One of the best live bands in Christian music, Salvador's sixth studio album, Aware, is their most personal project to date. Lead vocalist and songwriter, Nic Gonzales has had an eventful year, with his recent marriage to Jaci Velasquez and the birth of their first child, and it's reflected in his songwriting.
With rich sounds of horns, seamless vocals and radio-friendly hits, Aware is a continuation of Salvador's unique, one-of-a-kind blend of contemporary pop and Latin funk.
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MANY QUESTIONS, ONE ANSWER| Posted September 24, 2008
“What Would It Be Like?,” the first single from Salvador’s latest release, Aware, poses a hefty question that the band proceeds to answer throughout the album. The song, an infectious fusion of up-tempo, Latin-funk sounds, begs this question in its opening lyrics: “What would it be like if we loved each other/If we lived like we believe?” Attentive listeners find an answer in verse two: “No tears from a worried mother/No cries from a hungry child/No fear of a runaway father.”
That’s where the rest of the world typically stops. Inquiry answered. But the musically gifted, eight-piece crew digs deeper and offers a real solution to the problems referenced: Jesus—that’s the only way we will see the world start to change.
The remaining 10 songs on Aware address related topics, from the duet “Everybody Needs You (featuring Jaci Velasquez), which points to God as the ultimate provider, to the inspiring “Fly Again,” which offers hope for the downtrodden. The standout title track finds frontman and primary songwriter Nic Gonzalez begging for vision. Sweeping piano and strings swell, sonically mirroring his cry to be made “aware” of God’s plan over his own shortsightedness.
Standard Salvador sonics—rhythmic percussion, jubilant horns, flamenco-style guitar and salsa rhythms—distinguish this seasoned group from other pop/worship outfits. The smart lyrics mix keen observation and genuine, vertical praise. On Aware, Salvador continues to answer the aforementioned question with one consistent answer: Jesus. –Lizza Connor Bowen
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from Christian Music Planet. Click here to visit ChristianMusicPlanet.com today!
Salvador [Aware]| Posted September 24, 2008
[Main Review]
Dove Award-winning Word recording artist Salvador returns April 29th with Aware, the acclaimed Latin/pop band’s eighth recording. Produced by group members Nic Gonzales and Chris Bevins, along with Otto Price (dcTalk, GRITS), Aware features 11 selections exploring themes of thankfulness and selflessness.
“Salvador is an ever evolving jam band,” Nic explains. “Every show is different. There is no set list. The guys don’t even know what is coming next. They just hear the chord that sets up the next song, and then off we go. When you can do that it’s magic.”
It’s been two years since Salvador’s last album. A lot of things have changed in that amount of time. Nic, the bands front-man was faced with the challenges of a new wife, and getting ready for a new baby. He found himself not having the time to write that he usually does. His mom used to tell him, ‘If you give God His time, He will give you extra time.’ After sitting in the studio staring at a blank sheet of paper Nic realized he missed allowing God to be who He was in him. From that moment on things began to flow from God through him.
He points to the album’s title cut, “Aware,” as an example of the band’s new mindset. “Our fast-paced lifestyle often causes us to blow past the basics,” Nic muses. “I think most Christian songs express thanksgiving for the things God gives us. But we wanted to take a different approach to thankfulness. Our heart’s cry is that we would be aware of what is going on around us, that God would create a fundamental change in me so that I would realize that everything that I am is not just about me.”
My Favorite song on the album is “What Would It Be Like”. It says what would it be like if we learned to love each other. Just that phrase alone is powerful. Imagine a world where everyone loved everyone and we were a world of Christ filled Christians. It sounds too good to be true, but it starts with each and every one of us. Our witness as Christians is what could lead this world to the place that this song talks about. Imagine turning on the news and hearing positive stories as opposed to all the negative that we have now. What would it be like?
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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This album is one that I really enjoyed. The message was awesome. I found myself relating to a lot of the content that was in their songs. The music, it bout’ doesn’t get any better than that for me. I am a huge fan of the “big band” style if you will. I love the brass and woodwinds added in. It just gives me a good feeling when I hear that kind of music.
To hear these guys live must be incredible. The album was well put together. I can honestly say that although it may be some time away I can’t wait for Salvador’s next album. I pray that the band continues to use their God given talents to lead lost souls to Christ and that God continues to enrich their lives daily. Keep up the good work! God Bless.
Rating: 10 out of 10 (100%, A+)
Review written by: Ben Collins
(ben.collins@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/salvador_aware.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today!
A Different Kind Of Unique....| Posted February 26, 2009
WOW...salvadors new CD!!!...hmm...at first i was like..."WAIT...is this really salvador?"....hmm...thiere sound is sooo different than thiere last album "Dismiss The Mystery" which was also good....but still i love salvador and thiere music...i think this is one of the few latin/hispanic groups that are accpeted in both americans and latin americans....after all Salvador In Spanish Means "SAVIOR" ....overall this is a Great CD....i think the duet he did with his wife Jaci Velasquez Is Amazing!... i knew all along that they would end up singing a song together/....
=]| Posted May 25, 2008
this is a great cd! if you want a little something different for your collection, buy this! I especially love the duet he does with his wife. overall, it's a great cd!
Amazing!!| Posted April 24, 2008
its an awesome cd I just got it too... I like the song that he sings with his wife jaci velasquez!! oh yeah!! the song is called everybody needs you!! its just an amazing cd!!
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