Songs to Make You Think (And Dance)
Posted November 07, 2017
By AmandaDeWilde_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Ontario-based electronic pop band Manic Drive continues to push their musical boundaries with their sixth studio album, Into the Wild. While their style is still as fresh and funky as ever, the band shows great maturity throughout this album. The lyrics are deeper and the sound is even more polished, proving that this band just keeps getting better.
Into the Wild opens strong with "Mic Drop," a track that captures the band's signature electric dance/pop sound. "Ceiling" is all about choosing to reject the boundaries of the status quo and choosing to be excellent rather than ordinary: "I'm tired of limits / don't put me in a box / I won't accept it."
The title track is a softer paced yet passionate anthem about overcoming fear and breaking out of your comfort zone. Another beautiful, slower-paced song, "Aviator" carries a similar theme: "I'm overcoming all my fears of heights, and I'm ready for the ride of my life."
Sometimes Christians develop the false idea that the more they trust and rely on God, the easier life gets. The album's exceptional lead single "Easier" challenges this notion, saying that instead of expecting things to get easier, we should ask God to make us stronger. It pairs well with "Singing in the Rain," which could have fallen into cliché in less skilled hands. But instead it comes across as choosing to be bold and fearless, even when things don't seem to be going as planned: "No sunshine, but that's fine / It's the perfect weather to unwind / Even if it starts to rain." The song is a catchy mix of funk and jazz.
"Stilettos" is the perfect theme song for any strong, independent woman. It's a fun dance track about a beautiful, confident woman who knows her worth and won't let anyone take advantage of her. Living up to its name, "Fun-K" brings the funk. At the same time, it's an honest track in which lead singer Shawn shares his struggles with not fitting in completely in either mainstream or strictly Christian circles of music.
The Bottom Line: Into the Wild has a running theme throughout the album of being bold, fearless and strong in your faith. It challenges us to step out of our cozy little barricades and take risks in uncharted territory. The lyrics are raw and honest, displaying spiritual maturity. Manic Drive makes you think, while at the same time the music makes you get up and dance.
For Fans Of: Panic! At the Disco, Family Force 5
Song to Download Now:
"Ceiling" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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