Natalie Grant – Love Revloution
Sep 22, 2010 CD Reviews
Natalie Grant
Love Revloution
Curb Records
Grade – A
I have a growing fondness for Grant’s latest release “Love Revolution” and as I consider the difficult task of parenting teen-age girls (1 there and 2 on the way there) I grow more and more attached to the overall significance of this CD. “Daring to Be” something different, to stand apart in driven world where not fitting in seems like the worst possible situation ever, an outcast, unloved, all lies from Satan of course. It’s the “Love Revolution” and the “Greatness of God” that can set you free from the bondage of worldly pleasures and misguided yearnings.
Natalie Grant’s musical career has really been solidified since here 2001 release of “Stronger,” and knowing where she came from musically, I am impressed to be reviewing her 5th project since 2001. Her talent has been recognized by the industry, as she has been named the Gospel Music Association’s Female Vocalist of the Year four times since 2001. Accolades aside, Natalie Grant is not one to hoard the spotlight and she’s wisely using her platform to help others.
Natalie’s work with “The Home Foundation” is critical and when you consider the young female audience her music is most adept for, it gives her great credibility to speak to their hearts. She’s witnessed the destructive suffering of women and children who are used (and sold) primarily for the pleasure of others. It should speak volumes to the young girl whose only worry is how her hair and makeup looks on Monday morning before school.
That leads me to what I consider to be one of the most important songs on the project called “Beauty Mark.” It’s a poignant message, but for some reason it is so hard to break through the barriers of worldly perception (looks) and get to the deeper issues of the heart. It asks the tough question – “how is your heart?” – and do we care about others or just what others think of us?
Lastly, the album is infused with a good dose of reflecting worship like both “Power of the Cross,” and “Your Great Name.” Both are sung in such a meaningful and heartfelt way that is heartwarming indeed.
For more information on Natalie Grant, The Home Foundation, and Love Revolution check out http://nataliegrant.com/.
- Ken W.
Tags: Natalie Grant
Phil Joel – deliberateKids.2
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Phil Joel
deliberateKids.2
deliberatePeople, LLC
Grade – A
I will take any tool that not only helps me be a better parent, but more importantly helps me to instill biblical principals into the practice of parenting as well. With that purpose in mind, I excitedly approached the second deliberateKids offering from former Newsboys bassist/vocalist Phil Joel. Aside from the Newsboys fame Phil has also done a stellar job of a solo career on a more adult pop/contemporary stage, however, both sides of Phil Joel as an artist are targeted at this “deliberate” mindset, hence the umbrella organization of deliberatePeople.com that encompasses deliberateKids and Phil Joel as a solo artist.
Phil Joel and his wife Heather were the primary songwriters on deliberateKids 2, but there are a few special guests as well. The Supertones are featured on “Don’t Forget to Remember” and fellow Newsboys member Peter Furler is featured on two tracks, “Amour of God” and Strong and Courageous. I like the Gaga spin on “Armour of God,” as sad as it is, kids pick up on tunes quickly and the recognition here may help to ingrain the more upright lyrics of this track over the message of the pop counterpart.
On the website it states that the primary age group is 8 – 12, however, the songs transcend ages with their fun and uplifting messages. The lessons are most appropriate for this age group, but you can always plant seeds early. Either way, deliberateKids is expressed in a rousing format that is fun to listen to and to sing along with.
I went to the deliberateKids website to dig up some more information and I was excited to see the “tools for parents” tab on the site. However, when I went to this pareticualar piece of the web, I did not find all the answers. I did however find a great piece of advice. “If we want our kids to be passionate followers of Jesus, then first of all thats who we need to be.” We need to be “deliberate.”
Check out http://www.deliberatekids.com/home/ for more information.
- Ken W.
Tags: Phil Joel
Southbound Fearing
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Southbound Fearing
The Arduous Task Ep
Red Cord Records
Grade – C+//B-
The band Southbound Fearing is an independent band from the Toledo, Ohio area and their latest EP is the third release from the band. While it is the 3rd EP the first two were released back in 2007, not so long after the band was originally formed. Their website states that they are currently working on a full-length release for 2010.
“The Arduous Task” has a very definite ministry focus with regards to the lyrics. I found that the messages were of hope and encouragement. I particularly liked “Miles” and I think it reflects an all too common situation among young Christians. The passion and fire for the Lord is quickly lost or displaced by their passion for worldly things, and sometimes it can be a real mental struggle to discern right from wrong. Sadly, so many people young and old forget their first love and get wrapped up in the passion of the moment. This song encourages the listener to seek Godly wisdom, to recognize that you can’t do this alone and that passion is not a feeling to take lightly.
