Abel – Lesser Men
Oct 30, 2010 CD Reviews
Abel
“Lesser Men”
10 tracks, 35 minutes
Grade – A
Unlike so many bands that seem to start off slowly with EP’s and small collections of not-quite polished material, Abel’s official debut album “Lesser Men” stands out with 10 songs that sound just as professional as many of the veteran bands in Christian music. Upon first listening, Abel shares musical similarities to bands such as Paper Route or House of Heroes while transferring a distinctly Christ-centered message.
Coming in at just over a minute and a half, the first track on the album, “Silver” is a cover of an older worship chorus, which sets the theme for the entire album. It merges directly into the next track, an upbeat song with the catchy chorus: “If only we had eyes to see You, if only we had ears to hear, if only we could be a children of love”. “The Martyr” is a good, if slightly less memorable, interlude into the title track, which takes an interesting look at Christ’s sacrifice and the rejection we all give God at some point in our lives. Perhaps the most unique part of the song is the weaving in of “You are my sunshine, my only sunshine” into the chorus. “Titanic” slows the rhythm down a bit as it pleas for God to save us from ourselves using the analogy of a sinking ship. The second half of the album keeps the same sound as the first half, but loses a bit of the catchiness. The songs sound similar to eachother and though good, it takes a few listens to really get the chorus trapped in your head. The album ends on a strong note, however, with the pair of songs “Atlantic”. The first half, “Brokenhearted King” recognizes that God is still the only One who can save us, while the second half, “The Voice In The Tides” ends the album with the line “Although there is an ocean between You and me, You still light my way.”
“Lesser Men” is a unique album with a powerful message of hope and worship and God’s love. It was released digitally for no profit to the band, which shows a dedication on their part to spreading the gospel as simply and beautifully as they can. I definitely recommend this album, and I suggest keeping an eye on the band Abel to hear what they have in store for the future.
- Elise F.
Tags: Abel
Same As Sunday – Earn Your Stripes EP
Oct 30, 2010 CD Reviews
Same As Sunday
“Earn Your Stripes EP”
7 tracks, 24 minutes
Grade – A
What would happen if you tossed Hawk Nelson, Hello Kelly, and an older version of Relient K into a blender? You’d get fast-paced pop-punk riffs, quirky lyrics, and simplistic vocals backed by the occasional shout. In short, you’d get Same As Sunday.
“Earn Your Stripes” is the second EP from the Indiana band, and features a bit more maturity than their first while maintaining a fun sound. The first track on the album, “Roads?” is an upbeat call to action as the chorus says “No looking back now, I insist, there’s nothing that we can do better than this!” “No If’s, And’s, or Breakdowns” is a cute song written to the object of the singer’s affection that reassures that he will be there for her, “no if’s, and’s, or breakdowns”. It’s filled with quirky compliments and even humorous hints of autotune. The next song, “The Opposite of Two” is an honest song about a hurtful breakup that ends with a positive outlook on the future. The album ends with the upbeat title track “Earn Your Stripes” whose bridge sums up the album’s overall theme with the line, “seize the day, if God is for us, who can stand in our way?”
“Earn Your Stripes” is a fast-paced whirlwind of guitar solos and singable choruses that will stick in your head for days. The band’s message is clear – live every day is if it were ethe same as a Sunday, as if every day could be your last.
- Elise F.
Night Owls 5: Bird Flu
Oct 30, 2010 CD Reviews
Multiple Artists
“Night Owls 5: Bird Flu”
18 tracks, 64 minutes
Grade – B-
Night Owls is a collection of collaborational albums for underground rappers. Although compared to the “Wow CDs of hip-hop”, the Night Owls series differs in that each song is written for, and only available on, the album itself. Back with a new lineup, Night Owls 5 is a good way to hear some new artists of the genre.
Many of the rappers featured on Night Owls 5 are new to the industry, which makes for some ups and downs. Some of the tracks such as “Earthquake Music” and “Basics” seem to lack a smooth lyrical flow whereas others like “A Beautiful Thing” and “Words” seem void of spiritual depth. On the other hand, songs like “Relying On God” and “Family Tree” are both strong lyrically and musically, making them easy to listen to more than once or twice. The album also features songs by more well-known rappers such as Red Cloud, Kaboose, Rhema Soul, and Braille. They bring a sense of finality and memorability to the album and complement the newer artists’ tracks quite well.
Night Owls 5 is a good rap collection that I would recommend to fans of hip-hop artists such as Braille, Kaboose, or Theory Hazit.
- Elise F.
Kevin LeVar – “Let’s Come Together”
Oct 28, 2010 CD Reviews
Kevin LeVar
“Let’s Come Together”
Habakkuk Music
18 tracks @ 75:15
Grade = A
Overall, an uplifting disk of contemporary gospel songs. LeVar can handle other styles too as “What Cha Know About Jesus” rocks while “A Heart That Forgives” is a very pretty acoustic version. The backing singers shine throughout. I enjoyed the entire record and there’s lots of music to enjoy.
The deluxe edition has a DVD which includes interviews, live performances and music videos.
- Rob S.
Surprised By Worship
Oct 28, 2010 Book Reviews
Title: Surprised By Worship
Author: Travis Cottrell
Publisher: Zondervan
As an award winning worship artist, Travis Cottrell absolutely has something to say about the significance of worship. Most significantly he writes about moments of worship that have occurred at the least likely times – least likely when we try to control what we think “worship” is. Travis writes about the unexpected joy when a song moves you to the point of goose bumps and worshiping God when things are tough and not just during the good times.
