can
lead to sinful actions. We would also do well to find someone who can challenge us on
anything we do.
"Newness" explains how we must become transformed inside and out. It also discusses
confronting people in a way that honors God, and says that telling the truth in love is more
important than maintaining friendships. Hall says we must ask to see and think about
people the way Jesus does. We must be right with God ourselves, not pass judgement on
actions we don't fully understand, and ask ourselves how we'd want to be confronted if the
tables were turned.
"The Roman Son" says that if we don't have our own relationship with Jesus, it's
impossible to see if we're headed down the right road or not. We also tend to stereotype
people from different groups as all being the same, and fail to see each one individually.
Showing Christ-like love to everyone shows them we're his, and he's God. There is no
other explanation.
"A Different Kind of Song" continues Blue's story to its conclusion. It also speaks out
against people who try to add their own beliefs to the Bible and are quick to reprove in
judgement rather than love. On the flip side, we shouldn't compromise to appeal to a lost
world either.
Resources:
+ Check out Mark's "Crowns Camp" Videos at http://castingcrowns.typepad.com/
I really enjoyed reading this book. The stories Hall recounts are vividly told, and could
stand alone as devotional articles in some cases. His points are easy to understand and
hard to forget. A master of both the humorous and the profound, Hall has no problem
admitting he's not superhuman or sinless. But he does lift his torch high to reveal the One
who is
:) | Posted May-18-2010
If Fee is the shortest band name in Christian music today, then Be is the shortest album
title. All you budding philosophers can get headaches wondering what the significance is,
but I'd much prefer to talk about the music. The appeal of Be, while geared towards
youth, isn't limited to their target market. I've seen people performing energetic music on
TV before to the excitement of worshippers of all ages.
Unhindered has become a favorite of the crowds at Acquire the Fire, an annual Christian
youth event. Considering the energy in some of the songs, it's a wonder they can
recuperate in a year. You won't catch yourself yawning while listening unless you're
really, REALLY tired. Rather, you'll find yourself wanting to stand up and cheer your
assent during the spirited "We Will" "People of God" and "Light This World", and
pleading along with the cries of "Father Will You Come". After you turn off your music
player, then the yawns will come. All that jumping and yelling, you know.
Unhindered also gives a spoken word performance before the music of "Who Is Like
The Lord". Although this might be awesome live, it loses some of its energy by not being
able to view the slides they no doubt show during this recitation. There are also a couple
of songs that begin with a count-off ("1,2,3") which again clues us in to the fact that this
band is meant to be an experience, not a CD.
I've heard some people think that their lyrics are unoriginal and are just a mish-mash of
overused clichés. But you gotta remember, these songs are Bible-based. I wonder if
anybody ever said, “I’m sick of David always saying, ‘Praise God’ all the time. Think of
a new word, Psalmist!”
My favorite song on this album is the last and the least like any other. “Farewell Lullaby”
is about letting go of fear and worshipping without boundaries, completely, well….
unhindered. By anything anyone thinks about us. Even if they call us crazy. The slow
melody, while fitting for a “lullaby”, seems a contrast to the message. And therein lies the
appeal; it’s reflective, and you imagine the singer is down on his knees, pledging to be
bolder next time.
It all comes down to this; to Be or not to Be? I vote yes. Be, live, love, worship. It
wouldn’t hurt to start here.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
I used to cringe a little whenever “Lose My Soul” came on the radio. It was like the song that wouldn’t die.
Every week I used to listen to CCM Radio Magazine, and every week it was somewhere in the top 5.
(Funny I didn’t get tired of “Give Me Your Eyes”; it topped the list for, what was it, 14 weeks in a row?) Up to
this point, the only tracks I’d heard out of Tobymac didn’t make much of an impression on me. Needless
to say, Tonight was not I was expecting. In these 13 compelling tracks, you’ll find honesty, faith, passion
and humor.
