Returning to Nostalgia | Posted May-03-2024 What You Need To Know
The hit movie Unsung Hero is out in theaters now. It tells the story of the Smallbone family's immigration to the United States and their early foray into the music business. Joel and Luke Smallbone, better known as for KING + COUNTRY, are at the forefront of contemporary Christian music in 2024. This collection of songs serves as their latest album and an "inspired by" soundtrack, a testament to their collaborative effort in producing the film.
What It Sounds Like
The album is primarily composed of various covers relevant to the brothers Smallbone. These songs from the 1980s and 1990s are given sonic updates to fit with the current popular sounds of for KING + COUNTRY. Iconic contemporary artist, Michael W. Smith's "Place in This World," was a big hit in 1990, but the original sounds a tad dated by today's musical standards. for KING + COUNTRY magically updated the song so well that one could be forgiven for forgetting that it's not one of theirs. Iconic contemporary artist Amy Grant's "Lead Me On" is another song that follows such a tradition. It helps that both original artists make guest appearances on their respective songs. These songs make me wish more popular classic Christian hits could be updated by the band.
The band also recorded a few mainstream covers, such as Rod Stewart's "Rhythm of My Heart," and the results are equally as good. Worship standard "I Surrender All" and Rebecca St. James hit "You're The Voice" also help round out the track listing. While I would have preferred a different Rebecca St. James song than one that was already a cover to start, I can't argue that the Smallbone brothers still do a good job. The only real misfire on my end is the rapped verses of "To Hell With The Devil." While I respect the effort to offer a radically different interpretation of the song, the result clashes with both the original song and for KING + COUNTRY's stylistic strengths.
There is some original material to be had here. "Checking In" is a country duet with Curb labelmate Lee Brice that fits well with the album's parental themes. "She Believes" is a classic for KING + COUNTRY song both thematically and musically. It is classic, as the song was originally done when the duo was still playing as Joel and Luke. While this could easily be a one-off track, there are a lot of old songs from before they were signed that I would like to revisit. The title track originally from What Are We Waiting For (and its transition track outro) reappears here. The song was a highlight of their last album, although I would've liked it to be reimagined some if it were to be reused again. Or at least to have the two tracks made one for playback ease. But these are minor nitpicks in the grand scheme.
Spiritual Highlights
The album tackles mostly relationship themes, although some of these relationships are more parent-child than romantic. The title track's tribute to the Smallbone parents remains touching, as does the paternal "Checking In," which should be a perfect song for Father's Day. The coming-of-age journey of "Place in this World" remains relevant.
Best Song
I have to give this one to the stellar cover of "Place in This World," which is a solid update of a timeless classic.
This is a very well-done project from start to finish. Whether longing for the nostalgia of hits past or a new fan eager to devour the latest from one of Christian music's premier acts, this album is a winner. I hope we see more projects like this in the future.
Album Review: The Restoration Part 2 | Posted January-06-2024 What You Need To Know
With an impressive mainstream tenure as part of Spock's Beard and Supergroup Transatlantic, Neal Morse entered a bold new phase of his career in the 2000s after coming to know Christ. His solo work as a Christian rock artist balances a big classic rock sound with stirring cinematic instruments. His latest work is a two-part rock opera on Joseph, the renowned Old Testament biblical hero. Part one was released last year, and now Neal's ready to release part two: The Restoration.
What It Sounds Like
Fans of classic Christian rock will find a lot to love about Morse's latest. The songs overflow with juicy guitar breakdowns and key-driven hooks. The opening track, "Cosmic Mess," even boasts some horn sections. Some vocal deliveries experiment with dramatic and atmospheric sounds that help set them apart from your standard radio choruses.
Morse assembled an all-star team of guest vocalists for this release to help round out the project. Notable presences include Jake Livgren of Kansas, former bandmates of Morse's from Spock's Beard, and even Matt Smith of Theocracy. These artists make the project feel fuller and offer a satisfying conclusion to Joseph's musical story.
Spiritual Highlights
The songs all work together to tell the story of Joseph, as found in the Book of Genesis. Being one of the more well-known stories of the Bible, most are likely familiar with the broad strokes of the story. Morse's lyrics offer some characterization and internal reflection that deepen appreciation of the story. At times, there's also an angle of the lyrics relating beyond the narrative to apply to our own lives.
Neal Morse delivers a stirring classic rock concept album that will please fans worn by the monotony of many modern musical trends. Those willing to step outside the box will find a unique musical journey to appreciate a beloved biblical story.
