WORSHIP/ROCK BAND IGNITES SATISFACTORY SECOND SET
Posted November 09, 2009
By CCMmagazine,
"Worship music" hosts a myriad of different genres within its own genre. From modern rock to vocal pop to Caribbean music, recordings designed to prompt corporate singing run the gamut. Unfortunately, the level of musicianship that dictates each recording runs the gamut as well, with many worship recordings falling into the "just plain bad" category and failing to meet professional standards.
Enter: Fee. Having garnered a No. 1 radio hit, a handful of Dove nods and a recognizable name among modern rock fans and worship music aficionados from their successful first record, the energetic worship band issues its second set of all-out worship rock, countering the B- and C-level worship culture with a blast of fresh spunk.
Musically, the songs on Hope Rising will hold up just as easily in a high-energy, strictly entertainment gig as they do from the stage at Passion or a local youth gathering. Couple "Rise and Sing" and "Promised Land" for a night of synth-searing, bass-busting arena rock; the latter achieves a near-dance-club remix with Madonna-like voice effects and techno beats. Or tie together "We Crown You" (featuring background vocals by the always-affective Christy Nockels) and "Arms that Hold the Universe" (derived from this year's Maryville, Ill., church shooting) for a poignant night of worship.
Lyrically, Fee is a bit standard. But considering their intentions remain corporate vs. performance, it's nice to hear a worship-oriented band that can wow a panel of critical music industry execs, as well as sensitively usher a congregation into the presence of God. —Andrew Greer
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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