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....
Jeremy Camp [Speaking Louder Than Before] | Posted November-25-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
November 25th is a great day for fans of Jeremy Camp as his fifth studio album, Speaking Louder than Before, joins his 3 RIAA Gold albums on shelves across America. The album was recorded this past summer in Nashville, TN and was co-produced by Camp and Brown Bannister. I will try not to be bias on this review since I have been a Jeremy Camp fan since his debut album, Stay.
This new album grabbed me from the very beginning with the song, “Slow Down Time.” I absolutely loved the message of this song! He sings about wishing he could slow down time so that he could spend more time with God. This is such a cry that all of us should strive for. Thankfully the great message does not end with the first song but resonates throughout the whole album. Jeremy’s wife, Adie Camp, joins him for the songs, “Healing Hand of God,” and “Surrender.” They do a wonderful job singing together, especially on the song, “Surrender”. This song is truly anointed and a definite must listen.
The Christian music industry is a big industry and sometimes can pull people after the almighty dollar and sometimes that same dollar will pull a Godly artist away from their message, but one thing I love about Jeremy is that he has never sold out and he proves that in his new album. In fact along with this album he has produced video devotions that go along with each of the 12 songs. These videos will be an awesome resource to not only learn more about the song but could be used in Bible study as well.
Speaking of videos, the music video for the title track, “Speaking Louder Than Before,” will be coming soon. This is a great album and I am excited to see what it does for the kingdom of God. I found it to be very uplifting and an inspiration to me as I listened to it. I highly recommend this album to not only to Campers (Camp fans) but all others. Give this album a GO and you will not be disappointed.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Jeremy has had great success with his other albums with over 3.5 million in album sales and I wish him nothing but huge success with this new album. It truly is an album that will be a great listen and also effective in ministry. My closing thought, GO OUT AND GET IT!
Rating: 9.2 out of 10 (92%, A-)
Review written by: Dale Clayton | 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!
Jeremy Camp [Beyond Measure] | Posted November-25-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Not another watered down, mushy, lets-hold-hands-and-feel-good CD” I said to myself as I opened Jeremy Camp’s newest album. I reluctantly put the CD into my laptop to load onto my mp3 player. As the CD downloaded I sat there drinking a glass of sweet tea. Finally the CD downloaded and Jeremy Camp took his place in the mp3 player among others like the O.C. Supertones, Disciple, Demon Hunter, Five Iron Frenzy, and so on.
As you can see Jeremy Camp was the goose in my row of ducks. Nevertheless I put on my headphones and pressed play. Right from the beginning of the CD, within the first couple songs, I heard the same message being talked about. Faith and sacrifice I kept hearing in the lyrics. I would hear things like “…show me what it means to live my life a sacrifice…I always leave everything to You…” Just that line alone could sum up the CD. As I cycled through the songs I kept hearing “faith and sacrifice” being talked about.
Finally I reached the end of the album and began to think. “Faith and sacrifice” were running through my head over and over again. I thought to myself, these two things are what all, if not most, Christians struggle with every day of their lives. Two simple concepts on their own, but when coupled together, seem impossible to live by, because without one you can not have the other.
This album, even though it lacked the musical aggression I enjoy, challenged my walk and made me think. I will end this review with two Bible verses and a quote. Look up Hebrews 11:1 and Romans 12:1. I would just write them out for you but I like to know that you are using your Bible for something besides a lint catcher.
Here is a quote from a man who inspires me to study and learn the Bible more, his name is Matt Morginsky the former lead singer for the O.C. Supertones, “I agree with having faith, but its faith in Christ we need not some blind leap into irrationality.”
CLOSING THOUGHTS
None
Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Mike Strubie | 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!
Above The Golden State [Above The Golden State] | Posted November-25-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
The band, Above the Golden State, marks out a space for themselves inside the CCM industry with the release of their unique, self-titled, debut album. This album combines classic, up-beat West Coast-style acoustic, rock-pop sounds with moving, reflective songs of praise and worship. The lyrics are simple and clear, yet deep and introspective. While folksy and soulful, Above the Golden State is at its core authentic and environmental. This is one of those rare albums you’ll want to sit back and experience straight through from beginning to end. It’s upbeat and trendy at times, while moody and melodious at others.
