Appologetix – Wise Up and Rock
Feb 17, 2012 CD Reviews
Posted by
wiegmake
Appologetix
Wise Up and Rock
Grade – A
With an impressive back catalog of parodies, it is so amazing how the ApologetiX continue to out-do themselves. Reading reviews on the web, the general consensus is that “Wise Up and Rock” is their best album to date. I have to agree, but I also have to admit that this comes from a limited experience as I only own a few of the 30 or so projects the ApologetiX have released. Just a small sampling indeed.
However, I can say with confidence that this is their best, as they always strive to give their best. The ApologetiX are a hard working group that are not willing to just sit back and make up a few witty songs every now and then. There is a lot of creativity in the lyrics and their apparent work ethic and persistent touring are a credit to the band.
Speaking of “Wise Up and Rock” more specifically, the album is a definite grab for the 80’s generation. The 16-track CD is a trip through memory lane featuring parodies from Van Halen, Styx, Loverboy, Rush, Aerosmith, and the 80’s heartthrobs Bon Jovi (and more). If the 16 -songs are not enough there is a near 9 min medley of 80’s tunes starting from Frankie Goes to Hollywood and ending at Devo.
My favorites include “Don’t Stop Till Egypt,” “Too Much Grime on My Hands,” and “Timeline.” The three parodies that I believe were drawn from some of the best rock of the era. That really explains the draw for me too. The AppologetiX may hack the lyrics, but they do not hack the soundtrack. The classic guitar solos and general tones of the songs are all intact and solid.
Some last thoughts, if you’re one us who remember the 80’s as the height of your youth and you’re now raising teen-agers of your own, you’ll find that many of these “oldies” are being used in TV and movies. Recently, on the Rock and Worship Road Show, the band Hawk Nelson was playing on this fad while they were leading the crowd in a rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing.” So the point is if the popular media is going to exploit our youth, we might as well fire back with something biblically sound.
Pick up a copy of “Wise Up and Rock,” you’ll enjoy the memories and have fun embarrassing your children as you try to sing the high notes from a-ha or The Outfield.
- Ken W.
