Rush of Fools [We Once Were]
Posted September 25, 2011
By KevinDavis_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Rush of Fools made quite an impression with two albums in less than two years, including their impressive self-titled debut with the stand-out songs "Undo", "When Our Hearts Sing" and "Peace Be Still." The band was nominated for Best New Artist of 2007 and "Undo" was nominated for Song of the Year. A year later they returned with the equally impressive album Wonder of the World which included the hit songs "Escape", "Lose It All" and "Never Far Away." The band was riding a seemingly unstoppable wave of momentum. But just as things began to peak, the band was forced into hiatus by business matters surrounding their label which were outside of their control. Over the course of the last two years, the boys in Rush Of Fools experienced the greatest valley of their lives as they waited for resolution. With their futures hanging in the balance, they were forced to look deep inside to discover their true character, both as artists and as human beings. Produced by renowned mainstream producer, Dennis Herring and one of Christian music’s highly respected producers, Rusty Varenkamp, this new offering We Once Were by Rush Of Fools brings the most creative project of their career with twelve great new songs.
I love both of the first two albums, and it's now been over three years since Wonder of the World. From my first listen, I knew something was slightly different from the previous albums which were both produced in Nashville. This album was produced in Alabama by a mainstream music producer. It has a cohesive theme and is loaded with surefire hit songs. Don't miss out on “Come Find Me” which features an infectious melody and Weezer-like guitar riff similar to their recent hits “Memories” and “Brave New World” however unlike Weezer, this song features the edifying and transparent lyrics, “You're calling the sheep gone astray, I pray you'll leave the ninety-nine, to come find me, in a world that can't seem to find what it needs, give me faith in the place that my eyes just can't see.” “A Civil War” is a standout song which highlight's Willis' vocal range, as he belts out the emotional chorus brimming with hope, “It's time to bow out of this race, about time for me to be in last place, I got myself in a civil war, it's time to fight for...fight for..what's worth fighting for.” Wes WIllis is a charasmatic frontman and channels for me the emotion and sincerity of singers like Chris Martin (Coldplay), J.R. Richards (Dishwalla) and Jon Foreman (Switchfoot). “Won't Say Goodbye” is easily the most rocking song by this great band and is yet another highlight both with the hooky, driving rock beat and the yearning lyrics “I won't say goodbye, tonight, cause I don't wanna leave until my dreams collide with life, I'm still fighting, even though I'm barely breathing, I can feel my heart still beating, I'm holding on tonight.” Those tracks alone are worth the price of the album, yet they bring even more stirring songs in the second half.
Hit song “Grace Found Me” ties all of the songs together and is based on James 1:2-4: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” God has called Christians to become mature and complete, as first fruits of all He created. This is so high a calling and so valuable an attainment that we may consider even trials along the way pure joy. Amen to that! A refreshing change of pace comes in the standout song “No Other Love” which I find myself singing throughout the day with it's back-porch style tempo and kazoo part. It's a pure worship song, “No other Love looks beyond the things that I have done and I'm not proud of, No other Love lifts me up and holds me in It's arms, and lives within my heart...my soul faints in You, Jesus, my soul lives in You, my soul longs for You, Jesus, my soul lives for You.” That sentiment is the cry of my heart as well and I hang on every note of this fantastic song.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Complete confidence in and reliance upon the grace of God is the theme of this incredible new album. Every song on the new album has a similar sentiment of praise and worship to our Savior set to catchy melodies and sung with emotion by Wes Willis. Welcome back Rush of Fools, this is a great return from one of my favorite bands. We Once Were is an emotionally stirring rock album and is loaded with great songs, especially “Come Find Me,” “A Civil War,” “Won't Say Goodbye,” “No Other Love” and hit single “Grace Found Me.” I rate this album highly for fans of alternative rock bands like Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, Abandon and Switchfoot. This is the best overall album by Rush of Fools and is one of my top albums of the year. View All Music And Book Reviews By KevinDavis_NRT | View KevinDavis_NRT's Profile
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