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
When I was in 5th grade, music wasn't really big with me. The year before, I, like all the
other girls in my 4/5 class (so I believe) bought the soundtrack to Titanic for "My Heart
Will Go On." I never saw the movie nor did I develop a crush on "Jack", however. I was
also a member of choir and would've been in the chorus of the school musical too if I
hadn't missed practice and been kicked out (thanks to somebody, I don’t know who)
telling me it was cancelled.
For the boys of Mission 6, however, 5th grade was the year they decided to make music
for Jesus. Arming themselves with musical training, they quickly went on to record their
first album, Superhero. Boasting 10 tracks, and garnering comparisons to FF5, Relient K
and the insanely popular Jonas Brothers, the 5 youngsters made it clear where they stand
even in the naming of their band, a reference to God's presence and approval of their
"musicionary" (their word, not mine) efforts. Now, a little more than a year later, their
second album Not Too Young is an encouraging mix of uplifting songs, albeit short.
The title track, "Not Too Young" is an upbeat song which draws from 1 Timothy 4:12:
"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the
believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." It's a theme you'd expect in
music geared to kids, but I think the look-downers need to hear it too. The next two
songs are actually extensions of each other. "Stand Out" is an anti-peer pressure song
with a soft chorus, and its sister song (or should that be "brother song"? It's alliteration
vs. boy-singers=boy song.) "Misfits" says that we shouldn't be surprised when we don't
feel like we fit in, because we're not supposed to. It may seem obvious, but it's actually a
truth that often sails right over our heads. "Misfits" sounds like regular rock and gets
punkier near the end.
"Forever" is an open letter to the girls they haven't met yet. It's a rarity from an all-boys
group to hear a song about purity, because in this world guys are considered the losers
for maintaining it. It's a song that's bound to earn the band respect. However, I was left
wishing for a little lighter touch with the music and more voice on this one. The last
complete track is a cover of "I Am Free." It's a song well-suited to their high-energy
style. However, while well done, Newsboys fans probably won't find anything fresh
about it, as my experience with the cynicism of older teens and 20-somethings
practically weaned on CCM versus my relative rookie status leads me to believe. Each of
the 5 songs is also available in a sing-along version for kids, rather than taking the profit-
milking step of selling the 5 songs as an EP and the karaoke tracks separate.
Not Too Young is a great appetite-whetter. The songs are uplifting and the very existence
of Mission 6 is proof positive that kids can make a difference at any age. Parents will
definitely approve and might even catch themselves humming along to "I Am Free."
:) | Posted May-18-2010
What would make Matt Maher release his second album only a year and a half after the
first?" That's the question that eventually came to my mind when I heard about Alive
Again. Maybe it's a marketing decision; maybe it's because some of the songs from
Empty and Beautiful were recorded first by other artists. Or maybe he just couldn't wait
to share what God has given him. I'm not complaining, mind you; I loved his debut. And
I suspect it's all three.
Whyever, Alive Again is a great album. Some songs promote the quiet introspective,
others a joyous celebration of praise. The title single is a vivid expression of a moment of
clarity, describing a moment where God reaches out to us and overpowers anything in
His way to get His message across. Inspired by an almost-sunrise Maher saw and
drawing from Colossians, the message evoked is this; He leads.
"Hold Us Together" reminds us that love, while it won't necessarily give us what we
think are/should be our heart's desires, it will do far more than that. Love will "Make us a
shelter/To weather the storm". That's pretty powerful stuff. Not only does love give us a
place to ride out the storms, we become new bricks in the walls of love's embrace
ourselves, extending what we received to others. I liked the beat of this one. The
clapping hands really added to the feeling of community this song intends to convey.
"Remembrance", co-written by another Matt (Redman) is a song about communion. It's
a topic which isn't explored in depth by a lot of other songs (Third Day's "Communion"
was the only other one I could think of). It's basically a response to Jesus wanting to be
that close to us. Maher says that they "thought it would be great to write a worship song
that teaches people about the spiritual nature of communion, without diving into
theological differences." The chorus's transition between the stages of remembering to
worshipping to having communion really flows well.
"Letting Go" is probably the only musical low point on this album. I can't quite put my
finger on it, but Maher sounds kind of flat or something. It's a nice song lyrically,
although some people may find it a bit too cliche for their liking. ("I stand in awe of
You/And everything You’ve done for me/You speak Your words into my life/And where
You are is where I want to be")
"You Were On the Cross" asks God where He was during trials and pain. The answer in
the song is clear; the defeat of these things was foreordained and in our lifetime had
already occurred. Therefore, we are no longer slaves to sin and death. Furthermore,
every terrible, awful, horrible feeling we can imagine has already been experienced by
Christ, so He knows.
