God With Us
by
Laura Laura Story has become a champion in the female vocalist community within the last several years. From her powerful songwriting for other artists (such as on
A Surprise for All the Right Reasons | Posted March-26-2013
Having launched back in 2003, the JJ Weeks Band is certainly making a name for themselves in the industry. Comprised of David Hart (bass), Robbie Fritz (drums), Cody Preston (guitar) and lead vocalist JJ Weeks, the group has toured extensively over the last ten years, all while releasing two solid independent EPs and catching the attention of many in the songwriting circuit.
As the latest addition to label InPop Records line up, All Over The World, the band's debut project, was birthed out of a difficult three-year season the group walked through in their personal lives, ranging from the death of loved ones to heath issues following a complicated pregnancy. Through it all however, the band walked out with their faith strengthened.
With a desire to share uncompromised real life messages, the band hopes the album reaches out to listeners and connects with them through the various trails they might be facing. "We want people to know that God has their back," vocalist JJ Weeks says about the album, "that they can trust Him in the midst of the struggles of life because He loves us,"
Beginning the album with a sweeping arrangement, "Is It Ever" combines epic orchestration with deep melodies and grinding guitars. A song of honesty, the lyrics serve as reminder that God works all things together for our good, even the most chaotic circumstances.
"Screaming Outloud" cries out for God in the midst stressful situations in life where it feels like everything is falling upon shoulders at once. It concludes in the moving bridge that because of God‘s love for us, everything will be turn out light in the end.
"What Kind Of Love" possessing a melodically haunting chorus, is a sobering recount of the selfless sacrifice Christ made for us on the cross: "What kind of love would take my place and die on a cross just to show me grace? / What kind of love would reach within and love me in spite of all my sin? / No greater love has any man ever known."
The folksy "We've Been There" relates to whatever struggles the listener is going through, and despite the hopeless that seems unending at times, God will always bring beauty from the rubble. "Sunrise" openly talks about shaken faith and the frustration of waiting, vulnerably singing out in the chorus: "I'm waiting on the sunrise… and I can't wait for long."
You might recognize "Let Them See You," co-penned by Third Day keyboardist and producer Scotty Wilbanks, on American Idol alumni Colton Dixon's debut earlier this year. The song goes back to the band's worship leading roots, and becomes an invitation for God to rid us of our selfish agendas and make Himself known in our lives. While the Weeks band version sounds less polished than Dixon's, it allows the passionately prayerful lyrics to go to a deeper level.
"Flood Down" lyrically mirrors MercyMe's "Bring The Rain," saying that if the pain of the storm is the only way we'll grow closer to God, then allow Him to bring the rain and flood our lives. "All Over The World" serves as the strongest track on the album musically, taking a corporate worship approach with a bounce that is sure to get you praising along.
Concluding the album, "You Are The One" and "Save Us" serve as challenging messages. The first encourages us to deny ourselves and realize only God can give us true life, while the second, and most lyrically profound on the project, depicts the story of the lost and broken around us, it being our duty to reach them with the love of Christ. I feel the latter of the two would have been better incorporated midway through the album, but overall, ties things up on a strong note.
Closing Thoughts:
I was surprised by JJ Weeks Band's All Over The World, and for all the best reasons. The ten cuts offered boast musical maturity, and the rich and powerful songwriting is sure to connect with anyone who listens. While the lyrics never shy away from the topics of pressure and pain, the album never feels overwhelmingly heavy, and beautifully conveys the promise of hope we have in Jesus. Meaningful and full of heart, this is an album well worth the investment.
There's little an up-and-coming act can do that would impress the likes of the industry's most seasoned veterans, especially when the seasoned veteran at hand is none other than tobyMac, an artist who's been there, done that and bought the t-shirt to prove it. So you can imagine how surprising it might be to hear that an unknown group of guys by the name of Finding Favour literally rendered him speechless.
Upon hearing a demo of the group's song, "Slip On By," Toby was deeply moved, saying that he walked out of the studio that day wanting to live his life differently from that point forward because of how it affected him. Needless to say, the band left their mark in a big way.
