As For Me And My House
by
John Take the acoustic styles of artists such as Brandon Heath and Matthew West, mix in a little Chris Tomlin and Lincoln Brewster praise...
Rehab
by
Lecrae For Memphis-resident and Reach Records co-founder, Lecrae, Rehab is another successful attempt to bring a culturally relevant and biblically solid message to the burdened. ...
Official ChristianMusicReview.org Review! | Posted May-10-2011 Incorporating much of Building 429's contemporary pop/rock sound, lead singer Jason Roy also brings a writing style that reflects his role as a worship pastor as well. Collaborating with Provident Label Group for their fifth album release, Listen to the Sound is a collection of songs that meant to “acknowledge life’s struggles, but point to the hope, grace, and love of God.” With the shared set of production talent in Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp, and Rob Hawkins, Jason Roy’s writing and co-writing in all but one track, and lyrics driven by Roy’s role as a worship leader, the latest release is a great collection of songs to be added to fans from their “Glory Defined” days as well as new fans who enjoy true, passionate music that comes from the heart.
Opening up in a very upbeat and iconic manner is the lead track, “Made for You,” written as Roy’s “war anthem.” As a personal favorite by the band’s drummer, Michael Anderson, “Made for You” not only exemplifies a worship-driven theme, but also includes Jason Roy’s worship team to sing along, reinforcing this even more. Offering up female vocals from Fireflight front-woman Dawn Michele, “Right Beside You” serves as a theme of accountability that the bandmates follow in their growing friendship. “One Foot” is not only a personal favorite of Roy’s, but it’s a catchy, upbeat theme, encouraging us to take things “one foot at a time” as we follow God’s path for us in our lives.
Serving as the title track for the album and first single to radio, “Listen To The Sound” is not only a great single to pivot the album, but also expresses how we just need to stop and listen to the sound of God calling. A huge line, as pointed out by Jason Roy, goes as such: “You’ll never know what faith is, till you don’t understand. Sometimes it takes the silence to finally hear HIS plan. So listen to the sound of Hope that’s rising.” Following “Listen to the Sound” is the only track that does not include Jason in any of the writing credit. “War Zone” is a reflective and acts as a reminder that although we may be worn, tired, and feel that our hands our town, we are in a war zone and should continue the fight for Christ. Incorporating Jason’s worship team again, “Where I Belong” speaks of where we do belong and that it is not here, but instead in heaven with our heavenly father. Once again influenced by a worship pastor role, “Where I Belong” is an anthem that could serve well in a contemporary worship service.
“You Save Me” serves as a bold statement and anthem of praise, representing the fact that Christ saves us and is something that we cannot hold back. In response to an experience at a worship service Roy experienced, “Walls Are Coming Down” is truly a representation of how unashamed people are in worshipping our Lord and how we should be the same, letting our walls down and reaching for Him who saves. It is not easy for us to be humbled and broken, especially in today’s society. “Love Has Been Spoken” on the other hand, tells us that it is ok to feel that way and reminds us that it is a chance to grow closer to Him as “love has been spoken.” Concluding the album is the track “Awaken Us,” written by Roy and Scott Krippayne. Starting off as a song desiring the answers becomes a call of intervention, calling us out and bringing us back to a state of recognition in needing the Lord because all we are is ashes and dust, a very
humbling conclusion to the album.
Closing Thoughts
One of the pleasures I’ve found in writing reviews and general synopses for new releases is the change in mentality and state of analysis that offers a better understanding and appreciation for the artwork involved in music. “Listen to the Sound” is a great example of an album that proves this point. Originally, after first listening to the album, I will admit that it began to sound like ‘just another album.’ After doing the research and listening to the songs in order to write this review, the album surely did grow on me and offered more than I expected. I hope that by reading this review, you will learn some information that may not only help you understand and appreciate the recording as I did, but also motivate you to support the band and their ministry.
Official ChristianMusicReview.org Review! | Posted May-03-2011 Take the acoustic styles of artists such as Brandon Heath and Matthew West, mix in a little Chris Tomlin and Lincoln Brewster praise and worship, mix, and what do you get? A sound that defines John Waller’s latest release, "As For Me and My House." What can only be described as a remarkable work of faith, praise, and true desire to celebrate what God and His son Jesus truly are only scratches the surface to John's passionate music and certainly the message that permeates this album. From "Our God Reigns Here" to the title track and all thru the end on "Bless Us and Keep Us," John has provided a marvelous prayer and piece of art.