Album Review: Justin Gambino - Made New | Posted September-18-2023 What You Need To Know
Made New, the second full-length studio recording from acclaimed singer/songwriter Justin Gambino, is now available everywhere. Produced by Nashville-based session player and producer Walter Halliwell, the release traces Gambino's prodigal years and the grace and mercy he embraced upon his return to the Father.
What It Sounds Like
Justin Gambino offers fans a joyous and accessible sound that evokes the best contemporary Christian music and country and southern rock flavors. Single "Fighting On My Behalf" brings to mind the modern pop stylings of bands like for KING + COUNTRY, while "Courage" sprinkles in more country influence than many of the synth-filled pop dominating Christian radio right now. "A Father's Heart" carries a more emotive delivery and serves as a stirring ballad that will indeed be convicting for many listeners. Other low-key offerings include the title track and "Bring Me Home," balanced with more energetic offerings like "Riding With You."
Spiritual Highlights
Gambino has a fantastic testimony. This background in the music gives his lyrics a driving honesty and realism. "Mercy" proclaims the greatness of what God has done for us and what this compels us to do for our fellow brothers and sisters. "Fighting On My Behalf" and "A Father's Heart" also proclaim solace of finding Christ amid our struggles. "Courage" sees Gambino answering Christ's call to continue facing life's challenges with Christ's help.
Justin Gambino has produced an album of joyful country-tinged contemporary Christian pop/rock that will connect with listeners. With an earnest delivery and a sound that balances being grand and intimate, Gambino keeps the listener's attention with a significant and encouraging message to be courageous amidst challenging times.
Julie Elias - The Dreamer Review | Posted April-20-2023 What You Need To Know
Julie Elias is an independent singer/songwriter. Her newest album, The Dreamer, was birthed in the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. After a 5-year absence of new music, Elias offers a jam-packed 16 track release full of both originals and covers, with styles that cover a broad range of styles.
What It Sounds Like
Julie Elias doesn't fit too easily into a musical box. Songs like "Free" and "The Dreamer" prove to be Contemporary powerhouse tracks, while "Mojave" packs in some rock energy. Covers of "You Make Me Brave" and "Goodness of God" show that Elias can deliver a rousing rendition of worship standards. "Stampede" and "Radiant Love" balance pop and country sensibilities to produce choruses that soar. Whether Elias is turning up the guitars to drive home a rocking energy, mixing in sweet pop synths, or adding a flair of country, she rises to the challenge. Her strong vocals are able to fit into a lot of different styles easily, sounding crisp and clean without sounding pitchy or overproduced. Without the meddling of record label influences, Elias can better showcase her own vision for her music.
Spiritual Highlights
Born from the struggles of COVID lockdowns, a lot of these songs carry worshipful messages of hope. "Free" can work both metaphorically for the freedom found in Christ as well as the freedom of exiting isolating. The title track sings of how God loves and encourages us to follow the dreams He's placed on our hearts. These songs all speak to the darker places that many of us find ourselves in trying times, and how Christ is the Light that can illuminate the way forward.
With a varied musical signature, Julie Elias has provided an album that is both energetic and reflective, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser for those who discover it.
Kate Stanford - King of Angels Review | Posted December-11-2022 What You Need To Know
Kate Stanford, a rising vocal star in the world of Christian Music. A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kate grew up singing anywhere she could lend her voice. Over the past few years, however, the young artist has been focused on her craft. In 2019, one of her first solo shows was an opportunity to open for Jaci Velasquez. In 2021, she released her first Christmas EP.
What It Sounds Like
Kate Stanford brings a gentle and earnest voice to some classic Christmas hymns in this festive EP. Sandford's voice brings a very angelic quality that would feel at home in many Churches. Her rendition of "Joy to the World" comes alive in a unique chorus that helps make the song her own. All of Sandford's offerings here play with these oft-covered carols in ways that help them feel unique. Whether it's using another song as a bridge or tweaking the melody to renew focus on the song, it helps the EP's trim track listing capture your attention well.
Spiritual Highlights
With the EP being entirely renditions of standard Christmas hymns, the faith themes are fairly obvious. While the songs may be so common to our ears that their often profound statements of the newborn king often get muddled, sometimes it just takes a new voice to get us to meditate on them a little bit closer. Whether it's the intimate longing for our savior of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" or the wondrous joy proclaimed in "Joy to the World." In a world of rocking around Christmas trees and simply having a wonderful Christmastime, sometimes a little "Heaven and nature sing" can be just the reminder we need.
