Aftermath
by
Hillsong UNITED [MAIN REVIEW]AFTERMATH is the highly anticipated, 11th full-length album and second-ever studio recording from Hillsong UNITED that released Feb. 15, 2011....
Seventh Day Slumber [Take Everything] | Posted April-15-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Seventh Day Slumber has been a Christian rock band I’ve enjoyed since I first heard “Caroline”, “I Believe” and “Oceans From The Rain” from their BEC Recordings debut album “Once Upon A Shattered Life” in 2005. They kicked it up a notch with the rock in “Finally Awake” in 2007, and I listen to “Missing Pages” and “Undone” regularly. All of their songs have a worship component so it is natural for them to release a worship album, “Take Everything” on March 10, 2009. The first thing that caught my eye about the album was the song titles of familiar and amazing worship songs of the past decade. In fact, the best comparison is to fellow BEC artist Kutless and how they recorded worship songs and a few Kutless originals on “Strong Tower” in 2005.
“Take Everything” is a very strong collection of 9 great worship songs by Chris Tomlin (“How Great Is Our God” and “Famous One”), Hillsong (“Mighty To Save”, “From The Inside Out”, and “Lead Me To The Cross”), Brenton Brown (“Everlasting God”), Matt Redman (“Nothing But The Blood”), Vineyard Worship (“Surrender”) and the all-time classic “I Can Only Imagine” by MercyMe. The songs are newly recorded with the rock styling of Seventh Day Slumber and in my opinion includes 5 of the top 50 songs of the decade: “Mighty To Save”, “How Great Is Our God”, “Everlasting God”, “From The Inside Out” and “I Can Only Imagine”. The versions of all of the classic worship songs are well made and sung with passion by Joseph Rojas. Personally, I prefer the Hillsong United version of “Lead Me To The Cross” sung by Brooke Fraser and the original Brenton Brown version of “Everlasting God”, however the versions of “Surrender” and “Nothing But The Blood” are amazing and add to the original recordings.
There are also 3 original Seventh Day Slumber worship songs including 2 brand new songs “Take Everything” and “Carry Me”, which are both great and uplifting songs. The closing song “Oceans From The Rain” is a stripped down recording of the hit song from “Once Upon A Shattered Life” and is a great way to close out a very fun collection of some of the greatest hits in worship of the decade.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
“Take Everything” is a great companion album to “Strong Tower” by Kutless and a must-have for any fan of Seventh Day Slumber.
Rating: 9.1 out of 10 (91%, A-)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Joy Lippard [Joy Lippard] | Posted February-24-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Joy Lippard is a promising new 18 year old artist making her debut on Koch Records. She is a 2006 GMA Music in the Rockies songwriting competition winner. She has a pure and strong voice that immediately reminded me of mainstream singers Jewel and Liz Phair. She also plays piano and guitar and wrote or co-wrote all 10 songs on her solid self-titled album. “My faith is my life, so I can’t help but write about that”, Joy says of her songs. There are several great themes that are faced by teenage girls specifically that the album addresses in a mature and faith-based way. For example, the opening song “Hey There Stranger” is a nice melodic song about getting to know the heart of a person in a dating relationship and reminded me of “Wait For Me” by Rebecca St. James.
Some other songs about relationships are “I Will Write You Letters”, “Too Much To Ask For” and “She’s A Diamond”, the latter song being based on Proverbs 31 and about the noble character of a woman. That song and many others resembled the pop style debut album by Francesca Battistelli last year, which is a good thing.
Another song “Hole In My Pocket”, co-written with Scott Dente of Out of the Grey, is a great reminder of how to avoid the lures of pop-culture’s emphasis on money and success. Probably the most memorable moments on the album for me are the songs about being made in God’s image and not seeking society’s approval but knowing that God created and loves us all as we are. That critical message comes through loud and clear in the songs “Stronger” and “She’s A Diamond”, two of the most personal songs on the album. It’s a life-lesson Joy hopes will resonate with teens in similar situations. “My encouragement to girls struggling with self-image is to know that you don’t have to be perfect; God made you the way you are for a reason. You are beautiful, you have something to say and you are worth it”. That message is so important and I’m so glad Joy addresses it with her songs in a similar way to Stephanie Smith’s song “Beauty”, Bethany Dillon’s song “Beautiful” and Francesca Battistelli’s song “Beautiful, Beautiful”.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I have 3 young daughters and this is a nice upbeat pop album with positive biblical messages which is a great alternative to High School Musical, Miley Cyrus and other Radio Disney fixtures. Joy brings her walk with Jesus into her songwriting and this is the best album of this genre I’ve heard since Bethany Dillon’s debut album, which puts her in great company in my opinion.