Leading off is “Our God Reigns Here,” in a very ethereal and commanding nature as John commands evil spirits to leave because “our God reigns here,” whether it be the place of worship, the home, or wherever, it ties very well and transitions seamlessly into the next song and title track “As For My And My House.” Coming from Joshua 24:15, the title track is the overlying anthem and theme for the worship-driven album, starting out slow and gradually building up into a triumphant chorus of voices declaring the same as Joshua did. Moving into more of a contemporary worship feel, “You” follows next with the verse and then the chorus sung by a crowd, very similar in comparison to Hillsong or Chris Tomlin. Once again, shining the production method used on the album, “You” transitions right into “Because God Is Good.” If not aware of two different songs, it would be easy to miss the transition. Playing to more of the contemporary pop style John Waller also subscribes to; resemblances of other popular artists such as Matthew West and Brandon Heath come to mind.
“Somebody Else’s Story” is a great example that reflects John’s ministry-minded focus. A great line of the song that shows this would be “I want to be a part of somebody else’s story of redemption,” modeling the Great Commission given to us in Matthew 28:16-20. The next track, “Count It All,” references taking everything we have and laying it at the foot of the cross, counting it all as loss and serving Him. “Man of the Valley” is a great song with pure instrumentation and can have various interpretations on how the song is presented, but a great song nevertheless, followed by “The Jesus I Need,” a song of desire and hope in knowing that our Jesus, our Lord, our Savior heals not just physical wounds, but eternal souls.
Bringing in some southern roots, “The Marriage Prayer” is a great track that serves as a model prayer for couples struggling in their marriage. Following the success of the song “While I’m Waiting” which was featured in the movie Fireproof, “The Marriage Prayer” is a great attempt to follow along the same path in order to help strengthen relationships. The song also features a very talented female vocalist that assists Waller through the verses. From a song to strengthen marriages to another love song, “Fallen” is a love song to Jesus, the “intimate lover” as John writes, “I have fallen, I’ve fallen forever in intimate love.” Rounding out the album is “Bless Us and Keep Us” revolves around Numbers 6:22-27 and is a very fitting ending to the album. The tracks is very reflective, calming, and worthy of closing your eyes and soaking in the power of God’s love surrounding us as we ask Him to bless us and give us peace. Amen.
Closing Thoughts
Between the obvious message-driven lyrics to the driving melodies and even the qualities of the behind the scenes production, the entire record did not fail to put chills in my spine and still causes me to sing along every time with arms raised to the air and praises sung to the One on high. More than just a bravo to John Waller, but instead, a job well done for using his God given talents and giving it back to the One who gave it all.
Offical Rawk 'N Review Promotions Review! | Posted May-02-2011
For Memphis-resident and Reach Records co-founder, Lecrae, Rehab is another successful attempt to bring a culturally relevant and biblically solid message to the burdened.As a follow-up to his previous project, Rebel, Rehab had a hefty task at hand in order to meet the prior success and acclaim of Rebel, having been the first Christian rap album to position itself at the top of Billboard’s Top Gospel Album chart.Thankfully, through the grace of God, Rehab has not only met the same chart-topping status, but has also received many other accolades as well, such as debuting at #17 on Billboard’s Top 200 albums.
Regardless of the fame, success, and chart-topping status achieved, Lecrae’s purpose for Rehab is to bring forth the fact that because we are all sinful in nature, it is only thru Christ alone that we can find true rehabilitation for all our problems.Fittingly so, the leadoff track is aptly titled “Check In,” representing the entrance into Christianity offering the healing we need.The album does have a rather uncommon length of 17 tracks with a vast majority of the tracks also containing a featured artist assisting Lecrae.Along with some of the Reach Records family of artists, some other artists such as Sonny Sandoval from P.O.D. and even Anthony Evans make appearances on the album.As an album of encouragement, empowerment, and challenge to the listener as opposed to an expected series of preaching or theology-driven lyrics, Rehab brings a more personal side of Lecrae and the message he is trying to deliver.
