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
Luminate Again | Posted July-31-2012
The Texas rock quartet known as Luminate made a splash in Christian music back in early 2011 with the release of their debut album on Sparrow Records, Come Home. While most debut projects are less than memorable, the group garnered a large amount of attention for their familiar yet original style, consisting of moody electronic melodies while still maintaining a lyrically kingdom-minded and worshipful focus.
The band's first single, "Come Home,” made waves on radio, and quickly earned the band—comprised of members Aaron Mathew (drums), Dusty Jakubik (bass), Cody Clark (guitar/keys), and Sam Hancock (lead vocals/guitar/piano)—not only a fast fan base, but also coveted opening spots on tours alongside Sanctus Real and Big Daddy Weave.
Already being compared to the likes of high profile acts such as Tenth Avenue North and Leeland, to say there was pressure to make a follow-up album just as stellar as their debut, if not more, would be an understatement. Not shy to the challenge, the group teamed up with producers Chris Stevens and Pete Kipley to hit the studio and create an ambient rock lovers dream album with the result being their 2012 sophomore release, Welcome To Daylight.
When asked about a recurring theme on the album, lead vocalist Sam Hancock describes it as "Singing and expressing joy in the midst of the trouble", saying it is "gonna be an upbeat and encouraging record.” And an ‘upbeat encouraging record' it certainly is.
The project kicks off with the deeply sonic namesake, "Welcome To Daylight,” serving as an impressive intro to an album filled with it's fair share of melodic ear candy. "Wake Up" is up next and follows along the same sunny lines lyrically, encouraging the listener to awake from the darkness and start to live in the light. I'm especially fond of the unpredictably anathematic bridge, which takes the song to a whole new level.
The album's first single, "Banner Of Love" rises as a reverential battle cry and is sure to be yet another hit for the band. "Heal This Home" takes an honest look into a broken and loveless marriage, and bids the truth that no matter how hopeless the bond looks, God is able to heal even the most damaged relationship and make it new again. "They were living in a world of make believe / And they couldn't see the cracks growing underneath / But God restores and opens doors to the love, to the life, they're looking for."
"The Only Thing That Matters" comes as an unshaken proclamation that God's love is the only thing that matters in a world full of darkness and cynicism, and makes a nice transition into the gritty pop tune "Never Give Up,” offering a message of hope in the midst of heartache.
"Battle For Peace" switches things up a bit, taking more of a stringed-laced folk approach. The song becomes an unconventional moment of worship, surrendering our self-destructive search for peace at the feet of the only One who can truly give it to us.
"This Ends Tonight" opens with a mock 80's ballad guitar riff and quickly delves back into electronic pop. The song is an in-your-face callout to the enemy, and makes the bold declaration that we're done believing all the lies he's tried to feed us. It‘s one of the best songs on the record.
Breathy and full of quirks, "Love Is Loud" paints a beautiful picture of how the manifest love of God can be found in almost every aspect of life's journey. Similar to classic Owl City on the musical front, "Living In A Memory" talks about letting go of hurtful memories and forgiving ourselves for mistakes we've made, just as Christ has forgiven us.
"Holds Us All Together" brings this album to a close on a worshipful note, sharing that nothing is bigger or stronger than the love of God, and it's His love that holds us together, in the good times and the bad. “If love is a fire, then God, let it fall right now / Take our walls and burn them down / Set us free from fear that we're hiding / Come take all we have."
Closing Thoughts:
I was absolutely captivated by this album from the first note of the opening song. From the bright synthetic elements to the heart-on-your-sleeve songwriting, it's nearly impossible to a fault with this project, and I can listen to the whole thing without skipping a single song. It's easy to see Luminate is a band that is still trying to master their style and distinguish it as their own, but I think they've definitely struck something big with Welcome To Daylight.
Distinct, delightful, and rather unexpected, this is one of my favorite albums of the year, and you'd be doing yourself a great favor by checking it out. Luminate has a "bright" future ahead of them, and I know that many, now including myself, are looking forward to what lies ahead for this talented group of guys.
Ian Yates is one of many fresh faces making a splash in the worship music market. A pastor's son born and raised in the United Kingdom, Ian developed a tender heart towards people from a young age. Having grown up in an area that has experienced some of the worst effects of a crumbling global economy, he's seen first hand the hopeless desperation of others around him.
It was from the brokenness found in his community that Ian began writing songs and leading worship at his father's church. His desire was to minister to the hurting and edify the church to leave their comfort zones and go out and love the people outside their four walls.
These life-altering views inspired Ian's debut release, 2010's The Hope and The Glory, which earned him acclaim for his passionate lyrics and musical styling's, which have creatively been noted as, quote, "Hillsong United meets Kings of Leon after a two-week missions trip."