With a heart connection in place, it would only seem fitting that Toby would welcome them onto Gotee Records, the label he co-founded in 1993, with open arms. Preparing for a full length release, the group that is already turning heads in the industry has released their five song Finding Favour EP as a formal introduction to fans worldwide.
The folksy "Shake The World" is a bold, anthemic start to the EP. Dedicated to all of the hurting and confused people in the world, the song encourages them to rise up from defeat and become confident in the person God has created them to be.
Piano driven "Love Stepped In" builds momentum is strides along, and captures a brilliant portion of songwriting by the band on the theme of God as the redeemer of our once shattered lives.
The song that started it all, "Slip On By," comes next, and doesn't take long for the listener to understand exactly what Toby was saying when he states he was deeply moved. Paired with a fantastic string arrangement, the song was inspired by conversations lead vocalist Blake NeeSmith had with his grandfather, who encouraged him from experience, not to not let life's biggest blessings slip past him in the pursuit of his dreams: "I was young and thought I'd always be / Then I woke up, now I'm 83 / There's so much I missed / Oh, how I wish I could get back all that time I wasted."
"Hallelujah We Shall Rise" is a beautifully written worship tune, looking forward to the day Christ comes to claim His church: "When we finally reach that place, when we fall before Your throne / There will be no more pain, and all our sorrows will be gone."
"Hero" talks about how everyone has someone who is willing to fight for them, even when they don't realize it. It stands as the strongest cut musically, taking a more pop/rock approach as opposed to the previous tracks. With a few minor tweaks, I could see it being a successful radio single. Ending the all too brief EP on a strong note, "I Am" is a moving love song from poured out from the heart of the Savior.
Closing Thoughts:
Finding Favour is a band that boasts songwriting abilities far beyond their years. Expert storytellers, their crafty way of weaving words has a way of gripping your heart and not letting go. For that, I highly commend them. Musically, the waters are a tad choppy, and I do feel the band is stylistically better suited for tracks like "Hero" and "Slip On By," but regardless of which path they take, there's no doubt they will be bringing something credible to the table. This EP is not to be missed… take my word for it.
Southern Pop that Stands Apart | Posted March-26-2013
When you hear of a group being hailed as being one of the most promising new acts in Christian music, chances are, one might not expect four twentysomethings hailing from Orlando, Fla. to fit the bill. Yet that's exactly what the guys of All Things New are, and the foursome--made up of Luke Wycuff (drums), Joshua Schou (bass), Jeff Stein (guitars) and Garrett Hornbuckle (lead vocals)--are the latest addition to the BEC Records roster.
While still a young band in many respects, don't allow their age to fool you. Each member has walked through their fair share of life struggles. What makes their story unique is how the redemptive power of God's love has personally impacted each them, and through it, woven together a group who exists solely to glorify His name and bring hope to others.
"I feel like these are songs that people need right now," says lead vocalist Garrett Hornbuckle. "They carry the message of redemption and freedom in Christ who came and died for us while we were still sinners. [We are] just so eager to share that hope."
With the arrival of their self-tilted debut album, All Things New has the opportunity to do just that.
"Washed Over Me" starts things off as an upbeat toe-tapper, sounding like a congregational anthem of sorts. Musically, it sounds similar to the stylings of Southern/folk rockers NEEDTOBREATHE, but with a distinct pop feel.
Quirky banjo-fronted "In Your Reach" is an irresistibly catchy song about God's love always reaching out to pick us up, regardless of how hard we fall. "Holding On" is a relaxed yet mighty melody, reminding the listener of their royal adoption and inspiring them to worship their King.
"New Man" cuts deep with its reflective lyrics. The song was inspired by Hornbuckle, whose father walked out on the family when he was a child. After his mother remarried, he found himself under the care of a verbally abusive and emotionally absent stepfather. Wrestling with an identity struggle growing up due to his chaotic home life, the song shares how the love of God captured his heart and restored his broken life: "I tried to find my worth in things that didn't work / My confidence was broken, I was hopeless / But God, You have made me new, You've resorted my heart and turned these ashes into life…"
"Borderline," written by Sanctus Real's Matt Hammitt, incorporates graceful strings through its prayerful cry for God to connect with us and reveal His presence amongst life's roughest moments.
