Recorded live in concert at the Cascade Theater in Redding, California, vocal powerhouse Kim Walker-Smith leads a crew of supremely talented musicians, including her Jesus...
~~Produced by award-winning ace, Paul Moak, the debut record from Carrollton offers roots rockers a delicious slice of American(a) pie.
Comprised of frontman / guitarist Justin Mosteller, bassist Jordan Bailey, lead guitarist Jeremy Menard and drummer Michael Loy, the Kentucky-based combo recorded Breathe in Deep at Moak's famed Smoakstack Studio in Nashville.
The super-charged lead single, "Pass You By," gets the record off to a crunchy start. The song's initial guitar-driven, U2-like edge surrenders quickly to an undeniable Third Day charm, as it offers the powerful and intoxicating message, Breathe in deep and set your worry free — before the moment's just a memory. Don't let the beauty of this life pass you by. The track currently is garnering YouTube clicks at a fever pitch.
"This is Life" is another of the record's more high-octane tunes. And while "Red" makes for a catchy sing-along, the acoustic-based "Death Has Lost It's Way" is beautifully organic.
Laced with tight-knit vocal harmonies and a bold, yet simple message of faith, "You are Faithful" possesses a classic Gospel feel and is perhaps the record's highlight.
Even though I cannot see where You're leading me —
WHAMMY - I Discovered a Gem! | Posted February-14-2014
~~It's been three years since singer / songwriter / guitarist Jake Hamilton released his 2011 Top 10 sophomore effort, Freedom Calling. However, the one-time Jesus Culture worship leader has returned in 2014 with his band, The Sound, to offer a record that was well worth the wait — an energized, hard-hitting and passionate ten-song collection that can best be described as sounding like Jonny Lang-meets-Black Crowes at a Third Day aftershow party. Let's take a look at some highlights...
Packing plenty-o-punch and a mighty message, "Behold God is Great" is a songwriting collaboration between Hamilton and Dana Russell. This driving, alterno rocker serves as a powerful opener.
"I Love Your Presence" is a high-energy praise anthem accented by Seth Thomas' snappy "New Year's Day"-type drum work. And the hand claps actually sound like hand claps — bonus points, for sure. Every breath, is drawing you in. Come a little closer, come a little closer.
"Thank You" is a bona fide gem. Hamilton's honest and pure lyrics pinned against Dustin Lau's warm and rich keyboard / Fender Rhodes work makes for an engaging Magical Mystery Tour-meets-Tigerlily treat — but with a cooler message.
"Beautiful Rider" exemplifies the theory that less (production) is (often) more. Clocking in at just under six minutes, this predominantly piano / vocal epic offers a poignant description of Christ's return.
"I'm convinced there's no such thing as Christian music or art. I'm not
going to compromise or remove the name of Jesus, but simply be a real
person with a real sound and message the world needs to hear."
-Jake Hamilton
"Just Beyond the Breaking" not only is a beautiful poem, but also a fantastic showcase for Hamilton's impeccable acoustic guitar skills. The combination of his vulnerable vocal and the ambient background violin is simply magical. (Mac Powell's chest swells with pride as he listens intently.)
And then there's the cream of the crop, the pick of the litter, the best in show — "Never Let Me Down." This one is so gutsy, gritty, and downright fabulously funky, that it compels me to crack open a Red Bull and dance through the streets while shouting with reckless abandon.
Seemingly inspired by Romans 7:15-25, "Save Me" is a high-octane, get-to-the-point rocker — a golden goodie, to be sure. And Brian Campbell's driving bass line only adds to the track's "burn" factor.
A final highlight, "My Ballad to the Church of Laodociea" is a collective songwriting effort between Hamilton and his band. Edgy and chaotic-sounding, it offers perhaps the record's most profound message / challenge to listeners...
Greed will blind you to your weakness and need.
The love of power is the devil's seed.
Don't put your trust in the kingdoms of earth (and)
Don't climb a mountain with no eternal worth.