One neat thing about this album is there are plenty of duets. In fact, it begins with one; the rock-infused
"Tonight" featuring John Cooper of Skillet, whose voice doesn't GRRRR so much. You got to wonder how
they picked the song order on this album, because this one's about surrender. And that's where you've
got to start. Nice. Matthew Thiessen is a great addition to "Wonderin'". I already liked his guest vocals on
John Reuben's "Nuisance" and enjoyed this song of musing about what's next in God's plan. A little
acoustic guitar fix is a good thing. You’ll also find a touching testimony in “Changed Forever” (with Nirva
Ready) of a life changed because of God’s love.
"City On Our Knees", the released-well-in-advance single, is an ethereal "(wor)'ship-hop" (you heard it
here first![?]) song that pictures everyone coming together as the body of Christ. If the next single isn't
"Get Back Up", I'll be surprised. A music video-ready, radio-friendly song that reassures the lost and
afraid that you can always come back again. With the last lines “This is love callin,’ love callin,’ /Out to the
broken this is love callin’” I picture someone picking up a ringing phone. “Hold On” is a pop-hop in the
same vein, except it’s addressed specifically to a girl.
The unusual title “Hey Devil” may cause some of you to do a double-take; the song is actually Toby telling
Satan to get lost and quit tempting him. Little unconventional to say it quite that way, but it gets the point
across. A lot of electric guitar on this one. If you’re expecting “LoudNClear” to be a whole song, it’s
actually a short track starring one of his kids(?). I couldn’t help smiling.
A winsome combination of faith, hope, love, and fun, Tonight will leave you with a smile on your lips and a
beat that won’t let go long after you press the stop button. (And that’s without putting the album on
repeat!!)
And now for an original RAP-vue:
Maybe I’m just a Canadian girl
Hardly know squat ‘bout the hip-hop world
Got thoughts worth sharing, done well, done right
Reviewin’ what’s new with Tobymac’s Tonight
Yeah, don’t usually send it to you this way
Got creation flippin’ out my head today
Cuz I hearin’ this tune that just won’t stop
It’s alive in my head let it rise to the top
(Here we go)
“Tonight” yes me like cuz surrender’s the theme
‘Bout wantin’ what’s real from a God unseen
Cooper’s voice in the b/g; can you beat that?
Loses the “argh” for the sake of the act
Liftin’ spirits now with playin’ “Get Back Up”
Madio fo’ radio, say love’ll be enough
Single we’ve been hearing long, “City On Our Knees”
No surprise WOW chose it cuz we knows its peace
In a world now frenetic
It’s practically prophetic
If you don’t get it
You’re gonna regret it
“Hey Devil” a kick to the curb
Like he been asking give me the bad word
Don’t flaunt your apple
Just shut your trap, y’all
“Hold On” slowing down to say wait where y’are
Dontcha know hope’s homing in on your heart?
Testimony ‘tween the lines “Changed Forever”
Speaks a life wrong-track leaving
Ties with lies they all severed
Throwaway maybe to some, “LoudNClear”
Would we’ver think to give these kids an ear?
Found it adorable, me; changa paces
(Advice: don’t say that word to their faces
‘Less you’re some kinda cheek-pinchin’ auntie
If you do, runnin’ shoes come in handy!)
“Wonderin’” ‘s sweet and I ain’t teasin’
Bringin’ out a way cool side o’ Thiessen
‘Coustic string twang don’t hurt no way
Restrospect, smacks of regrets what to say
These are my faves, there’s a few other flaves
I’ll cut to the chase let me say that I rave
And if you no likee how this proj is done
Blame my vocab, should be me you go shun
Swipe your card, type the PIN, or just slam down some cash
Ain’t gonna be dumpin’ your bucks in the trash
:) | Posted May-18-2010
From first glance at the cover of their latest album, it's clear that the Rubyz are not your
average teen pop singers. For one thing, they're covered up. Refreshing. After listening
to the songs, it becomes even more obvious. Yes, Alexis and Cammie sing about love.
It's the way they approach the subject that singles them out in the crowd. Sound Off
offers a Christ-centered message to tweens and teens who are tired of being shallow.
The first song, "Ladies and Gentlemen" is a plea to both the girls and the guys to get real.