Specifically, he writes about worship in death and at a time when we are grieving the loss of a loved one. It is totally opposite of what the world sees as appropriate, but it is a comfort that those in Christ know and can worship with joy and confidence. More common than death is the everyday challenges we face in tough economic times and Travis writes about how easy it is to worship when things are going well, but he expounds on the surprise when we can earnestly worship when things are not going so well.
Each chapter brings new “surprises” and while death and hard times are more profound, I did enjoy his discourse on worshiping the arts beyond music. Ultimately, the book uncovers the greatest roadblock to worship as us. It speaks of surrender and it enlightens the reader of the importance of trusting God (worship) and facing the unknown with great anticipation of the promises of God.
I am not that familiar with Travis Cottrell personally, but I found “Surprised By Worship” to be an easy and interesting read. For fans it gives you a very personal insight into the man behind the music. Certainly, as a known worship artist and a worship leader for Beth Moore’s ministry, the book will do well within his own sphere of influence, but for those less familiar it may not be as meaningful because much of it is based around his personal life.
Check out http://traviscottrell.com for more information.
- Ken W.
Third Day – Move
Oct 28, 2010 CD Reviews
Third Day
Move
Essential Records
Grade – B
I have been quite happy with the latest release from Third Day. The album starts off with their lead single “Lift Up Your Face,” which is like a battle cry or a victory cry over the schemes of the devil that try to drag us down in this physical life of ours. It’s a real motivating song that gets your blood pumping. Furthermore I found a lot of uplifting moments with songs like “Children of God,” “Trust In Jesus,” and “Don’t Give Up Hope.” Their southern rock style and the distinct vocals of Mac Powell give the project a cool edge that is sure to please the faithful fan while at the same time their bound to pick up a few new listeners as well. I honestly have not been as excited about any of the more recent Third Day projects as I have been for “Move.” Check out the official Third Day website for more information – http://www.thirdday.com.
- Ken W.
Rend Collective Experiment
Oct 28, 2010 CD Reviews
Rend Collective Experiment
Organic Family Hymnal
Kingsway
Grade – B
On the surface this album is not what I had expected, with a name that includes the descriptive words “collective” and “experiment,” I was really expecting it to be an “out-there” type project with some wildly experimental sounds. However, upon first listen I thought to myself that it was really not much different that most contemporary worship. It was not until I read up on the group before I figured out what was behind the name.
The “collective” so to speak is a foundation of four regular members in a joint venture with a multitude of other worshipers. They group hails from Northern Ireland and they got their start as a part of a college ministry called “Rend.” The name Rend was taken from the scriptures that speak of rendering your heart to the Lord. On the organic side the group is use to playing their music in places less sterile than the church – like a good ole’ Irish pub.
Thankfully I was able to put my bias’ aside and enjoy the music for what it is about – worshiping authentically and genuinely. The songs are well written and quite original and with the variety of leads the project is ever changing from track to track. My personal favorites are “You Bleed,” “Exalt,” and the old Hymn “Love Devine.”
For more information check out Rend Collective Experiment online at http://rendcollectiveexperiment.com.
- Ken W.
Mike Farris and the Cumberland Saints
Oct 28, 2010 CD Reviews
Mike Farris and the Cumberland Saints
The Night the Cumberland Saints Came Alive EP
eOne Entertainment
Grade – B+
Mike Farris has been making a name for himself with some fresh gospel music with a truly historic Americana style. Already winning awards and gaining recognition since his 2007 release of “Salvation In Lights,” Farris’ latest release is a testament to a style of music that personifies the American tradition of picking up the boot straps and digging in when it comes to dealing with adversity. Subsequently, this EP is a celebration of the recovery efforts felt and seen in the Nashville area following the floods of 2010. The song selection reflects the “victory of the working class, a sound rising up out of the flesh and bone, of spit and spirit,” says Farris. For the fans of the nostalgia the old-time gospel of Mike Farris is a refreshing return to simpler days. Check out the song listing and more at Farris’ official website – http://MikeFarrisMusic.net.
- Ken W.
Soulfire
Oct 28, 2010 CD Reviews
Soulfire
Self-titled
Independent
10 tracks @ 43:40
Grade = B
The top track here is the fun “You’re the One.” I also liked the lyrics to “Bright Light.” This group has a great 60s pop-rock sound and the lyrics leave no doubt as to where the band is coming from. A couple of tracks, such as “Live for You,” have a sweet arena rock guitar solo. The vocals, at times, could use more presence.
Soulfire hails from the Harford, PA area and they have been rockin’ it since 2006. They are also members of the http://www.indieheaven.com/ collective or you can find personal information on them at their own website at http://www.fireinyoursoul.com.
- Rob S.
Runaway City – “Armored Heart”
Oct 28, 2010 CD Reviews
Runaway City
“Armored Heart”
Vertusent Music Group
10 tracks @ 36:47
Grade = B-
Runaway City has a big guitar sound which may remind some of Kutlass and Switchfoot. And while songs such as “Longing,” “Only You” and the hopeful “More Than This” could see Christian radio play, the songs, are described in its PR as “completely accessible,” and “relatable,” which apparently means using lots of personal pronouns. They could just as easily be about a girlfriend as anything else.
Lead singer Josh Edwards says, “God wants us to come to Him just as we are, so why should we put on airs when playing our songs?”
- Rob S.
- Rob S.
