Addison Road [Addison Road]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
Addison Road – once Indie, now main stream – is breaking into Christian pop culture with a solid force. They are Natasha Beddingfield, Point of Grace, and Superchic[k] all rolled into one, with a little edge – and fan base – all their own.
The lyrics are catchy and clever; the music is energetic and fresh. Most importantly, the message is positive. Laced with scripture and a general focus on God, the music explores some tough emotions, then comes back with hope for second chances and new life in Christ. A huge plus for the band is that the songs are down to earth. In “Casualties of the American Dream,” it starts, “He sees his life just passing by, just another number in a suite and tie, no purpose there, nothing to give, is this what it means to really live? …Casualties of the American dream, have we lost our vision? … Just dying to be revived. In a world so numb, don’t let me become another casualty.” What person has never felt like that at some point in their life? But this song is not about becoming another casualty, it is about being revived. Yes, this world is numb, but we do not have to be casualties. The very next song tells the listener to “Run,” to where you want to go “in this great big world.” You don’t have to be lost and alone. You have a home to run to. It is the place where “the fallen finally land, and the world starts over again.” The focus is still finding life, freedom, and a new beginning in Christ.
The strong, “hey, listen up!” start to the CD fades in later songs into a calm, mild sound. However the lyrics are anything but dull. Track 10, “What do I know,” expresses pain and passion and a longing to be healed, and to know God more deeply. “If You touched my face, would I know you?...Are You fire, are You fury? Are You sacred, are You beautiful? What do I know of holy?” This song conveys a strong sense of how vast God is, His power and boundlessness, and how it is so easy for us to feel small in the midst of such a big God. Elements of love and grace and forgiveness speak through the lines; they draw the listener in and promise adventures in a new life with Christ.
The ending, however, leaves a little bit to be desired. It ended on something of a sad note. “What do I know” may have been better placed in the middle of the CD, instead of the last song. But the overall effect is well worth shelling out the twelve bucks. Addison Road has already shown that they are not going to become just another band. I personally enjoyed it, and am looking forward to their future work.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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Addison Road has created an eclectic project, with wide-ranging rhythm that is entertaining and thoughtful. They have the sound of energetic power pop fused with classy vocals from lead singer Jenny Simmons (who by the way, writes a very funny blog at addisonroad.com).
Rating: 9.1 out of 10 (91%, A-)
Review written by: Liz Zelinski
(liz.zelinski@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/addisonroad_debut.html
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