Rating: 8.7 out of 10 (87%, B+)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Red [End Of Silence] | Posted February-08-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Out of most of the albums releasing, no album was I anticipating hearing to more, then the new group RED and their release End of Silence. If you were (prior to being saved) or are still into groups like Linkin Park, you will definitely like this album. Let’s give you a little intro to the group itself. They come from Pennsylvania, where they used to play contemporary Christian covers to youth groups. The group consists of twin brothers, Randy (Bass) and Anthony Armstrong (Guitars), Jasen Rauch (Vocals), Hayden Lamb (Drums) and Michael Barnes (Vocals). While reading the press release we received for this album, I noticed that the band had said this album took three years to make. I think the Lord definitely has to be part of a project to have the patience to work on for 1095 days! The albums title comes from guitarist, Jasen Rauch, saying “It’s not wrong as a Christian to speak about the things that you struggle with in your life and just kind of being vocal about them, so it’s the of the silence for you as well”(taken from HM Magazine). So without delay, lets get into the noise, now that the silence has ended
The first track is an intro track, kind of fooling the listener (which in this case is okay) that this will be a classical piano CD. That is until you hear some cracks in the sound and all of sudden the track sounds as though it’s breaking, breaking into track two, “Breathe Into Me”, the official beginning of RED and their debut album, End Of Silence. The story behind the song is simple, Jasen explains “the chorus, “Breathe Your life into me” is a desperate cry for help, a plea for renewal, rebirth, even resurrection.” The song is a perfect way to introduce listeners to the group. The guitar tracks sound good too. I think our guitar dudes out there will take a stab at picking this one up! “Breathe Into Me” is also the album’s (and the group’s) first single. Track three, “Let Go”, which references Romans 6:12-14, talks about not giving into temptation and even addictions that may plague us in this life. It’s about breaking the pattern of sin we often fall back into, the group says. I think it also is just a blatant shout out to Satan, that he will not control our lives. “Already Over” parts 1 & 2 touches on the subject that many Christians deal with in their lives everyday. Temptation. Part one talks about how at times that it’s already over because we have given into temptation. Part two, talks about how we are able to trade in our sin for God’s righteousness, which was paid for by Jesus’ sacrifice at Calvary. Thank God for the Cross! You’ll notice the message in both songs inter-link each other, but the music for each is very different from one another. Part 2 is almost like a broken down version of part 1, but ends with the soothing sound of pianos. Scripture reference, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
“Lost” is described by the group as a love song to God. “I can spend my life lost in You” which the last part of the chorus sings. The song describes the inseparable love of God that is found Romans 8:38-39 which says “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” “Pieces” is described as how only Christ can take the broken pieces of our shattered lives, restore us, and make us whole again. Amen. So many times we try to live our lives separate from God, not realizing that no matter how good we think we have it, it would never be the same as living with Him in your life. Life doesn’t fit together quite right without the Lord, remember this. I love the piano solo at the beginning of this song. It’s great how RED can take pianos and rock guitars and mesh them together, in perfect harmony. Galatians 2:20 says “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” That is the story behind “Break Me Down”. Finding who we are in Christ, allowing Him to break us down and mold us into He would have us to be. The chorus makes a statement, saying “I want to find/I want to shine/I want rise/Break me down”.