It calls on boys to treat girls with respect, but also asks the girls to respect themselves
too. I don't think it's an accident that the girls are petitioned first, because if a girl doesn't
respect herself, why should she expect a boy to treat her any better? The catchy pop
beat, the echoing vocals, and the cracking drumstick sounds make this a "stuck in my
head" candidate.
"Watch The Girl" cautions boys against falling for empty flirtation, and not to miss the
genuine girls in the process. It's a trap that boys of all ages can fall into, as they fall prey
for a pretty face. "Stuck in the Grey" implores the listener to stop being such a
peer-pressure pretender and choose Christ. The chorus tune sounds like a record
spinning, which goes nicely with their suggestion that the listener is "stuck". In "The
Memo", Cammie and Alexis say that they know something that the listener needs to,
which is that God thinks they're beautiful. It even goes one step further and asks girls to
pass on "the memo" to anybody who says they're worthless. "My Heart" speaks for God
with the same message as the previous song. The vocals, at some points in the song,
sound like Jenny of Addison Road, although the pop style doesn't. Finally, if your little
girl/sister decides she wants to be a superstar too, she can sing along with music-only
versions of the 5 songs. (You can sing along too. Just turn off the webcam and close the
windows first. :))
Sound Off delivers an important message without sparing any musical flare. Even for 5
songs, it's worth a listen for the lessons alone
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Superchick releases an album of mostly remixes, but for somebody like me who's hardly heard their
music, it's as good as the original.
The album begins with the non-conformist anthem "Cross The Line (Box Office Blockbuster Mix)", a song
I have heard the original to (along with "Pure"). I've often said it should be in the EA Sports NHL video
game soundtrack. The remix has a slower beat and less laser effects. "Rock What You Got (Fight
Underdog Fight! Mix" has a cool jazzy feel to it. (Were they thinking of the Underdog cartoons/movie?) "Let
It Roll" features Matt Dally's vocals. Now this is one guy who could carry a solo album. Watch out Bieber!
(Just kidding. I don't even know what Justin sounds like.) The "don't sweat it" pop-hop track is very catchy.
"Hey Hey (Vampires vs Cheerleaders Mix)" gets its name from the whispered verses and yelling chorus.
"Breathe (Don't You Die On Me Mix)" is mellow and sounds like BarlowGirl.
"Pure (Brand New Day Mix)" boasts violins and a slight Latin/lounge sound, a contrast with the original's
warped computer music. "Wishes (Teens Falling In/Out of Love Mix)" would work well on a Disney
Channel original movie. (Not that I've ever seen one, but I get the idea.) "Still Here" is an endurance song
that just cries out to be made into a Haiti video. (Has it already?) Ending off the album is its shortest track
at 2:14, the gentle acoustic "With You", which I'll someday hear on a commercial for insurance or the
neonatal (premature and sick babies) ward of a hospital.
Superchick has discovered the secret to creating versatile music. With sounds ranging from loud rock to
quiet pop, "Reinvention" is aptly named; indeed, stylistically they seem be constantly in a state of just that.
What on the surface seems confusing reads like a page out of your best friend's diary. (Not that you ever
have....:) )
:) | Posted May-18-2010
By all accounts, Stuart Townend is one of the greatest hymn writers of the age. He's drawn comparisons
with Wesley and Watts, both of whom I recognize by name only. Yet, ignorant child that I am, I do
recognize Townend's name off the credits of a song I've heard a few different versions of; "In Christ
Alone". It is indeed fitting that the album begins with one of the most beautiful, if not succinct, ways I've
heard Christ's life, mission, and the subsequent response of the singer described. Accompanied by a
choir, Townend's voice, while not incredibly unique here, carries the song well. There's also a nice little
recorder solo. The best other rendition I've ever heard of this song was by FFH.
