Avalon [Reborn]
Posted September 15, 2009
By christianmusicreview,
[MAIN REVIEW]
During Avalon's illustrious career, the modern pop quartet has sold over three million records and garnered 21 chart-topping singles, six Dove Awards, three Grammy nominations and an American Music Award. In addition to founding member Janna Long, the group is comprised of Greg Long, Janna's husband and group member since '03, Jeremi Richardson, and its newest member, Amy Richardson, making her Avalon debut on Reborn, and who also happens to be Jeremi's wife. With Reborn, Avalon took a daring move and tapped modern rock producer Ian Eseklin (All Star United, Krystal Meyers, Stellar Kart), joined by Barry Weeks, to produce the group’s 13th project. Along with a new label partnership with E1 Music, formerly known as Koch Records, Avalon's latest endeavor is arguably their most ambitious to date.
I happen to have every previous album recorded by Avalon, and it took me awhile to start writing my review as I wanted to really compare whether Avalon’s sound had made any significant changes. 2004’s The Creed has a similar sound in my opinion, minus Jody McBrayer and Melissa Greene. I have also listened to Melissa’s solo album Next Step several times and if you are a long-time Avalon enthusiast, you probably want to pick up both projects. The album starts with title track “Reborn”, all 10 tracks are one word titles by the way, which introduces the ‘new’ sound and yes, there are a few more guitars and Avalon’s signature sound of men and women harmonizing together. I saw the In A Different Light lineup of Avalon at my church in 2000 and I will agree that the pop sound of Reborn is more refined and more modern sounding. The best comparison I have is Melissa Greene’s solo album Next Step and perhaps Selah’s You Deliver Me . In fact if you like those albums, you’ll love Avalon’s Reborn as it has more energy and is more melodic in my opinion. Next track “Alive” is also catchy and harmonic, and stays in your head. The messages of the songs are very much about faithfulness and being “alive” in God.
First single “Arise” is next and is my favorite song on the album. I like how each of the band members take a line of the song, first the two guys and then the two women each join the song and bring the song to a higher level with the catchy chorus “grace will reach your lowest low and never let you go…arise...arise…” The next few songs “Feel”, “Fragile” and “Destined” all flow nicely and keep the same melodic sound going. Janna’s vocals are very distinct on “Destined” and reminded me the most of classic Avalon in the style of “All”, which is not a bad thing. “Stay” and “Angels” are also nice songs and the album closes with two more memorable songs “California” and “Holy”, which is based on Isaiah 6.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
If you’ve always liked Avalon, then you’ll like Reborn. Although the lineup is new, the sound is catchy pop that is very accessible and instantly recognizable. For me the standout songs are “Reborn”, “Alive”, “Arise”, “Destined” and “Holy”. If you like Melissa Greene, Selah and well, Avalon, you’ll like Reborn.
Rating: 8.2 out of 10 (82%, B-)
Review written by: Kevin Davis | Review can also be found here.
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