The album’s 8th track “Wasting Time” is another stab at the devil and how he’s wasting his time coming at us with the deceit and lies he uses daily. It’s time, the band says, “Not this time! This time I’m pushing back!” James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and he will flee fro you” Amen! Amen! Does this pertain to you? I know the devil is always on my back! Flee in the name of Christ! How many times have you thought that you could make it without God’s help? Remember the prodigal son? God’s word said He is always willing to take us back. Thank you Lord! The song “Give It All Away” is a song that group describes of a friend who leaves God behind for a life of despair. Only after being out of the sheltering arms of God does someone realize, ‘Wait a sec, I need God more then I thought. Maybe I should turn around! Have you ever done something and you just wanted to hide? C’mon, don’t lie, you know you have. Just like Adam & Eve did in Genesis 3:8, we must remember God’s love for us. Yes, we may have to get a whoopin, but it’s all for the good. This is the message behind “Hide”. We often don’t think we deserve the mercy God shows us. Come out and ask forgiveness, you don’t have to hide, we have a loving God.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Overall I was quite impressed with Red’s debut album. I was somewhat of a fan of Linkin Park back in those days before giving my life to Christ, and so this is one band that I can say sounds similar if you are looking for a Christian equivalent. I liked the album musically, but I realize that from a message stand-point it could come across to some as vague when it comes to spiritual content and meaning. That and I had the song-by-song at my fingertips as well so it made it easier for me to see where the band was coming from along with references for the music. This album is a perfect example of good music with a message, although not as obvious as some artists in today’s Christian music industry. Nevertheless, I am really looking forward to seeing what the future holds for these guys. Talent and dedication to God are two things seemingly going for this group.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10 (75%, C)
Review written by: Jay Heilman | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Red [Innocence & Instinct] | Posted February-08-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Compare to: maybe some Linkin Park mixed with the melodic sounds of Anberlin, and some of the darkness and mystery of Savior Machine. Nice road trip music, lyrics a bit vague at times, but over-all a positive message.
Red’s newest offering, Innocence and Instinct, follows closely in the footsteps of their freshman album, End of Silence, although a bit darker, and a bit edgier. In all honesty, the lyrics come across as mostly depressing. The melodies capture angst, heart ache, and a desire to be saved, but don’t very clearly depict any type of salvation or hope. That’s not to say it’s all bad, the music is catchy and at some points definitely makes you want to scream along.
The most well known song on the album so far is the second track, “Death of me.” The music video is available on Youtube or MySpace, and shows more clearly that the fight inside the lyrics talk about is a fight within yourself. It brings to mind the phrase, “you are your own worst enemy.” The first track, “Fight Inside” is based on the same theme of “Death of me.” Both songs are about an internal struggle to do the right thing, to fight evil that we all have lurking just under the surface. In a press release, guitarist Anthony Armstrong said that “The song is really a regretful introspective moment, where you realize that your own actions have led you down a path you never wanted to take. You are the one who keeps tearing yourself down in some kind of vicious cycle that never seems to end.”
“Mystery of You” is going to get stuck in your head if you listen to it a few times, but that’s not a bad thing. One real positive about this song is that it is closer to talking about God than at any other point in the album. In the lyrics, the word “You” in this song is capitalized, intoning that the “You” they are referencing is Christ, wanting to get closer and learn more about the mystery of God. It’s not necessarily a bad thing to be vague in music about God and Jesus, because if what you’re trying to say is not so blatant, you’ve got a better chance at reaching a wider audience with a message of God’s hope. Some Christians look down on this practice, thinking of it as weak or fearful Christianity. I disagree. There needs to be music out there that doesn’t put pressure on the listener to convert, but invites them to freely enjoy the album, and know that Christian music does not have to be threatening.
Coming later in the album is a cover of the song “Ordinary World,” by Duran Duran, an 80’s rock band from merry ol’ England. Turning this retro rock song into a melodic, Red flavored ballad, Red showcases a few more of their artistic talents. Although certainly a sound from another era, the song fits fairly seamlessly in with the rest of the album contents.
“Take It All Away,” is the last song on the standard edition, but for the dedicated fans, the deluxe edition includes three more songs, along with a 30 second intro in the beginning that is supposed to set a “Dante’s ‘Inferno’” tone to start out with. The bonus track titles include “Overtake You,” “Forever,” and “Nothing and Everything.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The tone of the entire CD is very introspective, which is interesting in some ways. I’m not sure this is the kind of music I want to be devoting myself too, because the world we live in today encourages people to look within ourselves for answers. But the Bible tells us the opposite, revealing that we must die to ourselves, only truly finding who we are in a live wholly given up for Christ. Proverbs 3:5 cautions us to “lean not unto your own understanding,” and acknowledge God in everything. It seems like this album is more about self than God, but internal struggles are a part of life, and this music may give everyone something they can relate too.
Rating: 6.3 out of 10 (63%, D)
Review written by: Liz Zelinski | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
John Waller [The Blessing] | Posted February-08-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
[ Main Review ]
It’s not everyday that you come across a debut album that has such an impact on you that
you have to question, are you sure this is a new artist? That is just the case with worship
leader and new artist, John Waller. Waller was singing with his indie group, According To
John when Casting Crowns lead singer and songwriter Mark Hall happened to come across
his songwriting. Hall then made it a point to sign Waller to his band’s own label, Beach
Street Records. In my opinion, it was definitely a good signing. It is apparent by listening
through ‘The Blessing’, Waller will around for a while. So let’s go ahead and get into the
music. That’s what you’re here for right?
