Day of Fire – Losing All
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Day of Fire
Losing All
Razor & Tie
Grade – A
The latest release from Day of Fire, titled “Losing All,” is hitting the airwaves like a “ten ton heavy thing” as the saying goes. Immediately, I was impressed with the raw grit of the recording and the true grit of the lyrics. I had an opportunity to speak to drummer Zach Simms about the project and he concurred that there was something extremely different about this album.
Aside from the obvious differences, the change of labels, the band took a different approach to writing and recording the CD. Josh Brown primarily did the writing on the Day of Fire debut. While on “Losing All” the band wrote more collectively and as Zach stated, “there was more unity and cohesiveness” on this album. Along with the band, Chris Daughtry co-wrote three tracks and what I consider the best track, “The Dark Hills,” the band wrote with Billy and Rose Falcon. (Billy worked with Bon Jovi back in the day, and Rose had released a CCM project a few years back.)
The band also had more working time between this album and “Cut & Move” as they did with after the debut, allowing them to put more of a “polish” on it as Zach explained. When it came to recording, Zach explained that while they did use some scratch tracks, the majority of the album was recorded live with the whole band together in the studio. This process kind of gives it that nostalgic rock sound that is missing from many of the ProTools type recordings where everyone does their own piece in different locations and times.
On “Losing All” the band has returned to the 90’s rock era and I could hear a lot of Stone Temple Pilots influences, particularly with “Light Em Up,” a fist-pumping tune that is a pure adrenaline rush. Throughout the whole CD you can hear a strong similarity to STP. There are several tracks, however, like “Hello Heartache” and “Cold Addiction,” that sound like they have evolved from the unique Day of Fire motif. “Never Goodbye” adds a nice touch as a strong rock ballad reflecting on loved ones lost or missed opportunities.
Wait… are they yelling “Hey You” at God? They sure are. On this particular song (“Hey You”) I am reminded of how we have so many questions and it is hard for our limited brains to understand the world today, especially the amount of sin in this world and the degree to which it is administered.
Another favorite of mine is “Long Highway,” a song about the lack of communication in a marriage and the damage it causes. It all seems so simple, but sometimes we are so stuck on ourselves that real two-way communication is next to impossible. Having a Christi-centered marriage is an excellent place to start and from there I’m sure any couple can learn to communicate.
“The Dark Hill,” is the last track on the CD and like the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, this song is the light at the end of a very difficult and reflective journey. It says it all as it cries out with a stirring reverberation. “How heavy was the crown of thorns… I wonder if I’m too far gone… I know He’ll come save me.” This is the meat of the album. While the general theme from track to track is pain, darkness, and trouble, we have to “keep pressing in to God” as Zach told me.
With their new partnership with Razor & Tie records, the band will have new opportunities to reach audiences that may have connected to Josh’s former band Full Devil Jacket and the secular rock scene in general. The new album has an amazing potential to open doors and shine some light on a terminally dark stage.
- Ken W.
Tags: Day of Fire
TobyMac – Tonight
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
TobyMac
Tonight
Forefront Records
Grade – B
I continue to be impressed with TobyMac, and his latest “Tonight” is further proof that his cool factor is only getting better with time. While not much has changed with his style and sound, the new songs still remain fresh and energetic.
Overall the project is amped up and per usual it goes all over the place from rock to R&B and funk. For instance, the track “Funky Jesus” has a nice dance/R&B sound while the title track rocks out. Then there is the spiritually uplifting and pop tune “City on Our Knees.” The title track itself is an anthem like rock song featuring Skillet front man John Cooper. It’s a cool combination and the recent announcement of a Skillet/TobyMac tour is equally exciting. Lastly, it would not be a TobyMac CD without a guest appearance by TruDog – check him out on “Loud n Clear” and get ready for the next generation of McKeehan’s to hit the mic.
Check out http://www.tobymac.com/ for more information.
- Ken W.
Tags: TobyMac
Haley Montgomery – Who You Are
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Haley Montgomery
Who You Are
Pyper Records
Grade – B
Haley Montgomery is an aspiring worship leader from the San Diego, California area. She has been involved with leading worship since the age of 14 while at the same time she was aspiring to be a competitive figure skater. At the age of 16, Haley felt like her calling was more towards leading worship. In 2007 Haley released her first EP titled “Breakthrough.”
