Not Afraid
by
Stephanie Stephanie Smith put out a fantastic debut album! I can listen all the way through without skipping any songs.
The first two songs, “Beauty” and “Superstar,” have similar lyrical messages: you’re beautiful,...
How Can We Be Silent
by
BarlowGirl They’ve done it again.
BarlowGirl has been churning out hits since their 2004 self-titled debut album, and it’s evident that they’ve grown tremendously since then, musically, lyrically, and spiritually.
The...
Dying For A Heart
by
Krystal After hearing Krystal’s amazing first CD, I got this one without bothering to preview any of the songs. I just assumed it would be good. And guess what? It is!
It starts off with “Collide”--not one...
Debut Album Not A 'Mistake' For Stephanie Smith | Posted February-15-2009
Stephanie Smith put out a fantastic debut album! I can listen all the way through without skipping any songs.
The first two songs, “Beauty” and “Superstar,” have similar lyrical messages: you’re beautiful, you’re a superstar, you don’t have to listen to what the world is saying. Sure, maybe it’s been done before, but how do you not sing along to the upbeat chorus of “Superstar”? “I may be just a girl to you/ Don’t have to listen if you don’t want to/ I wish that you could see from His view/ In his eyes, what you are/ He made you to be a superstar!”
From there on, the songs continue with the strong pop/rock sound and the sometimes cheesy but still meaningful lyrics. “You Alone” and “What If I Made A Mistake” showcase a different side of Stephanie, slowing things down a bit to show admiration for God (“I love You for You, You and You alone…not for all of your wonders, but all that you are/I love You”) and to admit that she’s done something wrong (“What if I made a mistake?/ What if I heard You but I ignored You?”).
“First Words” tells a personal story, the heartbreaking experience of meeting her father for the first time and he didn’t even get her name right. It won’t have many people relating to it, but is definitely still worth listening to.
“Love Out Loud” and “Get Up” end the album on an buoyant note, both speaking of the wonders that love can do if we just show it to others.
Fans of Krystal Meyers, Superchick, and BarlowGirl are likely to enjoy this album as well. Overall a great album predicting a bright future for Stephanie Smith.
LISTEN TO:
03. Not Afraid
08. In My Eyes
09. What If I Made A Mistake
10. Love Out Loud
BarlowGirl Goes Another Round | Posted January-15-2009
They’ve done it again.
BarlowGirl has been churning out hits since their 2004 self-titled debut album, and it’s evident that they’ve grown tremendously since then, musically, lyrically, and spiritually.
The first five tracks show a darker rock, almost Evanescence-like sound. The vocals are hauntingly beautiful and harmonious, and the lyrics are deep and expertly woven together. Once you pass the halfway point, the songs lean a bit more towards the pop/rock sound of Another Journal Entry, and they even throw in a little bit of jazz on “One More Round.”
“Song for the Broken” does an excellent job of introducing the album, rocking while showing off the girls’ voices. They admit to being broken people and not any better than the rest of us.
Placing the song “Keep Quiet” just before “Million Voices” was a clever move--the former asks “Jesus, Jesus, why’s Your name so offensive? Why are we so scared to tell this world You’ve saved us?” and the latter says that we’re “a million strong and getting stronger still…they’ll remember we were here.” It’s a reassurance that we’re not alone in our beliefs.
“One More Round” was a standout from the beginning. It’s jazzy and laid-back sounding, until you get to the taunting chorus--“So take me one more round/I’ll just keep fighting/One more round/You’re messing me up, but I’m still here.” They’re telling the world that no matter how many times we get knocked down, we’re ALWAYS able to get back up again.
“The Guy Song” is, well, a guy anthem…slightly odd coming from a group of girls, but the guys need it. “I Don’t Regret” ends the album on a lovely note, telling God that they don’t regret letting him lead their lives.
Lyrically, they once again tackle relevant issues that hit close to home with many of us--believing in and trusting God with everything (“I Believe In Love,” “Here’s My Life”), being vocal about your beliefs (“Keep Quiet,” “Million Voices,” “Take My Chances”), and granting forgiveness to others (“Sweet Revenge”). One of the best lines on “Sweet Revenge” says “Break these chains, won’t see this through/’Cause setting you free/It means my freedom too.”
Overall, another fantastic release from BarlowGirl. Definitely pick up a copy.