With shining vocals, "Lead Me Home" tackles the human urge to run our own lives when things aren't going our way, and hands total control over to the Creator: "When troubles rise and try to turn this heart to stone, I lift my eyes to see this life is not my own / Wanna break away from the comfort of my plans, step out in faith and put my heart in steady hands."
"Greater Things" is another testimonial tune, talking about how God turned the life around of bassist Joshua Schou after a time of living a drug/partying lifestyle as a teen. The verses recollect that our past is forgiven, and greater things lie ahead for those who faithfully follow Christ.
Richly poignant, "Keep Me On My Knees" sounds much like a Hillsong United tune with comparably relevant and worshipful lyrics, while "Use Me" goes back to their folksy start and serves as a prayer for God to use us as selfless conduits in a world in need of Him.
"You Came For Me" concludes the ten-song voyage--and on a stellar note. With touching transparency, the song questions why Jesus would choose to die for us, even when we rejected Him, concluding with the notion that we'll never be able to wrap our natural minds around how much He loves us: "I'm never gonna get it, and I'm not gonna fight it / Your love is, Your love is so beyond me."
Closing Thoughts:
It seems ever since the breakout of mainstream acts who've helped innovate the "Southern pop" genre, Christian music has been looking for their own alternative. While there are many who are attempting it and producing a fair outcome, All Things New is a band who stands apart as a group who does it splendidly and with real authenticity.
This album is filled with ten lyrically meaty cuts. The themes of confusion, hope, healing and surrender are deeply embedded, and you'll find yourself as a listener both inspired to praise and encouraged to press deeper into God. Stylistically, while executed commendably, it doesn't stray far from its folksy roots, and I'd enjoy seeing the addition of some grittier elements next go-around.
Overall, chalk All Things New up as yet another new act with a very sunny forecast. This is a band you definitely want to be paying attention to.
Take Some Advice: Check These Guys Out | Posted March-12-2013
It's uncommon to hear of a group such as The Advice who has such a lengthy history behind them. Sure, they're still a fairly new face to the Christian music market, having signed with label InPop Records back in 2011, but believe it or not, 2013 marks the ten year anniversary for this traveling pop/soul ensemble hailing from Greenville, S.C. A celebratory rarity for even the most widely acclaimed acts of our day.
I've been following The Advice since early 2011 after discovering and eating up their introductory three song EP, featuring the single "Your Love Sets Me Free." Since then, I've been eagerly anticipating the arrival of their debut release. Nearly two years of traveling, writing, recording and yes, waiting later, that day has finally come.
The self-titled LP starts with "You Give Me," which impeccably blends the band's style of upbeat pop with a flamboyant flare of blue-eyed soul.
Following an alluring opening track, "Love Like That" follows suit stylistically, again showcasing their signature groove. The carefree song tells the inspiring story of what it looks like to live a simple life built on faith: "Wherever I roam, I'm never alone / This world ain't my home, I won't be here long / I'll wake up someday and dance on streets of gold, and only Jesus could love me like that."
"Your Light Shines," one of the songs featured on their aforementioned EP, blends an ear-catching combo of horns along with lead vocalist Matt Houston's gruff, soulful vocals. It being my favorite track on the EP, it becomes one of the strongest cuts on this record.
"Holding On To You," tilting towards a more radio friendly pop/rock vibe, becomes a powerful song of clinging to God amidst some of life's roughest curveballs. Toying with a faint Southern twang, "All a Raindrop Knows" becomes an anthem of God's saving power.
The group's first single "Your Love Sets Me Free" makes a welcomed appearance, followed by the mellow "The Sun Is Gonna Shine," sending the encouraging message of staying strong and waiting for the moment life sees us smiling again: "Stay in this race, my friend / If you just don't quit, you're bound to win / You can't back down and you can't give in / The sun is gonna shine again."
