Danen Kane – “Love Is Waiting”
May 29, 2011 CD Reviews
Danen Kane
“Love Is Waiting”
Independent
12 tracks @ 49:01
Grade = A
How cool to see someone I’ve worked with release for national distribution a wonderful record of faith-based music.
Danen Kane started out by playing guitar for Campus Crusade for Christ and then built a following through extensive touring. Danen has led worship at my church and I invited him to play during the BarlowGirl concert that I promoted.
Thematically his new record focuses on life, faith and relationships. This is his calling.
Danen says, “I tried to write congregational worship stuff and it just didn’t seem authentic enough, but when I started writing about everyday life and relationships that I had gone through and how that affected me, that’s when my writing came alive.
“My greatest desire is to live a life that truly matters, to be obedient to Him in all things. Yet it doesn’t take me long to falter in that goal. But God loves me regardless.”
Danen’s lyrics really shine in the tracks that have subdued production values, such as “Every Day” and “Deeper.” I love the sentiment expressed in the chorus of “Take It All,” wasting away, too lazy for faith, building our kingdoms that pass away.
- Rob S.
To see Danen play an unplugged version of “Inheritance;”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMHQ5gLsrio
Danen chats about his new project:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bo-9syK7lk&feature=related
Owl City
May 29, 2011 CD Reviews
All Things Bright and Beautiful
Owl City
41 minutes, 23 seconds
Grade – A+
Adam Young exploded into the music scene with his alter ego Owl City in summer 2009 with his single “Fireflies” which skyrocketed to top of the charts. His debut studio album Ocean Eyes went platinum in 2010 for its dreamy lyrics and soft melodies. Only a year later, Owl City is back with his second album All Things Bright and Beautiful, a collection of ecclectic tracks that show a bit of a different side to Adam’s music.
The album begins with “The Real World”, a slightly relaxed track with building synths and melodic vocals. The lyrics are the soft poetry so typical of Owl City, about preferring dreams to reality. It merges well with the upbeat “Deer In The Headlights” in which Adam sings of his love to a girl who is less than willing to requite his affection (‘her pepper spray made it rather hard for me to walk her home/but I guess that’s the way it goes’). The next track, “Angels” is a bit of a change in sound with a repeated line being sung in a near shout in the background. The lyrics also seem a bit more cryptic, which sets up nicely for the more serious song “Dreams Don’t Turn To Dust” which addresses real life and the cynics within it, informing them that he’d rather follow his dreams than settle for mediocrity. Musically it is one of the most creative songs on the album, with wandering tight harmonies and strings in the background that echo the melody throughout. “Honey and the Bee”, a duet with singer Breanne Duren, is definitely the zenith of sugary-sweet lyrics for the album. Although Adam himself admitted to the ‘intenional cheesiness’ of the song, the song still seemed a bit too cutesy for its surroundings, an effect only increased by Breanne’s breathy vocals. The following track, however, is everything “Honey and the Bee” lacks. As the high point of the album “Kamikaze” seamlessly intertwines a more industrial, minor sound with lush violins, a half-yelled chorus, and some of Young’s deepest lyrics to date. Although at first the lyrics seem nonsensical, by the second verse, the references to Christ’s Second Coming become clear (‘My Captain on a snowy horse/He’s coming back to take me home, Finally fighting back a terrible force/I’m not afraid to die alone’). It definitely separates itself as one of the best songs on the album, along with the next track “Galaxies” which was the second single off the album. Mixing in more a futuristic feel, it has a polished feel more typical of the songs off Ocean Eyes. As one of the most upbeat songs on Bright and Beautiful, it’s only fitting that the lyrics be equally as uplifting as the da-da-da’s in the chorus (‘Dear God, You’re the only North Star I would follow this far’). The first of the two piano-driven tracks, “Hospital Flowers”, slows things down again with a story of finding hope through a ‘grave emergency’. It takes a few listens to get a feel for the track, but the chorus is one to be humming for several days. The next track is the first single from the album “Alligator Sky”. It features rapper Shawn Christopher for the verses which create quite a contrast to Adam’s soft chorus. With it’s galactically cute lyrics and fresh feel, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most memorable songs from the album. The second to last song on the album, “The Yacht Club” is one of the most dance-club feeling tracks. It features appearances by fellow technopop artist Lights as the two sing of falling in love on the ocean. The final song, “Plant Life” is a progressive waltz of piano-driven chord progressions and sentiments of hope for spring after a long, cold winter. Co-penned by lead singer Matthew Thiessen of Relient K, there’s no surprise that it ends the album on such a high note.