Her most recent album is titled “Who You Are” and while stylistically Haley has a broad range, the main experience of the album is worship. There are times, like on the title track, where she gets growly (in a cool way) and there is definitely a pop influence on the soundtrack, but the lyrics and the themes are strongly worship oriented. My favorites are the more melodic (and sweet) songs like “Secrets of Your Love,” and “Secret Place.”
To her credit, Haley wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on “Who You Are.” The writing and music have a very strong commercial appeal as well as being perfectly suited for congregational or personal worship. The only thing I found odd was the CD packaging. The cover photo looks like an album cover from the 80’s pop sensation Tiffany. It just struck me as kind of odd and rather simple in this age of Photoshop. Minor thing I know, but they do give out major awards for packaging.
Take a moment to check out Haley’s official website and if you’re looking for some fresh sounding worship music you may just find what you’re looking for.
- Ken W.
http://www.haleymontgomery.com/
Tags: Haley Montgomery
FFH Wide – Open Spaces
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
FFH
Wide Open Spaces
62 Records
Grade – B+
The latest album from FFH comes three years after their last and it follows a whole lot of life changing circumstances. For starters, after the last FFH release the Deibler family took a sabbatical in South Africa where they worked mentoring worship leaders in the Cape Town area. Then, in the spring of 2007 Jeromy was diagnose with Multiple Sclerosis and they also welcomed their second child into their lives in the mean time.
That is quite a bit of excitement in a short order of time. It is also a lot of potential songs to be shared with their fans. While they were not sure if they would return to the music business, Jeromy kept feeling a pull towards songwriting and the end product is “Wide Open Spaces.”
The “new” FFH then now features Jeromy and Jennifer with a back up band and a scaled down touring schedule. Scaling things back gives them the opportunity to take the children with them on the road, and it will allow them to do fewer shows through out the year.
The new songs speak heavily of relying on God for getting us through tough times. It also speaks of simplicity and solitude in the country-rock title track “Wide Open Spaces.” While the overall album is inspiring and well produced, my favorite songs are those led by Jennifer – particularly “What if Your Best” and “Wide Open Spaces.”
Lastly, I think we can gain a lot from the wisdom of “Jesus Give Me Rest.” As we get tied up in the fast paced life around us it is important to take a step back every now and then and make sure that your spiritual health is strong.
“Wide Open Spaces” is an inspiring project and a welcomed return of FFH.
- Ken W.
Tags: FFH
Seabird – Rocks Into Rivers
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Seabird
Rocks Into Rivers
Credential Recordings
Grade – C+/B-
My biggest hang up with “Rocks Into Rivers” is that it sounds too much like so many other commercial projects out there. For instance, The Fray comes to mind when I am listening to Seabird. The songs are quite catchy though and certainly they have garnered the band some recognition with TV placements. All that aside, if I look to the content of the CD I am much more pleased.
As it states in the press materials, the album was written in part about being a husband and father. Something I can relate to very well. That is why I particularly enjoy “Believe Me’ and “The Good King.” Those two songs speak to me in a very personal way.
It is a give and take then for me as the sound is somewhat familiar and not real fresh, but the message is creative and poignant. I’m sure the melody and the vocal hooks on the project will be strong enough to keep the band in the spotlight and on the radio no matter how I feel. Therefore I am riding the fence on the grade.
Ken W.
Tags: Seabird
Number One Gun – To The Secrets and Knowledge
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Number One Gun
To The Secrets and Knowledge
Tooth & Nail
Grade – B
The latest from Jeff Schneeweis project band Number One Gun is out this month and I have been slightly surprised by the new sound. However, it may not be so as it has been a long time since I had heard one of their CD’s. From what I have read on their MySpace page, it sounds as if the band whittled down to just Schneeweis, but in a video posting he states that the original band is joining him again for a few festivals this coming summer.
The new CD reminds me of Falling Up’s style of music. It’s kind of progressive maybe with a pop-rock backdrop. I found that it was easy to get hooked on the sound. It has a highly complex backing soundtrack and poignant lyrics, very intelligent and interesting. There is also a cool cover of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.”
