Krystal Meyers [Make Some Noise]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
Krystal Meyers has talent, I can admit that. Something else I must admit though is I am not a fan of the pop music, which is really what her third album; Make Some Noise contains the most of. But while I may not like the pop-style personally, I know that each genre of music can be both ministering and uplifting to someone. In saying that, I can now continue with the review.
The title track, “Make Some Noise” is that power-pop track I mention above. When I first listened through to the album, one thing I noticed is the similarities between Meyers’ vocals and that of Superchic(k) front-woman, Trisha Brock. But as the album progresses, I did notice the differences where as Superchic(k) tends to lean more towards the rock-style vocals then Meyers’ pop-style vocals. The central theme behind the song is evident though in wanting her listeners to stand up and be a voice for ‘her generation’ as the song-by-song reveals. After all, the teenagers of today are the future of ministry and they need not to be afraid to make some noise for what they believe in.
I thought the concept behind the song, “Love It Away” was interesting. It talks about facing problems in life and allowing God to take them and ‘love them away’. I guess I never thought about it like that, but truth resonates in its message. “He will, He will / Love it away / He will be there everyday / If you’re hurting, feeling afraid / He will … Love, love, love it away”. The music track accompanying the song sounds reminiscent of one of those synth-style pop tracks from the 80’s. Very catchy song though--musically.
“Shine”, which immediately resembled the message mentioned in Matthew 5:16, which says “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” in my opinion is a call to believers to allow God’s light in your life to shine. Don’t let it fade or burn out, let it shine no matter what.
There are times in our lives where we question whether God is there or hears our cry, our petition or even knows that we’re hurting. Meyers takes a classic signal of distress in the song “S.O.S”, and turns it into a song that is both catchy and in turn reminds us that in those times of trouble, our cry or S.O.S is heard from God even though we may not even realize it. It reminded me of the poem simply titled, “Footprints in the Sand”. The end is the most important part. It says “During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” This is what during our S.O.S.’s in life, we must remember.
The message behind “My Freedom” immediately got me thinking of my salvation. It was the freedom that Christ gave me once I accepted Him as my Lord and Savior that gave me true freedom. This track is probably one of the slowest tracks on the record, bringing about more of a somber mood with its piano-driven beat that dabbles in rock just a bit. The chorus asks the question that we all as believers ask Christ when we receive His salvation, in asking, “Will You be my freedom?” Well said.
“Beautiful Tonight” is probably one of the most bold and definitely the darkest song found on Make Some Noise. The power-pop-rock anthem touches on sins that constrain some people in their lives. There are those who have dealt with anorexia and even those who have dealt with ‘cutting’. It’s good to know that God is there for us when we need Him the most. We just have to be willing to give those things to Him and leave them on the altar and believe that through the redemptive blood of Jesus Christ, that those things are behind us. No matter who you are, know that you are important and ‘beautiful’ to God. I also noticed that the Pangallo brothers (Joe and Chris) from Day of Fire lend their talents on the track as well. Whatever happened to Day of Fire anyway?
Skip ahead to yet another pop-track with “You’ll Never Know”. This to me sounds like a track that could be found on a Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana record. While Cyrus claims to be a Christian, her life and music seem to tell another story. While the comparisons may sound similar, I believe without a doubt that Meyers implements that true faith through her life, and her music. How would I know what Miley/Hannah’s music sounds like? Well, let’s just say that I have a nine-year-old daughter whose life soundtrack (if I would allow her) would be a mix between Miley/High School Musical and Camp Rock. I know quite a few of the HSM songs, and I have never even seen the films! Pretty pathetic, I know.
The album closes with the song, “In Your Hands”. This song to me talks of the mysterious work of God in our lives. The chorus which says, “It’s in your hands / I trust You though I don’t understand”. While we don’t always understand how the Lord works, we must put that trust in Him and put our lives in His hands. We don’t need to understand everything to realize that God has plans for us that we are unaware of. Jeremiah 29:11 really hits that home. God knows the plans He has for you. Plans of peace, not evil. Put your trust and faith in God that He may work through you.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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I was not all that familiar with Krystal Meyers before now other then the songs that I have heard on the radio. Make Some Noise marks Christian Music Review’s first review of a Krystal Meyers record. I did go back and listen to her self-titled debut and Dying for a Heart, and after doing so I did notice that Make Some Noise leaned more towards the pop-style then the previous two. While there is a little bit of rock on Make Some Noise, it was mostly overrun with the pop songs. As I mentioned in the opening of the review, although I am not a big fan of the pop music, it still served its purpose in carrying the message while being delivered in a vehicle of some pretty catchy music. While I would not give the album a full four points for its message, I think Meyers does a better job at bringing forth her message then some other artists.
There are some tracks on here that I would definitely have to listen closely to to wonder as to what she is trying to say. Some of it is tough to discern from other tracks, but after having listened through to the album I have to say that I am quite impressed with Krystal’s style of music, without really having much to compare to it then one Hannah Montana and Superchic(k). Make Some Noise though is a solid effort put forth by a very talented young lady whose ambition and goal is to reach the masses with her power-pop anthems and thought-provoking messages. Let’s make some noise for Ms. Meyers!
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/krystalmeyers_makesomenoise.html
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