Dutton – Welcome Home
Jul 30, 2011 CD Reviews
Dutton
Welcome Home
Grade – A
It’s hard to imagine that Dutton could top their previous release, “All Things Fade”, but I was pleasantly surprised the moment I “Welcome Home” began playing. The band is back with 10 worship tracks, straight from the heart. Their sincerity and eagerness to worship shine through each track as the band leads listeners into a time of reflective and beautiful worship.
“Welcome Home” sets a high standard for the rest of the album. The track is beautifully written and performed, with piano and string accompaniment. The story of the prodigal son serves as a foundation as lead singer Logan Walter sings of the wonder of salvation. “Welcome Home” is definitely my favorite track from the album. In “Out of the Depths” is another beautiful song of gratitude to the Lord for his mercy and forgiveness. Another track that really stood out to me was “Your Voice” – a slower prayer-like song. Lyrically, this is one of the more profound songs on the album, as the songwriter invites God into his life. It really ties the album off nicely.
“Welcome Home” is the ideal worship album. It offers a nice blend of energetic, upbeat worship songs, along with some slower, truly profound moments. Several songs feel like open conversations with God, which I really enjoyed. This is a top-notch worship album that left me inspired and refreshed.
- Tom F.
Steven Curtis Chapman – Re-Creation
Jul 29, 2011 CD Reviews
Steven Curtis Chapman
Re-Creation
Grade – A
It’s a new day for the Chapman family. As he still mourns the loss of his adopted daughter Maria, Steven Curtis Chapman is poised to release a new project filled with hope, new life, and love for his Creator. This time around, not only will six brand new songs be introduced, but eight of his finest tracks (including “Dive”, “The Great Adventure” and “Live Out Loud”) get “recreated”.
“Do Everything” kicks the album off to an excellent start, as Mr. Chapman reminds listeners of every background and profession to take pride in the mundane things and “do everything you do for the glory of the One Who made you.” “Do Everything” is definitely one of the catchiest songs from the album and demonstrates Chapman’s top-notch writing skills.
“Live Out Loud”, one of my favorite SCC songs, gets an acoustic facelift complete with handclaps and stomps. It’s definitely one of my favorite reinventions. “Dive (Deeper)” receives the most striking musical overhaul on the entire album. The song is slowed down drastically, and with the addition of some symphonic musicalities, an entirely new listening experience is created.
Other favorites such as “For The Sake Of The Call”, “Magnificent Obsession”, and “Speechless” make appearances as well, giving listeners a taste of just a few of Chapman’s many masterpieces. “Re-Creation” breathes new life into many SCC classics with a fresh, acoustic spin, sure to please long-time fans and new listeners alike. The new tracks are equally well done, making “Re-Creation” a solid release.
- Tom F.
The Katinas – Collage
Jul 29, 2011 CD Reviews
The Katinas
Collage
Grade – A
It’s been three years since the Katinas’ last album. “Collage” breaks the silence with their fresh, unique sound and collaborations with some of the genre’s biggest names including CeCe Winans, Jeremy Camp, and B. Reith!
“L.O.V.E.” kicks the album off to an energetic start with fresh, disco-styled sounds. The song’s lyrics come straight from 1 Corinthians 13, speaking of the lasting importance of love. “Collage” is a call for believers of all different backgrounds and lifestyles to join together. “Why can’t we all get the picture/sisters and brothers ever color/when this collage comes together/we are stronger in the name of love.”
“Jehovah” (featuring CeCe Winans), a beautiful worship track thanks the Lord for His unfailing promises and love. The band’s vocals blend perfectly with CeCe’s sweet voice in this song. Following a cover of “Majesty” (a Delirious? song), Jeremy Camp lends his strong vocals in “What It’s Worth”, another beautiful worship track.
“La’u Pele Ea” is a truly unique song with fresh island sounds and Somoan lyrics. It’s definitely a fun summer song, and gives listeners a special taste of the Katina brothers’ heritage. The brothers follow with a cover of the current favorite worship song “How He Loves”. “Home” is a call to lost souls, encouraging them to “come home” to salvation and freedom. It’s the perfect ending to a very strong album.
It’s really good to hear from the Katinas again! Their latest album is a solid release with plenty of musical variety for everyone to enjoy! “Collage” is an excellent summer release from some very talented musicians.
- Tom F.
Jeremy Horn – Sound of the Broken
Jul 29, 2011 CD Reviews
Jeremy Horn
Sound of the Broken
Grade – A
“Sound of the Broken”, Jeremy Horn’s third project, boldly proclaims messages of hope, forgiveness and healing. The album is centered around the fact that God not only works in the lives of His children, but is alive and working in the lives of the broken. “Sound of the Broken” is a collection of bright, inspirational music.
