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. ...
Oldie, But A Goodie! | Posted March-24-2011 Nearly 5 years since the last album release not solely dedicated to praise and worship, “Go,” definitely proves to be a landmark release for the Newsboys, easily noted by the ‘down under’ sound of front man Peter Furler. The first track on the album, ’Wherever We Go,’ brings back memories of the “Love Liberty Disco” days, fitting very well as the first track of the album, bringing in the talents of the whole band, including new guitarist Paul Coleman. The song brings a message of celebration and praise, reminding us of the party that takes place when God is present.
Next is the title track, ‘Go.’ The message of the track is simple and is reminiscent of the Great Commission. “Cover the earth, make disciples,” as one of the lines goes. God sends us all over the world to go and make disciples. Other favorites other than those already listed include the song ‘Something Beautiful.’ Bearing the mark of creativity brought by new guitarist Paul Coleman, its techno synth dance beat has feet moving and dancing. Bringing elements of the 80s, 90s, and today altogether is resounded in the whole album, such as the song ‘The Mission’ that brings to mind a faint reminder of the Flock of Seagulls hit, ‘I Ran’.
Once again, the theme of “Go” is present in the lyrical content of the song, calling us out to serve the mission Jesus started. Making its presence known on the album is also the studio recording of ‘I Am Free,’ made popular by Newsboys concerts and the live version played on radio stations nationwide. A few other songs to briefly mention include the song ‘Your Love Is Better Than Life’ which combines lyrical creativity in the verse, the style similar to that of the mainstream artist Beck, while the chorus is sung on how “Your Love Is Better Than Life,” talking of God’s love. For those familiar with ‘Belly of the Whale’ from the Veggie Tales ‘Jonah’ soundtrack will sense a familiarity in ‘Secret Kingdom’ as the sound is vaguely similar to the style from the fun song from the animated movie.
To end the album begins with the crackling sound of vinyl and presents a blast from the past as the song ‘Gonna Be Alright,’ gives us promises that although we may always be growing in Him and the times may be rocky, tough, or unknown, everything will be alright. It’s definitely difficult to go through the album without saying much about the songs as they each have their own personality and overall, this album definitely deserves at least 4 stars. For more information about the Newsboys and news of their upcoming tour, please check out their website at http://www.newsboys.com.
Overdue Review...But Still Worthwhile! | Posted March-24-2011
Three years since his last full-length album, “Welcome to Diverse City,” former dc Talk member tobyMac comes back in 2007 with “Portable Sounds,” an album in classic tobyMac form with his mix of hip-hop, rock, reggae, and everything in-between. Sure to be a hit among many old and hopefully new tobyMac fans, “Portable Sounds,” will prove to be a sure competitor in favorite albums by the highly creative and stylistic lyricist, producer, and father (more on that later).
The album consistent of 13 unique tracks starts with what will be a great live hit on his upcoming tour. “One World” features Joanna Valencia and with its groovy beat and hip-hop sound, “One World” will bring many to their feet. His first single from the album released to radio, “Made To Love”, comes second on the CD and having incorporated the hit in his “Winter Wonder Slam” tour, the song has already many people singing the ‘Na Na Na Na’ that is followed by a great reggae beat. By no means does Toby stop with the hits as he presents “Boomin.’” Lyrically the song brings reference to the wonderful diversity that he made apparent on his previous album, uniting everyone in the bass driven song. Once the song is finished, however, the track reveals an opera track sung by none other than Season 5 American Idol finalist Mandisa. This wouldn’t be her only appearance on this album.
Many of the other songs, such as “Face Of The Earth,” might remind some of Paul Wright, an artist signed on tobyMac’s record label, Gotee Records. It’s reminiscent groove talks about Jesus wanting us to open up the door He is knocking so that he may come into our life. And again…the end of the track presents us with a hint of the next song to come in a humorous fashion. That song, No Ordinary Love, features Nirva Dorsaint-Ready and balances the album out on a mellower level, starting with its brass intro, having followed “Face Of The Earth,” only to be brought back up in beat and guitar-driven rock with “Ignition,” lighting up the album once again with a rock/reggae/hip-hop beat, presenting the massive creative genius behind tobyMac’s albums.
Following “Ignition” is Toby’s son, Truett, as his alter-ego truDog, bringing an older version of the truDog from Toby’s previous album, taking control of his own track and making one wonder if he’ll outdo his dad someday. The next couple tracks again balance out the hype of the previous tracks only to again raise the house with “Feelin’ So Fly,” another hopeful hit that can again be an easy live hit. Nearing the end of the album, “No Signal” is a short reggae track only to be followed up by the closing track of the album, “Lose My Soul.” The concluding track features Kirk Franklin and Mandisa, reflecting on the business they all are part of and focuses on how though they may be lifted up among the masses by the public, they ‘don’t want to gain the whole world and lose’ their souls.
Overall, the album is one that has a large replay value among tobyMac and dcTalk fans. There are some personal preferences when it comes to the music of the album, hence the reason for the rating, however, this is by far an album one should add to their Christian music collection for enjoyment now and when the Mac comes to town.
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