The Union of Sinners and Saints - One More Shot Album Review | Posted September-01-2022 What You Need To Know
The Union of Sinners and Saints has proven themselves a supergroup of Classic Christian Rock. With prominent members of both Petra and Whiteheart, the band feels like a time capsule in music form. The band's been working on a sophomore album for a while now and they're finally ready to unleash it on the music world.
What It Sounds Like
John Schlitt has one of the all-time great rock voices. Overflowing with 80's arena rock goodness, his iconic vocals are instantly recognizable and add power and gravitas to whatever he sings that elevates it. It's what made Petra such a powerhouse presence during his 20 years fronting the band, allowing them to transition successfully from the departure of another popular vocalist.
Schlitt brings those power vocals to TUOS&S. And while the music carries some of that 80's synth hooks, such as on the Russ Taff cover "I Still Believe," it would be inaccurate to write this off as just like Petra. With bluegrass and country influences, The Union explores a bit more varied territory, while still undeniably feeling the influences of its members' former bands. "One More Shot" and "10,000 Strong" all bring energy and grit. "Group of Songs" offers an acoustic medley of Petra and White Heart ballads that is both nostalgic and intriguing to hear the songs in a different setting. Those who grew up on Petra worship will be pleased with their covers of standards "God of Wonders" and "Reckless Love."
Spiritual Highlights
When a bunch of musicians from the 1980s and 1990s Christian music writes music, you can bet it's going to be blunter in its themes than a lot of the safer modern music. "10,000 Strong" is a militant rebuke of the enemy and a reminder of the assured victory of Christ. "One More Shot" sings against those who refuse to see the truth in front of them. "I Still Believe" sings of keeping your faith in tough times. While perhaps the heavy hand might come off a bit cheesy in a few spots, it's also refreshing to see lyrics with such an uncompromising tone.
Best Song
Album closer "We Are The Broken" boasts some of the band's best melodies on the album. With a fine blend of a more emotive chorus and edgier guitar elements, this is a sure-fire crowd-pleaser.
Fans of Classic Christian Rock will be eating this up. With John Schlitt's classic vocals against a bombastic rock sound, this album balances the stylings of the big hair hard rock with modern production. Together, they work to make a solid rock release that feels like a melding of musical eras.
Album Review: Newsboys - Stand | Posted September-30-2021 What You Need To Know
After wrapping up their final commitments of their Newsboys United-era, iconic Christian contemporary band the Newsboys seem to be ready to continue the direction they were taking with 2013's Restart and 2016's Love Riot. So, in 2021, the band is back with a new album, Stand, a fun and poppy return to the Michael Tait era of the Newsboys. For those new to the Newsboys, Michael Tait is the band's current lead singer.
What It Sounds Like
It's weird, considering that Restart is closing in on a decade old and Love Riot is over five years old. And yet, these are the most recent albums that seem to be continuing the "standard" albums of the Tait era. Since Tait joined the band, the Newsboys seem to be in a pattern of normal release/worship project cycle. With two to three years between albums, this has created quite a gap from standard project to standard project. United, a multi-year reunion with the band's previous members, shook up the formula. But their 2021 album, Stand, sees the band taking up where they left off with their sound in 2016's Love Riot.
Lead single "Magnetic" displays the best of the Newsboys' upbeat energetic pop/rock and is a strong introduction to this new collection of songs. The title track is the kind of rousing, inspirational anthem the Tait era has also made a huge signature of. Don't be surprised to hear this song in trailers for Christian films in the coming months.
Spiritual Highlights
The Newsboys have long been advocates of standing up for Christ against the world, and that theme cuts through several of the album's cuts, most notably in the title track.
Songs like "Magnetic" and "Ain't It Like Jesus" offer rousing praise to our savior for his work in our lives. "Never Too Far Away" is a song encouraging those who have strayed to return to the arms of a loving God.
Best Song
The title track is probably the strongest cut from this class of Newsboys songs.
For Fans Of
MercyMe, Tait, for King & Country
Final Word
While fans will undoubtedly miss the United era, the Tait era of the Newsboys was always a crowd-pleaser, and Stand sees that era continuing in strong form.