Above the Golden State reflects on life and God and the impact of His Word (referenced so frequently throughout the album). With this release, the band offers listeners a sense of Christianity at peace with itself. There’s no rebellion here, only a humble gratefulness, desperation and awe. That approach is truly refreshing in an industry where artists can sometimes toe the line between secularism and their own core beliefs. While I’m usually not one for song-by-song reviews, I want to detail a few of my personal favorites in the hopes that you’ll gain a better sense of the album:
The song, “Gaze Into Your Eyes” is the second track and sets the album on a beautiful course of exploration by mixing sunny, radio-friendly pop-rock chords with natural, organic choruses that blend the singer’s falsetto with careful, instrumental pauses and builds.
“Streets” is a haunting, acoustic blend of seriousness, brokenness and revelation. The lyric, “Love is real. Love will bleed. Love will heal. Love will need.” reminds you of the impact The Lord has had on your life and the potential impact He can have on others by way of your testimony. Low, dissonant verses dramatically intersect with higher, emotionally-charged choruses, relaying a full-bodied presentation of sound and message.
The track, “Love”, continues on the former theme by way of the band’s signature appeal of powerful simplicity. In the fashion of Jars of Clay, “Love” lays out a straightforward lyric and builds in a sense of profound scale and gravity with layered guitars (both acoustic and electric), violins, background echoes and dance club beats. The song consists of sudden stops and starts; music that’s stripped down and then built back up. For added emphasis, this song is immediately followed by a raw, dramatic reading of 1 Corinthians 13.
Many other songs on the album have already been reviewed by other industry writers and are equally great offerings. These listed above are just some of my own personal favorites, but like other quality albums, there is plenty here to choose from and you’ll probably settle on your own favorites. I recommend this album to audiences who appreciate music from artists like Aaron Shust, Jars of Clay, Leeland and Audio Adrenaline. This is truly a solid debut for Above the Golden State.
For more Christian Music Reviews By Aaron, visit: http://reviewsbyaaron.com
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Sit back and enjoy Above the Golden State. The album is a pleasant journey from start to finish. Whether you need a healthy reminder of your faith, a simple break from the world, or a mild spiritual renewal, this album can take you to that higher place.
Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (90%, 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!
Joy Whitlock [God and a Girl] | Posted November-13-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
We’re introduced to Joy Whitlock through her new album and debut, God and a Girl. While Joy is a newcomer, she has a story to tell and for her that starts in a movie theater. She was an unbeliever until she saw “The Passion of the Christ”, where then and there she gave her life to the Lord. This leads us up to today to a Christian album featuring her musical styles of choice: folk, indie, and rock.
This album was a lot different than what I thought it was going to be, but as I listened there were a few songs that stood out to me. “Testify”; “Faith Don’t Fail”; and ‘Holding On To Me”.
“Testify” aka the plaintiff’s prayer is a song that you could see being used in a trial of the court, as it is an argument of your sins, which Christ died for. You can see yourself arguing about why you should have another chance as it says, “‘Cause I'm still here / And I'm still me / But tomorrow's not certain / I'll make one last plea.”
“Faith Don’t Fail” is a song based upon scripture out of the Bible, found in Luke 22:31-32 which says, “And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.”. Even though you are changed, do not stay the same. Strengthen your brothers, for you must have faith and believe to see any change in your loved ones. For faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.
“Holding On To Me” says, “Life pushes out/ It pulls me in/ The ride is wilder than the wind/ Why would I worry when/ You’re holding on to me.” You see through all your struggles, trials, and temptations, you are still in the hands of God.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Joy Whitlock is an inspiration to me and others. For a woman empty and lost, then found and filled, is a testimony in itself. To turn around and sign and produce music that can one day fill and save a dying generation is remarkable, not just her but all artists who devote their life and work to the Lord.
This is a decent album as it does have a lot of material that someone may need to hear.
VOTA [VOTA] | Posted November-11-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
VOTA’s self-titled debut album is an upbeat mixture of the past and the present. Retro, Pop sounds blanket the album from beginning to end with hints of Tom Petty, Weezer, DC Talk, Newsboys and even Def Leopard. Solid hooks and tried and true melodies make the tracks easy to listen to while passing time. While no song on the album is particularly deep or introspective, there are points along the way that may cause you to reflect.
Concerning the lyrics, I found that references to The Almighty were often substituted with non-descriptive pronouns and more generic expressions of love. Overall messages contained in songs like “Be Mine”, “I’ll Go”, “Save Ourselves”, “Bye Bye” were somewhat general while other tracks like “Free Fail”, “Love’s Taken Over” and “Honestly” focused a bit more on Christian oriented themes.