Starting with the song “Killa,” the album seems to branch off into several sections to reflect the different stages of entering this rehab that we call Christianity.“Killa,” for example, gives a vivid description of our sin and seduction, which gives the need to bring us into rehab.The next track “Divine Intervention,” makes it known that just as drug addicts typically need someone to intervene and inform them of their detrimental actions, God intervenes in our addiction to sin to save us from it.“Just Like You” focuses on the world’s desire to idolize and model ourselves like those around us and people whom we see to be living the ‘good life’ when instead we should model ourselves in the image of Christ and model our lives around Him, a pivotal step in the rehabilitation process.“Gotta Know” carries a more uplifting beat as acceptance of a problem leads to seeking help.
“Used To Do It Too” begins the part of the album that focuses on the change made while in rehab.Celebrating the fact that “I’m changed, I learned how to live again,” the track emits hope and confidence that the cross does with lives.What is perhaps one of my favorite tracks of the album because it not only features Sonny Sandoval, lead singer of P.O.D., but it also combines hip-hop with rock and reggae influences.Each sharing a verse of the song, the song represents the true freedom from sin that we have in God’s son.Pivoting on the same theme, “High” lyricizes on the new high given thru the regenerated life of going thru rehabilitation.Continuing in a linear fashion as the tracks follow the course thru Rehab, Lecrae raps in “New Shalom” about the new peace given through the cleansing of our sins.One particular thing that I like about this track is how the featured artist, PRo, plays on words and uses a couple of the other collaborators found on this album in the lines.
“40 Deep” features fellow 116 Clique members Trip Lee and Tedashii in a style expected of Lecrae and sounds much like songs from previous albums.This track serves as the starting point for the rehabilitated person to spread the word of the cleansing powers of rehabilitation in order to help others also enter rehab.“Walking On Water” reflects the stepping out on faith and witnessing to others on what God’s power can do.As one of the singles to hit radio, “God Is Enough” is a dance-worthy hit that is pretty self-explanatory in its meaning.Along the same lines, “Boasting,” which features Anthony Evans, speaks of how boasting in God alone should be the focus we seek while telling others of God’s grace and mercy.In that process, “Background,” makes clear that although we may be out telling others about God, we should let Him take the lead instead of relying on our human intentions.In a direct attempt to minister to the listener, “New Reality” intervenes, addressing God’s forgiving nature while also challenging the listener to seek rehab thru Christ if not done so already.
Perhaps it is the gamer in me, but the beginning of “Release Date” and throughout the track is a tune that mimics a similar theme as common in the Final Fantasy series of video games.Despite that, the track concludes on the concept of Rehab and brings the whole album to a resolve, ending the rehabilitation process.The end of the process, however, does not come until the very end, at least the very end of human life as represented in the song.It is then that the worldly journey ends and a new one begins at our home in heaven, with the One who rehabilitates us all.
As a bonus track, “I Love You” doesn’t directly relate to the Rehab theme, but is instead seems to be a love song written for Lecrae’s wife and the support she gives him and has given him throughout the years.A great added track that just adds a little fun to the album in a very danceable fashion.
After listening to the whole album thoroughly, I can easily see why it took this many tracks to make the point Lecrae was trying to make with Rehab.The life of Christianity is not an easy one and requires regular maintenance and rehabilitation in itself, but Lecrae does a great job in putting the concept together in what has already proved to be a stellar album and only makes one want to yearn for more from the talented artist.
Official ChristianMusicReview.org Review! | Posted April-13-2011 For Lakeland, FL native Jonny Diaz, his mission in his music is to serve the Body of Christ. The 2010 New Artist of the Year Dove Award nominee definitely proves that in his self-titled sophomore release on INO Records. What proves to be an entertaining album, he continues with songs of encouragement and calls to action as shown in his debut INO release, “More Beautiful You.”
Digging for creativity and thru the use of multiple producers, Jonny also called on several other songwriters for this musical collaboration. Audrey Assad is one name known in the industry that assisted along with Kate York, co-writer for Jonny’s #1 hit and title track of “More Beautiful You.” According to Jonny, “It can be challenging coming up with new ways to express themes that are important to believers. Co-writing encourages and inspires me.” This inspiration shines in the acoustically driven album, giving me some personal interest in the recordings as Jonny does show a true passion for what he sings.