Album Review: Crowder - Milk & Honey | Posted June-10-2021 What You Need To Know
It's Crowder's 4th solo album! Kind of enough said right there. Crowder's one of the most iconic presences in Christian music today, both in terms of appearance and sound. Whenever he drops a new album, you know it'll be something to pay attention to.
What It Sounds Like
Lead single "Good God Almighty" is a definite product of Christian radio right now. With a call and answer chorus and a funky groove permeating the verses, the song is a definite foot-tapper designed to get people out of their seats and clapping around. Several other songs follow in a similar vein, with Crowder's signature folk-funk style driving the songs home. The title track is primed for similar commercial appeal with these same ingredients. "Who's Gonna Stop the King" manages to be an album highlight, with soft worshipful verses that explode into a rocking power chorus. "Hallelujah For Every Broken Heart" has "Christian Radio Hit" written all over it, with a rousing chorus that both praises the savior and encourages the discouraged. Every part of its composition seems to be made to resonate with radio fans. But "The Anchor" proves that Crowder still knows how to pen an emotive low-key ballad with spine-tingling execution.
Spiritual Highlights
Crowder is always good for lyrics that aren't afraid to play around with some words toward a greater theme. Lead single "Good God Almighty" reorients a phrase commonly used in a blasphemous way into a straight up praise anthem. Many of the songs deal with the power of God like "Who's Gonna Stop The King" and "In The House." "Hallelujah For A Broken Heart" offers encouragement to those going through stormy seasons. Common themes for Christian music, but delivered in signature Crowder style.
Best Song
"Who's Gonna Stop The King
For Fans Of
For King & Country, Unspoken, Zach Williams
Bottom Line
Crowder is always reliable for putting out albums that stand out from the pack. Milk and Honey is no exception and will surely be one of 2021's landmark releases in the genre.
Album Review: Marc Martel - Thank God It's Christmas EP | Posted November-18-2020 What You Need To Know
Former Downhere co-frontman Marc Martel has become one of the most successful Indie artists around, carving out a few unique niches for himself in an ever-changing music landscape. In addition to his uncanny vocal likeness to the late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, Martel has kept a foot in the door of the Christian music market with an annual release of Christmas EPs and singles that have brought him much success on radio charts. For years, fans have been clamoring for Martel to release the one song that serves as an overlap of the two. 2020's Christmas EP finally gifts fans their long-standing wish.
What It Sounds Like
If Martel has proven anything about his musical personality through the years, it's that he's more than eclectic. Martel can tackle everything from edgy rock to opera and make it sound amazing. His Christmas musical offerings have spanned from modern pop/rock to operatic, to 1950s throwbacks. His new EP offers a mix of many sounds of the season. Lead single "Christmas Waltz" offers the duet of the album (another of Martel's Christmas trademarks), featuring the legendary Amy Grant. The track is appropriately retro in feeling as if 2020's production reached back in the 1950s to snag this performance. For those familiar with the song, Martel's rendition is fairly straightforward, but his penchant for vocal surprises keeps the song fresh with little flourishes here and there to make it special.
A cover of The Drifters' version of "White Christmas" is a refreshing break from the increasingly stale covers of the standard arrangement. Martel does this iconic version justice and it fits well with his bombastic musical personality. (For those who don't recognize the original artist's name, it's the version playing during Kevin's classic comb mic moment in Home Alone.)
Two tracks, in particular, are likely to stand out to listeners the most. One of them is perhaps the most surprising inclusion on this EP, a cover of Lauren Daigle's "Light of the World." Daigle hails from Centricity Music, the record label Downhere called home for many years. This was her debut single, before How Can It Be's quinfecta of No. 1 singles lit the Christian music charts on fire or "You Say" kicked down the door to the mainstream. Daigle's version was hauntingly beautiful and powerful. The bar was quite high for Martel to reach, and yet he somehow delivered. Martel's version of the song doesn't really change much up from Daigle's, and yet the delivery hits all the dramatic and emotional notes. Martel's powerful voice soars and echoes into a truly memorable climactic finish.
And of course, there's the title track, the song Martel's fans have been begging him to record for years. In all their years as a band, Queen wrote but one Christmas song: "Thank God It's Christmas." After the troubles of 2020, Martel must've been moved to finally record his take on the song. While the original Queen version is dripping in 80's synth goodness, Martel instead opts for more jazzy Gospel-infused offerings, with his signature vocals still front and center. I suspect fans will respond well to it.