For the music’s part, the soundtrack on VOTA was both eclectic and nostalgic. With so many familiar chords, you’ll find that your ears get excited in the same way they might if you were listening to an iTunes mix of favorites from the 80s and 90s. The distinctly stylized approach transmitted by way of pitchy guitars, synthesizers, drum machines and crowd echoes turn VOTA’s current effort into more of a modern throwback.
In the end, I found none of the songs on this release really stuck with me for very long. And although an album filled with fun, catchy and reminiscent tunes might satisfy some, other listeners will prefer newer sounds with songs offering a bit more redeeming value.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
VOTA’s debut album is an entertaining take me away, good when exercising or at the office. If you’re looking for songs that will express or even challenge your faith – this is not that album. However, if what you want is a solid retro-style pick-me-up, you might want to consider it.
For more Christian Music Reviews By Aaron, visit: http://reviewsbyaaron.com
Rating: 7.4 out of 10 (74%, C)
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!
Stephanie Smith [Not Afraid] | Posted November-11-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Most of us tend to remember our teenage years and sometimes forget how it really felt - the things that mattered then. The significant things like trying to figure out life, your own feelings, who you are and who God is in your life. In her album, Not Afraid, Stephanie Smith lets us into her world. Smith presents herself as an authentic medium relating to her generation in songs that deal with topics so relevant to them including stardom, beauty, acceptance and disappointment and God’s presence in it.
Like Avril Lavigne on the secular charts, Stephanie Smith reaches out to Christian audiences with an album poised to make its intended mark. Not Afraid superbly hits the highs and the lows; the speed ups and the slow downs. Its punk, rock and pop styles fuse together a multifaceted storyline. The songs on the album are laced with significance. Smith makes both cultural statements and personal, consoling ones as well. Her personal revelations impart truth that is truly cross-generational.
The music on Not Afraid is solid and well-orchestrated. The listener-friendly rock chords, rousing choruses and timely effects provide an ideal foundation for Smith’s poetry. Tracks flow one to the next creating a single combined soundtrack. The sound feels new and fresh and somehow innately familiar. Set apart from the lyrics, the music on the album is touching and motivating in its own right.
Alongside socially significant radio anthems like Beauty, Not Afraid (title track) and SuperStar are three brilliant and unmistakably Christian contemporary standards, Renew Me, What If I Made a Mistake and You Alone that really help to take the album to the next level. You’ll want to bookmark these three hits for your playlists because they’re intellectually honest, Christ-honoring and difficult to get out of your head.
All considered, Not Afraid is a fun and inspiring balance of energy and subtlety. If a successful album is about pure lyrics, solid vocals and great music, then Not Afraid is a resounding success. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, I think you’ll be encouraged to be bold and reminded that the Lord stands with you.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Listen for the solid sound and the feeling of young exuberance. Connect with Stephanie in her life experiences and Christian walk on the tracks Renew Me, What If I Made a Mistake and You Alone. The album Not Afraid will motivate and encourage you. In fact, I bet you’ll keep it on heavy rotation.
For more Christian Music Reviews By Aaron, visit: http://reviewsbyaaron.com
Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (90%, 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!
Michael W. Smith [A New Hallelujah] | Posted October-31-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Michael W. Smith does a great job on his new album, A New Hallelujah. I always enjoy getting in a relaxed, quiet, and worshipful atmosphere and popping in a good worship album and this CD is now going to be my new first choice for that. When I pressed play and the intro began I was already “feeling it” because I love when artist read scriptures and uses spoken words and this did just that.
The next few tracks had great message to them and were very well performed. I enjoyed the tracks “A New Hallelujah” and “When I Think Of You” being performed with the African Children’s Choir. I am always amazed at the voices and the anointing of those children’s choirs. As soon as the CD player rolled over to track 5 and the first beat hit I recognized one of my most recent favorite worship songs, “Mighty to Save.” From this point on, at least for me, the album seemed to really pick up.
Many of the songs became familiar and truly a great line up of selections to help lead anyone into a worship experience. In the midst of familiar lyrics and beats were some very new and fresh songs that were very powerful, track 8 for example, “Deep in Love with You,” really focused in on the extravagant love between the believer and God. As I said before the tracks just built up so nicely and stayed constant with a good worshipful feel to the whole album. The album culminated with a song entitled, “The River is Rising.” I felt this was a great song to end it on as it left me wanting more as I wanted to experience the river of God.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
In closing I thought this album was very well executed, some worship albums are just a selections of worship songs burnt on to a CD, but I felt this was nicely put together to help the listeners experience a worship service wherever they may be.