In "Garden" Maher expresses the idea that God wants to "take the human heart and make
it a garden - like it was in the beginning." He wants to cultivate all that is beautiful, rich,
rare and Godly in us. If we were indeed made in His image, He no more wants to turn us
in the opposite direction than a gardener wants to plant, nourish and breed weeds.
I would further the final metaphor by saying that this entire album is a well-tended
garden; the songs are crafted with rational thought and spiritual insight. Beauty is
encouraged and ingrained for many purposes, not excluding the simple enjoyment of its
loveliness itself for its own merits. Alive Again has no actual weeds; it is the senses and
condition of the listener that alone determine the resonance each song will have.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Lara Landon. She’s not the latest of Superman’s double one-name flames. (No kidding;
we wouldn’t be talking about her.) Instead, the name belongs to a young woman whose
debut CD, Beloved, is beautiful and inspiring. It’s almost as though you walked into
Lara’s heart and found an art gallery there. The emotions in these songs range from
cheerful to lonely to heartfelt.
She’s been compared to Plumb, Tori Amos, and Imogen Heap, but my Canadian ears
detected a little Celine Dion first in “Let It Go”. There’s also a moment of Francesca
Battistelli (“Closer”) and even some of the sound of whoever did the theme song from
Dawson’s Creek (“Presence of Love”). “I Believe” made me think of Elton John’s
“Rocketman” verse melody-wise.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of Landon’s album is the unbridled honesty with which
she speaks about her fears, doubts, and insecurities. Her lyrical boldness would be very
refreshing in the mainstream market; in the Christian music sphere, it’s more common.
But it’s there that the words and music themselves take over.
“For The First Time” is an infectious, encounter-with-God, “Aha!” moment. When you
finally realize, “So that’s what it’s all about!” The neat thing was the rising effect in the
verse’s melody; you got the sense that the singer’s emotions are rising too.
“Closer” has the atmosphere of a movie credits track. When you realize how far you’ve
come, you also see how far you still have to go in your relationship with God. But rather
than being discouraged, this retrospective should actually push us forward.
For deep reassuring moments, there’s “Heart Of My Heart”, a song that speaks to us of
God’s love and the close relationship He wants us to share with Him. We have been
adopted as members of His family.
In the lovely, worshipful “For You Lord”, Lara asks if she can offer singing as her gift to
God. It may be an anthem for many budding musicians who want to use their gifts for
God’s glory. But it also reminds us of why we’d want to do so (And in the dark you heal
me/Rejoice over me with singing/No, I'm not alone in my suffering)
Perhaps one of the most endearing features of this album is the way Lara’s voice so
often seems to eclipse the background music. Because indeed, if the richness she brings
to Beloved were wasted on loud, blaring tracks about sex and dating, it’d lose its impact.
Beloved is one album that will certainly live up to its name. Given Lara’s powerful
vocals, beautiful, honest lyrics, and melodies which range from breathtaking to haunting,
there is absolutely no way she will fly under the radar.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
It's been 3 years since FFH's last album, Worship in the Waiting (featuring the best rendition of "In Christ
Alone" I ever heard). Nobody foresaw Wide Open Spaces, least of all Jeromy and Jennifer Deibler. After
disbanding due to burnout, they spent a six month stint in South Africa unwinding from fame. Arriving in
the US with no clear direction, they faced 2 diagnoses: Jennifer with her 2nd pregnancy and Jeromy with
MS. The irony is that their long, hard road took them right back where they began; music. Except this time
it would be on their own terms. But a secondary pursuit need not be second-rate.
Wide Open Spaces flourishes in the fertile soil of lessons learned. So much so that the entire album
could be the soundtrack to a movie about their experiences. It takes a lot of courage and dedication to
God to lay down your life's work. From the vulnerability of surrender ("Undone" and "What If Your Best"), to
newfound humility ("I Don't Care Anymore"); from a praying, seeking heart ("Stop The Bleeding") to the
decision to stop following the popular crowd ("Who I'm Gonna Be"), FFH shows that there is merit in
letting the tea steep. In fact, the last song, "Jesus Give Me Rest" seems to tie it all together under this
banner. I can relate to this (what high school graduate has not been there?) even though I don't have a
job, post-secondary education, a house, a car, a marriage, or anything else that goes along with it.
However, I admit that I too have a need for affirmation; anybody who's been tagged in my lyrics on
Facebook knows this well! We are reminded that God does some of His best work in us when we slam
on the brakes.