“Sound of the Broken” serves as an energetic anthem thanking God for His redemption and mercy. “Now Is the Time” is another favorite of mine. I could see this upbeat praise song becoming a favorite among youth groups. “Surrender” is another really good track about letting God take over and discovering freedom when we let go and “surrender”.
“Sound of the Broken” is a fun, energetic album filled with catchy songs and thought-provoking lyrics. Jeremy’s music ministers in a very real way, as faces many of life’s struggles and hardships head on. Each song is very relatable and relevant for today.
- Tom F.
Blindside – With Shivering Hearts We Wait
Jul 26, 2011 CD Reviews
Blindside
With Shivering Hearts We Wait
Grade – A
The Swedish band Blindside released their first official album in 1997. They continued making music until 2005, when they dropped off the radar almost entirely. It’s easy to see why fans were thrilled and slightly leery when, after a six year absence, Blindside released their next full-length album ‘With Shivering Hearts We Wait’. Many were afraid that after such a hiatus, the band might have lost their edge; however, upon listening, it was clear that Blindside is still right on its game.
The album begins with “There Must Be Something In The Water”, a strong track about God bringing the singer through the hardest times of his life. The next track, “My Heart Escapes” continues with the same energy as the opener while shifting the message directly to God and asking that He capture the singer’s heart all over again. From there the album takes a bit of a pop rock detour through “Monster on the Radio” and “It’s All I Have”; the first a song about the consequences of selling out for fame, and the second a heartfelt anthem. The next track, “Bloodstained Hollywood Ending” is an upbeat song (reminiscent of The Almost) about a relationship that failed but not for lack of trying. It segues into the first single from the album, and the song from which the album title came, “Our Love Saves Us”. It is an artful blend of electronic and rock sounds that make it the most memorable track. “Bring Out Your Dead” is a raw song that showcases the lead singer’s smooth transition from screams to soft melodies. “Withering” and “Cold” are a matched set of somewhat darker songs that flow right into one another and then transition into the closing track. “There Must Be Something In The Wind” ends the album on a more hopeful note with the line “I’m waiting for you as I always have.”
Musically, Blindside is a combination of The Almost and Disciple with a hint of The Classic Crime and an electronic sound that is entirely unique. Though their lyrical themes can be a bit dark, their message of hope through Christ is clear on the ‘With Shivering Hearts We Wait’. Overall, I was impressed with the album, and I definitely believe it was worth the wait.
- Elise
Dominic Balli – American Dream -
Jul 22, 2011 CD Reviews
Dominic Balli
American Dream
Red Song Music
Grade – A+
“American Dream”, the newest album from Domic Balli, comes three years after his debut album “Public Announcement.” In those three years much has happened in our country and as Balli has pointed out in his notes the American Dream has been shattered for many. However, in these sometimes dark days Balli has determined that he was going to hold on to hope instead of despair. The new album is a reflection of his convictions and an open book into his heart to encourage others in the same way.
While “American Dream” will likely be labeled and filed as Reggae it has a much broader style. Balli himself calls it “CaliRock Reggae.” I noted that there was a strong influence of pop and a smattering of hip-hop and rock. All together it makes his music more accessible and unique, when you add that that to the depth and significance of the lyrics you have an A+ album. Balli shares his hope through music by telling stories of trials and tribulations and the contentment and joy found in the midst of all this through the power of Christ. It’s a meaningful experience to just listen to the songs and really reflect on the lyrics.
For starters there is the title track, “American Dream,” a song about the nonsense of who the dream centers around ourselves too much. There is at times too much “me” and the American dream. And the dream is often riddled with pain and suffering, setbacks and roadblocks greet us all the way, but how we respond and who we turn to will define who we are and as Christians that focus cannot be ourselves.
The song “Again and Again” marks that “a-ha” moment in life when things click and we realize that we’re busy chasing something that we’ve always had right in front of us. “Twenty Seventeen” is a song derived from 2 Chronicles 20 which speaks of praise as a powerful tool and I quote.. “Put the armies in the back and the singers on the front lines”. “Daisy’s Song” is a very personal song about a child with cancer. Like life the story does not end as we always hope it will and Daisy, at the time of this album, was facing a relapse in her tumor and the outcome was still to be determined. All this comes back to the song “Refuge” where Balli sings of taking refuge in God, as he states, “… God is our refuge, our shelter, and a very present help in our time of need.”
“American Dream” is an expressive work of art that clearly communicates the love of God, echoing the message that hope is stronger than despair. Check out Balli’s official website <http://www.dominicballi.com/> for more bio information and the video for the title track.