Opening up with a flourish of strings, “Delights in You” leads the album and quickly became a favorite of mine. As “a song of encouragement,” the track emphasizes God’s love for us. I think the bridge puts it best: “No matter where you’ve been, no matter what you’ve done, no matter if it’s hell you’ve been through. He loves you till the end, he loved to send his son, that’s how much he delights in you.” Following the energetic opening track is “Break My Heart.” A bit more somber as the title may show, it also became another favorite. What I hope to be released as a single to radio and have potential to hit #1, Jonny uses his own personal call to action to speak of how poverty is overlooked and passed over more times than we can imagine. Effectively produced to generate a roller coaster of emotions, the one line that truly hits home is “I believe that one can make a difference because one man on the cross changed the world.”
“God is Watching” helps define Jonny’s acoustically driven sound in this uplifting song of God’s omnipresence. “This was written to remind us that we are never alone,” says Jonny. Despite what might happen and who may, or may not, be there for us, “there is nowhere to escape from your side.” “God is there, God is watching.” Written with the intention to urge hopeful believers, the song pulls at the strings and encourages one to “cross the line” and into a relationship with Christ. Although not originally written by Jonny, current radio single “Beauty of the Cross” follows. The song compelled him to record the worship track as it talks of how what was once a Roman torture device suddenly becomes beautiful. As a worldwide recognized symbol for Christianity, “the beauty of the cross is that there’s one who has redeemed my soul.”
Bringing out the brass for the first time on the album, “Figured Out” is a challenge to the churches of America. It recognizes the complacency many Christians have outside Sunday church in living out what we live on Sunday mornings. As put bluntly in the song, “we DON’T have him figured out.” The song ends with the line “so much more than everything we think we found” signifying the fact that our lives in Christ is not something to take so lightly. Jonny admits that the next song, “Love I’m Living For” is a song for his wife Libby, explaining how he wants to “keep my fire burning bright for you” and that she is the “love” he is “living for.” Picking up in tempo following the love song, “How Can It Be” states the amazing power of God’s love for us and every detail in the universe. Supernatural, unfathomable, unspeakable is our “God of wonders.” As repeated in the last 30 seconds of the song, God’s love is “big enough to hold the world, small enough to hold my heart.”
The following three songs are very reflective in nature, starting with “Weeps for You.” As a song of comfort and compassion, it tells, “In your worst of times, you never cry alone. Did you know he weeps for you?” That same omnipresence sung about in “God is Watching” comes back in the message of this song. “Here and Someday” slows down the tempo a bit as Jonny talks about how this song is meant for the struggling. He says, “It’s ok to be sad, grieve, and yes, to even be mad at God.” Someday we may understand and the pain will disappear although as the song says, “we are not there yet.”
A day many in the Nashville area will never forget is the beginning of May of 2010. It was on that Saturday, May 1st that the floodgates opened and flooded a vast majority of Nashville, devastating the Christian music capital. “What Water Can Do” talks of that Saturday. It talks of the damage done, the lives changed, the amazing power water can do. As the song plays out, a short string solo joins the days together and the song moves on to Sunday. It’s on Sunday that the cleansing waters of baptism washes away our sins and gives us life anew in Christ’s name. “Isn’t it amazing what water can do?”
The song trails off in the last minute with an instrumental, helping us reflect on the true power and presence of God before leading into what is perhaps my favorite song of the whole album. Aptly titled “The Chick-fil-a Song,” it is this one song that makes the whole album worth the purchase and not only brings a lighter side of the album but also brings out a very southern sound common of Nashville country, the steel guitar!
Closing Thoughts
For a follow-up album to what I felt was already a great major label debut, Jonny’s self-titled release makes me ache to see him live in concert. One unique quality I do enjoy about Jonny’s style and the way he presents himself in his music is you can feel the authenticity behind what he is singing and that he is really doing his work for the kingdom. As said many times earlier, it is a must buy for anyone with a love for acoustically-driven artists, especially for those who like similar artists such as David Barnes, Bebo Norman, Matthew West, and even Brandon Heath.
ChristianMusicReview.org Official Review! | Posted April-01-2011 Producer and worship leader Brandon Bee’s sophomore CD, “Inside These Walls” proves to be a reflection of Brandon’s personal experience in life, as well as the music industry. Coming from a background that has consisted of producing artists such as Grammy nominee and Dove award winner Stacie Orrico, to the more recent album “Echoes Of Light” by Circleslide, Brandon’s production experience gives his album a bit of personal touch. Released by Save the City Records, “Inside These Walls” is a successful and purposeful attempt by Brandon to ensure that “no two songs sound the same.”