All Things Bright and Beautiful is more than simply technopop songs; it’s more poetic daydreams put to melodies. It’s easy to simply get lost in the music, even more than with Adam’s previous work. As opposed to his usual oceanic feel, the album carries more of a futuristic spacey sound with many of the lyrics singing about stars, galaxies, comets, and the moon. Adam attempted to bring more of a serious feel to many of the songs instead of singing all of them about love which he claims “gets seriously old seriously fast.” Fans of Ocean Eyes may be let down by the changes (and the lack of “Fireflies”-level hits), but those who have followed Adam all the way since Of June will be pleasantly surprised to hear the return in style to his original. Although the inclusion of Lights seems awkward on the album, even jarring at times with her childish breathiness and somewhat incongruous lyrics, overall the album is one of the most beautiful 43 minutes of music I’ve had the opportunity to hear.
- Elise F.
Peter Furler – “on fire”
May 29, 2011 CD Reviews
Peter Furler
“on fire”
Sparrow Records
11 tracks @ 40:145
Grade = A
Rejuvenated and ready to rock. That’s as good a way as any to describe the return to music of former Newsboys front man Peter Furler
Furler and his wife Summer sold their Australian home, along with most of their possessions, and relocated to Florida.
Furler says, “I didn’t have a clue what I was doing next, and loved that. I’d been doing 100+ shows a year, writing, then finishing a record for more than a decade. It was good, but it was a merry-go-round that was never going to stop.
“We’d been living in an RV, traveling to all the newsboys’ dates, 110,000 miles all across North America,” Peter explains. “It was a pilgrimage for us, the process of simplifying our lives, and it was the best two years of our lives so far, really… We had a lot of time to talk, to assess where we were in life. In all that, I felt God telling me to ‘let the ground rest, let the creative process and the music rest… I’ll give you something better.’”
The break from the music grind gave Furler new perspective. “Artistically and creatively, I began see that God didn’t make the horse to win at the races, but for his pleasure – to watch it run. I had a definite yearning to get back to nature, to express myself creatively, to do something just for the joy of it.”
The creative flow never really stopped. “The songs never really stopped. They kept coming. I’d take a long walk, and a song would come into my head,” Peter says. “I’d have my little recorder, so I’d record it. I didn’t think anything of it; I’d just always recorded lyrics and song ideas like that. I could feel the Lord leading my steps… and that this was just another part of my journey,” Peter explains. “There were no expectations, and there still aren’t. My expectations have already been met – just the joy of making music, making something out of nothing.”
The first single is “Reach.” “We all need to be reminded that God is personal,” he says. “The One who created the heaven, the One who is everywhere and all knowing yearns deeply for us. He cares for us individually, where we are.”
Overall an upbeat and up tempo record, this isn’t necessarily a Newsboys record sans the band (former Newsboys Steve Coleman and Phil Joel make an appearance.) “Never Ending” is a techno-feast. “All in Your Head” is synth-driven while “Closer” is funky. “Psalm 23” is given a joyous twist.
One of my fave tracks is the 1 John 4:4-inspired “Greater is He.”
A welcome return. I hope he eventually does some touring.
- Rob S.
Stuart Townend
May 29, 2011 CD Reviews
Stuart Townend
“The Journey”
Kingsway
13 tracks @ 58:28
Grade = A
Stuart Townend’s latest record of hymns is filled with wonderful modern Irish-folk music arrangements. While that means Christian radio won’t touch it, the record is certainly worth tracking down.
I hit repeat on “Oh My Soul.” “Simple Living” has references to the story of the rich young man and also the widow’s mite.
While folk music dominates the sound, “Never Failing Love” is driven by a simple piano arraignment while “Christ Be In My Waking” has a scizo-swirl of sound.
- Rob S.
One Girl – Katelynne Cox
May 29, 2011 CD Reviews
One Girl
Katelynne Cox
Grade – B+
At only sixteen, Katelynne Cox recorded her debut album One Girl, a collection of 13 uplifting songs aimed at preteen girls.