The pop-infused "Forever Changed" and "His Name Is Jesus" serve as joyful, feel-good tunes, the latter of the two sounding like a modern day nod to '70s CCM pioneers, The Imperials. It displays the band's fun side in a positive light, while still managing to keep the focus on the uplifting message.
"Collide" slows things down and serves more transparent lyrically than the rest of the project. Pointing out our flawed human condition, it comes as a cry for God to crash into our lives and wrecks us for His glory's sake: "Break me all the way down until only You are found / There's no weakness when I'm with You."
"Make Me" ends the project on a praiseworthy moment of prayer, using the chorus to ask God to makes us, like David, a people after His own heart.
Closing Thoughts:
If singer/songwriter Jimmy Needham were to join forces with the likes of soulful pop/rockers NEWWORLDSON, The Advice's self-titled debut would be a spot on example of what the end result might look like. Mixing everything from 70's funk to southern soul to trendy rock, this group is a melting pot of musical creativity mixed with heart-happy and encouraging lyrics any believer can cheerfully gravitate to.
The album possesses strong points, some more than others, but paints a great overall picture of The Advice's passionate heart and unique mission for the music they create. This is definitely a band you'll want to keep your eye on in the future.
T'was a bittersweet day back in 2006 when Christian music said goodbye to Audio Adrenaline after two decades. With lead vocalist Mark Stuart's ongoing vocal condition worsening and the remainder of band ready to pursue other ventures, they decided to go out in a blaze of glory and bid fans farewell with one final show in Hawaii. Little did they know at the time, God was already at work writing a second act for their story…
Skip ahead six years. Summer 2012 brought us the big news that Audio Adrenaline was reforming for a huge cause. Serving as voices for The Hands & Feet Project, an Haitian orphanage the group founded in 2004, the goal of their return was to raise awareness and provide care for the orphans of Haiti, currently totaling over 800,000. While fans rejoiced at that the band was back, what they didn't expect was the form in which they'd be returning.
Bassist Will McGinniss would be the only original member reprising his role, the other key roles being filled by guitarist Dave Ghazarian (Superchick), drummer Jared Byers (Bleach) and keyboardist Jason Walker (Know Hope Collective). Perhaps the biggest surprise however, was that the position of lead vocals was being filled by former 1/3 of dcTalk, Kevin Max. Following a period of disbelief, fans of both iconic bands began to warm up to the idea and envision the potential of the merger.
Whereas news of their reemergence came as a shock to fans, this had been quietly brewing for some time. A year in the making, both the band and the brains behind the new operation, including former frontman Mark Stuart, who is still involved with the group behind-the-scenes, had been hard at work in the studio crafting their return, 2013's much anticipated Kings & Queens.
To say expectations are high for this album would be obvious, and let's be honest, while there are a plethora of people rooting for these guys, there are a fair share of skeptics waiting to see it fail. Little do said naysayers realize however, that these ultimate "underdogs" have equipped themselves for what could be one of the great comebacks Christian music has ever seen.
"He Moves You Move" opens the project on a squeaky pop note. A surefire earworm, the song follows along the same bouncy lines as their classic, "Get Down," but manages to showcase the new line-up in a way that's completely their own. The moving first single, "Kings & Queens" follows next, and brings their personal mission of orphan care into the spotlight. A passionate rallying cry, it's impossible to hear the song without being reminded of our duty as Jesus' followers to extend His same selfless love to "the least of these" around the world.
"Believer" features the vocals of keyboardist Jason Walker on the chorus, and displays how well he and Kevin's voices work together. Powerfully worded, the message of believing no matter what life throws our way comes across strong, evident in the introspective lyric: "I want to live this live unsafe, unsure, but not afraid."
Arguably the standout cut is the quick-witted "King Of The Comebacks." The song plays on the band's return to the music scene, but offers the takeaway that our God is able to orchestrate loss into the ultimate victory. Paying homage to AA staples with lines such as "like an underdog story," and "a mighty good leader," fans will be thrilled to hear Mark Stuart making an appearance on the bridge, singing, "You can't stop the comeback." While his spot is minor for apparent vocal reasons, it brings the song full circle.
