Not a Fan
Sep 27, 2011 Book Reviews
Not a Fan
Kyle Idleman
Zondervan Press
Nearly a year ago I previewed a DVD study by Ildeman of the same title. The DVD used culturally relevant videos to portray the differences of being a fan and being a follower of Jesus. The idea for such a series and subsequent book were derived from a study that Idleman read. The study painted a picture of a public that was more than willing to be a “fan” of Jesus, but fell way short when it came to honestly following Jesus at all cost. While a committed relationship to Christ is not a new concept, the actuality of it is still not as prevalent as it aught to be. Therefore, Idleman follows up the DVD series with a short novel on the subject matter of moving into a fully committed “following” of Jesus.
The book, “Not A Fan,” is an easy but challenging read. It is very theologically sound, but not overly profound. Meaning that it gives you practical challenges and ways to grown in your relationship with Christ. It’s practical, not preachy. Idleman is very much to the point and he uses real-world examples to make his points. The text very much stresses the point of intimacy over knowledge, without neglecting the importance of having some knowledge of whom you are following. Meaning that even though there is a real (or perceived) intimacy, it should not rule out the constant learning and study that a committed follower needs to engage in grow even closer in intimacy with Jesus.
As I have stated, this is not a new concept, yet Idleman presents it in a new and interesting format. “Not A Fan” makes you think about your relationship and ask the hard questions about your own relationship with Christ. As Idleman writes, there is a time when you have to “Define the Relationship” and challenge yourself to be more than a distance admirer.
The text along with the DVD series and study guide make for an excellent small group study. It is well written book with accessible language, practical applications, and it is personally challenging, but not condemning. To discover more on the book and the author check out http://notafan.com/.
- Ken W.
The City Harmonic – I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home)
Sep 25, 2011 CD Reviews
The City Harmonic
I Have a Dream (It Feels Like Home)
Kingsway
12 tracks @ 45:19
Grade = A
Following its successful debut EP, The City Harmonic releases their first full length album. Unlike many EP follow-ups, “I Have A Dream” features all new songs.
The record is outstanding both lyrically and sonically. In “Spark” the band sings, “When I breathe. . .in God I breathe out peace. . .justice. . .love.” “Yours” is about surrender. “Be Still, O My Soul,” is modern old-school. Simply beautiful and uplifting.
Not surprisingly, the title track was inspired by the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.
The City Harmonic lead singer Elias Dummer says, “Martin Luther King spoke of an America where people could be equal, he called people to see that there could be a better way. In Revelation 21, God shows John the eventual city of God, the New Jerusalem God creates on earth to bring together Creator and created – a place where things are finally made right and we will no longer need to long for more. The human life is lived in between, and we despair to ‘feel at home.’ This song serves to put us in the mindset of what will be.”
You should hear releases from this one on the radio for quite some time.
- Rob S.
Dana Jorgensen – “Everything to Beautiful”
Sep 25, 2011 CD Reviews
Dana Jorgensen
“Everything to Beautiful”
Mosaic Artistry Group
11 tracks @ 46:08
Grade = A-
This is an excellent album of adult contemporary Christian music. Dana Jorgensen’s third album is described as a journey into the questions and challenges involved in truly trusting God. Dana’s song writing is very strong, going beyond the mere platitudes that are so common in much of CCM.
For example, Goodbye (Farewell Friends) is about the addictions and people in our lives that hold us back. In “Missing Person,” Dana writes, “She works so hard to fake what she feels. . . The body is here but where is the heart.” I enjoyed how “Shining” comes to life.
Very much worth the effort to track down.
- Rob S.
Joey’s Dream – Mold Me
Sep 23, 2011 CD Reviews
Joey’s Dream
Mold Me
Rating- A
Creative, original, hopeful, faithful. These are a few adjectives that describe Mold Me, the new album by Joey’s Dream. He used to go by Joey the Jerk, but stepped out of the genre of hip hop. With the help of Matt Dally, Joey created a unique sound that is quite hard to describe.
