Sonic Diversity With An Uplifting Message Posted February 04, 2021 By JasminPatterson_NRT, Staff Reviewer
What You Need to Know
Jordan Phillips and Adam Stark, known together as pop band Apollo LTD, release their sophomore album, Nothing Is Ordinary. Everything Is Beautiful. on music label Residence/Centricity Music. The album follows the success of their 2019 debut album, Out of Body, which produced two Top 40 hit singles, "Gold" and "On The Way Up."
What It Sounds Like
Apollo LTD may find their home in the alternative-pop/synth-pop space, but they have a sound all their own. With Nothing Is Ordinary. Everything Is Beautiful, the band strikes a perfect sonic balance of epic synth sounds ("Tears To Diamonds"), pounding drums ("Solider On") and acoustic instrumentation ("Better," "Rising").
There's even some hip-hop influence on "Good Day," which features Christian Hip-Hop duo, Social Club Misfits. Contemporary artist Ryan Stevenson also makes an appearance on "Sunday Morning Feeling." One thing is clear listening to this album: Apollo LTD knows how to get a melodic hook stuck in the your head and truth stuck in your heart at the same time.
Spiritual/Lyrical Highlights
There's a theme of overcoming throughout the album ("Rulers"). Right alongside it is an emphasis on walking through life with a perspective of hope and victory, secure in who God made us to be ("Patient," "You").
Best Song On The Record
"Heart Believes" is my favorite song on the record. I think it's this project's best example of Apollo LTD's skill at combining both acoustic and electronic instruments into a perfect blend. The song probably has the most overtly spiritual theme on the album as well--confidently trusting in God even when our eyes can't see.
Final Word Nothing Is Ordinary. Everything Is Beautiful. is a creative and musically diverse album with a great message that will appeal to fans of all genres.
Buy the album on Apple Music or stream it on Spotify.