"Change My Name" is a grinding rock plea for God to change who we are and help us to live our lives for Him. Lead vocalist Kevin Max shares that it holds special meaning for him, as his personal journey is the foundation for the lyrics: "Everywhere I went people knew my name / written on my face were the scars of fame / I was known for the pride deep inside of me / but You knew the man I was born to be..."
The climactic "20:17 (Raise The Banner)," is based off the scripture 2 Chronicles 20:17, where God tells the Jerusalem inhabitants the battle against their enemies is His, not theirs, and to lay down their weapons down and allow their worship to claim the victory. Co-written by artist Dominic Balli, with Group 1 Crew making an appearance on background vocals, it stands as my personal favorite on the project.
Throwing a cover into the mix, "Fire Never Sleeps" is a rocked up version of a Martin Smith tune. Ironically, the song pulls musical cues from Delirious in the form of reckless praise in an unconventional surrounding. "Seeker" sounds like what you'd expect hear on an older AA record, yet still maintains its originality. A song about God being a Father to the fatherless, it once again tips the hat to their rekindled passion for Hands & Feet.
"I Climb The Mountain" possesses a lingering melody, and relates to everyone with its message of being a light for our faith: "Why am I so scared of conversations, am I so sure I'll turn you off? Maybe if you knew the whole story, you'd understand it all / Cause truth has a way of breaking through."
Ending a strong album on an equally strong note, the U2-sounding "The Answer" paints a picture of what the band's musical future could look like. With a darker alternative feel that still sounds radio-friendly, it might take some getting used to, but after a few listens, you'll soon find yourself moving along to the bass heavy groove.
Closing Thoughts:
I echo the thoughts of former vocalist Mark Stuart in my confident vote that Kings & Queens is possibly the best Audio Adrenaline record to date. On point in every aspect, there isn't a single weak song, each one holding immense potential to become a hit. While it varies in style and sound, the consistent theme of redemption throughout ties it together, making it album you'll want to listen to again and again. Older fans will be surprised to hear how much of the original sound has crossed over into this new formation, yet old and new listeners alike will enjoy the exciting melodic prospects being presented here.
Without missing a beat, Kevin, Will, Jared, Dave and Jason have breathed new life into a name that has and will continue to deliver a life changing message to people all over the world--from the kings and queens in Haiti, to the beat-up and broken-down in our own backyard. There is no doubt about it: Audio Adrenaline is back and here to stay. In the words of a classic, "That's the way, uh-huh, we like it."
With a handful of accolades in numerous songwriting competitions across the U.S., including the Indie Artist award at Creation NW 2012, the last thing you'd expect when you see Jael Johnson is a 15-year-old hailing from Seattle by way of Montana.
Writing music since she was practically a toddler, the wisdom in Jael's craft and the intensity in her songwriting have been earning her merits in Christian music and far beyond, even earning her an endorsement by the non-profit movement To Write Love On Her Arms.
Jael Johnson's Stay EP is her formal introduction to the music world, sharing several songs that have become favorites with her audience. Citing the diverse acts of Taylor Swift, Fiction Family and Avril Lavigne as her musical inspirations, I was immediately curious to see what on Earth her music sounds like, and what I found was a delightful surprise.
"Grandfather Clock" sets the light, carefree tone of the EP right off the bat, sharing the joys and simplicities of young love. "Fine By Me" offers shades of Colbie Caillat, while lyrically sounding like a diary entry about your average schoolgirl crush.
Bringing down the bubbly pace of the project, "Stay" talks about the pain of a failing relationship that starts off whimsical, but begins to burn due to unspoken uncertainties, coming to the conclusion that restoration is possible if they have the guts to stick it out together. It shows an extraordinary level of maturity in Jael's songwriting: "It's all just fun and games till it turns into twisted faith / So I'll I can ask of you is 'stay.'"
