Birds & Cages
by
Deas Vail Well, this review has been a long time coming but finally, here it is. I'm usually a fan of Christian rock and will listen to softer Christian music every now and then. However, Arkansas' own Deas Vail...
Armistice
by
MUTEMATH I listen to a good chunk of music. I don't know all the words to every song I own. (mainly just the ones I'm extreme fans of) Mute Math has done it again with an outstanding sound. The first two tracks...
Up-Close And Personal Worship | Posted January-22-2012
There was less than a year between the 2011 Bethel Live project and The Loft Sessions, Bethel Music’s latest 10-track compilation of stripped-down worship tunes by a plethora of worship leaders. In this latest release you will hear how amazing God is in using his people both individually to write songs and collectively to bring those songs to your ears which will move your heart in an act of worship.
This collection of songs is not your typical worship album because it wasn't recorded in your everyday recording studio, nor was it recorded in a large arena like other Bethel projects. It was recorded live in a loft--thus the project’s name. Something else that makes it unique was the writing process. It was not a typical undertaking, according to songwriter/worship leader Jeremy Riddle. He shares his thoughts in a promo video found on the Bethel Music website. He said that the album really fell into place at production. If I hadn't heard the album prior to writing this review, Riddle’s comments would have sparked my interest to know what this project is all about.
Light cymbals and piano welcomes the album with "One Thing Remains.” The refreshing ooh's gives the album a comfortable opener, allowing the listener to sing along. The song talks about God's greatness and how he remains and never changes. My favorite line emerges in the chorus: "Your love never fails / never gives up / it never runs out on me." With this opener it's easy to imagine being in that loft praising God's never-changing love toward us. The song was written by Brian Johnson, Christa Black and Jeremy Riddle and can also be found on a handful of worship albums that released last year.
"My Dear" was written and lead by Hunter Thompson and has the most youthful sound on this release. It's a song driven by the joy we have because of Jesus and what he has done for us.
I'm not the biggest banjo fan out there. However, in "You Have Won Me" the instrument adds warmth; it works well within the loft setting. My favorite part is the bridge where the song builds: "Shout it out and lift up one voice in worship / Sing it out until all the earth can hear it / Jesus is alive and He saves He rescues and saves."
Jenn Johnson (Brian's wife) leads "Come to Me." In the promo video she talks about how God is speaking in this time of natural disasters in our world. God is calling us to come to Him because He is all we need. The song also reminds us to seek God and rely on his strength.
Jeremy Riddle's "Walk in the Promise" is a new mix with the Bethel team and I actually enjoy it more than the studio version. The title actually is a good description of what the song is about.
“You Know Me" declares the awe of God knowing us because he created us. "Angels" is a unique track because it's an invitation to the angels watching over us to sing along with us praise to the Father. My favorite track on the entire album is Jeremy Riddle's "Fall Afresh," where the words are as intimate as a prayer.
Closing Thoughts:
A great, up-close and personal venue brings this album to life and has God at the heart of the songwriting. I was very impressed with the mix. It's going to be difficult pulling a song to put in a shuffle playlist because it's so good as a whole. I'm already wanting to share these songs with the contemporary worship leader at the church I attend. It's early in the year but I can see this project being one of the top in the worship category.
A cool band from Arkansas | Posted December-19-2009
Well, this review has been a long time coming but finally, here it is. I'm usually a fan of Christian rock and will listen to softer Christian music every now and then. However, Arkansas' own Deas Vail remains my favorite artist. With their album "Birds & Cages" which released digitally and at shows October 27th, this is their best work yet. Produced by Mark Lee Townsend, (The Wedding, Relient K) "Birds & Cages" shows maturity from their debut full length "All The Houses Look The Same." The band signed to Mono Vs. Stereo, a branch of Gotee, and almost immediately released the album. The physical copy will be available everywhere on January 26th 2010.
Deas Vail is one of those artists that I can put on their album and hit play and not touch the dial because each song is worth the listen. However, my personal favorites on the album would have to be "Birds", "Cages", "The Things You Were", "Excuses", and "Atlantis" but each song on the album is as beautiful and full of meaning as the preceding track.