In fact, the entire 1st half of the CD, ("In Christ Alone", "Beautiful Saviour" and "How Deep The Father's
Love For Us") is comprised of songs I've heard and enjoyed before. It's like a worship "Twilight Zone"
episode. (Okay, so I'm not completely ignorant. :) ) That's not to say it's tired and old. Rather, it's kind of
neat to hear the original singer play his own songs as he sees them. As these are hymns and not merely
introspective songs, the congregation in the background of some is a nice touch. For some reason,
"Speak O Lord" reminds me of a coffeehouse Christmas song. That would be the one low point, but it's
so close to the line that there's almost no point recognizing it as such. His prolific writing career has
garnered him at least 119 popular songs among churches, according to CCLI. You get what I'm thinking?
How do you choose just 6? (Aside from the top 2 [tracks 1 and 3], I mean.) For sheer poetry, there's few in
his class. If you want to know what I'm talking about, Google him.
The popularity of these songs may steer the casual listener away from buying this album, but if you've
never heard them before, or (like me) you're also a songwriter who appreciates what the original writer, if
gifted vocally, can bring to their own songs, check it out.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
The first and only time I’d ever heard any song by PureNRG prior to this review, was on
WOW Hits 2008. Their song “What If” was included as a bonus track on one of the
discs. It read all the way through like a checklist except for the chorus. I’m glad to hear
that I can’t always judge a group by one song. As far as I’m concerned, The Real Thing
lives up to its name; a great blend of songs with appealing messages about Jesus and
Bible-based ideals.
One of the central themes is reliance on Jesus for everything they need. “The Real
Thing”, “Savior”, “Live To Worship”, “Sweet Jesus” and “Overwhelmed” all describe
this dependency in glowing terms. It’s refreshing to find an album in this genre (kiddy
pop) that incorporates worship songs into the mix. “Live To Worship” was my favorite
of this bunch for the same reason. It’s got a great melody and I wouldn’t be surprised if
it becomes a favorite outside of the youth groups. “Overwhelmed” does just that to the
listener; with its fast tempo and surreal sound effects, you might have to play it a couple
of times (or check the booklet) to figure out everything they’re saying! The song
describes being flooded with grace and the Holy Spirit (I’m overwhelmingly finding
myself addicted to Your Holy presence ; I’m overwhelmingly finding myself wanting to
be filled with Your spirit), which (at least to me) is rare for a song aimed at teens. So is
“Before The Sun Goes Down”, which reminds us to forgive the careless and hurtful
actions of others, because someday it might be too late. It also asks for strength to be
like God. There are so many songs about people who’ve been “done wrong”, but so few
about turning the other cheek.
The title song, “The Real Thing”, addresses something everyone can relate to; wanting
someone you can count on always. Plenty of people claim to be that one, but Jesus is the
only one who is infallible. “Savior” asks the listener if they’re looking for somebody to
fix things and support them, then goes on to introduce them to Jesus as (again) the only
one who has what they’re looking for. It’s a great concept for a pop song, but I think
the chorus would’ve been stronger if they didn’t repeat the same 3rd and 4th line twice.
(Let me introduce you to Jesus/Let me introduce you to Jesus/He’s got so much love for
you/That He opened up His arms and gave His life for you) “Sweet Jesus” reaffirms the
all-knowing, ever faithful qualities of our Lord.
“Cover Of a Magazine” is, message-wise, comparable to Jump5’s song “Diamond”
(from All The Time In The World). Although your self-esteem may take a dive after
seeing somebody else’s idea of beauty in magazines, this song reminds you that all those
pictures are touched up and nothing is as it appears. Someday when said pictures are
trash in a landfill, your legacy will live on if you just be who God made you to be.
(Incidentally, I’d personally like to see what day this was written; not long after a certain
teen idol with the initials M.C. appeared on the cover of a magazine, perhaps?)
“Can You Handle It?” (Can you handle it/If we go against the crowd / ‘Cause I’m
counting on you now / What if we push back / When we’re pushed around / Tell me can
you handle it) is an upbeat rally cry to rebel against the expected. It challenges youth to
stick together and fight for what’s right. The cheering really adds to the spirit of the
song. However, it ends too abruptly. I would’ve liked a cheering fade out better. “It’s All
About You” is an upbeat synth song that should have you dancing and remembering that
God is the real reason we have to be happy. Some of the lyrics are clichés, but I didn’t
really care. The spiraling sound of the chorus is cool, too.
