Jonny Diaz
Apr 27, 2011 CD Reviews
Jonny Diaz
Self-Titled
INO Records
Grade – A
Jonny Diaz burst into the Christian music scene with his smash hit, “More Beautiful You” back in 2009. He stormed the radio with his catchy pop melodies and landed a Dove Award nomination for “New Artist Of The Year”. His sophomore album delivers a healthy dose of heartfelt, inspiring lyrics with the same soft, pop sound fans have come to love!
The album kicks off with a burst of strings leading into the energetic, “He Delights In You”. The track serves as an encouraging reminder that God’s love and mercy remain, even in life’s darkest moments. “Cross the Line” encourages listeners to take a step out of their comfort zone and into a personal relationship with Christ. “Beauty of the Cross”, the first single from the album, is a beautiful, worshipful track about the wonder of what Christ did for us on the cross. It’s an outstanding track – a perfect reminder, just in time for Easter! “Figured It Out” shakes things up a bit sonically, with the addition of horns, and the new sound works really well. “Love I’m Living For” is a beautiful love song, written for Jonny’s wife, a definite highlight of the album. “Weeps For You” is very profound lyrically as Jonny highlights God’s impossible love for us, and reminds listeners that “He weeps” for us, as our hearts ache. It’s thought-provoking to say the least.
Jonny’s self titled sophomore album, contains some very personal songs, as well as some very intimate, worshipful tracks. “More Beautiful You” ended on a humorous note with “The Opener”, and his comical side shines through once more, as Jonny ties this album off with the aptly titled, “The Chick-fil-a Song”, a tribute to his favorite southern restaurant. The album is another solid release from Jonny and brings a strong message of hope and encouragement.
Tom F.
Passion – Here For You
Apr 27, 2011 CD Reviews
Passion
Here For You
Sixtepsrecords
Grade – B
Each year, Passion conferences minister to thousands, through seminars, worship services and prayer times. Their ministry doesn’t stop there, however – each year an album of live concert songs is released, giving listeners the opportunity to experience hits from leading artists such as Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman. “Here For You”, the 2011 Passion release, continues to capture all the power and worship from the conferences.
Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman make their traditional appearances on the album, but Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Charlie Hall, David Crowder Band, and Lecrae get to showcase some of their finest work here as well. Chris Tomlin leads listeners through several of his current hits including: “We Are Here For You”, “All To Us”, “All My Fountains”, and of course, “Our God”. Christy’s beautiful voice brings variety to the album in “Waiting” and “I Will Carry Your Name”. David Crowder Band performs two of their current hits as well; “Sometimes” and “Shadows”. “Shadows” from their recent release, “Church Music” is one of the strongest tracks on the album, with the unexpected, but powerful appearance by Lecrae. Lecrae’s cameo is intense, to say the least. The rapped verse really puts a fresh spin on “Shadows” and adds flavor to Lecrae’s second guest appearance in “Our God”, closing the [Deluxe Edition] on a strong note.
The many artists who contributed to “Here For You” are definitely the best at what they do. Their songs are both inspirational and worshipful, and provide a glimpse into the power of the worship experiences from the Passion conferences. Overall, this is a solid release, perfect for listeners who were either at the conference, or love live worship albums!
Tom F.
“Love Divine”
Apr 27, 2011 CD Reviews
“Love Divine”
Various
Kingsway
13 tracks @ 53:
Grade = A
Simply brilliant.
Charles Wesley wrote some 6,500 hymns. This work takes a select few, now well over 200 years old, and through modern settings breathes renewed live into ancient words that are rich with passion. Chris Eaton and John Hartley are responsible for the arrangements.
Eaton says, “Our church society throughout the world has maybe become too ‘familiar’ in our expression of worship at times. I longed to paint a musical picture in production of these new melodies, that truly enhances the text, born out of great liturgy, so that our modern experience of worship links us directly to the passion of the early hymn writers.
“ John Hartley shared my vision, and we set about finding great hymns of faith and writing new music to enhance worship experiences of each personal heart, within local church congregations. I believe that God will powerfully use music such as this to change our hearts, and our world.”
Artists lending their vocal talents include Tim Hughes, Mark Roach, Leigh Nash and Jenn Johnson.
Hughes says, “Charles Wesley is such an inspiration to any modern songwriter. The depth and power of his songs continue to be relevant and inspiring for worshippers today
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” “Jesus Force of My Soul,” “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,” and the subdued “Love Devine” are among the excellent tracks here.
