Amy Grant – Somewhere Down the Road
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
Amy Grant
Somewhere Down the Road
Sparrow Records
Grade – B+
Very few people have has such an impact on the CCM world as Amy Grant. People have vigilantly followed her through the highs and lows. She’s been a groundbreaker when it comes to her style of music and a ground shaker in her personal life. And through it all she has persevered. In recent history there have been several new projects that have also shown that she’s not done yet. Including the latest release “Somewhere Down the Road.”
The latest release includes seven new songs, two previously unreleased songs and a two others including Amy’s version of “I Can Only Imagine.” Among the new songs is the highly popular “Better Than A Hallelujah.” A reflective song that expresses God’s desire to hear from us personally. As the lyrics say, “we pour out our miseries, God just hears a melody.” Another fan favorite on the album is a remake of “Arms of Love,” a song that has comforted many a heavy heart before.
The new album is confirmation that Amy Grant still brings value to the CCM market and along with many others I am highly encouraged that she still wishes to share her life through music after all these years.
- Ken W.
Tags: Amy Grant
The Rocket Summer – Of Men and Angels
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
The Rocket Summer
Of Men and Angels
Island Def Jam
Grade – A
I did not know much about The Rocket Summer so I did some digging, sadly from my least favorite source Wikipedia, but it was helpful at least – as long as it is accurate. Going forward from there what I have learned is that The Rocket Summer is a one-man band – Stephen Bruce Avary.
Avary writes the songs, plays all the instruments on the recordings and self-produces. He is a multi instrumentalist and a prolific writer. I was concerned that he would be so prolific that I would not understand what he was saying. That tends to be the way it is sometimes with the more poetic artist that are not overtly Christian in their lyrics or format. However, I found this was not the case with “Of Men and Angels.” It was at times overt in its message and at all times positive.
On the latest album “Of Men and Angels” it appears that Avary has gone deeper in content and more alternative sounding. The last CD I had previewed was more piano driven I believe. I like the personal touch in the song about his high school sweetheart and now wife Tara – “Tara, Im Terrible.” Avary also speaks wisdom in a rather poetic way on songs like “Nothing Matters” and “Hills and Valleys.” Both of which also are very openly influenced by a faith-based worldview.
I rated “Of Men and Angels” high because it satisfies my taste on many levels. The music is original and entertaining while the lyrics speak truth. Avary also has a very poetic way of writing and his subtle youthful voice is very distinct. Check out http://www.therocketsummer.com/ for more information and watch for The Rocket Summer on tour with Warped Tour this summer among many other dates.
- Ken W.
Tags: The Rocket Summer
Fireflight – For Those Who Wait
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
Fireflight
For Those Who Wait
Flicker Records
Grade – A
You take a chance making claims of grandeur but when you can back it up it is sometimes worth the risk. The buzz is that with its first two releases the Florida based Fireflight has propelled itself to the top of the field and their latest album “exceeds expectations.” That could read that the band exceeded their own expectations, but it is left more open-ended as if they will blow away all expectations from the general public.
While I am tainted and somewhat turned off by lofty praises coming from a publicity release, I am glad that the band wiped that smirk right off my face with their third studio album “For Those Who Wait.” It is an edgy rock album that does show the band taking huge steps forward in their songwriting and artistic abilities.
The rock anthem “Those Who Wait” kicks of the CD and sets the rapid pace which is proudly followed up by a few of my other favorites like “Desperate” and “Core of My Addiction.” All are deeply meaningful tracks and vocalist Dawn Michele really belts them out with charisma.
They show their softer more personal side on tracks like “Name” and “Recovery Begins.” The lyrics are genuinely expressive and the tone of the ballads give you chill as the stories unfold on both of these songs. Overall, the lyrical content is exemplary and laced with biblical truths. Making an exceptionally potential hard rock album of the year!
For more information on “For Those Who Wait” check out http://www.fireflight.com.
- Ken W.
Tags: Fireflight
Robbie Seay Band – Miracle
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
Robbie Seay Band
Miracle
Sparrow Records
Grade – B
At first I wanted to judge this album based on one song – “Song of Hope.” It is the most familiar song to me from the Robbie Seay Band and it’s a huge success. However, after reading up on the band I started to wonder why this was the only song that I was familiar with. Before partnering with EMI on the Sparrow label the band successfully released at least four independent CD’s.
The band also leads worship regularly at their home church. It appears that their home church connection is also a big part of their chemistry, as the band describes a deeply rooted community that compels them to write songs for the community. Hence the very personal messages behind such songs as “Miracle” and “Lament (We Cannot Wait).” “Miracle” is about a friend’s battle with cancer and sadly the outcome was not the miracle everyone was praying for. However, as Robbie explains in the press release, “The song is not a promise of a miracle. It is, however, the declaration that we all will find ourselves in great need of [a miracle] at some point in our lives – and in those moments, we choose to believe even when we can’t see our hands in front of our faces.”