Good News, Ian Yates 2012 sophomore follow up, follows along the same lines as his previous effort in it's worship-minded focus, but with a much sunnier outlook.
"After I recorded the last album I was asking a few questions," Ian says of the effort, "one in particular was, what is the good news? One thing I'm sure of is that it's so much better than I ever thought or knew!"
"An Introduction" serves as an anthemic spoken word into. It's a challenging piece that defines what mankind searches for in religion, but ends with the idea that Christianity is not a religion, rather, the death of it. Album namesake "Good News" follows appropriately and with an upbeat tempo, shares the gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Burning For You" offers a message about shining our light in a dark world, while "Trusting In You" talks about how we don't always understand the hard times we have to go through, but in it all, how we need to continue to trust God.
The high energy pace of the project slows with the next two tracks, the melodically moving and worshipful, "The Lord Is Here" and "You Found Me" but slowly progresses again in the mid-tempo tunes, "Freedom" and lengthy yet haunting "The Cross Changed Everything."
"New" serves as my favorite song as a whole. An upbeat, melodic marriage comparable to David Crowder Band-meets-Delirious, this is a fun and fresh spin on Sunday morning worship, and is a style I think Ian would be wise to continue building on in the future. Another standout track from a musical standpoint, "The Father's Love," is a wonderful song that talks about just that--God's unending love for His children.
Bringing this album to an end is "You Are Here" which again leads the listener into a time of wholly abandoned praise with it's soul stirring lyrics. Staring off somber but building into a loud and crashing anthem. It's a fantastic way to end the project.
Closing Thoughts:
While it might not go down as "Worship Album of the Year" material, Ian Yates is definitely onto something with Good News. His soul stirring lyrics are sure to captivate the heart of listeners, and his familiar yet unique musical arrangements will undoubtedly get you off your feet.
I'd love to see him toy more with the electronic elements found on this project, seeing as he masters them effortlessly. Still, this is a fantastic album, and one diehard fans of the worship music genre will definitely want to pick up and add to their collection.
If there is one trend in music that doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon, it would be the happy, yet subtle marriage of southern infused pop. Artists like Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood have been mastering this style for several years now, to high praise and much acclaim. And many other female pop vocalists in the mainstream world have followed their innovative lead.
Still, as catchy and innocent as many of their songs seem, one can only handle so many tales of love gone wrong before it becomes tediously repetitive, not to mention their occasionally dark outlook on the topics of heartbreak and revenge. For the faith based crowd who enjoys this style of music but with no positive alternative in sight, it would seem as if we were stuck lingering with these artists stories of long lost love, just to enjoy the melodies that accompanied them.
Enter in fresh faced 18-year-old female vocalist, Lexi Elisha.
Lexi is the latest addiction to Skies Fall, a record label former Skillet guitarist Ben Kasica started in early 2011, boasting a wide variety of acts and genres. Having gotten her start singing in churches, schools and garage studios growing up, the Indiana native is making her first big splash in the Christian pop circuit with her debut EP, Let Go.
The five song project begins with “By The Lake,” clearly giving the listener a taste of Lexi’s country infused pop styling’s. “Without You” offers much of the same, showing musical maturity beyond her years. While both songs lyrically dabble in the subjects of broken romance, unlike her secular counterparts, they are penned from a Christian viewpoint, and rather than go on about vengeance and backstabbing, they encourage the listener to move forward and lean on God.
“Effortless” switches things up a bit, taking a more direct pop approach musically, while singing about the effortless love our Heavily Father has for His creation. It becomes a beautiful moment of worship on the EP.
The high energy “Let Go” will instantaneously become a fan favorite, especially among her female audience. Singing about the dramas of life and how easily our emotions can get in the way, it offers the listener a necessary reminder to let go and allow God to take control of every aspect of our lives.
Bringing this short yet sweet EP to a close, is the brilliant track, “Right Here.” The song speaks of being in a place of total emotional turmoil, but how in those times when we feel farthest from God, He’s actually the closest to us. It’s the strongest song on the album musically and ties up this brief collection of songs on a praiseworthy note.
Closing Thoughts:
Lexi Elisha has a very bright future in Christian music, Let Go being a perfect representation of that. Her bright vocals and bubbly sprit shine on every song, making her a sure force to be reckoned with in the future of the industry.
I think Lexi would fair well in both pop and southern/pop variations of the genre, but I’d honestly like to see her continue on the latter of the two, seeing as it suits her vocals extremely well and carries a ton of crossover potential. Whichever road she chooses however, she will certainly have a dedicated fan base following her, and it will be a treat to continue to watch her evolve and develop as an artist, seeing as great things most certainly lie ahead for her.
