Amazing Work | Posted January-30-2008
WOW! What an amazing praise and worship album! I Will Sing was recorded live and features internationally renowned worship leader Don Moen, background vocalist Lenny LeBlanc, and guitarist Chris Rodriguez. Produced by award-winning Paul Mills, this acoustic album includes new songs such as "Our Father," "Two Hands, One Heart," "Lord You Are Good," and "I Will Sing." Not since "Give Thanks" have we heard such a powerful recording from Integrity Music. Every song on this album is pure vertical praise and worship that flows non-stop allowing you to experience an entire worship set wherever you choose. These songs will give you a smile on your face, a chill down your spine and bring you into worship like no other recording can. Amazing work.
Amazing Praise & Worship Debut | Posted January-30-2008
Raw. Artistic. Worshipful. Passionate. Other descriptive words come to mind when trying to describe MercyMe's national debut release Almost There, and all fall under the category of complementary. A modern praise and worship album written with creativity both lyrically and musically, Almost There is another defining album in this genre that continues to develop and grow with more and more artists jumping aboard. Bart Millard's lead vocals are warm and inviting and complement both the pop/rock sound and the inspirational worship music. The definite highlight on this album is the worship/ballad "I Can Only Imagine," a song that Amy Grant currently purchased rights to market and release as a single from her upcoming 2002 release. The song starts out with just piano that instantly invokes chills and builds dynamically into a powerful display of drums and guitar. But what makes the song are the lyrics, penned by Bart Millard himself. The song speaks about that day that we all dream about when we finally meet Jesus. "Surrounded by your glory/What will my heart feel/Will I dance for you Jesus/Or in awe of you be still." It's a song that can't be listened to with eyes open, and instead of being the only highlight, it's surrounded by 10 other songs penned with the same passion. Don't miss this album. You won't be disappointed
Some Fine Moments In Praise & Worship | Posted January-30-2008
For the men of MercyMe, worshipping the Lord and leading others in praise is very much a lifelong calling. That commitment has guided the band through the creation of six independent projects, their major gold-selling label debut Almost There and now their sophomore release, Spoken For. It's always tough to follow-up a smash hit, but after "I Could Only Imagine" won a Dove Award for "Song of the Year" and dominated radio for over a year, MercyMe responded with a new collection of 11 worship songs that were just as inspiring as anything they have penned in the past. The title track and songs like "Crazy" and "The Love Of God" reminds us of the importance and adoration that God places on us, while songs like "The Change Inside Of Me" speaks about the call on our lives to continue to seek him through all the days in our lives. The music is encouraging and inspirational and creates some of the finest moments in praise and worship.
Lack Of Creativity | Posted January-30-2008
Jody McBrayer stepped out from under Avalon's comfortable umbrella of protection to release his first (and to date, last) solo album, This Is Who I Am. Finding inspiration through his father's passing, Jody felt a need to place heart and vision to a topic that was "too personal for Avalon." The result is a 10-track record that encompasses the entire spectrum of the new insight learned in his life's latest lessons while still delivering amped-up praise. Musically, the individual songs incorporate nuances from staple Avalon power-ballads to house-trance to Latin-salsa, the latter influence a nod to Jody's Spanish heritage on his mother's side. What results is an album that sounds vocally stunning (it's Jody McBrayer...) but overproduced at times. Basically, the voice is much too mature for the fading "teen-pop" sound. The major emotion ballads, "To Ever Live Without Me," "I Never Knew" and "Love Can Break Your Fall," will find a perfect fit with Avalon fans and radio alike as will most of the other tracks. Avalon's all about over-production, but it would have been nice to see Jody spread his wings a little bit more than diving into what he calls "urban," also known as drum machines and keyboard wonders. While I myself have enjoyed Avalon's music, the harmonies and vocal presentations from Jody balance the lack of creative instrumentation.
An Excellent Voice And Debut | Posted January-30-2008
Stereotype Be, the second of three solo albums being released by the members of dc talk, is every much Kevin Max as one can expect"it's the most unique and creative album to be released in the Christian music marketplace. For that reason alone, some people just may not get this record. Gone are the cookie-cutter, in-your-face, "I love Jesus" lyrics (see reviews for Eli). Gone are the typical themes discussed in youth group settings (see reviews for Joy Williams and True Vibe). Gone is the catchy radio friendly tunes written to fly up the charts (see reviews for Steven Curtis Chapman). This album was created with a pure motivation to be beautifully original, comparable to nothing else, and that's exactly what it is. The lyrics are extremely deep and complex, and it takes a couple reads to find spiritual value in each song, but it's definitely there. Kevin's voice, arguably one of the best voices in Christian music today, soars on Stereotype Be, but at times becomes a little overpowering, leaving your ears wanting rest and relaxation.
