The guys of Salvador are no strangers to the CCM scene. They've been offering a little Latin flair to the Church for more than a decade now. However, things have been quiet for a few years. Until now. Make Some Noise takes the stage and brings back all the things you love about Salvador--and some new things, too.

 

The title track ("Make Some Noise") opens the album and is the perfect example of Salvador's sound. With peppy horn backing and a foot-tapping chorus, the song is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. A cover of Steve Winwood's "Higher Love" is well done and another high point on the album. "Deeper In Love" is a celebratory song about falling deeper in love with our Creator. It's another of the many fine cuts on the album.

 

Standing above all of them is a song that actually sounds the most like what you'd hear on CCM radio, but more memorable. "God of Forever" is a true standout. The vocals truly reach new levels of passion on the chorus and there's and the piano hook helps make the song truly feel even more complete.

 

"Tirate" and "Este Corito" are the album's Spanish-language cuts. They are quite fun and make you want to get up and move. At just two songs, they are a welcome presence on the album and don't ever present an obstacle to the overall listening experience.

 

Lyrically, the album is unashamed in its Christ-centric message. The chorus of the "God of Forever" is one of the most powerful and encouraging moments on what is a fine and uplifting album: "I see the beauty that is you / shining like the perfect shooting star / so hold on, don't give up on love / and even if your heart's in a million pieces / and there's nowhere left to run / tonight no matter where you are / the God of forever loves you the way you are."

Album closer "Not Alone" offers a familiar but no less relevant message: "It's out of my hands / I'm letting it go / It's time that I've finally surrendered control / it's over my head / too heavy alone / to carry on my own / with you I'm not alone." It's always reassuring to know that Christ is always there in the midst of our trials and will help us if we only let him.

 

These fine lyrical moments are plentiful on the album and help ensure that this release is rewarding both in its music and its message.

 

Salvador's latest is a strong and uplifting collection of music. It balances the Latin flair with the contemporary, the upbeat with the soft and reflective, while keeping Christ the focus throughout. It's never boring and succeeds in being a highlight of the genre so far this year.

 

"God of Forever." (Get it on iTunes here.)