Fireflight [Unbreakable]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
Energy packed encouragement with hardcore bass layers make “Unbreakable” the perfect title for this work. The music makes a strong first impression with the title song “Unbreakable,” and continues into the slower melodies of the following songs. Perhaps a softer-vocal Flyleaf or a female led Skillet sound; but don’t be fooled. This is no chick band. Fireflight offers a great range of emotion and experience in their lyrics, expressed through music that could take your breath away.
The first track, “Unbreakable,” leads off with an attention grabbing tale of accusers, a savior, and one that has been beaten and bruised. Inspired by the gospel’s account of Jesus saving and forgiving the adulteress that was about to be stoned, it gives listeners permission to dream without fear, and to follow faith running.
The whole album has a focus of deep love and empowerment possible only through our Savior. When life drags us away from God, we need to refocus, and come back to where we need to be: walking with Jesus. Each song on this album has a purpose and a background. There is not guessing about vague lyrics or melodramatic poetry. In a call to hold God to his word, “You gave me a promise” says that in the midst of any difficulty that life is sure to bring, there is a rock, a safe refuge to cling to, and someone to trust in. “The waves are crashing down on me/ But I know that this cannot be the end…/ I will hold on to this hope that I have/ You gave me a promise…”
“The Love we had before,” is certainly a highlight, leading off with a surprise as male vocals suddenly interrupt lead vocalist Dawn Richardson to start out the song. It continues with an Evanescence-like duet about love and hurt and a desire to reconcile. “We don’t have to fight anymore/ Where is the love we had before? / Wouldn’t the world be better off if we decide? / We don’t need our pride anymore…” Although perhaps about a relationship, this song sounds very much like some of the turmoil that plagues the church today. There are so many divisions and denominations, which only becomes negative when we fight with our brothers and sisters, and let our differences affect the deep love we should have for each other. “Sorry I was such a fool/ Never saw your point of view/ Can we start over somehow? / You know we only hurt ourselves/ When we don’t communicate/ Why can’t we stop and make a change? / Where is the love?”
“So Help Me God” continues the theme of wanting to change and make peace, and desire to repent and move on. “It’s not too late/ to leave it all behind/ So help me God / to let this go…” There are times when we all want to change and are ready to scream out for help, but we seem to keep falling back into old patterns. Yet, only in God’s help is change possible.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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Like that loveable green ogre, Shrek, this band has layers. The music echoes life experience, and pain overcome. On their MySpace page the band said that this is an intensely personal album for them, having all gone through a difficult year - both personally and professionally - while the album was being written. “Unbreakable” is a bit edgier than their first album, “The healing of harms,” but still speaks to fans of both styles. When the last song played, it definitely left me wanting more, and especially wishing someone would create Guitar Hero: Fireflight edition. We are looking forward to more projects from Fireflight.
Rating: 8.8 out of 10 (88%, B+)
Review written by: Liz Zelinski
(liz.zelinski@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/fireflight_unbreakable.html
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