Caedmon's Call [Raising Up The Dead]
Posted September 10, 2010
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Raising Up the Dead is the newest and highly anticipated release from Caedmon’s Call, and it released directly to fans on caedmonscall.com, Sept. 14. With career sales exceeding 1 million albums and going on 16 years in the industry, Texas-based band Caedmon’s Call has made the leap from independent act to Christian music mainstay. Caedmon’s Call has launched sixteen national releases and seven No. 1 radio singles. “This is our most collaborative project ever”, says member Derek Webb. “Everyone was involved in the writing process because we wanted to make a record that reflected the idea of community very strongly. It’s a big theme on this project.” Each of the 12 songs found on Raising Up the Dead were written by the Texas-based band. I’ve been a long-time fan of Caedmon’s Call and have collected every album since their major label self-titled debut in 1997 which spawned “This World,” “Bus Driver” and “Hope To Carry On.” If you liked that album and the folk-oriented worshipful style, then you need to get Raising Up the Dead.
“Family” was written by Derek Webb and is sung soulfully like the all-time great song “Dance.” With Derek having recently departed from his worshipful songwriting style from 40 Acres with such amazing songs as “Thankful,” “Somewhere North,” and “Faith My Eyes,” the minute I heard “Family” I greatly celebrated the return of one of my first loves in Christian music, Derek Webb. Next track, “Miss You” is hauntingly beautiful and is written and sung by Danielle Young, one of the most underrated female vocalists in all of Christian music. “Miss You” and “Come With Me” are both gorgeous ballads and remind me of “Shifting Sand” from 40 Acres and “Piece of Glass” from Long Line Of Leavers. “Time Inside Out” is fantastic, and again features Danielle singing her heart out. The song reminds me one of my favorite songs by Aimee Mann, “Say Anything.” If like me, you’ve always wanted more from Danielle, then this album is totally for you. Danielle Young single handedly contributed lyrics to six of the 12 songs and is highlighted on lead vocals in half of the tunes, including the powerful closing song “Free.” "Writing for this record has been a life changing experience,” shares Danielle Young. “I discovered I love to write. I discovered that the cathartic nature of revealing what is in my heart is worth the challenge it poses. I am thankful for this experience and for Derek and Sandra who held my hand and helped me through this process."
CLOSING THOUGHTS
For me, what works so well on this record is how much it reminds me of vintage Caedmon’s Call from 1997-2000 which was my favorite era in the history of this amazing band. “Family,” “Miss You,” “Come With Me,” “Time Inside Out,” “David Waits,” and the closing song “Free” are now among my all-time favorite songs by Caedmon’s Call right along with “This World,” “Table For Two,” “Somewhere North,” “Shifting Sand” and “Faith My Eyes.” If you liked those classic folk-oriented worship songs, then you’ll absolute love Raising Up the Dead. Welcome back Caedmon’s Call, I’ve missed you greatly! View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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