Canopy Red Review | Posted June-14-2012
While Canopy Red may not be a name you’re familiar with yet, it won’t be long before the entire CCM community is singing their praises. Composed of three fresh faced young men from Tallahassee, FL named Ryan Harvell, Forrest Krazit, and Joshua Schmidt, the band’s sole mission is to reach this generation with the Gospel through music.
Although they’ve been together for several years now, the band hit it big in 2011 when their first single “Here To Stay,” peaked at #21 on Billboard’s Christian Rock chart. It was through that enormous feat, that the guys made a connection with producer Rusty Varenkamp (Michael W. Smith, Sanctus Real, Tenth Avenue North) and hoped to co-write a few songs together. Those few songs however, soon turned into an entire album.
“Rusty is a genius at coming up with melodies” the group says of the partnership. “He was very reassuring in not only the musical direction of our band, but our lifelong calling as well.”
Wake Up, Canopy Red’s full length debut project, is chalk full songs that encourage believers to live a life far from normal. To stop compartmentalizing Christianity as a Sunday morning chore, and start allowing our faith to shape every area of our lives.
“Wasting Time” starts this musical journey off on a bold note. Confronting the issue of lackadaisical faith, the soaring melodies fit perfectly with the lyrical challenge of living our lives to the fullest. “Disguise” follows along the same lines lyrically, it being more blunt about the masks we wear to try and hide our faith for acceptance sake.
The album changes pace a bit with the worshipful “Forever,” and delves right back into the meatier matters of faith with “Sink Or Swim,” about the battle to keep following Christ even when distractions that would lead us astray call our name.
“Paralyzed” picks up the pace is the strongest song on the album from a lyrical standpoint. The album’s namesake, “Wake Up” provides much of the same, only this time, boasting the strongest song musically. I can see this song gaining the group some heavy momentum if ever released as a single.
“He Won’t Let Go” again meshes perfect alternative rock styling’s with heartfelt lyrics, talking about holding on to God during the storms of life. This will definitely go down as a fan favorite, especially for those struggling with doubt in their faith.
The thought provoking “If You‘re Not With Me” stands as my favorite song as a whole on this project. It shares our need as humans to act on haste rather than waiting for God’s direction, ultimately coming to the resolve that if God’s not with us in what we’re choosing, it’s not worth it: “May the words that I speak be the words You say for me, give me the right frame to see things that You see, I know that I'm small compared to this vast world, but if You are guiding, I’ll move where You want me.”
“Running After You” brings things back the group’s praise centered core as a longing cry to seek the Creator, and shows the band’s versatility to both lead in worship, as well as deliver powerful biblical truths.
Bringing this brief album to a close, is the solemn “What I’m Waiting For.” The song stands as a firm statement of waiting on God to lead us wherever we need to be, and brings the theme of the album to a close on a tight note.
Closing Thoughts:
2012 is proving to be a great year for Christian pop/rock, and Canopy Red’s Wake Up is yet another reason for fans of the genre to rejoice. Combining the contemplative lyrical musings of acts such as Tenth Avenue North, along with a melodic approach similar to The Afters early work, Canopy Red has a very bright future ahead of them in this industry, and Wake Up paints a very clear picture of that.
I’d like to see them dive deeper into some crunchier rock on their next effort. Tracks like “Paralyzed” and “Wake Up” prove they are more than capable of pulling it off. Regardless, this is one of the strongest pop/rock projects of the year and is well worth your time and money to give it a listen.
The Children Have Grown | Posted June-11-2012 Tooth & Nail recording artist Children 18:3 made a name for themselves in the music scene back in 2008 with their self-titled debut project. The trio--made up of siblings Seth, David and sister Lee Marie Hostetter--birthed new life into the dying punk rock music movement by meshing gritty guitar riffs, thrashing drums and raw vocals against the backdrop of their blatantly honest spiritual lyrics.
The band was an instant success, and soon released a follow-up titled Rain's a Comin in 2010. The album showed a maturity by the group, experimenting with indie rock sounds, while still staying loyal to the punk tendencies fans had come to love on their debut.
Having played over 150 shows over the last several years, the group took some time off the road in late 2011 to record their most recent project, On The Run.
The phrase "On The Run" holds a special meaning for the young band. Not does it paint a clear picture of their chaotic touring life over the last four years, it also represents an unexpected melodic change of pace.
"Prior to recording the project, we were just like, 'Man, let's switch it up and take a new approach,'" says drummer Seth of the album. "There is a lot of musical variety.'"
Working with producer Travis Wyrick (Pillar, Disciple, P.O.D.) for the first time, the band decided to throw out the old formula and start from scratch, showcasing they are capable of far more musically than most people would think.
"Moment After Moment" starts things off on a fast paced punk note, and shows no signs of slowing down with the fist throwing, headbanging track "Bandits."