The first track “Calling For A Flood”, which references John 3:30, where the Apostle John
says, “He must increase and I must decrease”. This brings the idea of a holy flood
cleansing our lives of the sin that constantly gets in the way of the Lord’s plan for us.
Increasing the Holy Spirit in our lives, in other words flooding our wrong from within us, will
therefore decrease ourselves to live in the Lord’s will. The music of “Identity” caught me
on first cue and kept my attention. Good rock hooks and guitars. The song title speaks
for itself. Our identity lies in the Lord. “I’m not the one I used to be/Cause no there is no
separating/You… from who I am.” See, you don’t have to worry, not only does the Lord
know you, but also your identity is within Him. “The Blessing” was the first song I heard,
which I heard on John’s MySpace page prior to getting the pre-release. I really like the
message behind this song. One line in the chorus says a lot about our lives. “Every
blessing and curse is a choice now”. Wow, this is so true. We have the choice whether to
be blessed or cursed in life. It’s up to us as to which one we choose. Casting Crowns’
Mark Hall sings in the song (which is cool!), and the first verse he sings made me feel good
while listening to the song. “Let it be said of us, that our hearts belong to Jesus/Let it be
said of us, that we spoke the words of life/Let it be said of us that our heritage is a blessing
for life”. The song references Deuteronomy 30:19, which says “…I have set before you life
and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life”. Great message!
Track four, “Still Calls Me Son”, has had a tremendous personal effect and has ministered
to me more then any other song I have ever heard! I was riding down the road one day
with my wife, and I was listening to the song, and while listening to it, I was pointing out to
her the message behind the song. At the end, I told her “This song just makes me feel…”
Then I started to cry. I couldn’t control myself, I just wept! I didn’t know what had come
over me, but never in my three years of writing have I ever felt like this. The song’s
message is none other then the story of the Prodigal Son. Now whether it’s comparable to
John’s own life story or not, I don’t know. But it really hit me, because at times in my
Christian walk I have felt just like this. When I think of the sacrifice Christ made for me, I
ask the Lord, how am I even worthy of the Salvation I have today? It really put in
perspective my life personally, and I pray that the song ministers to listeners in the way it
did with me. “Ancient Words” is another song that has an amazing chorus! It just got me
thinking. “By His blood we can enter in/To the blessing of Abraham/So place your right
hand upon our heads/And speak the ancient words.” With a direct reference to Salvation,
and the blood that was shed so that we may have it, really sheds light on that fact that
there’s only one way to Heaven.
The album is full of great songs, and of course great messages. The other tracks on the
album were great, with the last track closing out the album with applause. “Sacred Pages”,
written partly by Waller, and also taking from the hymn “Rock Of Ages”, sums up an album
that will definitely be one that people will be talking about for years to come.
John Waller is definitely an artist that you will want to keep an eye on in 2007. I wouldn’t
be one bit surprised if 2008 garners him a Dove Award nomination for ‘Best New Artist’ and
‘Best Album’. Mark my words. J You will see. So bottom line, if you are looking for an
exciting CD with not only a great message, but also great music to accompany it, then you
have to go out and pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed. This one is definitely
worthy of a 100%, A+!
CLOSING THOUGHTS
It's been nearly a year since John Waller released his major label debut record and even though we didn't have the 'Writers' Closing Thoughts' in the first publishing of the review, I thought I would go back and add one.
Since we posted this review March 5, 2006, we have had the opportunity to meet John and become friends and supporters of his music ministry. Despite being overlooked by Christian radio, I have told John on several occasions in person and in e-mail, "Don't worry about that brother, you keep on keeping on for the Lord and He will
bless you." It's the artists that truly bring forth great ministering music that are often overlooked.
John will be releasing his sophomore album, 'Cling to the Call' on June 2, 2009, so keep an eye out for that one! If you haven't picked up a copy of this CD yet, I would suggest doing so. If you like groups like Casting Crowns, then John Waller would fit perfect into your musical tastes.
'The Blessing' indeed lives up to it's title, in that the message of the album, we pray will be a blessing to all who listen to it! Enjoy!