Enlisting the help of fellow industry names such as Scott Krippayne, Carl Cartee, and Circleslide’s own front man Gabe Martinez, Brandon’s worship roots shine from all the tracks, including the first song, aptly titled “Everlasting Song.” Bringing together a sound that evolves contemporary worship even as it is today, the leading track contains ample guitar and drums along with a catchy rhythm that would bode well in a praise and worship setting. Kicking off the roller coaster feel the album generates from track to track, “Stones On Bones” has more of an indie rock feel, starting out slow, but picking up in the end, carrying the track through a pure reflection of Brandon’s feelings and emotions. “Bring Me to Life” resembles another contemporary worship tune, drawing you into God’s presence as Brandon asks Him to “surround me in your mercy, surround me with your healing” in the song’s bridge.
The next track, “Nailed It at the Cross” goes right into singing praises to God for giving us His son, forgiving us, and nailing our sins. As Brandon sings, “you saved your wrath for love,” and thanking him “for forgiving me, I’m clean forever,” reiterating the fact that we deserve nothing but death for our sin, but we are saved through the blood of God’s son. Releasing for radio on April 8 is the next track, “Radiant Sun (Give Thanks To The One).” To sum it up rather simply, this song definitely draws hands to the air to worship Him, the Radiant “Son.” Let us hope this song gets much radio play, and be sung along by many.
Breaking away from the worship a bit is a showing of Brandon’s overall musical talent in the pop/rock track “Maybe It’s The Last Day.” “Hands of Yours” is an acoustically driven song to God, worshipping Him for what He did for us through the sacrifice of His son, Jesus. The next song, “Helpless,” explores the fact that we can’t do anything without God as Brandon sings “everything I’ll ever need comes from you.” Sticking to the roller coaster effect of the album so far, “Listen To My Heart” puts the same concept into the song itself, starting off a bit slow before picking up and delivering a very worship-driven recording.
“My life depends on the hope we are all given” is one of the defining verses in “Weight Of This Illusion,” conveying an emotionally driving track that has you hanging on a seat to look forward in hearing what will be coming next. Perhaps one of the closest songs on the album to represent a ballad, the simple piano, guitar, and drum precede full band accompaniment in “Whispers in Silence.” Pointing out that sometimes God speaks in a whisper, sometimes all we have to do is listen and then we can sing as Brandon sings, “God I hear you now.” “Majesty Reigns” is another great example of a redefined sound Brandon brings with his worship experience in what some may refer to as “rock worship.” Closing off the album is the title track, “Inside These Walls,” finishing off the roller coaster ride of faith that is summed up in the complete album. As described by Brandon, “my goal with ‘Inside These Walls’ [the album] is that people will look at it as
a devotional.”
Closing Thoughts
Although this for me is a first time hearing of Brandon Bee and though may not be known to many, Brandon’s album is a great example of variety as well as sticking true to his faith. Every song reflects his faith and does nothing to hide the fact that God is the reason we have life in Him eternally. For those who like the sound of contemporary worship and sounds of artists such as Lincoln Brewster, and even bands such as Sanctus Real, “Inside These Walls” is a great album to have in your collection not just for when you want to spend time with God, but also for the listening pleasure of a true artist.
Blessid Union Of Souls - The Mission Field | Posted April-01-2011 From the band that generated not only the 4th most played song of 1995, “I Believe,” but also a #1 hit in the UK, Asia, and USA, Blessid Union of Souls is back with their latest album “The Mission Field,” courtesy of Salvation Road Records. Led by founder and lead singer Eliot Sloan, the band hasn’t lost their pop-rock and soulful feel, but perhaps refocused their efforts to a more faith-based audience.
Starting out with the catchy tune “Miracles,” the familiar sound of the band recognized by fans describes how “there are miracles all around us,” including love, reinforcing the strong message the album carries throughout the tracks. “Sweet Providence” acknowledges the brokenness we are as sinners and how we are in need of God’s forgiveness, grasping for God’s ever patient love and “sweet providence.” As the first single and music video from the album, “The Only Song” is another very catchy track, speaking of God being the song sung thru the melody, chorus, and the blessings brought from it. A very fun and inspirational tune, it serves as a guide for the direction our hearts should focus towards Him.