The album begins with the upbeat, easily singable “One Girl” which borders at times on hip-hop. From there the next few songs begin more of a laid back, fun feel while keeping the lyrics centered on standing out, being true to yourself, and never giving up your character for fame. “As We Go” is a piano ballad on which Katelynne sings about rejecting the pressures of high school dating; although the lyrics seem a bit thin, it showcases her smooth, powerful voice in contrast to the echoing piano. The next track, “You Satisfy” is a love song to God, and undoubtedly one of the strongest points on the album with its upbeat dance feel. “Best Friend” follows immediately after and feels a bit out of place among the upbeat tracks as she sings of her unrequited love for her best friend. “What Do I Know” is also a song to a nameless boy, singing of her undying affection despite the admonitions of those around her. “Sticking With You” brings the focus back from romantic relationships to friendships with struggling friends and persevering through hardships together. The chorus is singable and edgy, and leaves it as another memorable track. The next few tracks have a bit of country twang to them and both proclaim the certainty of proving critics, politicians, and (unfortunately) parents wrong. “Ordinary Day” and “Smile” are both sweet songs written to a best friend, thanking them for keeping the singer uplifted through the otherwise dismal days. Closing the album is a remix of one of the opening songs “Me” which ends the album nicely with a dance rhythm and lyrics about being willing to change when God asks it of us.
Pop singer is only another accomplishment for Katelynne Cox who already holds more than 75 modeling titles, a minor acting career, and a dance career to her name. Her reasons for her foray into music are surprising however – spreading hope to youth through her own experiences with violent bullying. “The lyrics on this album were very important to me,” Katelynne states. Her hopeful message of being yourself and standing up for yourself are clear, though they’re surrounded by muddled messages of teenage infatuation and defying authority. Although Cox has definite potential, her debut seemed to lack a bit of maturity to it. Time will only tell which direction this “One Girl” will take from here.
- Elise F.
Blessed Union of Souls – The Mission Field
May 13, 2011 CD Reviews
Blessed Union of Souls
The Mission Field
Salvation Road Records
Grade – B+
I was not a big top 40 fan back in the day, but I do remember hearing of “Blessed Union of Souls.”
Through the moniker of “Blessed Union of Souls,” Eliot Sloan has accomplished a plethora of charting hits and a gold selling debut. However, while he was propelled into pop stardom in the past, his future is now more pointed. As the press release states, “’The Mission Field’ takes a more spiritually overt direction…” While at the same time, Sloan has kept true to his infections and melodious pop that made his ride to pop-top so speedy in the past.
I love the lyrics in “Providence,” when Sloan sings about how “lost is just a step from found”. It’s a real encouraging song and as I mentioned before, the sound is so infectious. The title track is an inspiration to all and a good reminder that we are all “in the field” so to speak. Our mission field may be in Africa or it may just be in our neighborhoods, but either way, as the lyrics state, “make me your vessel true”.
Overall the whole album is soulful, inspiring and entertaining all at the same time. Sloan is a melodious vocalist and in simple terms “The Missions Field” is uplifting and inspiring. It will bring you hope and encouragement as you run the race as the famous missionary Paul once did.
- Ken W.
Laura Story – Blessings
May 13, 2011 CD Reviews
Laura Story
Blessings
INO Records
Grade – A
God has used Laura Story as a vessel of blessings to many, including herself, and sadly, sometimes those blessings come in terms of tears and dark times. However, from her perspective, Laura Story has done her best to look for the blessings in the highs and lows of life. Through her husband’s victory over his brain tumor, and his ongoing battle with the after affects of the tumor, as well as through the highlights of her career successes, she has always been driven to reflect on the hope that only God can provide abundantly.
Laura’s past accomplishments have included the hit songs “Might to Save” and “Indescribable,” and three Dove nominations for “Female Vocalist of the Year.” She’s a prolific writer and although “Blessings” is just her sophomore release, many have been singing her songs in churches and homes all over the world. With her sophomore release we get to hear more of her heart and her beautiful voice. It’s always best to hear the song from the author than to hear the numerous covers.
A few of the tracks that stand out and personify the entire message of the album (to me at least) are “This is the Day,” “Blessings,” and “Remember.” I love the more upbeat and jovial tune on “This is the Day,” and it is a reminder that no matter what the situation, we need to rejoice in the Lord and not the circumstances. Hard to fathom when life has you down, but there is always an upside to living in the Lord and not the circumstances.