Rating: 10 out of 10 (100%, A-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Various Artists [CompassionArt] | Posted February-02-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
When I received this album for review it came to me with the usual press material and a word from Jay Heilman (founder of Christian Music Review) letting me know only that the album was “highly anticipated”. I, myself, hadn’t actually heard of the project before, and since I make a practice of not reading any background prior to listening to an album I'm reviewing (my way of making sure I remain unbiased toward the music), I simply went ahead, pressed play and dived head first into the music.
So today, after listening to this album for nearly a week, I finally took my first look at the accompanying press material and the album’s website before sitting down to write this review. Man, I have to tell you how surprised and incredibly impressed I was when what I had assumed was strictly an extraordinary compilation of work, turned out to be something much more special and far more reaching than I had imagined – in reality, a trend setting movement.
Separated from all of the build-up and promotion, and apart from all the surrounding buzz, the CompassionArt release is quite simply a masterpiece of worship. The genius of the album not only comes from the 19 talented artists who contributed to it and the level of creative synergy that was reached, but the way the styles converged in a unity of cause and belief. The music presented a dynamic medium for a message which I believe can only be explained by the involvement of the Holy Spirit – the album’s 20th contributor. I want to tell you unequivocally that the compositions included here are as solid and meaningful as the worthy causes they support.
The CompassionArt initiative is an artist-backed charity founded by Martin Smith of Delirious? that is (to quote the website), "dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor." The current album is a central component for the launching of the charity. By releasing all current and future rights and royalties to the music contained in the CompassionArt album, Martin Smith, Michael W. Smith, Chris Tomlin, Darlene Zschech, Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stu G (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Kirk Franklin, Amy Grant, Joel Houston, Leeland Mooring, Christy Nockels, tobyMac and CeCe Winans have insured that 100% of the proceeds from the sale and reproduction of their work will go directly to helping those in need.
Conclusion:
After listening to the 15 inspiring tracks and learning the story behind this incredible album, if you're not moved by CompassionArt, you're simply not alive. Go out and buy this album because one of your favorite artists is on it. Go out and buy this album because you feel compelled to play a role in carrying out the Lord’s work to help the poor and needy across the globe. Go buy this album to witness a special moment in the history of Christian Music. Go buy this album because you long to experience the Holy Spirit at work. Whatever the reason…Go out and buy this album!
For more Christian Music Reviews By Aaron, visit: http://reviewsbyaaron.com
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Not often does a Christian album come along that combines music, message and purpose in a way that transcends an album or even an industry. This one does. You don’t want to miss it.
Rating: 10 out of 10 (100%, A+)
Review written by: Aaron Hassen | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Gaither Vocal Band [Reunion Volume 1] | Posted February-02-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
The Gaither Vocal Band, led by legendary artist Bill Gaither has always been among the staple performers of Southern Gospel music since it’s beginnings as the Gaither Vocal Trio back in the late 50’s. Originally comprising of Bill, his younger brother Danny and sister, Mary Ann, the Gaither Vocal Trio, the new Gaither Vocal Band on up to it’s current name of just plain Gaither Vocal Band, the Vocal Band (for short) has featured some of the most gifted and talented vocalists of our time.
Some of those include, Steve Green, Gary McSpadden, Larnelle Harris, Michael English, Guy Penrod, David Phelps and Jonathan Pierce. 2009 marks a special release for the Gaither Vocal Band, reuniting for one show the biggest names to share the stage with Gaither. The reunion concert, broken up into two albums (or DVDs) showcases the former members singing songs from a time when they were with the group. While I am more familiar with the GVB material from the late 90’s until now, even some of those songs sound different from the original recordings spanning as far back as the 80’s. My introduction to the GVB came mainly with the release of the 2004 release Best of the Gaither Vocal Band, a two-disc set that comprised of many of the hits from the past, but re-recorded with the lineup of 2003.
So when I went to listen to some of the songs I was familiar with, I found that they sounded worlds apart from the ones I had come to know. Nonetheless, I was quite impressed with the fact that Gaither was able to get most of his earlier members together with the exception of Jonathan Pierce. I was also shocked when I found out that 2009 also marked another rather big change within the band. In January 2009, it was announced on the GaitherNet.com that long-time lead vocalist Guy Penrod had left the group, and was replaced by Michael English. Also gone is Marshall Hall (Baritone).