"We'll Never Say Goodbye" delves into the new musical waters with which the band is experimenting on this project. While keeping its rock flair, it can easily be categorized as a power pop song, a style that is increasingly growing in the indie music circle.
Rock-fuelled "What About Justice?" is a painfully honest tune about a believer being questioned by someone who demands a reason for all the suffering in the world. The song offers few answers, the group even admitting they don't fully understand why certain things are allowed to happen. It's a relatable song for anyone who has ever been in that tough position.
"Jenny" is written from the viewpoint of a girl looking for love in all the wrong places, only to find out that the love she's been looking for comes in the form of a God who's been pursing her all her life. It's one of the most solid tracks on the project.
Album namesake "Always On The Run" slows things down a bit, talking about how we always run from the things we need the most. Lee Marie and David's vocal shine on this song, but lyrically, it's a little muddled. It's a solid song, it'll just take some extra effort on the listeners behalf to interpret it for themselves. The rock comes back with a vengeance in the form of "I Tried To Do The Right Thing" and "Holding On," the latter of the two being an indie rock lover's dream.
"Why Are You Afraid Of The Dark?" is my favorite song on the album from a lyrical standpoint, it being a dark lullaby of sorts, from a father to their frightened child. It paints an unconventional picture of how God shelters us from the darkness in this world. I enjoy the originality of the concept.
"Nowhere To Run" pays homage to the band's punk/rock roots by starting off with David Hostetter's screaming vocals, and transitions into "All In Your Head," which is almost fighting in its mock-Southern Rock similarity to fellow Tooth & Nail rockers, Family Force 5. This will definitely be a fun song to hear live, as it's one of the best on the album.
The mini-track "Drifter" ends this album off an anathematic note. It's high energy musical climax leads the listener to the edge of a cliff before it suddenly comes to an abrupt end. The lyrics talk about us earth being drifters in a desert looking for answers, but unfortunately leaves off with the sudden conclusion of the song before it gets to a moral. Although it was written intentionally to be this way, I feel like the band could have finished the song and closed this album off an extremely high note, and not just an epic epilogue.
Closing Thoughts:
Having not been familiar with any of Children 18:3's music before going into it, I was pleasantly surprised with On The Run. Digging through the band's musical evolution, it's easy to see how much they've grown sonically since their debut. Fans of their edgier sounds of the past may not be too keen on the musical direction they decided on take this this effort, offering very little of what they're known for. What they have accomplished however, is proving their diversity and capability to do not only punk, but rock, pop and even acoustic ballads extremely well.
The album can get lyrically sketchy at times, leaving almost too much room for personal interpretation, but regardless, listeners will repeatedly take away a solid message. This is one of the "can't miss" CCM alternative rock albums of the year and fans of the genre will not be disappointed.
Hanging On By A Remix | Posted May-22-2012
The Letter Black splashed onto the rock circuit back in 2009 after a successful stint on Skillet’s “Awake and Alive” tour, garnering them a fast fan base among both faith based and secular outlets, much like counterparts Red, Thousand Foot Krutch and Icon For Hire.
Following the tour, the female fronted band comprised of current members Sarah Anthony, husband Mark Anthony, Matt Beal and Taylor Carroll, released their debut album, Hanging On By A Thread, to high accolades from listeners and critics alike.
After it’s initial success and another major tour with TFK, the group released a digital EP known as the Hanging On By A Thread Sessions, mixing a few new tunes, popular singles, and bonus remixes. As is the case with any group with a loyal following, fans ate it up, which led to the quick release of a second project of the same sort.
With an almost three year gap in between albums, the band, who is currently recording their sophomore project, decided to whet the appetites of faithful listeners with their latest release, Hanging On By A Remix. The album takes songs off of their debut release and spins them into something fresh and different for fans to enjoy.
“Away From Me (Pitch Black And Paranoid Mix)” starts this project off on a electronically dark note with it’s thick bass and twisted synth strings. The lyrics come as a blatant statement to darkness of the world, saying it has no place in our lives as we break forth and choose to live in freedom.
“Moving On (Don’t Let The Door Hit You Mix)” takes one of the groups rawest songs and gives it a gritty pop flair. Lyrically, it’s my least favorite of their songs, but will definitely become one of the favorite remixes on the record. “All I Want (Berlin After Dark Mix)” channels Flyleaf lyrically while maintaining a solid nightclub beat.
“My Disease (Dirty Laser Mix)” begins with downright haunting whisper vocals you’d think would build up into an epic rock track, but rather, take a turn and swing into a full on pop tune. It’s one of the best beats on the record from a remix standpoint.
“Better Luck Next Time (Guns Drawn Mix)” and “Collapse (Smooth Angel Mix)” both carry a low profile techno tune before diving right back into the intensity with “Wounded (Too Much Sweat Mix.)” The song talks about taking back our right to live after being victimized the cruelties of life, and although it isn’t my favorite on the record, it ranks high merits for keeping it’s solid message between the chaotic background beats.