Still Sounds Great | Posted January-30-2008
Greg returned with a spectacular new album filled with radio-friendly songs (or as some people call them, "hits"). But where Greg's artistry really shines is in his voice, which is by far, one of the most powerful in the industry. He belts tune after tune with such emotion and energy that you find yourself drawn deeper into the lryics and meanings with every track. The album has a beautiful flow taking you from heavily produced pop into smooth and silky ballads that feel very natural. The lyrics are extremely positive and highlights include "I Dream Of A Kingdom" and "Sufficiency Of Grace." Revealing the heart beneath his voice Greg also contributes tot he writing of seven cuts on Now.
More Refined | Posted January-30-2008
With their sophomore release, Transparent, sibling duo LaRue grew up before our very ears. Showcasing a more refined, progressive-pop sound, Transparent took LaRue out of the "bubble-gum" category and placed them solidly in the ranks of other Christian music. With a mixture of gritty lyrical prayers, passionate vocals, and a few good hooks, highlights are easy to spot on this album. The haunting poetry of "Fallen for You" is a beautiful love song to God reminiscent of Leigh Nash or Ginny Owens. And the sweet melody for the duo's younger sister, "Brianna's Song," is also memorable. Overall, this is a solid effort.
Fall In Love Again | Posted January-30-2008
Rachael Lampa arguable has one of the best female voices in Christian music...and she's under 18 on this album. On her second album, Kaleidoscope, Rachael delivers another collection of powerful songs that are laced with strong vocals and vertical lyrics that are sung with passion and clarity. Backed by a superteam of writers that include Margaret Becker, Chris Rodriguez, Brent Bourgeois, David Mullen and others, it's hard to find any fault on this album. At times, Racheal's voice seems to vear off into the "land of uncontrollability," as she soars musical scales layered with a lot of vibrato, but once you get into the album, it becomes less annoying and more natural. It is also a fresh breath of air to see a youth artist not sliding into the fad of today's pop music. Standout tracks include the lovely ballad "No Greater Love" and the upbeat "Savior Song." The one track that will blow you away is "Give Your Heart Away," a stunning ballad that Rachael sings her heart out on. She hits the notes with such power and emotion you can't help but fall in love with this gifted and talented singer all over again.
Still Missing Miss Knapp | Posted January-30-2008
Jennifer Knapp hits another homerun on her third album, The Way I Am, which Jennifer co-produced with Tony Macanay (Madonna, Tracy Chapman). It features a hall of fame cast of musicians (including the London Symphony Orchestra) who have lent their talents to the likes of Sting, Michael Jackson and Elton John. Unlike her past albums, Jennifer does not rock out as much on her third outing, moving aside for more introspective, quieter music. The album is different lyrically as well as Jennifer no longer wallows in doubt, erroneous contentment or fear. She's not afraid to have answers, and that sets her apart from so many artists. This album is very much full of peace and tenderness and how God looks at us. The Way I Am offers intensity and depth to showcase Jennifer's development and growth as one of the premier singer-songwriters in Christian music. Highlights include "Say Won't You Say," "Sing Mary Sing," and "Charity."
Introduction To Quality Rap | Posted January-30-2008
Christian hip-hop has come a long way. In th early 90's, all we were seeing was GrapeTree Records spit out "gangsta-turned-thug for Jesus" recordings one after another. The quality was poor, the lyrics were raw and most people could not relate with the message that was being said. But things dramatically changed with this release, and new hip-hop artist KJ-52 has emerged on this high wave of new talent streaming into the Christian marketplace. KJ shines as a storyteller, dramatically telling the story of Christ through phrases like "the greatest M.C." His lyrics are amazingly deep, and if do not sit down with the liner notes in front of you and follow along while KJ talks his way through his music, you are cheating yourself. The words are his message, and they are straight up evangelical. One of my favorites is his "conversation" with a nonbeliver as he explains why "I Do What I Do." "First of all I do this for God's revealing / Second to give the crowd something to be feeling / Third to make sure every word is heat seeking / If you're down with all three throw your hands to the ceiling." Uh huh, I'm down!
KevinMcNeese_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