In a day when so much popular secular music serves as a mere platform to convey messages promoting the foolish lifestyles of its "artists," and contemporary Christian music seems controlled by "corporate" restraints, Beautiful Rider offers a bold breath of fresh air. BRAVO, JAKE!
I recently was sitting in class at my college university when out of the blue, a classmate leaned over and produced a book from the bottom of her striped canvas bag. "I bought this just for you. I thought that you could relate," she confessed. The book was Full Tilt by Atlanta-based author, Creston Mapes.
The second in Mapes' popular Rock Star Chronicles series, Full Tilt is the riveting 2006 sequel to his 2005 debut, Dark Star. In short, the series tells the fictional story of Everett Lester, the once out-of-control frontman for the platinum-selling heavy metal band, DeathStroke. A man battling many demons — the usual rock and roll suspects — sex, drugs, booze, greed, ego and the like, Lester ultimately experiences his own "Damascus Road" awakening and realizes his true life purpose. But even after discovering and accepting the love, grace and forgiveness of Christ, his troubles are far from over. Darn those Badinos!
Simply put, Full Tilt pushed all of my buttons. At the risk of abusing a perfectly good cliche', it literally had me on the edge of my seat as I burned through each chapter like a hot knife through butter (cliche' #2). In fact, Mapes' vivid accounts of mobsters, murder and meth often gave me chills.
Mapes is an amazing storyteller, captivating me with non-stop suspense while remaining focused on a broader faith-based message. From my own first-hand past experiences in the rock and roll world to my current path pursuing Christian ministry, I've personally lived out much of Full Tilt. Hence, I can endorse the story as being completely authentic and believable. Mapes paints his characters with Picasso-like precision — so real and endearing that I felt personally connected to them all — even those darn Badinos! So much, that I actually felt as if I was an unmentioned extra placed in the middle of every scenario.
But despite the gripping intrigue, Mapes presents greater messages — one of Christ's radical love, and a challenge to us all to love the unlovable. Solid stuff to be sure.
Although I'm somewhat accustomed to getting things bassackwards in life, I thought initially that I might miss something by diving into this two-part series in reverse. However, Full Tilt stands up just fine on its own — loud and proud. And I was left with no unanswered questions — that is until the very end, when I found myself salivating for Part Three.
Mightier than Motley and prettier than Poison, God's own glam band, Stryper, was perhaps the most important act of the arena rock era. And if you missed 'em the first time around, stand by for the "second coming"...
It's a peculiar predicament indeed. Established music artists still produce new product, but for an audience that is buying fewer and fewer (and fewer) records. We now live in an iWorld where Martha Quinn is in her 50s and The Breakfast Club generation has become the parents, and in some cases (GASP!) even grandparents. And they face a host of life issues far more challenging than merely "wanting their MTV." Yes, dealing with the PTA, the IRS and the AARP now presents a greater sense of urgency than running out to the local record shop to score U2's latest. Uh, did I just say, "record shop?"
There's a reason why classic rock radio stations everywhere still play "Sweet Home Alabama" every hour, on the hour. The typical over 35 "John Q. music fan" clings to his comfort zone with white knuckles. Plus, for the most part, even the "John Q.s" have discovered the convenience of buying and stealing music digitally. So, what's a seasoned artist to do in the wake of this ever-changing iWorld? Simply appeal to that audience's comfort zone — even if it means producing only tribute releases, "Greatest Hits" collections and live packages, as said artist rides off into the rock and roll sunset.
Embracing this new industry standard, the original, platinum-selling Stryper line-up of lead guitarist Oz Fox, drummer Robert Sweet, bassist Tim Gaines and frontman/guitarist Michael Sweet return in 2013 with their latest offering, Second Coming. Simply put, Second Coming is what it is — a re-recorded collection of the band's 14 beefiest early classics, along with two new bonus tracks added for good measure.
The revamped nuggets maintain maximum skull-crushing freshness, while the musicianship remains as superb as ever. However, Second Coming is less polished-sounding than many of the band's previous records — feeling more like a live album with no crowd — an awesome board tape from a really good (and lengthy) soundcheck.
