Worshipful and Upbeat
Posted September 06, 2010
By SarahFine_NRT, Staff Reviewer
The Afters were thrust into the CCM spotlight way back in 2005 with their first album ‘I Wish We All Could Win’, and ever since then, it’s been a whirlwind of success for this talented foursome from Texas. After two highly acclaimed studio albums and numerous attention from both Christian and secular media, fans couldn’t wait to see what these guys had up their sleeve next.
One things that has always confused listeners has always been the ‘girl or God’ notion in most of their material. But unlike any of their previous work (which, by the way, is worth looking into), the bands third endeavor ’Light Up The Sky’, offers listeners poignant Christ centered lyrics, even falling into the worship category more than a few times.. Trust me, there is no mistake about Who they are singing about on this album.
The album starts off with the namesake, and leads right into ‘Lift Me Up‘ and ‘Start Over’, a catchy upbeat about new life in Jesus. ‘Runaway’ (one of the songs featured on the bands ‘Light Up The Sky’ EP released a few months back) offers hope to the listener who is dealing with personal brokenness. ‘I Am Yours’ is a personal praise ballad that simply invites God to take us and make us new.
‘Life Is Sweeter’ take somewhat of a ‘the grass is greener’ notion, and speaks of life in the world opposed to life in Christ. The melodic ‘Say It Now’ speaks to the heart of a relationship in need of restoration, while ‘We Won’t Give Up’ makes a total 360 and turns up the volume to make a ‘we won’t give in’ stance. It’s one of my favorite songs the band has ever done, beyond catchy, and it wouldn’t surprise me to hear it on a television program or even a commercial in the future.
‘Saving Grace’ once again takes the worship-esq feel of this album and leads the listener into a time of surrender (…I run to my hiding place, my Saving Grace…) by far my favorite track off the entire album. ‘For The First Time’ is the closing track, and ends the album on a peaceful and lyrically beautiful note.
Overall? This is easily my favorite album this band has done to date. They have matured greatly since their previous album ‘Never Going Back To OK’ back in 2008, and it shows in their songwriting. I only wish the album would have been longer, but what you do have is enough to keep coming back to listen again and again.
This album has a great mix of soothing slow songs and upbeat rock anthems, and it sure to please the rocker and the AC crowd alike. It is defiantly one of the ‘must have’ albums of the year for avid Christian music fans. I know I’m snagging one… you’d be wise to do the same. View All Music And Book Reviews By SarahFine_NRT | View SarahFine_NRT's Profile
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