LISTEN TO:
02. I Believe In Love
04. Keep Quiet
05. Million Voices
07. One More Round
Meyers Has A Big 'Heart' | Posted December-06-2008
After hearing Krystal’s amazing first CD, I got this one without bothering to preview any of the songs. I just assumed it would be good. And guess what? It is!
It starts off with “Collide”--not one of my favorites, but a good opener. Next came “Live,” a song about trusting God and living the way He wants you to.
Power ballad “The Beauty of Grace” is by far one of the most AMAZING songs I have ever heard. It shows off Krystal’s voice and songwriting talent. “There’s freedom from your scars, the mistakes that you’ve made/Forgiven/The memories erased/baby, that’s the beauty of grace.”
“The Situation” rocks--literally--with hard-hitting guitars and a hard-hitting message that teens today are in desperate need of: save sex for marriage. “Explain your hesitation/Jesus can be your escape…this love was made to wait.”
Halfway through the CD comes “Love Is On the Run,” another rock song that reminds us not to leave love “hiding in the dark, dying for a heart.” “Only You Make Me Happy” is probably my least favorite song on the CD--it’s good, but not great. The title is repeated numerous times and becomes too repetitive.
“Together” declares that we can’t change the world on our own. We need other people, too. “Reach across this great divide/Standing side by side is better/Together.” “Shake It Off” is a laid-back sounding song that asks for God’s help in shaking off our doubts and simply trusting Him.
“Stand and Scream” is the “Anticonformity” of DYING FOR A HEART. It promotes living boldly for Christ and letting your voice be heard. “Hallelujah” is a beautiful close to the album, a worship ballad unlike anything on her debut. The lyrics are a highlight of the album. “This is why I’m here: the scar of a nail/ though time’s slowing down, Your soft-spoken words on my heart left a stain…Your beauty remains and I realize the reason you came.”
Regardless of a few weak spots, DYING FOR A HEART is an fantastic sophomore album from Krystal Meyers. I can listen to all the songs without skipping any, and that’s my final complaint--only 10 songs on the album leaves less room to show improvement.
CHECK IT OUT:
03. The Beauty of Grace
04. The Situation
09. Stand and Scream
10. Hallelujah
BarlowGirl's Bold 'Journal Entry' | Posted November-28-2008
'Another Journal Entry' is, without a doubt, one of the most amazing CDs I have ever heard. BarlowGirl takes a huge step up from their debut album - the lyrics are deeper, the vocals improved, and they rock harder than ever.
“Grey” kicks off the album with the girls declaring that they’re done with compromising and blurring the lines. “Absolutes are hidden/ I’ve buried my convictions/ I cannot be blind no more, numb to what I’m living for.” Brilliant.
From there on, the rock sound is continued, save for “I Need You To Love Me,” “Porcelain Heart,” and “Thoughts of You,” all of which do a superb job of showing off the Barlows’ incredible vocal talent.
The version of “Enough” starts off slowly, but then builds into something bolder, all the while showing off how well the girls can harmonize.
“Psalm 73 (My God’s Enough)” features background vocals from Todd Agnew, which at first sounded like a strange combination to me, but the song did grow on me. Definitely a highlight.
Before the acoustic version of “Never Alone” (originally from their self-titled debut), a cover of David Crowder*Band’s “No One Like You” is performed. It’s fun, it’s worshipful, it’s better than the original, and it’s a wonderful way to end the album.
Final verdict: astounding. There’s nothing that this album is lacking, and is a must-have for fans of any kind of music.
Favorites:
01. Grey
03. I Need You To Love Me
07. Psalm 73 (My God’s Enough)
10. No One Like You
You Will Never Be Alone | Posted November-06-2008
Though perhaps not the most original band, there's something about Stellar Kart that has led me to purchase all three of their CDs. WE CAN'T STAND SITTING DOWN is probably my favorite of the three. It's like a shot of adrenaline...in music form.
Upbeat punk-pop songs fill the album and though the sound can be repetitive, they throw in a few slower songs that showcase deeper lyrics. And it all flows well together.
"Me and Jesus" is one of my favorites: it's sung so earnestly and is such an encouraging song that reassures listeners that "someone loves you, even when you don't think so. Don't you know? You've got me and Jesus...you will never be alone." It's a great song to listen to when you feel like giving up hope.
"Activate" was another stand-out. "Life is easy when you're sitting in the shade," says the first verse, but it goes on and the singer realizes that "this is the purpose of my life, this is the reason I'm alive, we don't have time to wait...activate!" I love waking up to this song in the morning.