But Lo-Fi isn't necessarily a bad thing. Overall, the raw production works just fine here. 1984's "Loving You," 1985's "Soldiers Under Command" and 1986's "The Way" represent some of the record's stronger efforts.
However, a few tunes seem to fall flat. Although "Loud 'N' Clear" certainly still rocks musically, the re-recorded vocals pack less punch and conviction than the original. Additionally, "Reach Out" feels sluggish, and the signature Stryper back-up vocals sound as if they've been replaced with tracks recorded by NFL linebackers.
As for the new tunes, "Bleeding From Inside Out" and "Blackened" both possess elements of the band's trademark style while also pointing to what a full-length new Stryper record might look like.
For recent and casual followers, Second Coming serves as an appealing "Stryper 101" showcase. However, longtime diehards may find greater satisfaction in the band's original recordings.
In sum, the biggest, best and brightest news here is that Second Coming once again brings Stryper's "Good News" message of Jesus Christ back into focus. And for that, I offer the band heartfelt kudos and give the record an enthusiastic "thumbs-up." C'mon Rock!
DELICIOUS! | Posted March-19-2013
YIKES! We live in such an angry, hostile world today. And in this abrasive age that's over saturated with Rap and Screamo "music," JJ Heller offers an oh-so welcome breath of fresh air.
In the stellar tradition of such singer/songwriters as Joni Mitchell, Sara Groves and James Taylor, Heller's latest release, Loved is a well-crafted collection of catchy and inspiring pop tunes. Produced by Ben Shive and Cason Cooley, this ten-song record is a collaboration between JJ Heller and her writing partner/husband, David Heller.
The songs contained in Loved are sweet and delicate, yet captivating and uniquely personal. And in Heller's signature fashion, her engaging vocals are combined with angelic melodies — making for a perfect vessel in which to project honest and pure messages of love, hope and faith.
Loved kicks off with "If You Fall" — a compelling statement of true love... If you fall, I fall with you. If you hurt, I feel it too. Even if my heart turns black and blue, I will love you.
A true highlight, "For You" offers a bold testament... If I can talk, then I will sing for you. If I can walk, then I will dance for you. As long as I can breathe, my heart will beat for you.
Reminiscent of Alison Krauss, "Redemption" is a delightful treat. It's an amazing, uplifting song of promise and encouragement... Someday we will remember how to fly. Then we will rise like embers burning bright. Everything broken will be whole again.
The title track, as well as "Create in Me" and "Stay" are all beautiful and delightful gems in the vein of Sara Groves — offering wonderful words of inspiration.
"Better Things" is another record highlight... I have a mission that is only mine to fill. Fear may try to blind my eyes, but it can never break my will. Hey, is that a fiddle I hear in the background? If so, kudos! This one sounds simply amazing.
An edgier-sounding track, "Come Back to Me," reaches out to someone who is clearly in need of love and compassion... I hate to see you all alone. You won’t find what you’re looking for. Your home is never far away. I’ll be here when you come back to me.
The notion of losing a child is simply unimaginable to any parent. But JJ and Dave tackle this issue eloquently in the record's debut video single, "Who You Are."
Loved comes to a powerful end with Heller's beautiful and personal love letter to God — "I Believe"... The truest things I know are those I cannot see. From my birth to my dying day, I believe.
Yes, at a time when I find myself growing increasingly disenchanted with current pop culture, JJ Heller's wonderful new record certainly gives me something to cheer about.
Tal & Acacia's masterpiece debut, Wake Me arrived in stores and at online retailers via the Provident/Sony label in 2010. The record garnered national radio airplay over the next two years as the duo toured the U.S. extensively and their songs were placed prominently in both movie and television soundtracks.
In 2013, the Nashville-based sister duo returns with their self-produced, independently released sophomore effort, Black and White. And in the grand tradition of such acknowledged pop kingpins as The Beatles, The Buggles and The Bangles, Tal & Acacia have further spread their creative wings — delivering a rock solid piece of work that exemplifies their ever-maturing songwriting and offering a plethora of infectious Brian Wilson-like earworms.