There's not much more I can say except that you should check them out. They're about to go on tour heavily in 2010 touring with Owl City and then with Copeland.
so far it hasn't gotten old | Posted August-25-2009
I listen to a good chunk of music. I don't know all the words to every song I own. (mainly just the ones I'm extreme fans of) Mute Math has done it again with an outstanding sound. The first two tracks get me really excited just because of how pump good music. I don't know how else to describe it. When I drive in my car, my sound system is "bumpin'".
There are a lot of slower tracks but they all hit home lyrically. I cannot wait to see them when the come to Dallas in October.
Favorite tracks are very hard to pick but the top 5 are "The Nerve", "Backfire", "Spotlight", "Goodbye", & "Pins & Needles. Those are the ones that just stick out for me. I may grow to love other tracks on the disk and other people may have their opinions.
I hope you consider purchasing "Armistice" if you're a fan of talented musicians that are just on fire with a message of hope to the world.
Dear Diary | Posted May-13-2009
Well it's been two years and nine months now since FM Static released their sophomore album "Critically Ashamed." Now before you go crazy over not knowing they even had a second album, it's ok. In my opinion it was a "flop." It did not do that well and definitely did not flow like the first album "What Are You Waiting For." FM Static is back though and this time coming at you with a concept album from start to finish. It reflects the thoughts and issues of a teen. The album as a whole is great in lyrics and music. Trevor McNevan and Steve Augustine have made huge steps into making this album blow the 2006 release out of the water. Dear Diary did debut into the billboard 200 at 199 which is somewhat impressive considering the status of FM Static. The band has two radio singles out from the new album: "The Unavoidable Battle Of Feeling On The Outside" on Christian rock and "Take Me As I Am" on Christian CHR. My favorite song on the album is probably "Boy Meets Girl (and Vice Versa)" mainly because it's got a catchy tune and I like the lyrics. Check out FM Static's album "Dear Diary" in stores and online (itunes) now! It'll be worth it.
Newsboys' "In The Hands of God" | Posted May-13-2009
So I'm a long time fan of the Newsboys, I grew up listening to them. Finally some new material! Goodness! I hate it when bands wait two and half to three years to give their fans something new. "Go" was great but come on guys, we need some material to keep us happy. It's also a shame that Peter Furler (the front man and songwriter) left the band. Peter, in my opinion was a pretty strong backbone. Anyways, enough of crying over the loss.
The new album "In The Hands of God" brings back Jody Davis (guitarist from 1993-2003) and has that classic Newsboys sound along with some new things musically. I really enjoy the music part this time around. It seems they've been holding back on the music mix the last couple full length, non-worship albums. Thrive and Go just lack the talent that I know the band has. I've seen them live, it has been a while though. I don't think I've seen them in concert for years. However, I know that they're talented musicians with a heart for the Lord and a mission to reach people who don't know Christ. This album is definitely a favorite for 2009. Though there are some songs that I'm not the biggest fan of, it's definitely a step up, thanks Newsboys for keeping up the hard work!
Favorite Tracks- "The Way We Roll" , "No Grave" , "In the Hands of God" , "My Friend Jesus" , "Lead Me to the Cross" , and "Dance"
don't get me wrong, the album is great, but those are my favorites.
"In The Hands of God" is in stores and online now! Go pick up a copy!
(for fans of pop/rock)
2008 Live CD/DVD from Newsboys | Posted October-27-2008
The new CD/DVD combo from the Newsboys is phenomenal. Very professional and classic Newsboys. Don't take my word for it, however it just goes to show the body of Christ can come together as one even if you're Australian! The Newsboys have been around for 20+ years and are still going strong. If you're a classic Newsboys fan you'll love hearing "Shine", "B Stage Medley", "Entertaining Angels", and "Breakfast". Even newer Newsboys fans will be blown away with great songs like "Wherever We Go", "Something Beautiful", "Stay Strong", and "Your Love Is Better Than Life" . Also there's great tracks for the Worship lovers. Songs like "Blessed Be Your Name", "Amazing Love", "He Reigns", and "I Am Free". This album altogether really shows how far the Newsboys have come and how they're still on fire for God and taking it to the masses.
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