Where's Our Revolution: Deluxe Edition
by
Matt I don't know if this is the fault of the artist or the management/production team. It seems like so many records these days sound formulaic, homogeneous and lack a unique spark.
Matt Brouwer's lyrics...
Hymned Again
by
Bart If you grew up in a church that used the hymnal, you'll probably enjoy Bart Millard's "Hymned Again" as much as I do.
Choosing all "classics" (with the exception of the original tune "Jesus Cares for...
Nice But Bland | Posted August-29-2008
I don't know if this is the fault of the artist or the management/production team. It seems like so many records these days sound formulaic, homogeneous and lack a unique spark.
Matt Brouwer's lyrics are good. The musicianship on the album is good. Matt's voice is very good.
However, this adds up to a mostly forgettable record. I would have to make myself listen many times before any of the songs stuck in my head. I know that some people are going to vehemently disagree. However, I'm more of a music guy than a lyrics guy, so if the music is boring, I have trouble paying enough attention to let the lyrics sink in.
The instrumentation and arrangements on this release all sound like stuff I've heard a thousand times before.
I don't mean to rag on this guy. I think I'd like to hear him live to see if he breaks out of the "Well, the producer says this is what gets played on Christian radio" mold. Maybe I should listen a few more times and come back with a review of the lyrics. This guy is young, and I do think he's worth keeping an eye on - maybe he'll develop a personal, identifiable style. I hope he does.
Dust off that Hymnal, Kids! | Posted August-28-2008
If you grew up in a church that used the hymnal, you'll probably enjoy Bart Millard's "Hymned Again" as much as I do.
Choosing all "classics" (with the exception of the original tune "Jesus Cares for Me" - a duet with Vince Gill, no less!), Bart and producer Brown Bannister have really put on an arranging clinic. Most of the songs have a New Orleans flavor in one way or another. "Stand Up For Jesus" is New Orleans jazz complete with banjo & clarinet. "I Saw the Light" is a swamp boogie. "What a Friend We Have In Jesus is a second-line style march that will have you picturing the umbrella-toting grand marshall (with a theremin solo thrown in for good measure).
It is so refreshing to hear these old, engrained-in-the-brain chestnuts updated, yet treated with immense respect.
Hats off to Bart, Brown, Vince and everyone else associated with this project!
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