Calming the first few songs of the album, the album’s title track represents a traditional church hymn accompanied by a piano and small orchestra. Pulling closer to a more contemporary sound, “Hold On” features a female background vocal, encouraging those thru suffering to “hold on” as “there is a light that is waiting for you.” I particularly loved the phrase “I got a friend and I think it’s time you meet Him and He will never let you go,” referring to God’s promise that although there are times when we may not see or know He is there, He will always be with us. “Healing” is a cry out in prayer, not for the one praying, but instead for others, symbolizing the mentality of not praying for ourselves, but for others as well.
A very touching and heartfelt song, “I Still Believe In Love” focuses on a simple message that rises into an amazing crescendo towards the end of the track: love will lead all. Picking up the beat of the album, “Higher Calling” starts with a synthesizer sound that carries similarities of what some expect of a song by Newsboys or another similar pop band. “We were meant for a higher calling” is the message preached in the song, pointing us in the direction given by the mission of The Great Commission. The song also focuses on how nothing should stop us as God forgives us constantly for the mistakes we make, giving us the capability to live each day anew.
“Come Undone” is lyrically representative of a breakup song, a heart torn. Following is the second to last track, “Pray for You,” a song of longing and hope for coming home in safety back to loved ones and the One who loves. Closing out the album in a positive note, “Back From The Dead” is a song of salvation and how although we deserve the punishment of death from sin, we our resurrected and live anew through the miracle of Jesus due to his win over sin for us, so that we may live again.
Closing Thoughts
For an album that is to be marketed to both the Christian market and mainstream, “The Mission Field” proves to cover styles that many different demographics can appreciate.
Love Shines! | Posted March-24-2011 Take several Kiwi’s, some synthesizer, electro-pop, and a love for God, and what do you get? The latest edition and first self-produced album by Parachute Band aptly titled “Love Without Measure.” For those unfamiliar with the New Zealand natives, the first track “Gave It All” may sound similar to the sound of Newsboys from the Peter Furler era. Proclaiming Jesus’ name and that He “gave it all for me,” the track opens up the album, testifying that because of His love, “all heaven is open.” Moving the synthesizer into some rhythmic guitars and drums in more of a pop/punk sound, “My Constant” reiterates the unconditional love God provides and how God’s love is “a love like this one, there’s no love like this one.” Finishing up with an anthem of praise from the words of 1 Corinthians 13:4a, “love is patient, love is kind, love is free, this love is mine” solidifies the recurring theme of the album.
The ‘meat’ of the album focuses on the praise and worship sound Parachute Band is known for, comparable to their neighboring Aussies in Hillsong. “Peace on Earth” slows down the tracks as the band asks for “more of Jesus in my life, more of Jesus so I shine your peace on Earth.” A more reflective “You Remain” focuses on the power the Savior has to take the hurting from the depths and it is He who remains “when all else fades.” The end of the song climaxes into a drum and guitar chorus, propelling the track into full-fledged worship mode. In “It’s You,” lead singer of former band Delirious?, Martin Smith, joins Parachute Band lead singer Omega Levine in this seamless transition from “You Remain.” Continuing with the same theme, the song serves as a call to open up to His will and allow Him to “take down these walls” and “[make] a way.” Referencing the beginning of Isaiah 6:8, the band concludes the track in a triumphant chorus, crying out “Here I Am, Here I Am.”
Next up is “The Redeemed,” commanding praise to the One who gives it all, paraphrasing John 3:16 with a piano lead until about halfway when drums and guitar parade into another celebratory anthem of praise and worship. Rounding out the mid-album worship set, “Saviour of the Broken Heart” is the song in which the album title “Love Without Measure” has its basis. As a central theme for the record and the band’s new partnership with World Vision, the band proclaims, “so this is our worship, to go where you lead, to love without measure, to clothe and to feed.” Trailing off the end of the song is the reading of another Isaiah reference, Isaiah 58:6-9a.
Starting out a little slow but picking back up again into the familiar pop-rock feel from the introductory tracks, “You Got Me” seems to be the climax of the album as resolution has been made and a feeling of acceptance is shown as sung “you got me, all of me. You got me Jesus, and all you are is all I want.” The following track, “Anthem of My Heart” simplifies the purpose of the song very well in this praise to the One who loves. With three tracks to go, “So Much More” slows down the mood once again, reiterating the recurring theme that Jesus is the one who truly does “Love Without Measure,” embodying how words cannot describe Him and “you are wonderful in all you are, beautiful, anointed. Saviour and deliverer, mighty and amazing. Jesus you are Lord of all, wonderful in all You are, Jesus you are so much more.”
