The all new greatest hits project from Christian rock artist Plumb features 2 jam-packed discs. The first disc features 10 of Plumb's biggest hits inluding new versions of "Stranded" and "Here With Me" and 2 new songs "Hang On" and the title track. The second disc features 8 of Plumb's fan-favorite remixes, including the Bimbo Jones Remix of "In My Arms" and the Bronleewe & Bose Remix of "Cut". This amazing collection will be available November 3 from CURB Records.
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Plumb| Posted November 10, 2009
Tiffany Arbuckle Lee has come a long way in her career as a Christian recording artist.
Starting out in the industry as a back-singer, Lee eventually went on to front her own
band, Plumb. After five highly successful albums spanning over a twelve-year period,
Plumb has compiled its most noteworthy songs into arguably one of the finest greatest
hits collections in Christian music.
Beautiful History is comprised of two discs. The first disc contains re-recordings of past
songs, hits from previous albums, and two new tracks. The re-recordings are selected
songs from Plumb’s first two albums that are in need of updating to mesh with the other
tracks. “Stranded” is refreshed with new guitar parts and a punchier rhythm section,
giving it more of a rock flavor. Lee showcases her impeccable vocal skill and range in
the bridge, soaring to a high note that was not in the previous recording. “Here With Me”
is revamped with new synth layers and a different rhythm. The updated version would fit
in perfectly with today’s pop radio. The extended version of “Damaged” was pulled off
of Plumb’s 2006 release, Chaotic Resolve. “God-Shaped Hole” starts out noticeably
different with a new guitar motif and a backing piano, rather than an acoustic guitar. Just
like “Stranded,” the song packs more punch than the original. The two new tracks,
“Hang On” and “Beautiful History,” fit in perfectly with the other tracks. The dark piano
vibe of “Hang On” resembles “Cut” as do the hopeful lyrics. “Beautiful History” is serene
pop/rock and continues the message of hope, “I feel so far from home/Completely all
alone/And then I hear You say… I am here, I am here.”
The second disc consists of remixes, some of which had been previously released to
iTunes. Two of the remixes are by Bimbo Jones; the group has remixed songs for
countless artists, mostly secular. Bimbo Jones’ remix of “In My Arms” topped Billboard’
s Hot Dance Airplay Chart back in 2007. There are several remixes by Plumb’s producer
Matt Bronleewe, Dave Aude, among others. All of the remixes are fast-paced with great
pulsating beats, perfect for working out at the gym or for parties.
With greatest hits collections, there almost always seems to be an issue as to whether the
included tracks were in fact the artist’s best songs. Nothing on either disc seems out of
place on this collection. Beautiful History is a fantastic representation of Plumb’s work
thus far.
Closing Thoughts:
Beautiful History has become one of my favorite greatest hits collections, along with
Nicole Nordeman’s and Ginny Owens’ greatest hits albums. The only aspect of Beautiful
History that I dislike is the remixes. I’m not really a fan of the dance/techno type stuff.
However, Plumb has experienced great response to its remixes through radio and such,
so this is probably not an issue for most fans.
First disc great!| Posted January 14, 2010
I've loved "In my Arms" since I first heard it. Tiff has a greaM voice. "I Can't Do This" is great too! I didn't listen to disc 2 though. Remixes usually turn out weird.
Decent Hits Collection with Plenty of Goodies| Posted November 06, 2009
After five hit albums and mega chart-topping singles like "In My Arms" and "Cut", Plumb returns to the music scene with her new greatest hits album "Beautiful History: A Hits Collection". But it's more than just your regular greatest hits collection. The album features 2 brand new songs, 3 re-recorded songs and 8 dance remixes, plus totally sick cover art!
The album starts off with "Stranded (2010)" a redo from her 1999 album candycoatedwaterdrops. The re-record doesn't do much to the song, but I have totally fallen in love with the song all over again! It makes it a little more rock-oriented and of course Plumb's vocals are more seasoned than they were in 1999, but it's still a winner. "Here With Me" gets a similar revamp that is absolutely superb, while the extended cut of "Damaged" was actually released in 2006 on Chaotic Resolve. The 1999 hit is made longer, with more lyrics and heartfelt vocals. Fantastic!
"God-shaped Hole (2010)" gets a more upbeat rock makeover that suits the song well. "Real" is unfortunately the only song to represent the 2003 album Beautiful Lumps of Coal. I would have liked to see "Sink N' Swim" and "Boys Don't Cry" on this collection as well.
The 2006 ground-breaker Chaotic Resolve gets four slots on the collection with the sophisticated rock anthem "I Can't Do This", the tender piano-driven "Cut, the melancholic rock ballad "Better" and the stars-in-your-eyes love song "Blush (Only You)".
Like Beautiful Lumps of Coal, Plumb's newest release, the 2007 lullaby album Blink, is also only represented by one song, the mega hit "In My Arms". At least the song "Always" could have made it, considering it's remixes are on the second disc, but the original is left off. Oh well.
The two new songs end the first disc. "Hang On" is powerful rock ballad that lets Plumb's fantastic vocal prowess soar. The title track is a flawless final track that really speaks to me. Reminiscent of the album Blink.
I was a little disappointed with the first disc. I felt like there could have been more hits, but I guess you can't include everything. The redos make up for it though. It was a truly brilliant idea, and it makes the songs sound more current so they fit better with the more recent hits.
The second disc features eight remixes of four of Plumb's biggest hits. Bimbo Jones turns "In My Arms" into a thumping dance track, while "Cut" is remixed by Bronleewe & Bose. The song keeps its charm, but gives it an upbeat danceable undertone. "Hang On" features sizzling synthesizers, while "Always" gets a laidback electronic makeover.
"In My Arms" is remixed again by Bronleewe & Bose, with great beats and interesting sound effects, though I think I like Bimbo Jones' remix better. The Digital Dog remix of "Cut" isn't too over-the-top, but adds just enough style to the song. David Aude gives "Hang On" a darker tone, and Bimbo Jones ends the party with an energized version of "Always". If you got the iTunes version of the album, you also got 3 more remixes.
Overall, the first disc, though it could have had more songs, will tide fans over with great re-recorded hits and new songs, and the second disc is the perfect CD for fans of mainstream dance artists like Lady GaGa, Britney Spears or Black Eyed Peas. These two discs make for a collection well-worth buying that will satisfy the long-time fans and give new listeners plenty to explore.
Oh yeah, and kudos to the art direction for the album! The pictures and settings are absolutely stunning and Plumb is gorgeous! The art direction and photography is the best I have ever seen. A+ :D
God Shaped Hole (2010)| Posted August 30, 2009
She has a beautiful voice in this song.
I love how her songs mean very different things for me and helped me through some stuff in my life. I've been waiting for a new CD of her's to come out. I'm amazed how some artist change the whole point of a CD compared to all the Rock that i listen to You can barely understand the meanings of the songs but these songs have valid points and valid points to relate to life.
You can listen to God Shaped Hole (2010) here: http://www.myspace.com/plumb
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