The title track, “Blessings,” is of course the centerpiece of the album and I love the authenticity of the lyrics. To quote Laura, “The song shows that we still have more questions than answers, but there’s a decision that I find God is asking us to make; whether we’re going to judge God based on our circumstances, or whether we are going to choose to interpret our circumstances based on what we hold to be true about God.”
Lastly, I am always looking for a good song to accompany communion time and I think the song “Remember” is specifically written for reflection on communion. It’s a wonderfully written song that directs your attention to the purpose and pleasure of communing with God. It’s a blessing that we can have this communion with God through Jesus and I think Laura hits on the mark with “Remember.”
“Blessings” is an amazing follow up to a stellar debut that simply rocketed Laura into center stage of CCM. “Blessings” is every bit a heartfelt worship project that again be a blessing to many.
- Ken W.
Tidewater – The Seas We Sail
May 13, 2011 CD Reviews
Tidewater
The Seas We Sail
Grade – B-
For Brett Allen, the one-man-band better known as Tidewater, music comesas an outlet for his creativity. “The Seas We Sail”, is his first full-length release, and it’s loaded with artistic melodies and thought-provoking lyrics. Throughout the album, Allen showcases his musical skills through his use of acoustic guitars, piano, and even mandolin, bringing a fresh sound that is truly his own.
Many of the songs feature simple yet sincere lyrics, with a few even being arranged in the form of a story. It gave the album a very inviting and personal touch, and deals with situations and feelings many can relate to. The music and lyrics are woven together nicely, revealing a few surprises along the way including violins, Irish flutes, and a few string plucks. In its entirety, the overall sound of the project gives a subtle nod to that of One Republic, Coldplay or even Shawn McDonald, but at the same time, feels like something totally new. Allen’s vocals also stand out from many of his contemporaries, lending to the “uniqueness” the project brings. His artistry and musicality are undeniable, and are sure to attract singer-songwriter lovers.
- Tom F.
Stryper – The Covering
May 13, 2011 CD Reviews
Stryper
The Covering
Big3 Records
Grade – B
While the latest release from Stryper is far from an evangelical or gospel oriented album, I think it bears mentioning (and reviewing). The album itself is another part of their triumphant return to the music scene as a whole. The original lineup rejoined for the cover album and hopefully it will set the stage for another Stryper original and a few more tour dates.
The new album covers tracks that influenced the band in their early days of playing clubs as a cover band. It runs a spectrum of music from the 70’s classic rock to the 80’s era of heavy metal. The recording of each song stays in line with the original score while at the same time it also has a seasoning of Stryper style as well. It’s actually pretty cool how you can hear the Stryper influence even though they stayed so close to the original sound of each song and era.
On their website they state that the main reason they did a cover album was simply for the fun of it. So to those who know Stryper for their more gospel infused lyrics may not care for “The Covering,” but for those who were influenced by the “sound” of the era this is a very cool album to have. I feel better listening to Stryper cut it up on “Over the Mountain” or “Breaking The Law,” than I would listening to the originals. It’s like listening to the Apologetix’s without the parodies.
If anything, the cover album is going to give the band a foothold back in the rock scene they had crossed into back in the day. It’s a great marketing scheme if anything. Those who remember the crossover success of “To Hell with the Devil,” may be more apt to purchase the cover album compared to their last release (“Murder By Pride”) and in turn, they may be more apt to purchase the next full-length release that will hopefully follow.
The complete track list is below and I should point out too that there is one new original on the album called “God.” This is a track that harkens back to the ‘80’s era Stryper sound and lyrical content. The entire album can be downloaded from Amazon for the month of May for just $5.00, so why not get your rock on and enjoy some classic rock Stryper style.
- Ken W.
Complete Track Listing
1. Set Me Free (Sweet) 2. Blackout (Scorpions) 3. Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath) 4. Lights Out (UFO) 5. Carry On My Wayward Son (Kansas) 6. Highway Star (Deep Purple) 7. Shout It Out Loud (Kiss) 8. Over The Mountain (Ozzy Osbourne) 9. The Trooper (Iron Maiden) 10. Breaking The Law (Judas Priest) 11. On Fire (Van Halen) 12. Immigrant Song (Led Zeppelin) 13. God (Stryper)
