(I give fair reviews, masterpieces get 5)
Posted October 26, 2009
By theherox,
3.5 out of 5 stars
The Texas acoustic gospel duo of Shane Everett and Shane Barnard produce some of the most spell-bounding music in the industry. Onlookers throughout the music industry have noticed how Shane & Shane not only play their acoustic guitar more uniquely than most mainstream rockers know how, but they sing some of the most impressive and beautiful harmonies ever put to tape. Altogether, their music is completely singular and I have personally seen this band live. It was one of the most impressive, magical performances I have ever seen musicians give. The music is simple but spectacular. The lyrics are often biblically-based, but never dull. And as said, the harmonies never fail to reach the heights of heaven. This band is not just something Christians can enjoy listening to: it in fact should be essential listening for anyone who wishes to be a guitarist or singer.
Their 2009 record Everything is Different begins with the energy-full title track that contains all of the greatness mentioned above along with guitars similar to a stripped-down John Mayer. The next track, titled “The Lord’s Prayer” effectively uses the famed verse as its lyric, which is quite ingenious because most listeners will hear this great song for the first time already knowing the lyrics.
Much of the album follows it suit, with the songs containing a backdrop of mainly acoustic guitars and the two vocalists almost always singing over one another. The lyrics can sometimes be as simple as the refrain of “I love you, Lord,” but each song offers up its share of insight and honest reflection. This simple formula, with songs written by two visionary and spiritual worship leaders, always leads to good music, but the results rarely yield surprises. On the other hand, multiple listens of each song will surely lead to the revelation of not only more insight but also brilliant little moments of music that are well-crafted and subtly performed.
The album does have some surprises though. One such surprise is “My Portion,” the bluesy tune with tinges of organ and musical interludes setting it apart from the pack. Electric instruments finally come near the end, packing a Starfield-like punch with the powerful “My Hope is Built.” But with the fact that so few songs have stand-out qualities, the numbers can easily bleed together and lead to a partially boring listening experience if taken in one big dose.
This album nearly reaches the rare feat of every song being great; unfortunately, “This is Who I Am” is simply good, filled to the brim with violins and cliches. Nevertheless, this album secures Shane & Shane’s spot as ever-growing musicians and leaders who are some of the best harmonists in the business. It’s a little unfortunate that the album ends with three pointless radio edits of songs already heard on the album, but at least listeners can rest assured that the album’s three most energetic (acoustic) songs will soon be hitting the radio: the title track, “I’m Alive,” and “Rain Down.” These songs are far from being the essential Shane and Shane compositions, so I highly suggest that if you aren’t interested in this album, go hear their songs “Burn Us Up,” “May the Few,” “I Miss You,” and their so-great-it’s-flabbergasting rendition of “O Holy Night.” And if you ever get the chance to see these guys live, take it. You won’t be disappointed. View All Music And Book Reviews By theherox | View theherox's Profile
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