There's a good reason why the genre of this album is "unclassifiable". Some songs have a pop feel
while others are deep and worshipful. "Wide Open Spaces" is FFH's "Home On The Range" and sounds
a little cowboyish :). In some places Jeromy and Jennifer's voices sound more nasal than others. But
there's no discounting the quality of the lyrics. Like this, from "What It Feels Like":
"So this is what it feels like to just fall apart / be totally unglued / out that if I accept my brokenness/ I get
more of me, I get all of You"
The message may be oft-heard; each word alone nothing special. But when you combine them like that?
Sheer poetry, and the reason I love music and writing lyrics so much.
Life is full of surprises. You can travel around the world to go next door and never see it coming. When
you get there, you know better to ask the taxi driver, "Hey, what's with the 40,008 km detour?" Even though
the trip took forever, the cab broke down a couple of hundred times, and you got hot, cold, thirsty and
weary, you're not thinking about that anymore. You saw the world, made new friends, and enjoyed the
ride. That's more than worth the hefty fee. But then you look at the fare counter, blink a couple of times,
and crack a grin the size of the Grand Canyon. It reads: $0.00. :D
:) | Posted May-18-2010
It's no surprise that Chasen's lyrics are deep; the flavor of a stew is always improved by simmering. And
indeed, that is what Chasen Callahan did. He's the meat. After throwing in a few vegetables (Evan, Jared,
Aaron - sorry if you think that's a bad analogy!), and the all-important broth (God - surrounding and
basting), you come up with something wonderful. The latest creation? That Was Then This Is Now, a
stirring album blending praise with prayers.
"Love In Your Name" is one of those "cry of one's heart" anthems that has the potential to be a church
favorite. One thing that's surprisingly refreshing; although the chorus alludes to it,("There’s one thing that
I know/For every searching soul/There is love In Your Name/Love In Your name Jesus") the second verse
doesn't turn the song into another "Be the hands and feet of Jesus" tune. Instead, Chasen praises Jesus
throughout. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with a song that encourages works; however, it's rather
predictable in a song that starts out this way.
"On and On" reminds us that no matter what happens in this world, we still have Christ's love for us to
cling to. The lightheartedness of "Leave You Alone" struck me as strange because I wondered if the sad
person being encouraged would respond to a song that carefree sounding? I guess it's just more proof
that message trumps music. "One In Million" is a simple enough song that seems longer than its 2
minutes 45 seconds. I could see a tween band covering this because it's the kind of message kid-
focused music is replete with. I get the feeling "Bullet" must be killer live; it has that kind of infectious,
pump-up-the-crowd energy to it. I can definitely see the Hillsong influence here. The title seems an odd
choice, as the word "bullet" is only mentioned once. "Let it ring", however, follows each verse. God takes
the mike in "Slow Down", a triumphant song of rest (if there is such a thing) that could best be described
as Jesus giving you a Snuggie and a cup of hot cocoa, setting you down by a fire and moving your heart. If
Chasen ever makes a music video for "There Is Love", a campfire in a clearing would be a lovely setting
for it.
I have no doubt that That Was Then This Is Now will occupy a prominent place in your top albums of 2010
by the end of the year. Whether you’ve found your identity in Christ or are still seeking, Chasen's new
music will warm and encourage your heart.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Sometime in 2001, I dipped my foot into the waters of contemporary Christian music
with 2 CDs; Jump5’s self-titled debut and Jars of Clay’s The Eleventh Hour. However, it
wasn’t until the summer of 2008 that I fell headfirst into crazy music fandom. Who and
what pushed me in? The who was God, via Casting Crowns. The what was their 3rd
album, The Altar and the Door. From then on, my mad rush into Christian music fandom
lead me to inspiration for lyrics, closeness to God, online friendships, and Christian
Music Review. That's right......Mark and company, you're the reason I'm even writing
this. (On a "darker" note, you're also the root of my Internet addiction!) Anyhoo, back to
giving a little back.......Until the Whole World Hears is a worship effort that is beautiful
lyrically and musically.
What you won't find on UTWWH is a rebuke song like those that Crowns has become
famous for. Instead, the album is tinged with humility; every song that speaks of
backsliding uses "I" and "we" instead of "they" and "you". How honest is that? Even the
title single is more of an anthem than a criticism. The song begins as a plea to Jesus
asking for the ability to be like Him and then rallies others to the same cause. Trivia-
that's Mark's home church (Eagle's Landing First Baptist Church in Georgia) joining in
the song near the end. This album also marks Crowns’s first project without their former
drummer, Andy Williams, famous for being bald, interestingly replaced this past
February by Brian Scoggins, a red head Lucy Ricardo would envy the color of if not the
afro style.
