Salvador [Aware]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
Dove Award-winning Word recording artist Salvador returns April 29th with Aware, the acclaimed Latin/pop band’s eighth recording. Produced by group members Nic Gonzales and Chris Bevins, along with Otto Price (dcTalk, GRITS), Aware features 11 selections exploring themes of thankfulness and selflessness.
“Salvador is an ever evolving jam band,” Nic explains. “Every show is different. There is no set list. The guys don’t even know what is coming next. They just hear the chord that sets up the next song, and then off we go. When you can do that it’s magic.”
It’s been two years since Salvador’s last album. A lot of things have changed in that amount of time. Nic, the bands front-man was faced with the challenges of a new wife, and getting ready for a new baby. He found himself not having the time to write that he usually does. His mom used to tell him, ‘If you give God His time, He will give you extra time.’ After sitting in the studio staring at a blank sheet of paper Nic realized he missed allowing God to be who He was in him. From that moment on things began to flow from God through him.
He points to the album’s title cut, “Aware,” as an example of the band’s new mindset. “Our fast-paced lifestyle often causes us to blow past the basics,” Nic muses. “I think most Christian songs express thanksgiving for the things God gives us. But we wanted to take a different approach to thankfulness. Our heart’s cry is that we would be aware of what is going on around us, that God would create a fundamental change in me so that I would realize that everything that I am is not just about me.”
My Favorite song on the album is “What Would It Be Like”. It says what would it be like if we learned to love each other. Just that phrase alone is powerful. Imagine a world where everyone loved everyone and we were a world of Christ filled Christians. It sounds too good to be true, but it starts with each and every one of us. Our witness as Christians is what could lead this world to the place that this song talks about. Imagine turning on the news and hearing positive stories as opposed to all the negative that we have now. What would it be like?
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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This album is one that I really enjoyed. The message was awesome. I found myself relating to a lot of the content that was in their songs. The music, it bout’ doesn’t get any better than that for me. I am a huge fan of the “big band” style if you will. I love the brass and woodwinds added in. It just gives me a good feeling when I hear that kind of music.
To hear these guys live must be incredible. The album was well put together. I can honestly say that although it may be some time away I can’t wait for Salvador’s next album. I pray that the band continues to use their God given talents to lead lost souls to Christ and that God continues to enrich their lives daily. Keep up the good work! God Bless.
Rating: 10 out of 10 (100%, A+)
Review written by: Ben Collins
(ben.collins@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/salvador_aware.html
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