Penrod was a fan-favorite and had been the longest tenured member of the Vocal Band in its 40-year history first joining the group in 1995, second only to Gaither himself. Good news still remained though. I was excited to find out that long-time member and comedian Mark Lowry had made his return as well as David Phelps (formerly of Word Records) with Wes Hampton also staying on board.
The Reunion albums comprise of hits from the past and present. I think any GVB fan will be impressed with this new collection of music, brought forth by some new and some older, but familiar faces. Some of the tracks that I enjoyed from Volume 1 are “Can’t Stop Talking about Him”, “Your First Day in Heaven” and “There Is a River”. “Build and Ark”, “Mary Did You Know?” & “I’ll Meet You in the Morning” were the tracks that I enjoyed off of Volume 2. There was however one particular track that was missing from both of these albums that I felt should have been included. “Alpha & Omega”. In my opinion there was no other GVB song that best portrayed the vocal and harmonies as this song did. I was quite surprised that this track wasn’t included on these releases. Nonetheless, I was still pretty impressed with the overall presentation of this project.
Not only was the show recorded onto two CDs, but it was also released simultaneously on two DVDs as well. So whether you like to watch the show, or listen, there is a format for everyone.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
While Southern-Gospel is not my favorite style of music, I have always enjoyed the harmony of the vocalists from the GVB. I think this release really showcases the talent from past and present and brings it to the listener/viewer in a way where the old tracks become new and alive again. With the current lineup of the GVB I’m anxious to see how this group jives together. They certainly have the talent, that’s for sure.
Rating: 9.1 out of 10 (91%, A-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Paul Colman [History] | Posted January-26-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
Paul Colman’s name may not be too familiar however whether you are a long-time fan
like me or this album is the first time you’ve listened to him, you are in for a memorable, familiar and catchy treat. You may have heard Paul’s work with the Newsboys on their last album “Go” where Paul played guitar and most notably co-wrote the hit song “Something Beautiful”.
From the opening notes of “If I Was Jesus”, the debut single and cover of a song originally recorded by Toby Keith, I was immediately hooked by the style and message. The song depicts the nature of Jesus and the chorus stirs you with “I’d lay my life before you, and I’d show you who’s the boss, I’d forgive you and adore you while I was hanging on your cross”.
History continues with a great cover of the song “History Maker” by Delirious?. Then,
the remaining songs are all previously recorded by Paul when he was in the band Paul Colman Trio and his solo release Let It Go from 2002-2005. “Turn” is a timeless anthem of faith regarding how we need to “turn this life around” including the line “who can change your heart, change your motivation?”. “Run” and “Fill My Cup” are also great songs originally from “New Map of the World”. “Holding Onto You”, “Gloria (All God’s Children)” and “The One Thing” are three of the best songs ever by Paul from his solo album in 2005. Those songs are all prayerful, uplifting and very catchy. “Solution”, “Sweet Sweet Song of Salvation” and “All U Need” also showcase Paul’s songwriting and singing talent in the style of his contemporaries Matthew West, Bebo Norman and Brandon Heath.
The album ends with “The Killing Tree” and “I Owe It All” which is one of my favorite
songs on the album. It is a personal prayer to Jesus and vertical worship song with the sincere chorus “I owe it all to You Jesus, I owe it all to You, all my life I lay before You,
I owe it all to You”.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
For anyone unfamiliar with these songs, this is a can’t miss adult contemporary and
worship album. The fact that it includes so many previous releases just gives an
opportunity for new fans to experience Paul’s great singing and songwriting. If you like
what you hear on this album, I also recommend “Let Love Grow” and “Pray” from
Paul’s previous albums.
Rating: 9.3 out of 10 (93%, A-)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Julian Drive [My Coming Day] | Posted January-25-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
New Inpop Records band Julian Drive has Georgia roots and won the 2004 “Exalting Him” talent search contest. The band has toured extensively leading up to the national release of their major label debut album “My Coming Day”. They are a ministry-oriented Southern alt-rock band. They have songs that immediately reminded me of Country superstar band Rascal Flatts and Christian country band 33Miles. They also have ballads and vertical worship songs that reminded me of CCM artist Mark Schultz.