Rating: 9.3 out of 10 (93%, A-)
Review written by: Dale Clayton | 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!
Building 429 [Building 429] | Posted October-31-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Building 429 is back with their self titled forth studio album. Jason Roy, Michael Anderson
and Jesse Garcia have come a long way since their debut album Space In Between Us (2004) and are excited for the new changes that have come their way and for the new relationship with INO Records.
According to Jason Roy, the band's name originated from a youth group. Roy's wife Cortni
had once belonged to a youth group that had a system called the "429 Challenge," based on Ephesians 4:29. Whenever someone in the group spoke negatively about another, others were allowed to issue a verbal "four twenty-nine." This resulted in the offender having to say something nice to the person that was offended. The band members took this challenge and created a name around it - building one another up, hence, "Building 429."
One of the things I struggle most with is control. I am a Christian and consider myself to have a lot of faith. But, even still I have a very hard time giving God control of my finances and other things for fear of not being able to provide for my family. I know that if I let go
God will ensure that I never go without. Every one of us thinks we have our lives under control. Every one of us desires the life of peace, of joy, and happiness. It's funny though that with every step we take toward this goal we always seem to find ourselves further away. "End of Me" is a song that attempts to bring some perspective to that quest. "All I've longed for I found finally at the end of me" is my constant reminder these days to live my life by God's design. To leave the burdens and the comforts of believing I'm in control, to find true life. When I admit I have no control, and that God himself gets that responsibility, everything seems to make a little more sense.
To listen to "End of Me" visit:
http://wmedia.buzzplant.com/content/ino/Building429-EndOfMe_ACMix.wma.
"This record is a new beginning," said Roy, Building 429's front man and chief lyricist. "Its
no longer about what everybody wants us to be or what we think we should be but a season of finding what God has in store for us. I'm more confident than I've ever been in my life when it comes to my calling, when it comes to my brothers and when it comes to my band. That confidence is not in myself. That confidence is in the fact that the Lord is going to do something great with us. We're just excited to be along for the ride," Roy concludes.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I enjoyed this album. It was fitting with the Building 429 style. It spoke to me about different areas in my life. It was a review given to me no by chance, but by God. There were parts in this album that I needed to hear. I would recommend this album to you. If it had a
message for me then I know it has a message for others.
I would like to thank the band for their hard work and dedication and willingness to follow God's will. Continue to do the work of the Lord and your lives will continue to be enriched. God Bless!
Rating: 9.0 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Ben Collins | 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!
Skillet [Comatose Comes Alive] | Posted October-31-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
There is something about live albums that make us feel like we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Its fun to get swept up in the music you’re listening too, and when you are hearing the audience cheer and the band talk directly to the crowd, you feel like you’re in the middle of it all.
Skillet’s new live CD, “Comatose Comes Alive,” really puts you in the action. But the best part about this new release is that it is a CD/DVD combo. Not only do you get the audio (which has a few extra songs on the end) but you get the DVD of the concert, which rocked. Also included on the DVD are four Skillet music videos: “Rebirthing,” “Whispers In The Dark,” “The Older I Get” (behind the scenes video, and “Savior.” I spent a couple hours just watching the concert DVD and perusing through the video and behind the scenes section. The CD includes four acoustic songs included after the live performance portion.
If Skillet is a band you have never heard of before, it’s time to change that. Going strong since 1996, Skillet has released seven albums since the self-titled “Skillet,” which is nothing to sneeze at for any band, let along a Christian one. “Comatose Comes Alive” is project number eight, and their first live album. Lead singer John Cooper is the only original member from Skillet. His wife, Korey Cooper - who plays guitar, backing vocals and keyboard - joined in 1999. Ben Kasica on guitar, joined in 2001, and the newest member, drummer Jen Ledger, joined this year.
Lead singer John Cooper explains the meaning of comatose right before the last live song, “Best Kept Secret.” “The word comatose means being in a coma,” said Cooper. “We called the record that because if we don’t wake up out of our comas and realize we are loosing this world, we are going to lose. I’m really excited about this message because it’s not exclusive for Christians. We can all agree this world is getting worse, and you have a role to play, to make it a worse place or a better place. All it’s gonna take is us deciding that we’re gonna care more about somebody else than we care about ourselves.”