“Miracle” is an impressive 54 minutes long with three key tracks going over six minuets each. There are lofty worship songs and more emotive worship songs. My absolute favorite is “Lament” which features the voice of Breanne Duren. She has a beautifully, youthful voice that adds a lot of passion to the song. All together the band shows no sign of slowing down or lack of reasons to worship within their community and beyond.
Check out http://www.robbieseayband.com for more information.
- Ken W.
Tags: Robbie Seay Band
The Letter Black – Hanging On By a Thread
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
The Letter Black
Hanging On By a Thread
Tooth & Nail
Grade – B+
The Letter Black is a new hard rock band recently signed to the Tooth & Nail roster, however, they were once known as Breaking Silence. Apparently the name change was necessary because there was already a mainstream band under the same moniker.
Having just been together since 2006 they are a relatively junior band, however, that does not seem to have affected their latest release. I was very impressed with the level of playing on the CD. Front woman Sarah Anthony sings with a good mix of Evanescence and Fireflight similarities. I was also thinking there was some Skillital influence on the recording and it just happens that the band recently toured with Skillet. Check out “Believe” for an example.
While the sound is somewhat typical of the genre the band has written some really cool songs that give them an air of newness. I also like the energy that comes through each song. The message is also strong and adds a lot of credibility to the debut. The song I mentioned before, “Believe,” is also a good example of the edifying lyrics included on the album. Other favorites of mine include “All I Want,” because of the guitar crunching and the added screamo vocals, and “Wounded” for the same reason. The entire message is very positive and uplifting in a loud sort of way! Check out their MySpace page for more information – http://www.myspace.com/theletterblack.
- Ken W.
Tags: The Letter Black
Kelly Minter – “Introducing Kelly Minter”
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
Kelly Minter
“Introducing Kelly Minter”
Kingsway
6 tracks @ 26:52
Grade = A-
Singer/songwriter/author Kelly Minter leads worship at churches around the country, speaks at women’s conferences and events, and is the author of several books and Bible studies (Ruth: Loss, Love & Legacy and No Other Gods). Her second release for Kingsway is all worship music and includes an interpretation of Charles Wesley’s “Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above.”
Of the five modern tracks, I did enjoy “We Will Not Go” and the Stuart Townend penned “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us.” Minter says the latter was inspired by Exodus 33.
“Shortly after the golden calf episode, God told Moses and the Israelites to go up to the Promised Land, but since they had turned their backs on Him, He told them that His presence would not go with them,” Minter says. “I found it moving that Moses’ response was so quick and resolved: if your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. In other words, Moses had no desire for physical blessings if it meant that God’s presence wouldn’t be there. I remember getting in a room with John (Hartley), Stephen (Leiweke), and Henk (Pool) and we wrote a song around this theme, about how none of us wanted to go anywhere or do anything or even live in abundant blessing if God was not there with us.”
I loved the lyrics in the Townend song; Why Should I gain from His reward, I cannot give an answer, But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.
While I’m not a fan of live worship projects, the three live tracks here hold up.
According to her PR, Minter is strongly tied to her home church, teaches a weekly Bible Study at The Next Door (a ministry in Nashville for women recently released from prison), and is passionate about working with “Ray of Hope” (www.rayofhopeamazon.com), which ministers to villages along the Amazon River. Her greatest desire is to love Christ above all things and to be connected to culture in a way that brings redemption.
- Rob S.
Tags: Kelly Minter
Dutton – All Things Fade
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
Dutton
All Things Fade
Independent
Grade = B+
I am a big advocate of praise and worship music, and the message woven into songs in this genre. I also admire Christian artists for who they are, and their willingness to follow the Lord’s leading. Hailing from Waco, Texas, Dutton has been sharing the gospel message to the world for nearly six years. What started out as a group of college students sharing their love for the Lord, has turned into a full-time band of worshipers who are on fire for God. Dutton’s latest album “All things fade” delivers an incredible worship experience for long-time fans and new listeners alike.
I believe the CCM genre deserves everything its musicians can offer, and when done right, it can be an amazing thing to listen to. Just listen to “Welcome Here”. With soaring verses, accompanied by Logan Walter’s voice voice, with the original, heartfelt lyrics adds up to quite an amazing listening experience. Logan Walter, the lead singer of Dutton, has an astounding voice, which is one of the main highlights of this album. “Call to Action” and “Welcome Here” are two other songs, showcasing Walter’s voice.