"Always Enough" is a sufficiency song borne from the death of a member of Mark's
congregation who was a soldier. It's not the first tragedy that's spawned a lyric, as long
time Crowns fans will recall "Praise You In This Storm". "At Your Feet", penned by Hall
and Jason Ingram, is a beautiful song of surrender and satisfaction at the feet of Jesus.
Listen closely; it's also Juan and Hector's album singing debuts. (Hi guys!) The desperate
cries of "If We've Ever Needed You" entreat God in a time of terrible crisis to be with us
more than ever. It's a song that no doubt finds its inspiration in the moral decay of the
world at large, and seems to be the theme of the Slow Faders Anonymous.
One of my favorite songs on this album is "Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)" The
chorus (Living, He loved me/Dying, He saved me/Buried, He carried my sins far
away/Rising, He justified freely forever/One day He’s coming/Oh glorious day, oh
glorious day) is one of the best ways I've ever heard the life of Jesus summarized. "To
Know You" describes all the new feelings and longings a believer will have as a result of
knowing Jesus. Among them is the neverending effect of wanting to be ever closer.
"Joyful, Joyful" has WOW Hymns written all over it; it's a little faster tempo than you'd
expect. "Mercy" is a very simply arranged song that's mostly Megan with a little Mark
near the end, and "Blessed Redeemer" is unique in that Melodee contributes the vocals.
They're very well done, and not as some may believe, the token SPCMH songs (Society
For the Prevention of Cruelty to Mark Hall)
I was pleasantly surprised to find not one but two rockier songs on this album. "Holy
One" and "Shadow Of Your Wings" would be great songs for the next edition of Dance
Praise. I had a hard time not jumping out of my computer chair. Mark Hall really excels
at faster songs; but then, he's just one of those guys who can sing at any tempo and ace
it. A less than pleasant surprise? "Jesus Hold Me Now" is actually a rework of their
earlier song from Lifesong, "Prodigal" with a new chorus that makes it clear that the
person being appealed to is Jesus, not the earthly father of the singer. I'm sure there's a
good and Godly explanation for why they decided to do this, and someday when we
meet in heaven I'll have to take this back, but I was disappointed.
Think what you like about Casting Crowns. Be a CCM basher if you want to. I just can't
help finding something to like in every project they do. The genuine Christ-like love and
the raw honesty they display in their words AND actions are what keep me interested.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Aside from its alliterative qualities, the name "Brenton Brown" would probably fly right over your head. It's
a fair guess that you've let his songs do just the opposite. For instance, you've heard of the incredibly
popular "Everlasting God" (not included) ; it's one of the most popular worship songs ever written. But
there's something the original writer brings to his songs that no one else can; the tenderness of a parent
for a beloved child; the awe of a treasure seeker at the riches he's unearthed. Brenton Brown loves his
songs, and wants you to love them too. Not for what they are in themselves, but for what they express and
to whom.
The title song, "Adoration" is a good example of this. It was inspired by grief over the stillbirth of Brenton
and Jude Brown's daughter, Grace. In spite of the tears, they couldn't help but love God and remember
that "all we need is found in You". The steady rhythm and clear vocals of this song make it easily
singable. It's certain to become a worldwide favorite, regardless of your situation."All Who Are Thirsty", the
oldest song on this record, is also the album's longest at 6 minutes 34 seconds. The chorus is so
simple ("Come Lord Jesus come/Holy Spirit come") and yet, as a cry of the heart, it need not be verbose.
Although this album boasted guest vocals by such notables as Matt Maher, Paul Baloche, and Kathryn
Scott, to name a few, I had to listen again to hear them because Brown's voice seemed to drown
everyone else out. I'm pretty sure that's not what he was going for. Some other highlights include "Come
Let Us Return (Gloria)" (you could dance to it!) with the Christmassy addition of jingle bells, and "A
Thousand Stars", a song which is somewhat of a departure from the rest of the album. Featuring the
African Children's Choir, it does not mention God by name, but speaks of a child's dreams to make a
difference in the world.
Whether you appreciate Brown's music as a songwriter, a musician, or a worshipper, you can't go wrong.
It is, indeed possible to give adoration to God whatever your circumstances.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
I don't listen to a lot of country music. Maybe because many songs have innuendos and cheating
references; maybe because I'm a teeny bit jealous when the song mentions good romance and all I can
do is imagine. *sigh* Austins Bridge's Times Like These is an uplifting album that will encourage you on
the tough days.