There are also three sing-along versions of the songs “Here We Go Again”, “Radio” and
“Footloose”. Some of the vocals have been removed so you can sing one of the parts. I’
m guessing this would probably only appeal to the younger kids (with the exception
maybe of the last one; some parents might remember the song from the movie of the
same name.)
I think just about anybody could find something to love about this CD. The kids will like
the pop melodies, the parents will approve the message, and both will be encouraged to
get closer to God. I myself was pleasantly surprised, because I thought I’d all but grown
out of this genre. Little did I know.....
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Having just celebrated my 22nd birthday, that makes me 3 years older than Point Of Grace. And while my
listening to them may not quite draw comparisons to a toddler dancing to the Rolling Stones (betcha
there is one, Youtubers), it still gives me pause.
The very country No Changin’ Us (now THERE’S a funny spoof you could do with babies!) contains topics
that I know nothing about first-hand: marriage, raising children, stressing out over a career, etc. There’s
also no end of clichés – mommas, hometowns, American patriotism and metaphorical roads. What you
won’t find, however (praise God!) are the cheating lovers, happy alcoholic binges, and/or double
entendres so common to the genre outside of Christian lines.
I can see several of these songs becoming favorites. “Wildflower”, for instance, is just made for a music
video, or even a campaign. The story of a late bloomer with serious Esther potential is one I know well.
“Hometown” is just itching to be the next family-oriented TV show theme song. It’s something I can’t
identify with, being from the 6th largest city in Canada, but it still gave me a teeny weeny ache. “Chalk In
The Rain” may draw comparisons to “Dust In The Wind” by title and theme but the unique metaphor of life
being a “sidewalk Mona Lisa” stands out. Whichever of the 3 writers contributed this line had to have
seen one, not merely thought it up. The tender love of a long married couple in the title track is beautifully
expressed.
There’s plenty of encouragement for the broken. “He Holds Everything” reminds us that God is still in
control, while “There Is Nothing Greater Than Grace” assures us of His presence in every crisis. “Come
To Jesus” tells everybody to take the first step and surrender to Him, no matter what we're going through.
On the lighter side, wives and mothers will laugh right along with "Love And Laundry" and "The Greatest
Show On Earth". I predict more than a few meet-and-greet fans showering these 3 ladies with "this-is-
my-life-how-did-you-know?"s.
Though there's nothing tune-wise that made me stop in my tracks, the lyrics and the hearts behind them
are real, down to earth, and beating for Christ. If that's the (more than just an) image they're going for,
Point Of Grace has aced it.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Diagnosed with cancer at age 11, she made a wish to record a Christian album. The ensuing project was well received, and lead to interviews on “Today” and “Extra”, as well as a contribution to the
Bath & Body Works Holiday album in 2005. Flash forward to 2009. Now 19 and healthy,
she’s determined not to waste the lessons she learned while witnessing life and death.
Wake Up begins with "Episode", a song which starts off quietly but crashes its way into
your ears much as the message is meant to shatter your illusions. It's a caution for
dreamers that the grass isn't as green; for slackers that time is precious; in short, it's a
tirade against tunnel vision. It's kind of hard to hear the lyrics over the music though.
Too often we confuse saying the right words with caring. And when the time comes to
defend our "stance", we roll over and play dead. "Apathy" is an upbeat kick in the butt
that reminds us that "We’ve only got this one moment/To leave our mark." It's a
message our society can't hear enough. "Come Alive" encourages us to find the one thing
we have a passion for and dive in head first. It's a song that screams "music video!" I
could also easily see it being picked up for a TV show soundtrack.
"I Say" is encouragement for young people who think they can't make a difference
because of their age (although as far as I'm concerned, Paige herself is living proof!!)
This is no karaoke song; the melody is hard to follow. In its favor though there's an
awesome guitar solo part near the end.
In the Fireflight-sounding "Wake Up", we return to the "actions speak louder than words"
theme; however, this time, Paige is confessing to not caring. In humbling herself, she
may actually reinforce the message of "Apathy", not weaken it. She's real, human,
mortal, and to her credit she says so. This one also has a cool guitar solo part.