“Sweet Surrender” leads in with the first truly acoustic track of the album, setting into place that the purpose on Earth is to worship Him in “sweet surrender” singing, “Jesus you’re all I’m living for.” Only to add icing to an already worshipful album is the last track, *Soar*, written by Parachute Band drummer, Sam de Jong. Just sit back, relax, close your eyes, and surrender yourself, meditating on the Savior before listening to this album all over again!
Closing Thoughts
As a first sampling of Parachute Band, myself, I will admit I was truly wowed and amazed by the feeling of completeness this album achieved. Conceptually focused on “Love Without Measure,” the band has self-produced an album that I would like to see receive much more recognition than it may already have. If you like Newsboys, Hillsong, or even Delirious?, please at least take a listen to several tracks and consider making “Love Without Measure” something to add to your collection, or even consider some of their tracks for your own church’s praise and worship set.
I Am Empire Debut | Posted March-24-2011 The debut album by this San Jose based quintet, collectively called I Am Empire, and follows a similar pattern and sound expected from a band on Tooth & Nail Records. Produced in Nashville by Rob Hawkins with such artist credits as Disciple and Fireflight, Kings displays the band’s rock format through emotional displays of anger management while also recognizing God’s power and the amazing grace shown in the Savior, Jesus.
Led by vocalist Austin Lyons, the album starts out with the song Brain Damage. His vocal tone may be compared to Kevin Young of the band Disciple in this track and with the common elements of rock, from the guitars led by Andrew Stanton and Dan Otis, to the drumming styles of Eric Martin, Brain Damage only prelude to the heavier rock sound displayed on this record. Backing the lead vocals and accompanying on bass is Joshua Case, adding another essential element of rock. The next couple of songs, Heart Attack and Saints & Sinners show a release from struggle and abandonment that presents itself in a sound style reminiscent of the 1980’s big hair rock band days.
Hammers & Anvils offers the listener a display of the band’s skills in a slower tempo. Through all the heartache and pain recognized in the writer, he recognizes God as one to always be there regardless of the situation. “Oh it’s hope that has embraced me, and my God that won’t forsake me. Sweet Jesus you’re amazing. You save me every single time I fall down. Rain down your hammers and anvils, let’s build something great for the world to see….Rain down your love.” The next track, Love & Despair starts out with a short guitar solo before introducing the drums and then the vocals in this almost ethereal tune. Characteristically, this track displays an almost praise and worship-like sound, worthy of reaching for the sky and waving cellphones in the air. To The Moon follows, bringing back the 80s rock sound and transitioning into The Elevator to pick up the pace halfway thru the album.
Next up is Dig You Out, more of a pop-rock track that slows the album again before followed by the power ballad Take Me Away. You’re A Fake features great guitar riffs towards the end of the track and may be a reason for the decision to release it as a current radio single. Next to last, Foxhole picks up the pace again, showing off more of the band’s guitar driven rock in this anthem, stating “don’t stay, don’t stay, I never knew you anyway.” This song, along with the final track with it’s southern rock style, It’s Not Fair, goes back to the history of Austin Lyons and how he was writing in response to his biological and adoptive stepfather leaving his family behind.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, as a returning reviewer for Christian Music Review, it was a pleasure to review this album as it did grow on me and was quite catchy after listening it thru several times. Recommended for its music and production quality, it does lack a bit in the message department. Hammers & Anvils seems to be the richest in regards to bringing forth the message of God’s grace and the amazing love shown thru Jesus, but if you’re a fan of rock bands, such as Disciple and The Almost, I'd recommend at least taking a listen to the album. As far as creativity is concerned, the band and album is representative of the expected sound to come out of Tooth & Nail Records.
Official ChristianMusicReview.com Review! | Posted March-24-2011 The Atlanta-based quartet Echoing Angels, featuring uniquely sounding lead vocalist Trey Heffinger, has released their self-titled sophomore release as a very personal album, writing about personal struggles and emotions, yet serving as a guiding light for their fans, emphasizing the fact that God’s love will bring them through the hard times. After having struggled many issues as a band that would have many dismissing them as finished, this release serves as a new beginning for this soul-driven contemporary rock group. Compared to mainstream act Kings of Leon along with popular Christian act Needtobreathe, they also bring a combination of sound and feel that lines them up with the likes of greats such as Steven Curtis Chapman and Salvador.