“It was about making both of our visions for each particular song collide in a way that made both of us happy,” said Joey. Hip hop, rock, pop, and techno (mostly in “Poetry In Motion”) are all heard throughout Mold Me. It is obvious Joey and Matt did a good job of combining their styles. It’s a sound that easily flows out from your speakers, and is uplifting all the same.
Joey’s music is lyrically creative, thoughtful, and hopeful. It shows his love for God, and God’s love for everyone. “Piece of Sunshine” and “Why” encourages listeners to share joy and their faith.
Thumbs up for creativity. Way to shake up the music scene Joey’s Dream!
Kristi L.
Shaun Groves – Third World Symphony
Sep 17, 2011 CD Reviews
Shaun Groves
Third World Symphony
Independent
Grade – A
At the height of the CCM boom in the late 90’s and early 2000, Shaun Groves was a leading singer-songwriter on a major label and with plenty of radio play. When the bubble burst and the post 9/11 economic crash occurred, Shaun, like many others, was suddenly less prevalent in the commercial landscape of the CCM industry. Not that there were not subsequent successful releases and tours, but the singer-songwriter was becoming more of a marketing risk than labels and radio stations were willing to bargain with.
However, despite the sudden downturn and outwardly looking demise of the industry, prolific songwriters, like Groves, continued on with their mission, emerging with a greater purpose and reinvigorated passion. Groves’ attention shifted to more of a mission-focused ministry with a partnership with Compassion International. Groves continued to play gigs, sometimes for free, and at the same time he emphatically shared the work of Compassion International. His music now became a tool to speak of compassion and the need for child sponsorship.
The new album, “Third World Symphony,” was completely funded by fans, which is also a new approach that many artists are taking. It too has a ministry focus. Stylistically, the music has a broader base than typical guitar-driven singer/songwriter brand of music. While Groves is as authentic as they come, I can still draw some comparisons to this new music that I could not before. As I was listening I was hearing some slightly more modern sounds like that of Matt Papa or the David Crowder Band (on a few of the tracks), nothing too overbearing, but a bit different for sure. However, much of the album was the traditional pop-rock that made Groves a staple on the radio.
Highlights of the new album include the lead track, “All Is Grace,” with its earthy/folk-ish soundtrack and poignant message, the upbeat “Kingdom Come,” and the worshipful hymn “Just As I Am.”
For more on Shaun Groves be sure to check out his very active blog at http://shaungroves.com/.
- Ken W.
Downhere – On the Altar of Love
Sep 17, 2011 CD Reviews
Downhere
On the Altar of Love
Centricity Records
Grade – A
What a great encouragement this album is, with themes ranging from “light-in-the-darkest-places” (“Only The Beginning”) and God’s great mercy (“Rest”) all the way to the title track where the band sings of laying down your worldly life at the feet of God – surrender.
“On the Altar of Love” was written intentionally to connect with people on a very personal and spiritual level. In the past the band has been known for both complex musical arrangements and equally complex themes and lyrics, however, with “Altar” they used a more simplistic approach and wrote songs that were more accessible lyrically, but with the same musical artistry of the past. Quoting co-lead singer Marc Martel from their news release, “For me it used to be all about being musically complex and artsy, and then I had a real perspective-shifting experience.” That moving experience came from watching the response to their acclaimed song “How Many Kings.” Seeing people’s response to this song they realized just how their music could impact the listener and so they took a new, more accessible, approach to their songwriting.
Aside from the new lyrical approach, the signature pop and dual-vocals have still been retained; giving the new album an overall passionate and uplifting sound.
- Ken W.
Leeland – The Great Awakening
Sep 17, 2011 CD Reviews
Leeland
The Great Awakening
Essential Records
Grade – A
As a band, Leeland has consistently produced some of the best and most stimulating worship in recent history. This is a solid band with a lot of enthusiasm and a fire for sharing the gospel message via a tapestry of sound, an emotive sound that is very distinct and inspiring in itself.
Having had the opportunity to meet the band, I can say first-hand too that they are all very outgoing and excited about what they are doing, as if the hit songs and fame are just a side note to a greater purpose, the purpose of sharing the gospel with anyone who will listen.