If you've ever felt abandoned, you can take comfort in the fact that "Mercy Never Leaves". Along with
"Times Like These", a promise to shine in a dark world, and "Dash Between The Dates", the
ever-present "don't waste your life" track that raises the question, "just how many ways can you say it?",
it's my favorite song. "Angels" describes those people who we see on an everyday basis who are really
angels in disguise. "Quitters" reminds us never to give up no matter what we're facing. And we can't deny
that "There Is A God" when we take a minute to look at the everyday miracles all around us.
I liked the overall smoothness of the album; you won't find any harsh sounds on it. Nearly all of the songs
are in the comfortable 3 1/2- 4 minute range; the longest song, "Big Sky", at 4:52, features a long
chorus-of-voices ending that sounds like it was recorded in somebody's bathroom (echoes).
To someone who's jaded and has heard it all a thousand times, this album may come off as cheesy and
cliche. Which is why I'm glad that I haven't. Times Like These is the perfect gift for a sick or discouraged
friend. I encourage you to listen and see if you don't leave feeling a little better.
:) | Posted May-18-2010
Only a few short months after releasing his first Christmas album, Anthony Evans gives us Undisguised.
As a direct response to his own lack of enthusiasm to perform one night at a concert, he made the choice
to go through with it anyway. It was a rewarding experience that made him see his own weaknesses and
hidden emotions. With this in mind, Undisguised is his honest confession to those of us who weren't
there to see it firsthand. 9 of the 12 songs included are originals, co-written with such names as
drowning-in-awards Jason Ingram, Michael Boggs, and Kari Jobe (who also sings along on "Rejoice").
What strikes you first about this album is the fact that you can hear what he's saying. Evans has a clear
voice which might be too quiet at times for some, but there are no dud songs on this album. I’ve always
appreciated the simple beauty of "Mighty To Save" since hearing Laura Story’s version, but Anthony
brings a new intimacy to these verses. The moment of surrender ("So take me as You find me, all my
fears and failures") seems less corporate, as though he was alone in a room save for angels. "You
Alone" is a spirited song of praise to God that I found myself liking instantly.
(Sidenote: is it just me or does he sometimes sound like Bart Millard in the chorus?)
Of course, the natural result of realizing you shouldn't hide your true self away is to affirm that only
Jesus's opinion of you counts. Anthony does so in the powerful "All That Matters". I'm pretty sure this one
is destined for a music video because of its testimonial nature. "Love Is" delivers the message that the
risks of loving completely are worth every cost imaginable.
Since the beginning of time, our humanity has been our greatest shame. We make every attempt to hide
our weaknesses not only from other people just like us, but from a God who already knows our failures
and frailties. He is waiting on nothing more than our confession. Combining praise with complete
honesty, Undisguised is surrender in poetry, submission set to melody; an altar call for the broken in
hiding.
Worship | Posted May-18-2010
Andy Kirk is the second of 1CN Records' two artists to come out with an album in the span of less than a
month, (the other was Jonathan Lee, on April 20 - he co-wrote some of the songs on this album,
including the title track). Though relatively young at 22, he's already rubbed songwriting elbows with
several notables. Wake Up My Soul, his label debut, is not incredibly innovative lyrically, but it is genuine.
Everyone who knows their Bible will recognize the 1 Corinthians 13 references in "Love Is The Only
Thing", but if you're not a Christian, you could interpret it as any kind of love. The song never mentions
God by name or by inference (unless you equate God with the "love") It's got a worshippy drum punch,
though. "Beautiful" is clearly worship. A song of adoring that uses many cliches - though who hasn't?
"You Are God" highlights God's uniqueness and stands out because of the emotion Andy puts into it.
"Wake Up My Soul" cries out for a sleeping heart's awakening. The ends of the chorus lines are bent
upwards sonically where you wouldn't expect them to be. Andy's cover of "Healer" is one of the strongest
songs on this album. But then, I'm a sucker for any song with a chorus of background voices somewhere
in it.
One song that's different is "Let Justice Ring". It's a song of action asking God to give us mercy for the
broken world, as well as a comfort for those who are broken. Most songs that tackle these subjects pick
only one of the two for one song. "Remarkable" and "Strong God" are good corporate songs, partly
because of their long bridges. "Wonderful Saviour"'s "bridge", however sturdy, is a dead end; I would've
liked to hear a chorus reprise, a la "Indescribable", not just tinkle tinkle. The last track, "Falling In Love
With You" is very emotional. I bet it's awesome live.
There are no real duds on Wake Up My Soul, although if you're a "nothing new under the sun" cynic, skip
this CD. The rest of you will probably find at least one new favorite among these 10 songs.
LauraCC's Music and Book Reviews 
