:)
Posted May 18, 2010
By LauraCC,
The first and only time I’d ever heard any song by PureNRG prior to this review, was on
WOW Hits 2008. Their song “What If” was included as a bonus track on one of the
discs. It read all the way through like a checklist except for the chorus. I’m glad to hear
that I can’t always judge a group by one song. As far as I’m concerned, The Real Thing
lives up to its name; a great blend of songs with appealing messages about Jesus and
Bible-based ideals.
One of the central themes is reliance on Jesus for everything they need. “The Real
Thing”, “Savior”, “Live To Worship”, “Sweet Jesus” and “Overwhelmed” all describe
this dependency in glowing terms. It’s refreshing to find an album in this genre (kiddy
pop) that incorporates worship songs into the mix. “Live To Worship” was my favorite
of this bunch for the same reason. It’s got a great melody and I wouldn’t be surprised if
it becomes a favorite outside of the youth groups. “Overwhelmed” does just that to the
listener; with its fast tempo and surreal sound effects, you might have to play it a couple
of times (or check the booklet) to figure out everything they’re saying! The song
describes being flooded with grace and the Holy Spirit (I’m overwhelmingly finding
myself addicted to Your Holy presence ; I’m overwhelmingly finding myself wanting to
be filled with Your spirit), which (at least to me) is rare for a song aimed at teens. So is
“Before The Sun Goes Down”, which reminds us to forgive the careless and hurtful
actions of others, because someday it might be too late. It also asks for strength to be
like God. There are so many songs about people who’ve been “done wrong”, but so few
about turning the other cheek.
The title song, “The Real Thing”, addresses something everyone can relate to; wanting
someone you can count on always. Plenty of people claim to be that one, but Jesus is the
only one who is infallible. “Savior” asks the listener if they’re looking for somebody to
fix things and support them, then goes on to introduce them to Jesus as (again) the only
one who has what they’re looking for. It’s a great concept for a pop song, but I think
the chorus would’ve been stronger if they didn’t repeat the same 3rd and 4th line twice.
(Let me introduce you to Jesus/Let me introduce you to Jesus/He’s got so much love for
you/That He opened up His arms and gave His life for you) “Sweet Jesus” reaffirms the
all-knowing, ever faithful qualities of our Lord.
“Cover Of a Magazine” is, message-wise, comparable to Jump5’s song “Diamond”
(from All The Time In The World). Although your self-esteem may take a dive after
seeing somebody else’s idea of beauty in magazines, this song reminds you that all those
pictures are touched up and nothing is as it appears. Someday when said pictures are
trash in a landfill, your legacy will live on if you just be who God made you to be.
(Incidentally, I’d personally like to see what day this was written; not long after a certain
teen idol with the initials M.C. appeared on the cover of a magazine, perhaps?)
“Can You Handle It?” (Can you handle it/If we go against the crowd / ‘Cause I’m
counting on you now / What if we push back / When we’re pushed around / Tell me can
you handle it) is an upbeat rally cry to rebel against the expected. It challenges youth to
stick together and fight for what’s right. The cheering really adds to the spirit of the
song. However, it ends too abruptly. I would’ve liked a cheering fade out better. “It’s All
About You” is an upbeat synth song that should have you dancing and remembering that
God is the real reason we have to be happy. Some of the lyrics are clichés, but I didn’t
really care. The spiraling sound of the chorus is cool, too.
There are also three sing-along versions of the songs “Here We Go Again”, “Radio” and
“Footloose”. Some of the vocals have been removed so you can sing one of the parts. I’
m guessing this would probably only appeal to the younger kids (with the exception
maybe of the last one; some parents might remember the song from the movie of the
same name.)
I think just about anybody could find something to love about this CD. The kids will like
the pop melodies, the parents will approve the message, and both will be encouraged to
get closer to God. I myself was pleasantly surprised, because I thought I’d all but grown
out of this genre. Little did I know..... View All Music And Book Reviews By LauraCC | View LauraCC's Profile
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