The few places where his voice falls a little out of place are when Dutton experiments with a southern gospel sound, and while still pulling the songs off well, they sound more familiar with with the rock sound-one that suits them well. The southern gospel songs, while still very good, are the only negative things I have to say about the album. “All Things Fade” offers listeners a powerful worship experience and is the ideal worship album.
Dutton’s strength and passion pulse throughout the album and never sounds dull or apathetic for a moment. They bring an almighty God the worship and adoration he deserves. The band members, a group of guys who are on fire for God, share their sincerity and hope for the future in “All Things Fade”.
- Tom F.
Tags: Dutton
Stellar Kart – Everything Is Different Now
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
Stellar Kart
Everything Is Different Now”
INO Records
10 tracks, 35 minutes
Grade – B+
It’s always interesting watching bands progress and grow, and this time the growth is definitely noticeable. Stellar Kart is back with a new, quite appropriately titled release, “Everything Is Different Now”. The release brings more changes than just a switch to a new record company. The entire album brings about a new, deeper, more worshipful side to Stellar Kart that listeners might not have heard before.
The album starts off with “All My Heart”, an upbeat track that carries a good message, but lacks the singability of some of Stellar Kart’s older hits. From there things carry on generally in the same fashion. Good messages, but little to no catchy tunes that stick in your head for days afterword. Of course, that’s not to say the album lacks it’s bright points.
“We Shine”, a cover of the original song by Fee is a singable anthem with strong guitars. There are several other highlights including the softer “It’s Not Over”, the title track “Everything Is Different Now”, and the cover of Matt Redman’s “You Never Let Go” which remains close with the original while adding the unique flavor only Stellar Kart can create.
Some of the songs are easily forgettable and one or two could even come across as annoying, though overall it’s a good album. Long-time followers of Stellar Kart may not like the release, as it lacks the upbeat, witty lyrics of their older pop-punk hits, through dedicated fans and new listeners will enjoy the album for what it is: a collection of older and new worship songs with a bit of a punk twist.
It may not be their best release to-date, but the good tracks outweigh the mediocre, making “Everything Is Different Now” definitely worth the listen.
- Elise F.
Tags: Stellar Kart
Passion: Awakening
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
Passion: Awakening
Various
SixstepsRecords
Grade – A
The latest from the Passion brand is an amazing collection of praise and worship that continues to prove that their message is relevant and authentic. Those on the CD have a strong ministry alone and putting them together on one album is a potent collaboration like no other.
Among the dozen tracks that are on the album an impressive eight are new tracks that have never before been recorded. Aside from the “best-of” feeling the album gives you, it is also live and that gives a more authentic feeling.
If you look closely at the album cover you will see a reference to John 11:11 where Jesus was going to “awake” Lazarus. It is a telling story of how asleep in the presence of the Lord. So if you will let it the music will awaken you with fervor.
The title track has a powerful buildup that starts the awakening process. It sets the tone for a mighty worshipful album. Other highlights of the album include the emotive rendition of “How He Loves,” by the David Crowder Band and Kristian Stanfill’s peppy “Say, Say.”
Other artists on the album include Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall, Christy Nockles, Fee and Hillsong UNITED. Above all, the album point to God for everything and it sings praises to a worthy God and this is all summed up in Tomlin’s “Our God.”
For more information visit http://www.268generation.com.
- Ken W.
Tags: Passion
Dorothy Savage – Glorious Mess
Apr 9, 2010 CD Reviews
Dorothy Savage
Glorious Mess
Crimson Pink Music
Grade – B
Dorothy Savage emerges as a new voice in the faith based market with her debut “Glorious Mess.” The new album is a flavorful collection of pop and rock tracks that all loudly proclaim her faith. From reading the liner notes I gather that the album is more of an outlet for her faith than a pursuit of her ambitions. While it may have just been a project, or opportunity that she was afforded via her own making, the album is a strong debut.
Savage has a powerful voice and her styling are varied enough to keep the project fresh from track to track. My initial thought was that there were some similarities between Savage and Rebecca St. James. Occasionally Savage mixes it up with some soul (“See Through Me”) and bit of wispy and growly vocals. The soundtrack is as varied with a good dose of rock and a balance of softer tunes as well. Throughout the CD the message remains focused on the gospel and one of my favorite songs is the worshipful “Beautiful Savior.”
The writers for the album reads like an A list of celebrities for the CCM genre, with names like Chris Sligh, Jason Ingram, Cindy Morgan, Jill Phillips, Scott Krippayne, Bernei Herms, and Philip La Rue to name a few. Savage herself helped pen “End of Me” with producer Marty Maghee.
“Glorious Mess” is a respectable debut. What Dorthy Savage will do from this point on with her “project” will be interesting to see. For more information check out http://www.dorthysavage.com.
- Ken W.
Tags: Dorothy Savage