“Fire With Fire (N.Y.C. Amyl Nitrate Mix)” takes one of the group’s most popular songs, but does little change it musically, while “Perfect (Painful Mix)” becomes a quirky yet subtle moment of adoration to God, transitioning almost flawlessly into a well executed remix of Aerosmith’s legendary 70’s track, “Dream On (Rapid Eye Movement Mix.)” It’s an unconventional addition to say the least, but will for sure strike a chord with their mainstream listeners.
“Hanging On By A Thread (Cut The Chord Mix)” takes what is easily the bands most recognizable song and strips it down into an acoustic-meets-electronic fusion mix. It’s highly original and showcases yet again the brilliance in this song, both musically and lyrically.
Bringing the project to a close is yet another remix of the song “Moving On (Mike S_ Knox-Vegas Mix.)” It feels a little forced, considering they already have a splendid remix of this song earlier on the album, and takes the project in a heavier rock direction than the rest of it. It’s still a nice addition, just somewhat unnecessary.
Closing Thoughts:
It’s been said that The Letter Black is the perfect musical combination of Evanescence’s haunting moodiness and Paramore’s in-your-face angst. Hanging On By A Thread proved that to be true, but with Hanging On By A Remix, it showcases a different side of the band few have yet to see--their untapped versatility. Not only are they able to knock out a smoking rock track, but if they were to ever choose to incorporate some of the techno themes currently dominating radio, mainstream and Christian alike, this is a prime example that they could not only pull it off, but pull it off well.
Fans of The Letter Black’s harder edge might not appreciate this project as some other will, seeing as it does loose some of it’s grittiness in the often quirky mixes. Regardless, this is a fantastic remix project full of enough high energy twists and turns to keep you coming back for more. Dedicated fans of the band will want to definitely not want to miss this.
Riddle Me This Great Worship Experience | Posted April-21-2012
Jennie Lee Riddle might not sound immediately familiar to you, but there is a good chance you’ve heard some of the famous tunes she written numerous times before.
Having her songs covered by artists such as Tricia Brock, Rebecca St James, NewSong, JJ Heller, Newsboys and Travis Cottrell, she garnered massive attention in the Christian music industry after Gateway Church covered her powerfully anathematic “Revelation Song” on their Living For You project back in 2006. Kari Jobe, who led the song on the album, later went on to record her own version of it, as did Philips, Craig and Dean, once again earning Jennie some notable songwriting credits as well as two GMA Dove Awards.
Ever since, Jennie has been one of the “go-to” worship songwriters of our day. Her spirit-filled lyrics and descriptive depictions of Christ are unlike anything the genre has seen in quite some time, so it should it come as no surprise that many of the artists in our industry today turn to her as a musical muse when it comes to recording their own projects.
Jennie started the New Nation Music ministry in 2009. It’s a family of sorts., Her husband and four children, accustomed to opening their home, added leaders Will and Crystal Yates to the fold in 2010. Jennie brought them on board from Florida right into the Riddle's Texas home. Together they travel through various areas all across the globe leading worship and teaching. Emily Riddle, 20 year old daughter was the first New Nation Music artist, followed by Crystal, both with albums produced out of the Riddle home. Both ladies are featured artists on Jennie's new project.
It certainly seems like life is anything but slowing down for the gifted songstress. Yet somewhere in the midst of writing, mentoring and raising her family, Jennie took some time out to record People & Songs: Opus 1, the first in a series of deeply-rooted worship albums Jennie has been dreaming up for years.
The idea of “People & Songs” takes on a personal meaning, seeing as the album invites 12 singer/songwriters Jennie has had the honor of writing with over the last few years, and having them come together to showcase their individual talents alongside Jennie’s masterful songwriting. The resulting project is an enhancing worship record sure to capture your attention.
“Waking Up The Dawn,” sung by producer Michael Farren, starts this album off on a folksy note with its back-porch county feel, and transitions into “Faithful,” offering much of the same stylistically. It’s a very organic sounding tune with much of the passion driven by the guest vocals of southern gospel artist, Don Poythress. Jennie notes that it's the most personal song on the record for herself personally, it paying homage to her Grandparents who were married for 60 years.
“Love Like This” changes things up by going in pop direction, once again offering personal heartfelt worship with male vocalist Jason Walker taking on the lead vocal duties. One of Jennie’s most popular songs, “When The Stars Burn Down,” covered by Rebecca St James, Travis Cottrell and more notability by Philips, Craig and Dean comes up next. Led mostly by vocalist Jonathan Lee, Jennie’s subtle background vocals on the front end make this a hard song to forget. Very powerful and moving.