Truly a candidate for Worship Project of the Year. Traditionalists and modernists can appreciate this work.
- Rob S.
Abandon – Control
Apr 27, 2011 CD Reviews
Abandon
“Control”
Forefront Records
13 tracks @ 46:46
Grade = A
The second album from this Texas-based modern rock band will be recognized as one of the top records of the year. This record will move your feet and heart.
Thematically “Control” covers familiar territory; the need for help (“Help,” “SOS”), uncertainty of life (“Talk to Me”) and the emptiness of materialism (“Your Love Goes On”), but sound fresh. “SOS flat out kicks.
The infectious first single, “Feel It In Your Heart,” has a crunchy open.
Lead vocalist Josh Engler says “Seeing something like the Northern Lights in person makes us marvel at the natural, God-orchestrated phenomenon happening in such a beautiful state outside of human control.
“Growing up, we were sheltered a bit and it’s interesting how your perspective of life changes. As we have toured, our core beliefs have remained intact, but it’s interesting how our ‘Northern Lights’ moments have changed our perspective.”
-Rob S.
www.abandonrock.com
DecembeRadio – Southern Attic Sessions
Apr 27, 2011 CD Reviews
DecembeRadio
“Southern Attic Sessions”
Slanted Records
5 tracks @ 19:19
Grade = A
I’ll have to admit that I haven’t listened to DecembeRadio before this (no particular reason-just haven’t). But after listening to their new record, it’s obvious why they’ve won two Dove Awards for Best Christian Rock Record.
Hard to believe this is literally a homemade record. Lead guitarist Brian Bunn tells me he has over the years built up a recording studio in the attic of his house. And while the guys may have done this project themselves, it sounds top notch.
The first single, “Be Strong,” is a song of encouragement. Unfortunately, it may be a little “too country” for the narrow Christian radio industry. That says far more about the worldly nature and motives of Christian radio than it does about the band’s music and, more importantly, message.
“Narrow,” as in take the narrow road, flat out kicks while I love the mandolin on “Son When You Feel Down.” “Deeper Well” is single worthy. Lead vocalist Josh Reedy tells me that Emmy Lou Harris used to perform that song.
To catch a portion of the interview that I shot with the band before their April concert in The ‘Villle, hit the YouTube link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiLkzors-Ew
There’s a good reason why people drove from over three hours away to catch them in concert in our town. Snippets of their new music can be found on the band’s official web site.
- Rob S.
Jake Hamilton – “Freedom Calling”
Apr 27, 2011 CD Reviews
Jake Hamilton
“Freedom Calling”
Kingsway
11 tracks @ 73:37
Grade – B+
With brief nods to Hendrix and Ozzy sprinkled throughout, Jake Hamilton rocks and rocks hard.
According to his PR, Hamilton is described as an artist and activist whose passion is to help raise up a generation to sing songs of revival in the nations of the earth. He’s been catalytic in the start of several ministries in his hometown of Rancho Cucamonga, CA while recording with Jesus Culture Music out of Bethel Church in Redding, CA. Bringing his music and message to churches and conferences coast-to-coast over the last few years, Hamilton desires to see God’s Kingdom manifest in power as his people encounter Him in worship.
Hamilton says, “I long to give the Body of Christ a language for reformation and revival through melodies that will be carried on for generations.”
No generic lyrics on this, his second solo effort. The title track is excellent. The repetition in some of the songs comes across, at times, like a sledgehammer. This is a live recording and the bass occasionally dominates the mix.
I would love to see Hamilton live as his performance gets pretty intense and the passion for what he does is obvious.
www.jesusculture.com/music/jake-hamilton
Francesca Battistelli – Hundred More Years
Apr 14, 2011 CD Reviews
Francesca Battistelli
Hundred More Years
Fervent Records
Grade – A
It’s been three years since Francesca Battistelli captivated listeners with her confident, fun debut album “My Paper Heart”. A lot has happened during those three years. A wedding, a baby, and a new house serve as great writing motivation and she drew from these experiences when writing her latest record, “Hundred More Years”. The wait is over, and Francesca fans are in for a treat.