Spiritual Highlights
With secular and well-known standards usually the centerpieces of most Christmas projects, spiritual highlights are often harder to come by in Christmas projects. For this project, "Light of the World" offers the most spiritual meat with its worshipful chorus and focus on the birth of Christ. "Thank God It's Christmas" always stood as a bit of a prayerful player in the catalog of Christmas songs, even if "Thank God" becoming so commonplace a phrase in our vernacular drained the words themselves of some of their punch. Still, when you look at the lyrics themselves, they present as a sort of song of thanksgiving to God for the Christmas holiday after a long and difficult year. Since the original version's release, the power of this perspective has perhaps never been so plain to the world as it is in the year 2020. With more bad news around every corner and no signs of 2020 bowing out quietly, the "magic of Christmas" has perhaps never been craved more. As Christians, we intellectually know the power and importance of the birth of Christ into our world. Sometimes we can sort of lose sight of the true impact that should have on us. As lockdowns threaten more and more of our holiday traditions this year, it's a chance to truly lean into the "reason for the season" we all preach so much about every year, and yet often ourselves forget.
Now, I doubt Queen originally intended the song to be used as such a spiritual catalyst. And yet, with Martel's release of the song this year, we truly have an opportunity to use the song to meditate on what's really important and on what Christmas truly means. When we thank God for Christmas after a truly long, hard year, let's remember that whatever is missing this year for Christmas in quarantine, the real meaning of Christmas is still there.
Marc Martel expands his Christmas catalog with several new classics that are sure to please fans old and new alike. "Thank God It's Christmas" gets a long-overdue rendition by Martel, and other surprises you didn't even realize you wanted to make this one of the must-hear EPs of the holiday season.
On the Treetops | Posted November-01-2020 What You Need To Know
Since leaving Sanctus Real several years ago, Matt Hammitt has kept himself in Christian music spotlight with a number of musical projects, as well as a book, advocacy work, and the touching story surrounding his son, Bowen. Matt's new album, Treetop, seeks to be a "coming of age" of sorts for middle-aged dads, looking back on the past with nostalgia, as well as an awareness of the road that led him to where he is.
What It Sounds Like
Matt's brand of pop/rock is on full display on Treetop. His voice carries an emotional weight that lends credence to whatever he says. The title track opens the album with an almost whimsical atmosphere that creates a nostalgic and reflective mood. "Average" is impossibly catchy and ironically above-average. "Blank Page" is a rousing number that evokes some memories of Matt's old Sanctus Real days, with the album's strongest chorus and engaging energy. The album also balances softer moments, such as the lead single "Try," that allows Matt to hit the emotional highs. A few of the cuts don't quite leave as much melodic impression as others. But, Matt's wisdom makes up for any of those moments. For an album that is so low key and humble in its execution, its crisp and skilled execution highlights the maturity of the seasoned artist behind it.
Spiritual Highlights
Matt Hammitt creates a journey melding nostalgia with sound wisdom in 10 tracks that feel like a journal or letter from a father to a son. Songs, like the title track and "Blank Page," look back at his current life journey, acknowledging the hardships, while noting how Christ with him through every step. "Average" talks about accepting that material success may not be what God has planned for us and how embracing this logic isn't bad or compromising. "Try" is an emotional wrecking ball, letting the listener know that "It's okay to feel angry/It's okay to feel heaviness/It's okay to feel insecure/And it's okay to ask questions/Turn your hurt to the heavens/It's okay to wonder what it's all for/He's not afraid of your doubt."
The album continues through themes of appreciating everything life has to offer ("Highlights") and how God will love us through all our struggles ("You Can't Stop Me"). Through it all, Matt's reassuring voice serves as a hand extended to the listeners to walk through their struggles and find the peace waiting on the other side of it all. These 10 songs ring with a voice of experience of someone who has been there, but also one who is still figuring it out. When more and more of popular music settle for trite comforts, it's refreshing to find someone like Hammitt proceeding with such authenticity.
Matt Hammitt has always had a finger on the pulse of the Christian man's walk, and this album serves as an album long devotional for Christian men and fathers. But, far from the often banal and trite advice doled out in self-help, Matt's wisdom is allowed to flow naturally from experience, and from the genuity of his musical execution. Those looking for a rewarding pop/rock album that trades some of the genre's signature pomp and circumstance for perspective and meaning will find in Matt's new release a beacon in a turbulent time.
JJFrancesco_NRT's Music and Book Reviews 