“When Love Was Slain,” is sung alongside ministry partner Crystal Yates and serves as the most lyrically stirring song on the record. It talks of Jesus paying the ultimate sacrifice to save our lives, and how because of it, the life we live today is not our own, but His to keep.
“You Are My Shepherd,” a song made popular by Superchick’s Tricia Brock, is up next and is followed by the southern infused “Glory Fall,” featuring her New Nation family vocals. The beautiful “O Come Devine Messiah” is a modern take on one of the churches most beloved hymns and features a well-fitting guest spot by CCM vocalist, Robbie Seay of Robby Seay Band.
“Nothing’s Changed” comes as a refreshing shift, the song being the first on the project being sung in it’s entirety by Jennie herself. Her distinctively raw vocals set this song apart from the rest and is surely going to lead the listener into a personal moment of worship.
“From Jesus Side” and “Broken For Love’s Sake” both come as mainly acoustic driven tunes but offer up sweet songs of praise to our Creator. “The Pure Will See Our God” meets us once again with vocalist Jonathan Lee and becomes a yet another scripturally inspired song of worship.
“Can’t Get Enough Of You” is a beautifully intimate tune talking about the wonderful presence of our God, it being my favorite song on the record. Co-sung by artist Sarah Reeves and Jennie’s young daughter, up-and-coming musician Emily Riddle, I hope to see this become a song many worship teams adopt as their own: “You’ve made a way for me by Your blood, flowing like a fountain washing me clean, You’ve made a place for me in Your heart, covering me with love in the safety of Your arms.”
Jennie’s most covered work to date, “Revelation Song” is a welcomed treat to fans who’ve enjoyed the song for years. Wonderfully simplistic, it’s a privilege to hear this song it it’s original state. Jennie’s vocals send a chill down your spine and with the powerful addition of Emily Riddle on the second half, you’ll find yourself listening to this one many times in the future.
This impressive collection of unfiltered worship comes to a close with “Inescapable Day,” featuring one of the most beautiful string sections I’ve heard in a long time. The song can be almost seen as a prequel to “Revelation Song,” talking about the day when Christ finally comes back to claim the church. It’s a stunning way to end this album and I can see this song, much like its predecessor, going on to achieve a large amount of success.
Closing Thoughts:
I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into this album. As a huge fan of Jennie Lee Riddle’s songwriting, I was excited to finally see her step into the spotlight and share her own take on some these songs, and just as I’d hoped, I wasn’t disappointed. Lyrically, this is some of her finest work, and on the musical end, there is a little something for everyone. Fans of David Crowder Band and Gungor will especially appreciate the musical whimsy, all while keeping its intense Christ-centered focus.
Although Jennie is openly more comfortable singing in a family-like setting surrounded by other voices, I’d personally like to see her take on more of the lead vocals on her next project. She has a very unique voice and I felt it was lost a bit with all the guest spots. Regardless, People & Songs: Opus 1 is an emotionally captivating project sure to lead all of it’s listeners into a personal time of praise and worship. If you’re a worship leader looking for fresh tunes for your congregation, or just a fan of the genre seeking out something new, give this album chance. I can assure you’ve met your match.
Highly Rated Music From An Underrated Band | Posted April-09-2012 Hillsong, Gateway, and Lakewood... What do these three churches have in common? Other than a popular social status, all three bodies have been critically acclaimed for the continually solid efforts their respected worship teams have brought forth. Having introduced us to singer/songwriters such as Martha Munizzi, Israel Houghton, Kari Jobe, Joel Houston and Darlene Zschech, these several bands have written songs that have forever changed the face worship in churches all around the globe.
Among many of the worship teams who are following their lead, a group known as Desperation Band might be one of the most overlooked.
The worship team hailing from New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Colo., is fronted by musician Jon Egan. While his name might not sound familiar, his songs certainly will, having penned hits such as "Overcome" (Jeremy Camp) and "I Am Free" (Newsboys).
Although the group has released a handful of projects since their conception back in 2001, their biggest break came with 2007‘s Everyone Overcome, featuring the previously mentioned "Overcome." The song became New Life Church's battle-cry after a tragic shooting on the campus back in December of 2007.The song gained widespread attention in the church with it's almost prophetic declaration of hope and catapulted the band to notoriety within the CCM industry.
It's been a number of years since, but as far as the group's mission goes, nothing has changed.
"Desperation Band has always been and always will be about the presence of God. We exist to bring Him glory and reveal His truth to a broken world. If we know who His is, we know who we are" says Egan of the group, "it's not a youth movement. It's not a church movement. It's a people movement."
Continually desiring to make a big God known to a broken world, the band's latest studio effort, Center Of It All, comes as a wake-up call to believers, reminding them to make God their everything.