"Sidewalk" ends the EP by following along the same lines as the previous track, only this time, facing a relationship that's already dissolved, coping with the feelings of sadness and confusion that follow. It's written in such a way that the relationship at hand could mirror that of friends, family or anyone in-between. It's a rather melancholy way to finish the project, but again, displays immense depth in her lyrics.
Closing Thoughts:
I was taken back by Jael Johnson's Stay EP. Not knowing what to expect, I discovered a rare organic talent with very bright potential. Her delicate yet resonating vocals remind me of acclaimed folk musician JJ Heller, and will certainly appeal to anyone who is a fan of that genre. Most of the songs on this EP are relationship-based, but are penned in such a beautifully human way, that they will strike the hearts of both believers and non-believers alike. The future definitely holds great things for this gifted singer/songwriter.
It's certainly been a whirlwind several years for Sanctus Real. Although their career as a band has spanned 16 years and produced multiple highly acclaimed projects, their first real break came in 2010 with Pieces Of A Real Heart, featuring the smash hit, "Lead Me."
The success didn't come without its fair share of struggles however. Lead vocalist Matt Hammitt and his wife welcomed their son, Bowen, in late 2010, who was born with a severe heart defect and required numerous open heart surgeries in his first few years of his life. As Bowen began to recover against all odds, another tragedy struck. In 2012, the group's tour bus burst into flames while they and several of their children were all asleep inside. Miraculously, no one was hurt, but the bus was a total loss.
You'd think all this opposition would dampen their spirits to continue on. Not so much. Known for the brutal transparency in their lyrics, the guys of Sanctus Real took these trials as an opportunity to grow in their relationship with God and further their understanding of His plan for lives--both as a band and as individuals. That season of chaos birthed the songs on their latest project, Run, an album full of honesty, hope and healing.
The title track "Run" starts things off on a bouncy note, immediately sucking you in with the catchy chorus. It encourages us to rise from the ashes of the past and run into the arms of love.
"On Our Own" is my personal favorite track on the album. Distinct from their past work but with that same familiar Sanctus style, it possesses an underlying pop beat while offering the message that we can't do life on our own and need the hand of a Savior to guide us through.
The album's anthemic first single, "Promises," delivers next. Clinging to God's promises in their own lives, the band encourages others to do so too with lyrics like: "All things work for the good of those who love God / He holds back nothing that would heal you, not even His own Son."
"Pray" comes as the heart cry of someone at a total loss for words. Not sure how or what to say, the poignant lyrics remind us that our prayers need to be real, not refined. This would fair well as a radio single. "We Will Never Give Up" offers hope, declaring no matter what trails may come against us, we will press on for the glory of God.
Folksy toe-tapper "Nothing Between" is a conviction to allow nothing between our relationship with Christ. The moving "Commitment" can almost be seen as a sequel to "Lead Me," it being about staying committed in our relationships and not backing down when times get tough: "I wanna finish the life we started / I wanna be two old, beautiful souls who stayed with it / And in those times our feelings fade, I'm gonna give you the one thing that makes all the difference, commitment."
"Keep Me Young," while not classified as a worship song, will surely lead the listener into an uplifting time of surrender, talking about how the love of Christ is the only love worth discovering. "One Of Those Things" is a rallying cry for believers to continue to pursue their God given calling, even when opposition tries to hinder them.
Going back to their old-school grinding rock sound, "Better Than This" will be sure to get you on your feet with its feel-good vibes, while "Picture Of Grace" is a weighty piece that confronts discouragement, and how in the future, the battles we face today will all make sense--painting a mighty picture of God's redemptive grace.
"You Are God" brings the project home on a worshipful note. Coming back to the idea of "Promises," most of the lyrics are pulled right from scripture, reminding us of God's marvelous presence in our lives.
Closing Thoughts:
Expectations were high for this album after the success of Pieces Of A Real Heart, and I'm happy to report, Sanctus Real has delivered. Run is a powerful project that shows an incredible maturity in the band's style and songwriting.