The album’s debut single “From Your Hands” is a great example of the vertical worship style of the album. The song came from an experience that the band had while touring. Their bus had broken down and nobody wanted to sleep. Their guitarist Jesse Triplett started playing on his guitar and came up with a country-rock melody and lead vocalist Shane Bowers came up with lyrics to match the melody. Message-wise, it is one of my favorite songs on the album with the sincere chorus “True Love was pouring, True Love was pouring from Your hands”. The song is about the purest and sweetest love that has ever been, with the crucifixion as the backdrop. It is a great love song in the style of the hit Tenth Avenue North song “Love Is Here”. “Always There” has a great biblical message about relying on God’s Word as a guide. There are parts of the song that come right from Psalms and the style is country-rock. The next song “Cry” has an amazing 2nd verse “Believe Your voice, believe Your word, stand so strong even when it hurts, Gotta let it go, let Your light show”. The style resembled “God Of Life” by Mark Schultz. Those first 3 songs really had me hooked on this album, and kept my interest over the next 5 songs which are all very positive, uplifting and biblical, but slightly less catchy to me.
Finally, the last 2 songs grabbed me again. I LOVE their remake of the Hoobastank hit song “The Reason”. They are faithful to the original piano-based style of the song and the beautiful melody and confession. I have loved that song since it came out and have also considered it a song that can be sung to God in confession, “I’ve found a reason for me, to change who I used to be, a reason to start over new, and the reason is You”. The closing title song “My Coming Day” is an earnest prayer that came from Shane’s daily devotion and quiet time with the Lord.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I really, really like half of the songs a lot. The stand-out songs I’ve mentioned are top notch musically and lyrically. The other songs are also very strong lyrically, but to me not as catchy or original sounding in comparison. Fans of Rascal Flatts, 33Miles and Mark Schultz will really like the style of this album. Rock music fans will really enjoy “The Reason”. This is a very nice major label debut album and Julian Drive shows a lot of potential. “My Coming Day” is very message-oriented, clear and positive biblical Truth throughout and is definitely a strength of the album.
Rating: 8.8 out of 10 (88%, B+)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
Red Umbrella [Living and Surviving] | Posted January-18-2009 [MAIN REVIEW]
I am privileged to contribute to this great ministry at Christian Music Review by combining my love of Christian music with my love of delving into the meaning behind my favorite songs. This is my first review for the site and my repeated listening to this album for the past couple of weeks was a great way to get started. At first, I wasn’t sure if the message was too obscure to give this album a high message rating. However, there are clearly positive and at times directly biblical messages throughout the album.
Certainly Red Umbrella’s musical styling will remind listeners of Christian artists PFR, The Myriad, Phil Wickham and fellow Canadian band downhere. They have a great blend of Brit-Rock sensibility and classic rock like ELO, The Beatles, The Byrds and modern alt-rock bands Death Cab for Cutie and Keane. From their label website: "Living and Surviving" visits the idea of self-realization with new lyrical avenues of story telling. The opening track, "Prison Side" is the tale of a judgmental person ironically finding judgment upon himself: "Played his cards well, hit a land slide, Called a losing game, bookie shouts your name, Pulled your pockets out, pay up just the same". "Crazy (All Of Me)" is a poem from the situations in C.S. Lewis' book, "Out of the Silent Planet", taking listeners right into the story of captivity in intergalactic space.”
For me, one of the stand-out songs is the cover of the classic rock song “Turn, Turn, Turn”, originally recorded by The Byrds and based on Ecclesiastes Chapter 3, verses 1-8. Another highlight for me is the closing song “Babbling Brook”, which is a great introspective ballad asking the provocative questions “what will be written in my book?”, and “Did I give more than I took?” The song asks to tell your story and think about your legacy when you are gone. “Did you live or just survive?” Although there are several songs that use more allegory than direct biblical references, there are solid faith-based messages throughout this very catchy sophomore album, which in my opinion is an overall improvement over their solid debut album "Wishing For Boardwalk".
Another highlight for me is the very catchy title track “Living & Surviving” which has an electronic rock feel like the current hit song “Human” by The Killers. “Whisper All Your Love” is a great depiction of how God whispers His love to us in our daily walk with Him. The music is diverse, original and current while still paying tribute to great rock bands past and present and really fits the style of the album, which flows fluidly from track to track and with only 10 songs, leaves you wanting more from this up and coming alt-rock Christian band.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Red Umbrella is a great band and I’m looking forward to hearing more from them in the future. Fans of all types of rock music can enjoy something on this album. The album does mix in some interesting lyrical twists like in the urban beat story song “Boompop”, which has a great message regarding putting faith in more than a consumerism lifestyle. I recommend the whole album experience and giving it several listens to dig into the message and hook filled melodies.
Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
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