"All To Him" begins the album as an epic anthem of dedication to the God we serve. "Wonderful" is an upbeat worshipful tune that I can see many youth groups adopting with its fun and passionate presence.
The chilling "Strong God" paints beautiful portrait of the Savior and meshes it against the backdrop of a haunting backline. "Magnified" is a powerful song of praise, although feels a little musically simplistic.
"God You Are My God" meets the listeners with yet another does of heavy strings that'll sure to leave them wanting more, while "My God" serves as the lyrically strongest song on the record, talking about the fallacy of humanity, and the beauty of our Savior: "This is my God, holy and pure, sovereign and sure, only my God bled for my soul, now I surrender all."
"Our God Is Coming" continues the album's powerful yet mellow track of unhindered worship and leads directly into the namesake, "Center Of It All." Picking up the pace a bit, this is yet another song the church will immediately gravitate too for Sunday morning set lists.
"This I Know" and "You Are The Glory" both serve as abandoned tracks of surrender. The most memorable track on the record however, comes next the form of "We Will Not Forget." Coming from a personal place of brokenness, it becomes a believers cry unto God that they will serve Him and not forget all He has done for them, even when life is at it's hardest. It's a beautiful song.
The final two tracks on the record come as partners of sorts with "Take Me To The River" and "River Flow." The first song being about our need to for living water, and the second being a follow-up, talking about the life we will find when we finally drink deep the living water of Jesus. The latter of the two being my personal favorite.
Closing Thoughts:
Jon Egan, as well as the joint members of Desperation Band, are one of Christian music's more low-key worship acts. And while fame isn't what the band is reaching for, with their captivating songwriting and beautiful melodies, I hope to see them gain more exposure in the coming years, seeing as they have quite a bit to offer the worship music genre.
Even though Center Of It All isn't Desperation Band's strongest effort to date, it paints a solid picture of their current vision and ushers in a powerful time of praise to our Creator. It's not the most upbeat worship project of the year, and does it does tend to stay on the mellow side, but for intimate times of soaking in the presence of God, this will be your turn to album.
Soundtrack of Victory | Posted April-09-2012 Marvin Sapp is no stranger to gospel music. Having begun his carrier singing in various church groups, he joined forces with fellow gospel singing sensation Fred Hammond back in 1990 to form the group Commissioned. They released a few albums together before Marvin exited the group in 1996, wanting to focus on a solo career.
Although he’d been singing for a number of years since then, his biggest break came in 2007 with his album Thirsty, which featured his breakout hit, "Never Would Have Made It." The song crossed all divisional lines in Gospel music, garnering him several Dove Nominations, a BET Award, as well as airplay on major mainstream R&B networks. His follow up project, Here I Am would also go on to break records, receiving critical and commercial acclaim from both Christian and secular outlets.
While his professional life was thriving, Marvin’s personal life was about to be shaken to the core. In late 2010, Marvin’s wife of 22 years, Malinda, lost her battle with colon cancer.
The Senior Pastor of a church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Marvin took some time away from music after her passing to reassess his new life. However, in mid-2011, Marvin’s loyal fans were thrilled to learn that he was at work readying his ninth album, I Win.
Taking new material from various up-and-coming gospel songwriters, this live effort, recorded in the heart of Maryland, comes from a personal place in Marvin’s life. Talking about the pain and struggles he’s been met with over these last few years, but more than that, the great hope He’s found in Christ.
"I felt like I needed to make a declaration and be open and honest about how I feel about everything that I’ve had to overcome," he says of the album "because I endured, I won."
A brief intro leads directly into the heavy hitting gospel track "Teach My Hands To War," about fighting the good fight and coming out on top. "I Belong To You" keeps the ball rolling with a high energy praise track, showcasing Marvin’s powerful vocals.
"Never" channels some 1970’s funk while the title track, "I Win," serves as the most personal song, sharing about all the tears he’s shed over the last several years, concluding with the contestant fact that in Christ, we are more than overcomers.
"Glory" starts with an unconventionally fun guitar riff, but turns into a mid-tempo R&B ballad highlighting the splendor of the King. The beautifully moving "The Hymns Medley" takes several of the church most beloved hymns, including "I Need Thee Every Hour" and "The Blood Will Never Loose It’s Power," and turns it into a passionate moment of praise and honor.
The calming "Deeper" talks about breaking out of the norm and going deeper into our relationship with God. "My Testimony" comes as the most powerful track on the project. Clocking in at well over 10 minutes, it sings out the simple truth in Marvin’s life, that because of Christ, he was able to make it though the heartache and turmoil of the last few years. I can easily see it becoming another "Never Would Have Made It" and hope that gains the attention it deserves in the gospel music industry and beyond.
