Addison Road
Self-Titled
INO Records
Grade - B

Back in 2004 I wrote a review for “Breaking Beautifully,” an independent project by the then newly formed band Addison Road. In the years since, the band has continued to work diligently and even though it apparently got rough at times, the persevered. The title track, “Hope Now,” sums up how they have overcome personal obstacles in the bands journey. The story goes that the band was in Nashville talking to a manager and he pointed out that the band was missing something. That something was 'hope' and the message sunk in as the band traveled home from that meeting. Now, energized and recommitted, the band is releasing their first national self-titled debut on INO Recordings.

The tone of the album still centers on the vocals of lead vocalist Jenny Simmons, however, the soundtrack is full-on rock and a compliment to the overall sound. The Christ-centered message is strong on songs like “Always Love,” “All That Matters,” and “Hope Now.” The mixture of message and delivery is certainly a good fit for radio as well. An overall successful project and a testament of faith.

Ken W.