A ukelele serves as the backdrop for “This Is The Stuff”, an insanely catchy track, which kicks the album off to a fun, bubbly start. With a list of the things that bug her, Francesca gently reminds listeners that with a bit of perspective, life’s annoyances can actually help us grow. “I’ve gotta trust/You know exactly what You’re doing/Might not be what I would choose/But this is the stuff You use”, she admits throughout the chorus. “Constant” serves as a beautiful reminder of God’s presence in every situation. The song starts with a confession of sorts, “I’m just a little bit afraid of where I’m going/And it feels like a hurricane is blowing over”, but all uncertainty is soon crushed – “You’ve never failed me all my life/You’ve never left my side, You are my Constant.” Dave Barnes lends his vocal talents in “Emily (It’s Love)”, an inspiring pop duet. Their perfectly blended vocals, plus the hopeful message make it one of the strongest tracks on the record.
“So Long” slows things down a little and paints a beautiful picture of new life with Christ. “So long to the weight that wasn’t working, and the hurting that was all I knew. It’s all gone, so long as I have You.” The album comes to a picture perfect ending with “Hundred More Years”. The song echoes back to “Someday Soon” from her debut album. She sings of life, love, and the dreams that have come true since her dreaming days, in this truly beautiful song.
It’s been a long time since Francesca’s entrance to the Christian music scene, but the wait was definitely worth it. “Hundred More Years” continues to tell the story of a young woman’s journey as she discovers life, love, and laughter. The album truly shines, and Francesca Battistelli continues to be a joy to listen to.
- Tom F.
VeggieTales: ‘Twas the Night Before Easter
Apr 14, 2011 DVD Reviews
VeggieTales: ‘Twas the Night Before Easter
Big Idea
The latest from Big Idea is a new Easter episode with a very special lesson. Statistically, Easter, like other Christian holidays, is a time of the year when attendance is usually up at most services. Therefore, the pressure can be on to employ a “impress and awe” service and that’s half of the story on this DVD. To quote from C. S. Lewis’ Letters to Malcom, “’I wish they’d remember that the charge to Peter was Feed my sheep; not Try experiments on my rats, or even, Teach my performing dogs new tricks.’”
The second half is the individual who catches a vision and goes for it without regard for others – even when it is a worthy cause we sometimes think we know what people need and we miss an opportunity to just live out our faith through service. Our main character, Marlee Meade, feels strongly that she can give others what they need by putting on a huge theatrical production but she fails to even look at the more simple needs right in front of her.
‘Twas the Night Before Easter features American Idol finalist Melinda Doolittle as the voice of Cassie Cassava. Cassie is a sought out performer that both the church pastor and Marlee who feel like she can be used to draw in the crowds. Aside from Cassie’s character, there are a handful of other cultural references to American Idol and its British counterparts.
Extras on the DVD include audio commentary, a silly-song-sing-along called “Hopperena,” some behind the scenes look at the character of Cassie and the Veggie Tales Live! traveling show. There is also an interactive matching game on the DVD.
Continuing with the theme of serving others, Big Idea is partnering with World Vision on the promotion of this video and the overall theme of serving others. According to the press materials, the partnership will help to raise awareness of how others can help by child sponsorship through World Vision (http://www.worldvision.org).
For more information check out http://www.bigidea.com.
- Ken W.
VeggieTales: Happy Together (DVD)
Apr 14, 2011 DVD Reviews
VeggieTales: Happy Together (DVD)
Big Idea
“Happy Together” is a compilation of three popular episodes and some new extras. The three episodes on this video include “Sheerluck Holmes and the Golden Ruler” (focusing on friendship), “Ester: The Girl Who Became Queen” (faith), and “The Grapes of Wrath” (family).
This is apparently the third such compilation and while this could be an easy sell for desperate parents, with 80+ minutes of video, I do not think of it as a cheap sell. I love all of these episodes and I think the three link together well. Aside from the themes coming together I also like having multiple episodes on a single disc.
The new content includes real live interviews with children who share their perspective on the friends, family, and faith. Other extras include three silly songs, “Pants,” “Dance of the Cucumber,” and “Larry Sings the Blues.”
Check out the trailer below or the official website http://www.bigidea.com.
- Ken W.
VeggieTales: Hosanna!
Apr 14, 2011 CD Reviews
VeggieTales: Hosanna!
Big Idea Entertainment
The latest CD from Big Idea is a compilation of top worship songs in the voice of our favorite VeggieTales characters. The CD is being released in conjunction with the new Easter DVD “’Twas the Night Before Easter.” The song selection includes “Mighty to Save,” “Amazing Grace,” and it features Amy Grant on “Hosanna” and Mark Hall on “Who Am I.” Even without the high-profile guest I found the CD to be engaging for the children and the songs are perfect for sing-a-longs. Couple this with the new video and you have an excellent Easter gift.
- Ken W.
