The Elements of a Great Album | Posted October-26-2018
What You Need to Know:
On the Jesus Freak Cruise in 2017, TobyMac opened up about the season he went through after dcTalk announced their intermission. He wasn't sure if he was going to continue his career as a recording artist until he was approached to write the song "Extreme Days" for the movie with the same title. That song started the journey to the 2001 Momentum album.
Fast forward to 2018, and the Momentum album title has become prophetic. In the years since the album's release, TobyMac has been one of the biggest names in Christian Music. He has won numerous awards, and six of his studio albums have been RIAA gold certified. In October, TobyMac released his much-anticipated eigth studio album, The Elements.
What it Sounds Like:
While TobyMac has his own signature style, every TobyMac album has a fresh sound, and The Elements is no exception. In addition to the high-energy anthems you would expect, TobyMac has infused a blend of dance, soul, and hip-hop into this record.
The title track leads off the album with a strong rock/hip-hop hybrid anthem. The songs "I just need U.,""Everything," and "Edge of My Seat" are exactly what you would expect from a TobyMac album: high-energy dance grooves that get you on your feet and moving. Songs like "Scars," "Starts With Me," and "It's You" change it up with bit of soul over hip-hop beats.
Spiritual Highlights:
I picked out two strong themes from this album - a deep reliance on God and overcoming the past for a strong future. Through several of the songs, TobyMac preaches that whether we're up or we're down, we need God. When we put our lives and our sitations in God's hands, everything falls in line; when we keep our eyes on God, we see Him in everything around us and life is brighter.
TobyMac also reminds us that no matter where we came from or what we've done, there's a better day on the horizon with Christ. You're not the only one who's been where you are. You are no more loved by God just because you have scars, because we all have scars. It's part of living.
Best Song on the Record:
I'm going off of the beaten path and choosing "Starts with Me" as the best song on the record. I'm loving the smooth groove and the collaboration with Aaron Cole, and the message of the song resonates with me. It doesn't matter how you were raised or what circumstances are around you, change starts from within you. Whether it's breaking a cycle of addiction or unhealthy family traditions, you hold the keys to setting yourself free.
This is another solid album from TobyMac. After eight studio albums, he is showing no signs of slowing down and is continuing to raise the bar for Christian music. His faith in God is on full display with this album and it's contagious.
I've Got a Good Feeling, I Got to Tell Somebody | Posted September-13-2018 What You Need to Know:
Worship Pastor. Reality TV Star. CCM Artist. These are just a few of Austin French's accomplishments. After coming in second in ABC's Rising Star in 2014, Austin began the journey to pursue his goal of becoming a CCM artist.
After several months of releasing singles, Austin has released his first full-length album, Wide Open. I was able chat with Austin at The Uprising festival in Casper, WY, and you can read the interview here.
What It Sounds Like:
“I’ve got that good feeling, shouting it out cause I can’t contain it, I got to tell somebody.” Austin’s own lyrics share my feelings about this album!
To say that Wide Open is a Southern Rock album is overly simplistic. Throughout this album, Austin's vocals show exactly why he was a finalist on Rising Star. The vocals are clear and crisp and every note is on point, but with a little grit that gives Austin a sound all his own. Mandisa, who invited Austin on stage to perform with her at Uprising, said it this way: "That boy can SANG!"
Songs like "Wide Open,""Good Feeling," and "Born Again" will get you moving with their driving Southern Rock riffs. Austin also invites you to his personal worship sessions with songs like "Why God,""I Need a Hallelujah" and "In America." Austin's wife Joscelyn joins him for a beautiful and melodic worship duet in "Spirit Speak."
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
This album is the product of three years of prayer and writing, and it is evident in the lyrics. In my interview with Austin, he emphasized how he wanted to share the life that happened during those years, and hopes people are inspired by this album. I think he hit the mark and then some.
This album travels through all aspects of life. Songs like "Good Feeling" and "Freedom Hymn" celebrate life and the freedom we have in Christ. The title track, "Wide Open," talks about being obedient to God's will. Austin wrote "Why God" after the Parkland school shooting and you feel the heartbreak through the song, but also that God is in control all the way through. The song "In America" expresses our need for God in our land now more than ever.
Best Song on the Record:
While I've had the whole record on repeat for almost a week now, the song I keep coming back to is "Why God." The message of "I don't understand why these things happen, but I understand why God I need you. It's why God I run to your arms" is very powerful. This song feels like you're witnessing a personal worship session with Austin sitting at a piano and singing his heart's prayer.
“I’ve got that good feeling, shouting it out cause I can’t contain it, I got to tell somebody.” Austin’s own lyrics say it all. While Wide Open will get you moving, the most striking aspect of this album is how authentically Austin shares his life and his heart.
Dwell in Worship | Posted August-17-2018 What You Need to Know:
David and Nicole Binion are a husband and wife ministry team, working together for almost 24 years. They have toured the world working alongside a long list of artists, evangelists, and organizations. They have most recently been a part of Covenant Worship, a ministry based out of Covenant Church in Dallas, TX. They are launching Dwell Church in Fairview, TX, with the first services planned for September 9, 2018.