Never shying away from hard topics, this album offers authenticity with a shimmering glimmer of hope in each song, making it one of the "must-own" albums of 2013. I applaud the band on their desire to write music that ignores popular trends and focuses more on touching the hearts of people. With Run, they've absolutely accomplished that.
One of the more soft spoken groups in Christian music, VOTA emerged on the scene back in 2005 under the moniker Casting Pearls. After a name change, a label switch and charting a top 10 radio hit, the band released their self-titled album back in 2008, and soon found themselves on the road with the likes of BarlowGirl, Newsboys and Tenth Avenue North.
With a five year musical absence, minus some sporadic touring, many began to wonder if the group was still around. Fans of the pop/rock quartet rejoiced however, when they announced a Kickstarter campaign to fund their next project in late 2011, their side-splitting plea for funds winning over viewers instantly. (It can be seen at this link, and is well worth three minutes of your time.)
Having met their goal and spent the 12 months in the studio, VOTA's long awaited follow-up, God Of The Universe, finally made its appearance in early 2013.
"God Of The Universe" is up first and lays a bouncy and worshipful foundation for what's to come. "Lift Me Up" tinkers with the modern sounds of electro pop, and does so in fantastic fashion, it being the strongest cut on the record. Lead vocalist Bryan Olesen channels hues of Maroon 5's Adam Levine in this heartfelt cry for God to rid us of selfishness and fill us with more of Himself.
"Learning To Dream" leans more towards the radio friendly contemporary stylings found on their debut, while the project's agname, "Love Found Me," brings things down with a moving ballad, recounting the life-saving rescue mission our Savior endured on our behalf: "I couldn't call life normal when death just made a joke of life / Nowhere to go, no one to turn to / You came and saved me, You are my rescue."
Lyrically gripping, "Show Me What I've Got" tells the tale of a father getting so caught up in the trivial pursuits of life, that he unbeknowingly neglects his daughter. The song comes to the convicting conclusion that work we strive for on earth will pass away, but the time we're given with loved ones can be an eternal investment.
The spunky Britt pop track "Blame Me" picks up the speed on the project once again and sends a blunt message on self-righteousness: "I heard her talking, I was like a fly on the wall / If words were arrows, so many people would fall / Say something nice or don't say nothin' at all."
"Open Up The Sky" and "You Alone" play mid-tempo reverential roles on the album, tying up the diverse mix of styles and sounds throughout the album. "Keep Me Where You Are" could almost be heard as a softer version of the previous track "Lift Me Up," delivering the same message with a more worshipful vibe.
"Crying Out" is one of the most brutal songs I've heard in a very long time, coming as a heartbroken plea for God to meet us in the middle of our confusion. It's a hard song to swallow, seeing as it takes a few cynical jabs at biblical truths, but in the end, it's relatable to listeners facing painstaking trial. Turning one final corner, the album closes with the hopeful "Come To Me," a powerful song of worship with the verses paraphrased from scripture.
Closing Thoughts:
One thing I've always admired about VOTA is that they aren't afraid to say things in their music some others may not, God Of The Universe being no exception. While there are some points in the album it will be tough to see eye-to-eye with lyrically, there is no arguing the massive amount of maturity the band went through the last several years songwriting wise. Full of fun upbeat pop songs, moving ballads and the occasional lighthearted rock track, this is VOTA's finest effort yet and was well worth the lengthy wait.
The Oswald Brothers Band, better known under the abbreviated moniker OBB, got their start in Atlanta back in 2008. After placing third in a televised band competition, young brothers Zach, Jacob and Nich Oswald soon sound themselves inking their first deal with Curb Records and preparing for both recording and life on the road.
Gaining a massive amount of exposure as one of the opening acts on this years Winter Jam Tour, the OBB EP comes at just the right time.
"All I Need Is You" is a brilliant opening track, immediately sucking you in with an insanely catchy guitar riff and powerful words of worship. "Come On Home" is written to a prodigal child searching for love, but comes across in a less cliché way that makes it a unique song everyone can take away from: "We will look past stains, throw away our stones / With open hearts, we welcome those looking for hope, searching for peace, falling apart, down on their knees."