The EP is 5 tracks long and musically it has a very familiar pop/rock sound. I found that while the sound was fairly common, the lyrics were unique enough to make this a very original album. I am looking forward to hearing more as the band develops their ministry.
For more information check out http://southboundfearing.com/.
- Ken W.
Tags: Southbound Fearing
Willet
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Willet
teeth of a lion, fangs of a lioness
Independent
Grade – B
This past summer at Lifest I had the opportunity to interview Jeremy Willet. What I discovered was that the band had a heart for missions and their music, while particularly progressive and exciting, was chiefly a tool of their overall missions mindset. It is used as a way to help communicate and facilitate their work as missionaries and while they could easily be touring and resting on their musical gifts alone, they choose to focus on a larger purpose.
As a band, Willet is primarily made up of three brothers, Jeremy, Justin, and Jordan Willet and on this album they were joined by Caleb Douglass (Drums). Their music is both worship oriented and progressively rock at the same time. I particularly like the modern worship sound of “Shelter” and “Repent.” This is their 5th release and the band has been touring internationally with their music.
The band works with Food For the Hungry and they are also intentional about getting to know the people they serve. It is about more than just raising money for communities as Jeremy explained; it’s about getting to know them as people.
While a listen to their latest album, “teeth of a lion, fangs of a lioness,” makes it clear that they have achieved a level of professionalism that matches that of charting/label bands; their ministry focus is quite refreshing. As Jeremy stated, their vision changed after a missions trip where the band “replaced dreams of success for dreams of releasing children from poverty.”
I would suggest that purchasing “teeth of a lion, fangs of a lioness” is just a good idea all around. You get 10 tracks of progressive and spirited rock/worship and you can know that you’re not feeding an ego with your purchase – instead you’re helping a mission to feed those in need.
For more information check out http://www.willetonline.com/.
- Ken W.
Tags: Willet
Ivoryline – Vessels
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Ivoryline
“Vessels”
Tooth & Nail Records
Grade-B+
In a world where many conceal their faith just to maintain their “image”, it’s rare to encounter a band who is as open about it as Ivoryline. Their debut album was a big success among hardcore rock fans, and “Vessels” is sure to please the same audience, and hopefully even draw in new listeners. “Vessels” contains lyrics from the band members’ hearts. They haven’t sugar-coated a thing, giving each song powerful, black-and-white truths. Listeners should beware, there will be one (or more) songs on this album that will cause serious conviction. Most bands and singers don’t go quite as far as Ivoryline has, lyrically, and it’s a shame.
Each song speaks on a different, relevant topic for today. If I had to choose a favorite track, it would be “The Healing”, a powerful wake-up call for Christians, reminding them to surrender their lives daily to their Healer. Every other song is equally good both lyrically and musically.
The refreshing, brutal honesty presented in this album is refreshing, to say the least. After listening through the entire album, it’s clear to see that each band member is on fire for God. Not only do they have powerful lyrics, but a very unique sound! Each member, a talented musician, bring something truly new to the CCM band scene. Fans of Pillar and Falling Up will definitely enjoy this album. The band shines for Him in their sophomore album, and are sure to please old fans and new listeners alike.
- Tom
Tags: Ivoryline
Michael W. Smith – Wonder
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Michael W. Smith
“Wonder”
Reunion Records
12 tracks
Grade = A
With over 10 million albums sold and countless awards and accolades, Michael W. Smith is possibly one of the best-known (and well-loved) artists in the Christian music community. His career, which spans nearly three decades, has been filled with powerful, profound, life-changing music. His legacy continues with his most powerful release, “Wonder”.
It’s difficult to choose only a few songs from the album to review, seeing as how they are all so good! Mr. Smith brings a variety of styles to his new album, yet maintains the genuine, heartfelt lyrics we’ve all come to know and expect.
The album starts with the single “Save Me From Myself”, a powerful and upbeat introduction that sets the bar for the record. With the lyrics “You save me, save me from myself, there is no one else to set me free”, the song builds gradually into an strong, positive melody that is sure to be a favorite of old and new fans alike.
The upbeat feel soon fades into a beautiful ballad, full of emotion and sincerity. “Run To You” gives listeners a personal look into Michael’s life, as he surrenders control to his Lord and Savior. As the song builds, it really showcases Michael’s powerful vocals. This is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the album.
Two songs showing Smith’s love for his wife are “You Belong To Me” and “Forever Yours”. In “You Belong To Me”, Smith recalls his love-at-first-sight feelings he experienced when he first met his wife. “Forever Yours” recalls the life-long vow shared between the two on their wedding day.
