NEW BAND PROVIDES DELIGHTFUL CONGREGATIONAL WORSHIP
Posted August 18, 2009
By CCMmagazine,
Don’t try to pigeonhole Seven Stories Up—it’s simply not feasible. The Atlanta-based group shifts vocal stylings and musical riffs faster than you can change songs on their debut EP, Falling. The six bounding worship tunes follow in the footsteps of Fee and By The Tree, with the contemporary tone of Jason Dunn (Hawk Nelson). It shouldn’t work …but it does.
While the diverse quartet sails through an ocean of unoriginal lyrics, they stay afloat via ultra-singable songs that belong on power-point screens in churches nationwide. These songs are made to be sung congregationally, which is why the somewhat standard lyrics are forgivable. And a distinct thread of redemption and joy weaves through this solid effort, starting with the opener “My King,” relying on Switchfoot-esque guitars to carry the fervent chorus: “You are good, I give my life for You/My all, my world for You/May it crumble in the hands of the Great I Am.”
On its heels is “Taking Over,” featuring an exuberant synth line—another strong vocal offering from front man Andy Rocker, who has been leading worship and working toward this album since 2002.
The seven years of preparation shine through on fourth track, “Hallelujah,” where just the right hints of Coldplay-tinged piano turn a simple chorus into a moving worship song. Lyrically, Seven Stories’ best efforts come on “Refuge,” where they sing, “Jesus, Lord of the nations/You will cause our hearts to dream again/Jesus, life to all dead places/We will sing new praises.”
Energetic, albeit not original, Seven Stories Up shows they have plenty to offer the worship arena, with lofty guitars and worshipful choruses to boot. —Grace S. Cartwright
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from CCMMagazine.com. Click here to visit CCMMagazine.com today! View All Music And Book Reviews By CCMmagazine | View CCMmagazine's Profile
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