“Say What You Believe” is the leading track of the album as well as a current radio single. Emphasizing not just living what you believe, but instead, this band makes a point to “shout it out loud” and “live it out loud.” Next up is “All I’m Living For” which is a very chill, relaxed song that merits putting down the windows and cruising while at the same time reiterating the mission the band serves by serving Him thru their ministry, spreading His word thru music. Going back to the band’s struggles, this song stresses how “He’s giving me a place to start again” and to move on, giving Him their all. The song also shows their southern-based quality and features an organ in the background. Highlighting the talent the band has, “Fire” slows down the pace as the band talks of how the Holy Spirit consumes us when we truly realize God’s love for us. The song almost wants you to raise your hands high and worship. “Taking Back Love” picks up the tempo a bit, climbing into a very catchy, hand-clapping track towards the end of the song. The song's basis comes from Hosea 6:1 (NIV), ““Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us….” “Burnin’ Through the City” is a fun, upbeat, contemporary ditty that brings in the comparison with Steven Curtis Chapman.
Another song to target radio on this album, and what could be the focal point of the album is “Give You Peace.” Dedicated to a friend of Trey Heffinger and his wife who died at an early age of a disease that caused her physical traits to fade away, she never lost her Love for the Lord. The song title is inspired from the words she heard from God while going thru a procedure, telling her that “I Will Give You Peace.” Truly a ballad that even may bring some to tears.
Slowly breaking out of the ballad, the acoustic guitar and cymbals lead “Love So Beautiful” in this song of praise and worship. Continuing the acoustic pace, “Sad Sad Tears” brings in the strings. Inspired by the wave of aid that helped during the Haiti earthquake tragedy, “Way Of Life” starts with the organ before breaking in a piano, asking the question “what would it be like if love was a way of life,” focusing on how it seems that the only times when love pours out is when tragedy strikes. The album concludes with two great upbeat and uplifting songs, “California” and “Leaving Here.” “Leaving Here” particularly calls us to go out and live The Great Commission. Showing their southern flare once again, the song also features the steel guitar and banjo! Perhaps the most fun of all the songs, it accentuates the fact that living God’s will CAN be fun!
Closing Thoughts
Overall, this album was one that had me on an emotional roller coaster. At the same time, it uplifts you and holds to the promises that God gives us. This album truly does present itself in a way that the words and music brought forth echoing angels.
Indie Artist Shines! | Posted January-21-2011
An older review, but meaningful when this album had come out:
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Wow. That word does little justice to the power of the album "Make A Way" put out by Becki Ryan, courtesy of Eb+Flo Records. From the first song, 'Be the Air,' it was quick to identify her vocals to be similar of big-name Christian Contemporary artists Nichole Nordeman, Natalie Grant, and especially Ginny Owens. Without giving much away, the sound of simple percussion and piano preludes the vocals of the first track, before the simple strumming of an acoustic guitar and harmonies fill the air.
From the liner notes, it can be assumed that the background vocalist Devon Devries is singing along with his significant other in the majority, if not all, the tracks.
Lyrically, there is no doubt, where the focal point of the album points. It is He who is above that is the primary focus in Becki's simple, yet 'goose bumping' music. In the second track, 'Revival,' the words speak of a specific need in this world…revival. Very powerful and strong words indeed. Each song carries its own powerful message.
As mentioned in the beginning, the music behind the lyrics is reminiscent of true creativity. The music does its job in supporting the lyrics, with the proper emphasis and instrumentation brought in at the right times. Each song carefully rolls into another, with no one song overtaking the other. Definitely, a very balanced album goes towards the production value of the album as well. One hopes to see this album played in the mainstream Christian circuit.
This album is highly recommended for those who like and enjoy a softer brand of music, though this album still truly rawks! Pop it in, close your eyes, sit back, and listen to the worshipful music that permeates the air from this very talented artist. We hope to hear more from her soon, and from my perspective, Rawk 'N Review gives Becki Ryan's album, ”Make A Way" 4.5 stars!
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