The Invitation
by
Meredith I'll be honest, first when I heard Meredith Andrew's single "You're Not Alone" on the radio, I wasn't that impressed. It seemed like typical CCM with that ever famous vibe Point of Grace created in the...
Opposite Way
by
Leeland I discovered Leeland when they were announced as guests for YC Newfoundland 2008. They were announced at the previous year's event, so as soon as I got home, I purchased 'Sound of Melodies'. I was blown...
B4UD8
by
As a HUGE Hayley Dimarco fan, I always try to pick up her newest books, and B4UD8 was no exception. B4UD8 relates biblically sound truth in an interesting and relevant way.
The eight tips shared throughout...
Solid, but not A Standout | Posted August-20-2009
I discovered Leeland when they were announced as guests for YC Newfoundland 2008. They were announced at the previous year's event, so as soon as I got home, I purchased 'Sound of Melodies'. I was blown away!! The songs, the lyrics, the music, and the incredible vocal abilities of Leeland Mooring surprised me.. but I was so pleased. So, needless to say, when Opposite Way was released, I rushed to buy the album, and received it for my birthday.
When I first started playing Opposite Way - I'll be honest, I was slightly disappointed. It was SO different from 'Sound of Melodies' - much rockier, and a lot less worship. There were no songs that compared to the amazing lyrics, music, and worship that were found in 'Beautiful Lord' and 'Carried to the Table' on the debut album. However, as I listened to the CD over and over, some of the newer songs grew on me, and I appreciated the album for what it was - a new, diverse, but still amazing, Leeland sound, that was completely different than the debut - not a continuation.
Songs like 'Count Me In' are a new venture for Leeland - but the electric guitars pumping & the high energy sound, along with the spiritually sound lyrics, are very catchy & attractive - and sound absolutely incredible live!
Another stand out track on the CD for me is 'May Our Praise.' Although I hadn't really listened to the song much, after hearing Leeland play this song live, I was astonished by how incredible this song was, how worshipful, and how amazing the lyrics were. The piano riffs & the words are so powerful combined.
These two tracks were the only real 'stand outs' for me - and this album lacked the number of stand out songs that stick in your head like the debut had. However, all the songs were solid & catchy - and for that reason, I give this CD three stars.
"The Invitation" Invites Us To Worship! | Posted August-20-2009
I'll be honest, first when I heard Meredith Andrew's single "You're Not Alone" on the radio, I wasn't that impressed. It seemed like typical CCM with that ever famous vibe Point of Grace created in the early 90s. But, after I'd heard the song a few times, I really listened to the lyrics, and the musical creativity within the song, and the song begin to grow on me. Before I knew it, I was asking for Meredith Andrews' album for my birthday, and, soon I was hooked.
Few artists have the lyrical depth that Meredith Andrews illustrates. Lyrics like "Take me through the desert places, for the chance to see your face. Take me through the breaking waves, into the depth of your embrace", in the song Deeper and "Still our eyes are blinded by the culture, by the lies, we can't see that we're filthy, we're fallen, we're dry.." in the song The River are much deeper than I'm used to seeing in a typical praise and worship album. Her lyrics are deep enough to stir up and challenge even the most theological of listeners, but are simple and catchy enough to learn quickly and sing along.
Along with that, the music on this album is extraordinary! Meredith Andrews has an INCREDIBLE voice, and her gentle, yet powerful voice draws you into the presence of God. The piano rifts in particular on this album, are very creative, and create a worshipful atmosphere.
The only flaw in this album is that there are not enough fast songs. The fact that two versions of "You're Not Alone" (acoustic & regular) are included is disappointing, as both versions are much too similar. More variety in tempo would have made this album more enjoyable!
Meredith Andrews' debut album is definitely a hit in my mind - and is perfect for playing in your car, or listening to in worship.
B4UD8 - Read It Before It's Too Late! | Posted August-19-2009
As a HUGE Hayley Dimarco fan, I always try to pick up her newest books, and B4UD8 was no exception. B4UD8 relates biblically sound truth in an interesting and relevant way.
The eight tips shared throughout the book are relevant to young people - whether they have never dated or have dated a million times! Even people in serious relationships can benefit from reading this book, and being reminded of how important it is to have your own life, and to look for red flags within your relationship.
The book's conversational tone, and its blunt honesty are refreshing in a world where dating books tend to be boring, and only outline boundaries for "how far is too far." This book talks very little about actual physical purity, but reading it gives you a new determination to honour Jesus in every area of your dating life. And, honestly, by applying all the standards in this book, the struggle for purity becomes less of an issue.
The only disappointment that I found in this book was the constant use of "texting lingo." I know that texting lingo is supposed to be 'relevant' and was probably used in an attempt to relate to teenagers, but honestly, the book would've been a million times better without it! At times it just made the book confusing, and came across as 'trying a little too hard.'
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book to other teenagers, but would advise the authors to tone down the texting lingo 'b4 they write again'
juliac24's Music and Book Reviews 