The whole album can be downloaded from iTunes for a mere $7.99.
Check it out.
Ken
Tags: Number One Gun
Me In Motion
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Me In Motion
Self-Titled
Centricity Music
Grade – B
Me In Motion is the latest addition to the Centricity Music label. Their self-titled debut is jam-packed with joyful anthems and rock beats all rooted with social and biblical themes. Starting off the CD is “Losers” which lays it all out with the lyrics, “Jesus has a thing for the losers.”
The soundtrack is always energetic and indicative of the rock anthem. When listening to “Gotta Be Something” all I could think of was how it sounded like a Superchick song with male vocals. However, that was the only tune that sounded that way. The rest of the album was quite original and each song kept up the pace track after track. Coupled with the Christ-centered message, I was very impressed with the album overall.
Check out their official website for more information and watch for what should be an equally energetic live show in your area.
- Ken W.
Tags: Me In Motion
Hearts of Saints
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Hearts of Saints
Self-Titled
Revolution Art
Grade – B-
I have listened to this CD over and over and while I like it, I have not been able to come up with anything singularly distinctive to say about it. The soundtrack has a decent amount of edge to it, but it has not really hooked me. Instead I find myself favoring just two or three tracks in particular – “Hello Grace,” “Breakdown,” and “Emmanuel.”
I like, “Emmanuel” for the lyrics and meaning it conveys. I think they express quite well how we sometimes have doubts about our faith, but that in the end God is with us.
In general the album balances on high-energy rock and intelligent lyrics, but without a strong hook. I feel like I must be missing something, but maybe it is just not my taste. Although a newcomer on a new label, the band is has a history as they formerly worked under the moniker of “Special D.”
Check out http://www.heartsofsaints.com for more information on Hearts of Saints and their self-titled debut.
- Ken W.
Tags: Hearts of Saints
Brenton Brown – Adoration
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Brenton Brown
“Adoration”
Kingsway
11 tracks @ 46:59
Grade = A-
For worship leader Brenton Brown, making records is not about a career, but rather a response to what God has done and how his faith has grown.
Raised in Cape Town, South Africa, this record is new to the States but much of it was previously released in the United Kingdom. Those who enjoy the worship style of Chris Tomlin will want to check out this record.
While the lyrics aren’t necessarily profound, the tunes tend to be easy to learn and appropriate for corporate worship.
“Adoration,” “Amazing God,” and “Holy” all have similar themes. I really enjoyed the great pop sensibility on “Come Let Us Return.”
“Adoration” is Brown’s expression of hope he and his wife went through following the painful loss of a stillborn baby girl. Worship can be difficult under the best of circumstances, but Brown says, “It was hard to imagine that there could ever be a happy ending. But we resolved to fall upon the Lord. We can think that ‘most’ of what we need is found in Him. Yet what brought us hope and encouragement is the fact that this life is not all there is to the story.”
- Rob S.
Tags: Brenton Brown
Chris McClarney – Introducing Chris McClarney
Feb 5, 2010 CD Reviews
Chris McClarney
“Introducing Chris McClarney”
Kingsway
6 tracks @ 30:53
Grade = A-
Chris McClarney is based in Franklin, TN and has been a worship leader for 15 years. This is a very promising debut. Fans of Lincoln Brewster should like this disk.
McClarney is described as a worshipper dedicated to drawing the eyes, hearts and minds of the church toward its heavenly father. According to his PR, his song “Your Love Never Fails” has made its mark with the Jesus Culture movement.
Bill Johnson, senior leader at Bethel Chapel, Reading, CA, the birthplace of the Jesus Culture, says, “Chris McClarney is one of the most refreshing voices in this present move of God. I love all that he dies. His worship music is some of the most genuine, profound abd passionate music I know of anywhere.”
Jeff Deyo, formerly of SONICFLOOd says, “His talent and sincerity flow powerfully through the songs and usher me almost effortlessly into deeper friendship with Jesus.”
While the lyrics to Chris’s originals aren’t necessarily profound, they are vertical. He also does a nice interpretation of the traditional hymn “Blessed Assuraance.”
Let’s hope this worship leader has more music in him.
www.chrismcclarney.com
- Rob S.
