For Those Who Wait
Posted June 13, 2010
By piano89,
For most bands, the dreaded sophomore slump is almost inevitable. However, Florida-rock act Fireflight conquered this hurdle handsomely with Unbreakable, which was considered by some to be the best Christian rock album of 2008. Two years later Fireflight is back with their follow-up album, For Those Who Wait.
For Those Who Wait opens with Dawn Michele’s gutsy vocals belting out the album’s title, before being embraced with a satisfying mix of lush strings and distorted guitar riffs. Following the epic title-track is “Desperate,” a rock anthem with lyrics that battle hopelessness, “I know You’re my only hope, the only one who truly knows/How it feels, what it’s like when it all starts to fall/You’re the one I can trust, who
hears when I call.”
Going into the studio, guitarist Justin Cox made a point of wanting this record to sound “bigger” than the last. This was accomplished with an enhanced rhythm section, namely huge sounding drums. These ‘80s-esque beats are especially prominent on “Core Of My Addiction” and the acoustic-based “All I Need To Be.” Fireflight also changes up its usual rhythms in the groove-driven “Fire In My Eyes.”
Piano-driven ballads like “Name” and “Recovery Begins” give the album balance and dynamic while also offering honest, empathetic lyrics. “Name” gives hope to those who feel God has abandoned them, “He sees you, He’s near you/He knows your face, He knows your pain.” The album’s closer, “Recovery Begins” waits on God’s voice, “It all comes down to this, the quiet in the end/I listen for Your voice, recovery begins.”
Most Fireflight fans are probably wondering how For Those Who Wait compares to the highly touted Unbreakable. Musically, Fireflight has progressed by incorporating piano in ballads and mixing it up rhythmically. Lyrically, different themes are presented yet the overall message remains the same- hope.
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