Article One [Colors and Sounds]
Posted September 24, 2008
By christianmusicreview,
[Main Review]
When I first received the pre-release for Article One’s self-titled debut in early 2007, I was thinking to myself, “Article One?” I was trying to think of what the group’s title could mean. It sounded like something out of the Bill of Rights or something. I was close. Even though I had mentioned the meaning behind the band’s name in my review of their first CD, I think I should go back and explain it again for those of you who are new to Article One.
Having said this in review for the album Article One [Read here], it says … I took a look at their name and wondered what did the name Article One mean? According to Nathan, the guys were attending a U2 concert, and inspired by a speech U2 lead singer Bono had brought during the show, the band’s name was conceived. Article I, comes from the ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’ which states “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” The band has said that Bono and U2 are one of their musical influences, so it seems to fit what the band wanted to set forth in their music. Nathan continues to say that it is directly related to what Jesus called us to do in Mark 12:31, which says “And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s delve into the CD, shall we?
One thing I mentioned in my review of their first CD is that their music is a bit different then that of a lot of other artists out there, but having said that, I think their second CD jumps more into the sound of others then the unique sound found in their first. This isn’t always a bad thing either as I think the group has matured a lot musically and has experimented with their previous element and molded into something similar to that of the musical style of other groups (and band label mates) such as the Newsboys. I think fans of groups like The Fray, Dave Matthews and MercyMe may find Article One appealing nonetheless.
Even with the early success of Color and Sound’s first single, “Without You (I’m Not Alright)”, I noticed a huge difference in their musical style. While the debut featured a lot of pop-string tracks, Colors and Sounds starts off with a tremendous burst of energy. The message behind “Without You” can be found a lot in today’s Christian families. Getting saved, living life for God, drifting away and coming back. Lead vocalist and primary songwriter, Nathan Piche explains that the song derived from seeing what life was like without God and later on, influencing him to come back.
I really liked the encouragement found in the song, “Never Too Late to Call”. Piche says the song was written for a few of his friends reminding them that he was there for them no matter what, and that God was as well. I think this is the kind of things we like to hear. Romans 3:23 says “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. Human minds are vengeful and unforgiving at times, and it is always good to know that God feels this way toward us even though at many points we don’t deserve it. I think the chorus says a lot, saying “The bridges have not burned down / I hope you come around / And how far you fall / It doesn’t matter at all / It’s never too late to call”.
When I first started listening to the vocals on “If the World Gives Up” I thought I was listening to a new Newsboys song! It sounded so much like one of their songs rather then Article One. Other then the falsettos found throughout the song, Nathan’s voice can be compared favorably to the Newsboys’ front-man, Peter Furler. The song’s message is great too in that it reminds us that the Lord has a plan for our lives. Even though at times it appears that no one is standing beside us, encouraging us, as if to say the world has turned their back on us, God still remains and stands with us affirming His perfect plan our lives.
I really liked the song, “Angels”; it was very thought-provoking. I used to think that angels were these bright glowing beings with wings that would do nice things for people and help people in distress. I was right in part about them, but little did I know that they are all around us and here for a purpose. Some are here to deal God’s judgment, but there are those out there that act as servants on God’s behalf and a protection to His people, sometimes even as messengers. The song was inspired by a quote from Billy Graham, in which he said “Believers, look up – take courage. The angels are nearer then you think.” I think musically this song fits the mold of a lot of the songs found on AO’s self-titled debut, and it was cool to hear something similar.
The twelfth track, “Above All Else” really got me thinking about my priorities in life. I admit at times, conviction surrounds me that sometimes I have gotten my priorities in life a bit mixed up. There are some days when this website (Christian Music Review) seems to be put in front of everything else. Before my wife. Before my children. Before God and so on. Little do I realize that God is the reason why I even have the honor to do CMR. If He hadn’t showed me His mercy and His love by sending His only begotten Son (John 3:16) to die for me, then I would have no reason to even do this. This song got me thinking that our priority should be serving God first, and then everything else would fall into place. God should be placed above everything else, not underneath it.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
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Although I loved the fact that Article One’s debut was different then a lot of things I had heard, Colors and Sounds is put together well and message-wise there is no questioning as to what they have set out to do. Musically it was different then the first, but in all honesty I think even the fans of the first album will enjoy the changes and more upbeat music found on this record. I am really anxious to see what the Lord has in plan for these guys in the future.
The only negative thing I can say about Colors and Sounds is, I think at many points in the album, the group sounds too much musically like their label counterparts, the Newsboys. But on a positive note, if you are a fan of the Newsboys, I think you will enjoy this well-rounded project from one of Christian music’s newest talents!
Rating: 9 out of 10 (90%, A-)
Review written by: Jay Heilman
(jay.heilman@christianmusicreview.org)
Review can also be found at:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/articleone_colorsandsounds.html
This review has been reprinted on NRT with permission from ChristianMusicReview.org. Click here to visit ChristianMusicReview.org today! View All Music And Book Reviews By christianmusicreview | View christianmusicreview's Profile
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