Pillar [For The Love Of The Game]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
To be honest with you I have never really been a fan of Pillar’s work. Maybe I was under the impression they were trying to be another cliché rock band. I mean come on…the name of their first album was ‘Fireproof’. Call me crazy but ‘Fireproof’ really sounds, well, typical of a Christian rock band.
So when I got this album to review I had some presuppositions that were not in favor of them. I read the name of this album, ‘For the Love of the Game’, and was immediately interested. I was wondering how they were going to tie in the name of the album with a Christian message. After the first song I understood the name if the album. “The Game” which is referred to in the album title is a reference to Christian life. I’m not too keen on referring to the Christian walk as a game, but I understand what they are trying to say. “Turn It Up” was my favorite song on the album. This song is an anthem for us. I love the fact that many of today’s best Christian rock song were referenced in the verses.
I could drone on endlessly about what I liked in this album, but I would recommend you just go pick it up and listen to it yourself.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
I gave this album a 92% because the music was very good but I just could not give it a perfect score. Listen, a 92% is nothing to laugh at, especially from me. The album is great. In fact, I’m going to put it on my Zune…yes I like it that much.
ADDITIONAL REVIEW by Jay Heilman
I have been a fan of Pillar since the 2nd record, ‘Fireproof’ and while the name might sound cliché of a Christian band, I found the true meaning behind the song and title made a lot of sense. The song refers to the Biblical account of Meshach, Shedrach and Abednego. How they didn’t bow down to Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into the ‘fiery furnace’ and survived. They were ultimately ‘fireproof’ because of their faith and trust in the Lord.
Let’s jump ahead to ‘For The Love Of The Game’. I was actually somewhat disappointed in ‘The Reckoning’. I thought it could have been a lot better. The message is what really held it back in my eyes. I remember interviewing Rob Beckley (Lead Vocals) at Rock the Universe 2005 and one question I asked him was, “Why is your message not as evident and often watered down compared to a lot of other artists?” I think he answered my skepticism with the new album. Not only does it rock, but it has a great message.
I think I would have to say my favorite cut from the album would be “Smiling Down”. This song has a great message and the music just fits it perfectly. I get chills when I hear this song. It makes me think of the family of mine that have gone on to be with the Lord, especially my grandfather, Richard Bilyeu. I know if he could look down on me, he would be smiling, telling me “You are going to go through troubles, but I can tell you there is hope and peace on the other side. I love you”. Some days are hard to make it through knowing he is no longer here, but the other time is spent realizing that one day, we’ll be together again.
This is definitely a rock album worth going out and picking up. So be sure to get yourself a copy! Go to our Musichristian link on Pillar’s Artist Profile and get the album on sale and signed!
Review written by: Mike Strubie
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/pillar_fortheloveofthegame.html
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