Recorded, engineered and mixed by Joe Hutchinson at Carport Studios in Nashville, Black and White is more organic-sounding than T&A's debut — due primarily to the luscious Richard Carpenter-caliber layered vocal arrangements, the warmth and beauty of the oft used Rhodes piano and the oh-so fat live drums. In addition to the sisters' own stellar vocal, guitar and keyboard contributions, the support cast of bassist Loren "Snoopy" Clark, drummer Kyle Hicks, violinist Jesse Hale and percussionist Almichael Rodgers also all deserve kudos for their super rock star performances.
Standout tracks including, "Once Upon a Time," "Shoulders" and "All in All" further showcase the duo's retro-sounding pop style. And with its super groovy "Ooh, la da dee la, da" sing-along chorus, "That's Me" is also a tremendous gem.
However, despite my personal penchant for their snappier ditties, a few of the record's slower tempo tunes actually shine the brightest. Clearly referencing Scriptures, the blues-flavored "Stone" and the delicate "Ninety-Three," both address a personal love relationship with Jesus Christ.
Sweet and subtle, "Hands" is not only the crowning jewel of the record, it also serves as a vivid audio snapshot of the duo at their absolute best. And in the spirit of full disclosure, I'll admit that this one is so powerful that it actually gives me heart palpitations and makes breathing difficult. In fact, it likely will soon prompt intergalactic hipsters to ask earnestly, "Adele who?"
What I continue to find most compelling about Tal & Acacia's music is that they aren't shy about combining bold messages of personal faith with their everyday life experiences. Although it's a road less traveled by many of their contemporaries, it's an honest and refreshing approach that only makes sense, as Christians do fall in and out of love — we walk our dogs, go to the movies and all sorts of other "normal" stuff. Shocking, I know.
But jeez Louise, three years is a flippin' long gap in between records. So, was it worth the wait? Oh, double heck yeah to the tenth power! In fact, Black and White is such an exciting record, it compels me to put on crazy-looking pants and do funny dances through the streets as I shout with joy.
Recorded live in concert at the Cascade Theater in Redding, California, vocal powerhouse Kim Walker-Smith leads a crew of supremely talented musicians, including her Jesus Culture cohorts, drummer Josh Fisher, bassist Brandon Aaronson and guitarists Jeffrey Kunde and Skyler Smith in this hour-plus treasure.
Long on highlights and jam-packed with Bat Out of Hell-length Spirit-filled epics, Still Believe kicks off mightily with "Alive" — one of the most chilling songs that I've heard in a (very) long time. In fact, Still Believe was released only a few weeks ago and already I've heard a band cover this tune.
Other highlights include "Waste it All" and "The King is Here" — two gems that ooze honest, pure passion and emotion.
Possessing true "Born to Run"-like warmth and beauty, "Yield My Heart" offers absolutely brilliant string performances from Lewis Patzner, Anton Patzner, Hannah Jeanpierre and Allison Wyatt, as well as from Dwayne Corbin on glockenspiel. Kudos, kids!
More than a highlight, the Jim Steinman-like arrangement and seven-minute performance of "Miracle Maker" is a show-stopping masterpiece.
Throughout Still Believe, Kim delivers numerous Spirit-led revelations — particularly during the title track when she boldly proclaims, "Pain has no place. Disease has no place. Sickness has no place. Weariness has no place. Depression has no place in your presence Lord." Wow, now that's some good preachin' right there!
Still Believe ends as strong as it begins, with the record's crowning jewel, "Healing Oil." And how else but in the Spirit can two simple lines, a mere twenty-one words, morph into an eight-minute opus?
I can feel your healing oil running down my brow.
I wouldn't trade another lifetime for how I feel right now.
(from "Healing Oil")
In sum, Still Believe is a must-have record, indeed!
Christopher-Long's Music and Book Reviews 