The entire album is packed with meaning and poetic lyrics that relate well to people in all kinds of situations. One highlight includes “The Last Night,” which is about being pulled out of our darkness by the Savior. “Your parents say everything is your fault / but they don’t know you like I know you. / I’m so sick of when they say, ‘it’s just a phase, you’ll be ok. Your fine, / but I know it’s a lie. / This is the last night you'll spend alone / Look me in the eyes so I know you know / I'm everywhere you want me to be.”
This is one of the most exciting projects I’ve seen in a long time Skillet is a band that continues to get better each time they put out an album. They won’t be going stale any time soon.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
This band is pumped with passion and a heart for God. Watching the show and listening to their lyrics gives the audience a sense of how genuine this band is in their caring for others.
“We’ve all been talking about changing this world,” Cooper continued. “I say its time that we quit talking about it, and just do it. If we actually believe that love is the answer, then let’s start loving people and see what God can do in our country, and see what God can do in our world.”
Rating: 9.7 out of 10 (97%, A-)
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!
Disciple [Southern Hospitality] | Posted October-31-2008 [MAIN REVIEW]
Sounds like: old school POD, Incubus.
“Southern Hospitality,” also the name of the first track of the album, reminds me of POD’s “I feel so Alive.” “Take my time, it doesn’t matter if the sky is gray I’m gonna *(Matthew 7:24-25) / Take my time, and live like it’s my last day (Psalm 90:12) / Oh Yeah, feel the high / Alright, I feel alive tonight / Oh yeah, rain or shine / It’s a great day to be alive (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).” There is nothing dull about Disciple. The hard rock keeps your head nodding and energy high throughout the whole album. The songs are full of meaning and spiritual inspiration.
The band put it better than I could when they say in a note after the song “Liar,” “Regarding our lyrics, we try to write songs that are passionate, genuine, and from the heart. We like to write songs about real situations that people face in everyday life. We also understand that we are role-models and we want our music to point to our faith in Jesus. With that being said, I felt it would be good to add a note on the subject of forgiveness. When I wrote this song [Liar] I was struggling with forgiveness and wrote the line, “I will forgive you, but it’s gonna take some time.” This was an honest evaluation of where my heart was at the time. But it is God’s will for us to forgive. Sometimes it is hard to do that. As followers of Christ we are called to forgive at all costs. In light of Matthew 18:21-35, it is very clear that God has forgiven all of us of a multitude of sins, and that He expects us to forgive just as He has forgiven us.”
“Liar” is an awesome song about standing up for Christ, and not being ashamed of your faith. It also speaks about how difficult forgiveness is when you’ve been hurt. It’s an honest look at the process it takes to forgive. Forgiving is not something you can do without Christ backing you up. “You tell me not to speak, but you don’t understand / That He’s ashamed of me when I’m ashamed of Him (Mark 8:38) / What good is the next level if we gain the world, but then we lose our soul (Mark 8:36)/ I’m not saying you’re a liar / It’s just that none of us believe a word you say / They say the tongue is like a fire (James 3:6) / Nothing but empty promises around your flame.”
“Whatever Reason” and “Lay my Burdens” both have a very “prodigal son” theme to the lyrics. Christ will always welcome back anyone who has gone astray, no matter how far you’ve gone or what lies in the past.
Here’s some interesting band news: according to a press release, one of the original band members of Disciple, Brad Noah has decided to step down from touring because of a long-term health issue. However, he is still involved in song writing and production, so his style is still very much a part of “Southern Hospitality.” Disciple has also added three new members: guitarist Andrew Welch, guitarist Micah Sannon, and Israel Beachy on bass.
As far as the album goes, a few of the songs sounded the same. It’s nice to have some more diversity in the music. But over-all, the message is positive, the lyrics are creative, and it is obvious these guys worked hard to put out a quality project. I say it’s definitely a go for all Disciple fans. If you’ve never had a disciple CD before, this is a good one to start with. It’s new and fresh, and really speaks to the heart.
* Please note that the scripture references in parenthesis are not actually in the lyrics. Disciple chose to include them so listeners can see where they are drawing their material from. This feature really enhances the musical experience on a spiritual level.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Disciple has truly demonstrated a deep desire to point their fans in the direction of God. Almost all the lines in their songs are followed by a Biblical reference so the audience can see where they are getting their meaning from. When a group works not only to make good music, but to bring glory to God through what they do, God will certainly bless them, and He has blessed Disciple. This group has been together for more than 15 years has now released 10 projects. I’m sure more hit albums will be on the way in the future.
Rating: 8.3 out of 10 (83%, B-)
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!
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