"Thoroughly Complete" is a departure from the album so far, a quiet and reflective
acoustic track. The moment when everything is breaking apart and save for God, she'd
collapse. We've probably all had moments like this, and the marked difference between
this song and those previous is a pleasant jolt. The next song, "Lights Burn Out"
would've probably worked better as an acoustic track (perhaps a free download or EP
down the road?) and is yet another "speak out, get passionate" song.
Sometimes staying pure takes more guts than than compromise. That's the message of "I
Dare You", a song directed towards girls. Now I've never actually been in the situation
the song is describing (being barraged by pick-up lines and giving in to sex), but there
are so many girls who find themselves in this situation that it bears saying over and over.
That is, if you can hear it. The background music and beat consume this one too.
"Airbrushed Magazines" (now here I've been.sorta) is a body image song that gets kind
of vague around the seesaw chorus ("What’s wrong/What’s right/We don’t give up the
fight/It’s time, to feel,/What it is to be real/And though, they say/We should live life their
way/Who are they,/To say who we are.") It's a rocking song that makes use of both
female and male vocals, and gets gradually harder near the end chorus repeat.
Every life has a defining crisis, where the world is flipped upside down and we either rise
or fall. "The Story Song" is Paige's story, or it could be yours. Paige asserts that "No
one’s spared to just keep silent/No one’s saved to just keep still". The point is, once
we've been through something and have come out alive on the other end, what good is it
if we just button up and live? Who benefits? Rather, she believes we should use these
moments to be a powerful witness for God's power and glory.
Lastly, the album closes with "Unbreak Me", a beautifully intimate worshipful track. The
quiet violin and piano parts accent this account of a seeking and pleading heart looking
for love and healing. It's a sweet song which really ought to be submitted for CHR adds.
Despite the occasional moments where instrumentals steal the show, Wake Up does just
that. Whether it's the loud stomping-on-toes of"Apathy" or the quiet beauty of "Unbreak
Me", you won't leave this one without a favorite track.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Wow, a band older than me that still survives to this day. There must be something to
Newsong that other groups are lacking. They boast a staggering 15 prior releases, 20 #1
songs, and a huge annual tour that outshines even some secular music tours. They even
scored a Christmas movie based on their A/C holiday tearjerker, “The Christmas Shoes”.
Now, right about now, I’d be shaking my head in amazed disbelief, asking, “how does
this all happen???” But I think you and I already know the answer to that question.
This album marks the return of singer Russ Lee, who left initially in 2000 to embark
upon a solo career. But he's by no means a prodigal " 'song", as he used his absence
from the band to network, fellowship, evangelize, and support his wife in her battle with
cancer. It's also being released on the band's 7th (and band-made) label, His Honor
Music. It's clear they're extremely committed to their work. They're even giving away a
free copy with every copy you buy, for you to give to a friend.
The songs on Give Yourself Away have a wide range of themes. From the Creator-
praising "Too Wonderful" to the encouragement of "God Hears"; from the "they-make-it-
sound-so-easy" "Give Yourself Away" to the reminder to get right with God before Jesus
comes in "Magnet"; it's easy to see why Newsong's music continues to reverberate and
resonate even after 28 years. They speak to people in every situation, every area of their
lives. And when was the last time you had a preacher's speech stuck on "loop" in your
head? Outside contributors to this album include Matthew West, who seems to have his
hand in many projects. He's one of my favorite lyricists.
One song on this album that I predict will have mainstream airplay, besides "Every Child
(Deserves A Home)", is "First Day On Earth". It's a beautiful love letter from a father to
his new baby, and as you're probably aware, radio eats this kind of song up. Even the
mention of God in this song probably won't deter non-Christian listeners.
Somehow I don't think Newsong knew just how prophetic they were in choosing that
particular name. Because it seems to me that their music will never grow old. Whether
you've been a fan for years or, like me, have a couple of favorite songs, you'll want to
snag a copy
LauraCC's Music and Book Reviews 