The stirring "Song Of A Savior" wraps its arms around the listener as the lyrics paint a beautiful picture of the unconditional love the Father has for His children. It almost can be seen as a song of reverse praise, instead of us adoring God, it's God adoring us.
"Wildfire" is the most upbeat tune and will no doubt be a fun one to hear live, as the honest meaning of the song encourages all who are listening to strive for more in life then merely living and dying.
"Through His Eyes" ends the EP on a hopeful note, sharing that, while we may not understand the sufferings we endure on earth, it will all make sense when we finally look into the eyes of Christ: "We are never overcome, for He has overcome the world / We are free from burden in His light."
Closing Thoughts:
Comparing OBB to the likes of Tenth Avenue North on all fronts wouldn't be a stretch by any means, offering a refreshing take on contemplative pop but with a slightly less serious and more youthful tone. The heartfelt lyrics will draw you into an uplifting time of praise and encouragement, while the folksy toe-tapping beats are sure to leave you wanting more. This is a solid debut EP from a band of brothers who are sure to do great things among our industry.
If Julie Elias looks familiar to you, it's most likely because you've seen her before--not in the music world, however. If you have seen her, it has been through the bright lights of silver screen stardom.
Having moved to Hollywood after studying musical theater in college, it wasn't long before she was landing both film and television roles with some of the industries A-listers, such as Robert Downey Jr., Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.
As her acting career seemed to be taking off, a discontentment settled within Julie's heart. Although she was happy on the path she was taking, she couldn't help but feel as if there was something greater she could be doing--something greater God was leading her towards.
"For whatever reasons, I had blinded myself to the place music had in my life," she says. "I took piano lessons for years, played sax in band throughout junior high and high school, and sang in my church for most of my life… It was as if He said, 'I am spelling it out for you, in bold caps: pay attention.' Despite this revelation, I was still hesitant and spent a few months praying about it, but His guidance never faltered and it was so clear what He wanted me to do."
Elias' journey led her to Nashville in early 2011 where she began writing and recording with some of the city's top songwriters, the fruits of their labor coming in the form of her first full length project, A Wild Rose.
"Breathing Room" immediately brings to mind musical shades of Natalie Grant, and paints an honest portrait of a life needing to live the reconciliation it believes in. It's sets a nice foundation for what's to follow.
The album's namesake, "A Wild Rose," is a richly haunting tune about being set apart in a world that demands us to be ordinary. "In His Plan" has a congregational worship feel to it, talking about trusting God and following Him, even when life feels confusing.
Following along the same worshipful lines but on a much mellower note, "I Am Yours" is about the faithfulness of our God, who heals broken hearts and gives them life once more. "Lord You Reign" brightens the album with a song of total adoration to the Creator.
"Breathe In Me" stands apart as the most lyrically honest on the project, it being my favorite. It talks about the frustrations of waiting on the Lord and the anxiousness that can tend to overtake our thoughts, the chorus coming as a cry for God to come and still our hearts and breathe His life into us.
"Here I Am" makes use of slightly grinding guitar riffs to capture your attention, while the next two offerings, "Peace I Leave With You" and the classic hymn "Be Thou My Vision" bring the album down to a soft level, focusing mainly on giving passionate praise to God. Julie's strong vocals on the latter of the two become one of the highlights on the record.
"Freedom In Love" ends the project on a bouncy note, and leaves the listener with a smile on their face as they celebrate the victory Christ has given them to walk in the freedom of His love.
Closing Thoughts:
One thing I loved about this album right off the bat, was that I could tell Julie Elias is an honest songwriter. Although it's till early in her career, I can see her becoming a prolific female vocalist due simply in her unashamed nature to communicate both praise and pain to her listeners. While that certainly is not a rarity, it's hard to find someone who makes it work well, and Elias does.
A Wild Rose paints a nice picture for what's to come for this talented songstress. I felt the instrumentation sounded a tad dated, but overall, the message of hope in Christ really hits home with the listener. This is a great start for Elias, and with this as merely her launching ground, I look forward to seeing her grow as an artist.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