Overall, Stellar Kart has put out a sophomore release that is better than their debut. And with that bright pink cover, who isn't going to notice it?
CHECK IT OUT:
02. Activate
03. Me and Jesus
11. I Wanna Live
12. Angels In Chorus
Meyers 'Shines' on MAKE SOME NOISE | Posted September-29-2008
On her third studio album 'Make Some Noise,' it's undeniable that Krystal Meyers has moved into a pop-dance direction, much different than the pop/rock of her first releases. It's a sudden and risky change, yes; but it works well.
No time is wasted introducing listeners to Meyers' new sound. The title track starts off as a fun, dance-y, bold call for you to stand up for what you believe in and "make some noise." It's not overtly spiritual, but makes for a great start nonetheless. "Love It Away" encourages you to trust in God when troubles arise, as well as assuring you that you are not the only one feeling this way--some of my favorite lyrics are "you're so sure that no one knows/ what you're going through/ I know exactly how you feel/ 'cause I see myself in you."
"Shine" is probably the weakest song, lyrically speaking, but the message is still there--"nobody's gonna get in the way of my shine"--you can't get in the way of who I am. However, the verses' lyrics don't seem to flow well and have little meaning behind them. A fun dance song, but nothing more.
"S.O.S." is one of the more spiritual songs and one of my favorites. "I am in distress/ Come and save my life /This is my S.O.S./ Screamin' up to the sky/ Holy Father, make us whole/ 'Cause You alone can save our souls." It's one of two tracks that could have easily fit in on 'Dying for A Heart.'
"Feels So Right" is a song that left me slightly confused--it was unclear whether the lyrics spoke of God or of a boyfriend. "Every time you look at me I'm on a hi-igh/ I need your lovin' 'cause it makes me feel ali-ive." It's got a great beat, but it's up to you to interpret the lyrics.
"My Freedom" is the second song that could have fit in on 'DFAH.' The lyrics and the way it's sung shows vulnerability and helps prove that this album has substance. "Can You hear this sould is crying, my soul is crying/ Calling out to You," says the chorus.
"Beautiful Tonight" is a song that I connected with the moment I heard it. It speaks of the temptation of sin and asks if I can still be found beautiful tonight, despite what I've given into in the past. Also a highlight of the song--when "beautiful tonight" is sung in the chorus, Meyers hits a pretty high note! It's also got a danceable beat, but somehow stands out as being "darker" than the other songs.
"Up to You" is a song that was written for a friend of Meyers who was going through a divorce, which makes it all the more personal. The lyrics describe ending a failing relationship--"You sure it's what you wanna do? I'll leave it up to you." It's also less dance-pop than other songs, showing off Meyers' voice, which has obviously improved in the 4 years since her debut album.
"You'll Never Know" is a exuberant song about the fact that you'll never have to know "the way it feels to be let go" or "the tragedy of being so alone" because you have God on your side!
"In Your Hands" is a strong end to the album. Trusting God though we may not always understand His plan is the main theme here, and I have no doubt that many will easily connect with this song.
Bottom line--fans of Krystal Meyers who are adaptable to change will love this CD as much as I do. She's moved away from the rock, but her heart hasn't changed a bit and she's done nothing but improve.
MUST LISTEN TO:
01. Make Some Noise
02. Love It Away
04. S.O.S.
07. Beautiful Tonight
One More for Superchick | Posted September-22-2008
Rock What You Got is good. Not Superchick's best, but not bad.
My biggest complaint is the number of tracks. 12 seems like a decent number, but once you take away the unnecessary "Alive" prelude and Dave's "Guitar Hero," and the unmemorable "Stand in the Rain" remix, that leaves only 9 tracks.
Fans of songs like "Anthem" will definitely be pleased, because this CD is filled repetitive, anthem-like songs: "Rock What You Got," "Alive," "Hey Hey," "So Beautiful," "Cross the Line," and "One More." They make for fun, crowd-pleasing concert songs, but here they seem to be a tad bit overabundant.
"Crawl (Carry Me Through)" is a decent slower track, but I found "Breathe" to be simply boring; the lyrics are better and more spiritual than on other songs, but overall lack punch. "Hold" is probably one of my favorites; it's a break from the anthems, but it's not boring.
Does this make it a bad CD? Not at all. If you're looking for something catchy and fun, pick up a copy or download some songs off of iTunes. If you're looking for something with deeper and more spiritual lyrics, look elsewhere.
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