On the cover of the new album, I immediately noticed a change in the line up. Reading their blog entry from July 12th I discovered that their original bassist, Jake Holtz, had left the band to join the Army. Even as a 25 year veteran of the reserves, I can’t really wrap my mind around that one, but I applaud him for his desire to serve his country. Jake has been replaced with Shelly Mooring, the younger sister of the bands Jack and Leeland Mooring.
The new CD is 11 tracks long and it has nearly an hour of play time with nary a moment of slack. Like I mentioned before, there are few that produce such consistent and meaningful worship. Check out http://leelandonline.com for more on “The Great Awakening” and news of their current tour with Building 429 and Royal Tailor.
- Ken W.
Laura Kaczor Love Enough
Sep 17, 2011 CD Reviews
Laura Kaczor
Love Enough
Universal Music Group
Grade – B
A prevailing voice in the pop-radio landscape, Laura Kaczor lays out a decent project with a blend of contemporary pop and inspirational tunes. Her sweet melodic singing and uplifting lyrics are making an impact on radio already. Aside from being a bright vocalist, Kaczor is also a writer as she is credited with co-writing 9 of the 10 songs on the new album.
The title track is the best of the album, with such a meaningful message of coming to the Lord. Other key tracks are “Renew My Life (to worship),” “Invisible,” and “When Grace Calls You Out.” All together it is a call to a new life in Christ, a new life in the grace of God, an incredibly meaningful message for those struggling with their faith or those presently in a valley of hopelessness.
Laura Kaczor is also the founder of “Life Thirst Ministries,” where she is a worship leader and speaker. The “Life” ministry is based on John 4:13-14, which speaks of the water of life. Additionally, Kaczor also finds herself speaking and singing for women’s the woman’s conference “Lift Up U-niversity.” For more on Laura Kacor and her music/ministry work check out her official website at http://www.laurakaczor.com.
- Ken W.
Jason Gray A Way to See in the Dark
Sep 17, 2011 CD Reviews
Jason Gray
A Way to See in the Dark
Centricity Records
Grade – A
The latest from Jason Gray, “A Way to See in the Dark,” speaks emphatically of finding strength in and through God.
Recalling a past interview with Jason, where he spoke of fear of failure and how it was impacting his desire/ability to write, I am personally moved at the growth and advancement of his music. The album as a whole addresses finding our identity in Christ and the freedom that brings from our fears.
Jason describes the peace of God in “The End of Me,” the value of an identity in Christ in “Remind Me Who I Am,” and the strength to face our fears in “No Thief Like Fear.” The album closer, “Jesus We Are Grateful” is a reminder to be thankful for God’s hand in our lives. The price that Jesus paid, to give us communion with God in spite of our sinful nature, demands gratitude and Jason communicates that wonderfully in this song.
From the perspective of the songwriter, “A Way to See in the Dark,” is a highly personal and revealing album, and for the listener, there could hardly be a better reminder of the impact and power of surrendering our fears to the Lord. “A Way to See in the Dark” is an exceedingly uplifting album.
For more on Jason Gray and “A Way to See in the Dark,” check out his official website at http://www.jasongraymusic.com.
- Ken W.
Heather Williams – This Time Around
Sep 17, 2011 CD Reviews
Heather Williams
This Time Around
Fairtrade
Grade – B
My thoughts on “This Time Around” have changed as I have dug deeper into the “who” of Heather Williams. As I read more, and learned of her struggles in life, I gained a greater appreciation for the lyrical content of the album.
Having come from a broken home, full of abuse and depravity, further complicated by having suffered the loss of a child, William’s journey to a life in Christ is extraordinarily inspiring.
Her life-course has inspired her insightful song writing and it also gives her credibility to speak into the lives of others who find themselves in dark places. Her incredibly uplifting spirit shines through the music, starting with the peppy-pop-dance-fused “Beautiful Thing,” all the way to the similarly sounding closer “Breathing Again.” In between there are the inspiring lyrics of “God is Still God,” “You Are Loved,” and the title track, “This Time Around.”
I cannot understate the potential impact of Williams’ testimony and her ability to put it to words and music. It is a blessing that such a person would share their deepest emotions in such an expressive way. For more on Heather Williams check out her official website at http://heatherwilliamsmusic.com/.
- Ken W.