"Do Me Like You" picks up the pace once more and shares the cheerful message of Jesus being the love of our lives. Coming to a close on triumphant note, is "Keep On Movin’," about not looking back, but moving forward to what God has next. It’s a great way to close the album and does so in a way that only leaves you wanting more.
Closing Thoughts:
If there is any one message you’ll walk away from with Marvin Sapp’s I Win, it’s that you don’t have to walk through life as a victim of circumstance, but rather, a victor with in the hope we have in Jesus. Melodically, it tends to stick to his gospel centered roots, but does tinker with other musical styles in a fun and mild manner. I hope to see him move outside his comfort zone like this again in future endeavors.
This is Marvin’s most eloquently crafted project to date, both in song and spirit, and it’s a joy to hear him singing again. I truly believe the best is yet to come from this talented male vocalist, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
A Mixed Project | Posted April-07-2012 Jekob and Rachel Washington--the brother/sister team known as The Washington Projects--are one of Christian hip-hop's best-kept secrets. While their low-key status plays a role in their eased career, these two are far from up-and-coming musicians.
Formerly members of the sibling trio known as Souljahz with their eldest brother Joshua, the two rode a gigantic wave of success in the early years of the millennium with their first project, The Fault Is History, The album was critically acclaimed on all fronts, not only earning the respect of the Gospel Music Association with five Dove Award nominations, but earning coverage on secular outlets such as Billboard and E! News--still a rarity at the time for a Christian act of any sort.
That fame didn't last long however. After Joshua's departure to focus on other pursuits, the remaining two faced a grueling battle with their record label regarding their follow-up project, a battle which ended in the duo shelving their sophomore release, and ultimately, leaving the label.
After taking a several years off to recharge their spiritual batteries, they emerged again in 2007 under the moniker The Washington Projects and have since released two albums--Commanders Of The Resistance and 2010's Light Up The Dark.
While their schedule looks far simpler these days, their dedicated fans remain, and it was their following they had in mind when stepping into the studio to create their latest effort, Space Time Continuum--a remix project taking songs off their last two studio albums and revamping them in a fresh new way.
The ultramodern party starts off with "Work (Intergalactic Public Transit Mix)," a fun tune about how life isn't an easy ride to get what we want, and how we'll need to work hard and trust God to get where He wants us to be. It runs a little long, but it's a still a great upbeat dance track. "Time (Spiral Galaxy Mix)" is a sharp and intergalactic remix about value of time on earth and our need to spend it wisely.
"Diamonds (Get Out Of My Face Cubic Zirconia! Mix)" is a fun title to pronounce, and an even better song. Superior to the original version, I can see secular radio formats drooling to get this on their playlists, not to mention it boasts a far better message than most mainstream songs, talking about the worth of a woman being found within.
"Move (Devine Sines Mix)" starts slow and picks up the pace, while "Crazy (Space Junk Mix)" sounds just that--quirky, fun and original. "She Can't Love You (3AM Blacklight Mix),"while my least favorite song lyrically (coming from the perspective of a jealous lover) the R&B infused melody will be ear candy to those who enjoy that style of music.
"Justus (4th Spatial Dimention Mix)" comes as a melodically dark re-telling of one of the duo's deepest cuts about the hard knocks some people are unfortunately faced with in life, resulting in a plea for God to give them justice. "Light Up The Dark (Dark Matter Mix),"one of the band’s more popular tunes, becomes a club DJ's dream remix, although, not at hooky as the original.
"My Dream (Wicker Park Mix)" brings a funky auto-tuned flare and transitions directly into "Zephyr Wings (Chicago Discotheque Mix.)" The tale is of yet another love story gone wrong and, despite its undeniably catchy beat, almost makes you want to press the skip button with its somewhat dim lyrics.
Bringing this high energy project to a close is the lovely "Yesterday (Northern Lights Mix),"a lighter tune focusing mainly on Rachel Washington's powerful vocals and the blunt lyrics about loving one another despite our differences.
Closing Thoughts:
While I'm a huge supporter of The Washington Projects sonic evolution since their early days as Souljahz, I can't say I feel the same way about their lyrics. Wanting to reach a wider audience has found the two tackling topics typically unsung in Christian music, and while this can sometimes be a great thing, when the topics range from casual flirtations to revenge, it can be a hard pill to swallow. Nevertheless, these two are still some of the most honest songwriters in the industry and their truthful approach to the word of God, when shared, is unmatched by anyone else in their genre. Their last effort, Light Up The Dark did this beautifully, offering truth with very few compromises. I hope to see that become more of a focal point in future endeavors.
Space Time Continuum is a well crafted remix album, taking the best songs of their re-launched career so far and completely restyling them to fit today current musical trends. Full of lively dance club inspired beats, it is sure to become a highly sought after piece for diehard fans of the group to enjoy.
SarahFine_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