What it Sounds Like:
This album brings sounds from many years of experience in leading worship. I heard hints of Israel Houghton, Maranatha Praise, and Michael W. Smith throughout this album. As I listen to this album on repeat, I picture myself in an arena getting ready for a revival. Dwell is an album that will stand the test of time. The lyrics stand firm on eternal truths, and the vocals deliver those lyrics with contagious conviction.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
David dedicates one full track to delivering his testimony of the night that was the high watermark of all he has experienced. He declares that there is a move of God unlike any other that is swiftly approaching. He follows this with the song "I Can't Stay Here," where he sings "I can't stay here, asleep to how you're moving" and "You're breathing new life into dry bones."
In "Song of My Heart," Nicole declares "I'll stand on your promise, I will not be moved, Nothing can tear us apart".
Best Song on the Record:
The best song is a tie between two tracks. "Song of My Heart" reminds me of the worship at Promise Keeper events that my dad took me to as a kid. I can't help but want to jump as I'm singing along. However, I'm also captivated every time "I Can't Stay Here" plays. It stops whatever I'm doing and brings me into a time of worship.
David and Nicole are entering a new season in their ministry with the launch of Dwell Church. As stated on their vision for worship: "Dwell Church will be a body of worshipers who sustain a culture of worship and revival. Our heart's desire is that Dwell will be a revival center, a place of encounter. A house of presence, healing, and community." That vision is very apparent in this album.
Healthy Snacks for Your Ears | Posted July-08-2018 What You Need to Know:
Earlier this year, Seattle native Isaac Peabody was introduced as the newest member of Centricity Music. When NRT went live with Peabod, he told us that he started as a folk singer/songwriter and was making hip-hop beats for fun. The transition from folk to hip-hop started when he was encouraged to use those beats to write a song about his roommate Fletcher.
Peabod brings his musicality to the front with melodies that belong in the pop and R&B genres. While the songs tell a story, the delivery of the lyrics do not make the songs feel wordy. Each new track gives you a different flavor to keep you engaged throughout the album. Several tracks make me feel like I'm watching a sitcom, whether it's the theme song or a transition between scenes. Between the track and the lyrics, the songs are fun and bring you into a story like you were watching instead of listening.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
It's tough to pick out a highlight from this album since every song tells a different story. On "Summer of Fletcher," Peabod shares about his roommate, Fletcher, and the good influences that friends can have on us. "Ok" reminds us that no matter what happens, everything is going to be Ok. In "A PEAceful Outroduction," Peabod reminds us to be ourselves and that Jesus is the most important thing.
Best Song on the Record:
"Steady" wins the best song on the record for me. The melody is great, and the lyrics tell the value of finding a partner who loves God and makes us better with lyrics like, "You show me just how this grace thing works." The song starts with "What you're going to hear about today is nothing short of a miracle," which is what I think about my spouse marrying me.
AWOL But Not Missing | Posted June-09-2018 What You Need to Know:
It's easy to talk about Kevin Max as a part of dcTalk or Audio Adrenaline. However, he has not so quietly been making a name for himself as a solo artist. Since departing as the Audio Adrenaline frontman in 2014, he has released a new album each year, and 2018 is no different. After releasing Serve Somebody just days before last year's Jesus Freak Cruise, Kevin comes back this year with AWOL.
What it Sounds Like:
Kevin Max continues to defy expectations. On my first listen, I hit the play button expecting a solid rock album. What I got in return was a taste of the classics. I couldn't help but draw parallels to bands from the 80's like a-ha, UB-40 and Duran Duran.
With each listen, however, the uniqueness of this album becomes clear. Built on the foundation of strong and melodic bass lines, each track adds its own flavor, ranging from New Wave to Indie to Rock. Kevin's unmistakable vocals shine through as he delivers the poetic lyrics that only he can bring.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights:
In the song "Brand New Hit," Kevin sings "I am between two worlds, all the people from my past just want it to last. I am between two worlds, all the people from my future want a brand new hit", which I believe highlights the struggle between defining himself as a solo artist and the reinvigorated passion of dcTalk fans.
In the song "Half of the Better One," Kevin shows his romantic side as he sings "it's simple and it's sweet, you knock me off my feet for all eternity" and "when they say that two become one, I can safely say I am only half of the better one".
Best Song on the Record:
It's hard to pick the best song, but I'm most partial to the title track, "AWOL." This is the song that I think would be the best to see live.
For Fans Of:
a-ha, Duran Duran
Final Word:
Kevin gives us plenty to be excited about. Along with the new album, he has several shows listed for this summer, and I would anticipate more dates to be announced as the year progresses. In early May, dcTalk announced a second Jesus Freak Cruise in 2019. As reported in the JFC Alumni Facebook group, Kevin messaged in one of his Facebook groups: "Yes, this is indeed happening for 2019… however, as the rock&roll element in dcTalk, I will say that there is more to this intermission being over than just boat rides….. HOLD FAST!"
JakeFrederick_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