- Ken W.
Shonlock – NeverOddOrEven
Jul 10, 2011 CD Reviews
Shonlock
NeverOddOrEven
Universal
Grade-A
Let me start off this by saying, usually I have issues getting into hip hop.
Shonlock just so happens to be another story. I am obviously not alone in this,
seeing as his single Something In Your Eyes was number one on Billboards
Christian Radio charts for seven weeks straight.
Not just a one hit wonder, I enjoy Shonlock’s entire CD to the point where it
surprised me. Each song has its own distinct sound, so it is not an easy task
to get bored. Hip Hop mixed with rock, the result is a beat to make you get up
and dance. On a different note, his lyrics are well thought of, inspirational,
and easy to relate too. I especially enjoy the song Cheers, it has wonderful
lyrics with a tune to match.
Listeners with all different tastes in music will enjoy NeverOddOrEven. A
slight B.O.B sound, mixed with electric guitars and Shonlocks very own artistic
style, creates a very bumpin’ sound.
Get on yo dancing shoes, press play, and rock out.
- Kristin
Broken Restored Loved
Jul 10, 2011 CD Reviews
Broken Restored Loved
Community Bible Church Live
Featuring; Josh Lopez
Maranatha Records
Grade – B
Broken
Restored Loved was recorded live at the Community Bible Church (CBC) in San Antonio, TX. The style of the album is all over the place including rousing choir pieces, some hip-hop, and a lot of spirited worship.
My favorite piece is “God, You Are God,” a more peaceful piece that has been truly inspiring. It was this song that really got me excited about the whole project itself. Mostly because it came to me at a time when I most needed it and that’s just the way God works sometimes. Again, this is more of a gospel choir song, but the album gets rather lively on “Rise and Sing,” and the Latin spin on “Ye Alabo (I Will Praise You).”
Overall if you’re a fan of big choir productions and worship you should find Broken Restored Loved to be a respectable CD. For those interested in picking up a track or two then I would suggest at least buying the three mentioned above.
For more on CBC Live check out http://www.brokenrestoredloved.com.
- Ken W.
@stickyJesus
Jul 10, 2011 Book Reviews
@stickyJesus
Tami Heim & Toni Birdsong
Digital Scribe Press
@stickyJesus is meant to be a manual of sorts for living out your faith online. It offers cultural insight into many aspects of social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Along with the roadmap to the confusing land of social media, the book also addresses biblical concerns with living out your faith – or the lack of – online.
The book definitely has the potential to be a productive tool for pastors or parents wanting to learn more about the inner workings of social media and how to guide others through the jungle. There are tips on being safe online and on how to use social media as an outreach.
The main problem though with books on the subject of the Internet or social media is that by they time they are printed they are out of date. While @stickyJesus gives you a guided tour of sites like Facebook and Twiter, many of the features or layouts have already changed. However, the foundation of understanding social media is still relevant, and with so many youth living out their very lives (it seems) online, one cannot ignore the implications of how these sites influence your faith.
@stickyJesus is a valuable resource to getting a right start online.
Ken
W.
Nicole C. Mullen – Captivated
Jul 2, 2011 CD Reviews
Nicole C. Mullen
Captivated
Maranatha! Music
Grade – A
It’s been nearly three years since Nicole C. Mullen graced the world with her beautiful music. “Captivated”, her first-ever worship album, takes a more personal approach as Nicole invites listeners to join her on her spiritual journey. “Captivated” truly embodies everything Nicole believes in – love, forgiveness, hope, and a God to won’t let go. The same masterful artistry behind “Redeemer” and “Call On Jesus”, two of her best-loved hits, returns with eleven songs specially designed to encourage, refresh, and draw listeners closer to their Creator.
“Holy Captivated” opens in traditional Nicole Mullen style, with soft, beautiful vocals and light acoustic guitars. “I Can” takes on a funky upbeat soul sound (think “Talk About It”) thats hard not to sing-along (or dance) to! The lyrics draw from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me”.
“My Shepherd” brings a Reggae style to the table, with strong island influences. “Forgive Me” is perhaps one of the most beautiful songs on the album. The stunning piano-driven ballad is a true testament of God’s mercy and grace. “A Song For You” is a catchy love song aimed directly at Jesus, another personal favorite.
In all, “Captivated” is a wonderful, catchy worship album! Many songs feel more like prayers than anything else, and give listeners something to relate to. The songs are unique musically and even feature a few guest appearances from Chris August, The Katinas, and others. Nicole truly believes in what she sings about, and it shows in the way her soft, silky voice flows through the melodies. Nicole has crafted yet another remarkable album that will leave listeners “captivated”.
- Tom F.