“Wonder” demonstrates Mr. Smith’s love for his Heavenly Father, as he clues listeners in on his thoughts, ambitions, fears, and prayers. Old and new fans will find exactly what they’ve been waiting for, with his latest project.
- Tom F.
Tags: Michael W. Smith
PressPlay – “NY2LA”
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
PressPlay
“NY2LA”
12 tracks, 42 minutes
Grade – B-
After two independent releases and a debut album that caught national attention, Press Play is back with their follow-up album “NY2LA”. The first track, which also happens to share the title, starts off with a dance beat and a catchy chorus about spreading God’s love and making a change across the nation. The song sounds a bit disjointed however, a trait that unfortunately permeates the entire album.
The band is full of vibrant energy through each track, but they channel it into several different styles, some of which hit while others miss. However, that’s not to say the album is without its bright spots. “Let’s Dance” is a catchy song with a pop sound, as is “Holiday”.
The album ends with two worship songs, “Forever” and “My Everything” which sound somewhat like the slower tracks of Group 1 Crew or Hillsong. Overall, “NY2LA” is a solid, fun release, but some of the songs are more mediocre than memorable.
- Elise F.
Tags: PressPlay
Israel Houghton
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Israel Houghton
“Love God. Love People.”
Integrity Music
12 tracks @ 67:30
Grade = A
With its dollops of political posturing, I wasn’t a big fan of his last live record, but this time around Israel Houghton has released an excellent record.
Houghton says the overall theme of his new record is a focus on the profoundly simple greatest commandment.
“(It’s) a return to a simple, foundational Gospel command,” Houghton says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself. . . . It all comes down to ‘Love God, love people.’ Period.”
On “Love Revolution,” our oft times petty annoyances are contrasted with the all-too-real needs of a world that is hurting.
The range of musical styles is almost a tour de force, but it works. The title track is 80s synth heavy while “Yahweh” features big horns and funk. “You Won’t Let Go” has a temp shift that somehow brings together the sounds of O.C. Supertones and reggae. “Hosanna” has a children’s choir and is heavy on the strings.
I haven’t decided if I like his interpretation of Chris Tomlin’s “Our God” but I still love the lyrics. I don’t know what to make of his breathy, electronically atmospheric interpretation of Chris Tomlin’s ‘Our God.’ But I still love the lyrics.
Should be an award winner; focused lyrics and largely fun arrangements.
- Rob S.
Tags: Israel Houghton
Tom Jones – Praise and Blame
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Tom Jones
“Praise and Blame”
Lost Highway
11 tracks @ 38:14
Grade = A+
For those of us old enough to remember, yes, this is THAT Tom Jones. The Welshman, best known for his over-the-top Burt Bacharach-style pop singles in the 60s (“What’s New Pussycat”) and American TV variety show; has released an extraordinary disk of Christian music. Thus who enjoyed Johnny Cash’s posthumously released “American VI Ain’t No Grave” while want this disk.
Its mostly original material with simple arrangements and instrumentation, this disk is largely about a man looking back on his life.
Through its use of straightforward, simple examples, “What Good Am I?” explains the role of Christian works far more clearly than most theologians can. The broody “Nobody’s Fault But mine” is about free will.
Musically, this record is spectacular through its simplicity. “Lord Help” is a rocking plea while the guitar growl on “Burning Hell” and “Run On.” “Didn’t It Rain” is an old-time gospel tune.
Not only one of the year’s best but a deeply felt, exceptional surprise. I never saw this one coming.
- Rob S.
www.tomjones.com
Tags: Tom Jones
Aaron Crider – The Change
Sep 6, 2010 CD Reviews
Aaron Crider
“The Change”
New Day Distribution
10 tracks @ 46:18
Grade = A
Not having the benefit of a deep-pocketed hype machine, Aaron Crider is most certainly “One to Watch For.” His third release of modern worship and praise is worth tracking down. Lyrically, several of his songs go beyond the typical Christian tune.
Crider says producer Steve Hindalong pushed him to move beyond the cliché.
“Steve was able to help me dig deeper lyrically,” Crider says. “This recording process taught me to grow in ways I never thought, to state ideas that hadn’t been said before instead of finding the easy rhyme scheme.”
The end of result really comes through in the song “One Child Matters.” It’s the theme song for Mission of Mercy, a non-profit that deals with human trafficking. I hope this heart-wrenching song finds some air play on Christian radio. That would really put the “Christian” into Christian radio.
“This Window” should also be a radio single as Aaron is joined by his wife Holly for a very pretty duet. “How He Loves” includes the truth that our “afflictions are eclipsed by (His) glory,” while the title track reflects a change “that I believe in. . .in the wake of winter you create new life.”
Very nice.
- Rob S.
Tags: Aaron Crider
