After
taking a break in 2006, training musicians in South Africa and then learning
that their lead vocalist had been diagnosed with MS, FFH is back with a new
project that features the group's signature harmonic vocals and pop
sensibilities-yet this time featuring songs of lament that are nonetheless
worshipful. "Lament is actually an important form of worship that is largely
ignored by the contemporary Church," says lead singer Jeromy Deibler.
"Lamentations is not the book in the Bible that people usually point to as
their favorite-at least not until they are at the bottom, looking up." That
much background is important in order to contextualize the lyrics on WIDE UPON
SPACES, as the afflicted vocalist sings about being tortured by the weaknesses
of this life ("I fall on my knees, I fall on my pride"). Lest someone imagines
that this is a gloomy CD, however, that's not the case. In fact, "Wide Open
Spaces" is even more catchy than the hit song of the same title by the Dixie Chicks-and
with heavenly lyrics to boot: "Give me the desert and I'll make it my home."
Every Christian experiences challenges in this life, whether it's a physical
infirmity such as MS or something more emotional/spiritual/financial. "This may
not be road I would choose for me, but it still feels right somehow. ‘Cause I
have never felt You as close to me as I do right now, so this is what it feels
like to be led" (What It Feels Like"). Fortunately God does reveal himself to
people enduring afflictions, and fortunately artists such as FFH understand and
can relate that promise to others.
A
powerful and highly unique blend of soul, funk, pop, jazz, lounge and gospel
greets listeners to ALL ABOUT YOU, a unique recording from the Swiss soul
singer, songwriter and pianist Vlada. An astounding project that's been in the
making for five years and without the backing of a major record label, this CD
features world-class musicians such as drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, bassist Abraham
Laboriel, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., vocal legends Take 6 and world-renowned
saxophonist Kirk Whalum. The recording sessions with the all-star band actually
took place in Switzerland in 2003. "We recorded 13 tracks live in the studio
within two days, with a maximum of three takes," explains Vlada. The result is
a debut that's highly reminiscent of Motown and the classic soul/funk records
of the 1970s-but with highly spiritual and God-focused lyrics. The jazzy title
track, laden with organ strains, is all about giving glory to the Lord alone,
while the funky "Never Changing" features a horn section while telling of the
immutability of the Creator. I could go on and on, but be assured that every
track on this recording is an amazing musical marvel that is made even better
with God-focused lyrics.
While
the first track on this CD ("Inside Out") is clearly a praise tune directed
toward God, most of these songs are very much like worshipful Psalms from Holy
Scripture. A combination of wailing guitars and gentle keys highlights "You're
Not Shaken," a song that tells of the constancy of Christ's protection, while
"Into the Light" is a midtempo number encouraging hurting souls to trust in a
Power higher than themselves. Vocals are clear and up front throughout this
project, with strong vocals sounding much like gospel music in the 21st
century should.
True
to form, the latest from CCM folk singer Sara Groves features a lone piano
accompanied by Sara's sweet vocals and a few light additional instruments such
as a mandolin during the chorus. It's the perfect musical forum with which to
present the personal storytelling of this artist. Overall, the songs on
FIREFLIES AND SONGS are described perfectly by this album's title.
Contemplative messages are best told around a quiet campfire accompanied by
minimal instrumentation, and Sara does this perfectly with songs featuring
themes such as redemption ("Different Kind of Happy"), the greatest emotion on
earth ("Love"), a life in Christ ("Twice as Good"), and the normal routines of
life ("Setting Up the Pins," which is slightly more uptempo than the rest of
this CD, which a fun bluegrass feel).
Back
with a sophomore project that totally overwhelms their so-so debut, Article One
returns with an incredible album (produced by Tedd T. of Mute Math status) that
contains gem after gem that will have leave your toes tapping while your soul
lifts up praises to the Savior. Matt Piche's amazing violin/fiddle skills (his
brother Nathan presents somber-looking vocal fronts) provides a
front-and-center presence on this project, although listeners should anticipate
neither a classical nor a bluegrass sound. Rather, COLORS AND SOUNDS proudly
displays a sound all its own, with European-sounding vocals (they hail from
London, Canada, not England), a tempered always-present violin and keyboards,
and melodies that are immediately catchy.
Every
John Reuben CD to date has been a treat, so the quality of this recording
should come as no surprise to this rapper's long-time fans. And parents have no
need to be worried by the title of this project, since the message this artists
wants listeners to hear is that everything in life should be governed by
self-control-including sex within the context of marriage. Utilizing live
instruments and drum loops, Reuben achieves a sound that suggests the influence
of artists like Beck and the Dust Brothers, though Reuben's own personality is
what sets this album apart lyrically and brings it to life. A chorus of female
rap-speaks is a nice fit on "Jamboree"; a clever lyrical twist causes "No Be
Nah" to be instantly familiar; the dreamy "Paranoid Schizophrenic Apocalyptic
Whisper Kitten" is both worshipful and intellectually stimulating; and "Town
Folk" is a humorous take on touring the CCM circuit-each of which shows the
eclectic mix this artist is capable of offering audiences. "My goals
artistically are so intertwined with what I'm experiencing spiritually that
it's impossible to separate the two," says Reuben. "I'm most creative when I
feel close to the heart of God. It's only then that certain spiritual
disciplines seem freeing and inspiring instead of restricting. It's only in
that place that spiritual disciplines feel like an authentic expression instead
of rigid censorship. In a lot of ways this record is a confession of faith and
lack thereof."
The
vocal chops that kick of the wonderfully poppy "Don't You Know You're
Beautiful" begin a journey listeners take will enjoy once they slip Starfield's
latest into their CD player. The keyboard-driven "Trust" follows a few songs
later, as the band shows they can be trusted to deliver more top-notch talent.
Yes, this group's debut was no fluke. These are yet more tempered piano-driven
pop/rock songs, punctuated by passionate vocals and a production quality that
brings out the details in the music. Alternating between soaring guitars and
lush piano, Seabird weaves together intelligent lyrics with pop tunes that will
have listeners humming along in no time.
A
perfect combination of wailing electric guitars and ‘80s-style synthesizers
abound on this debut North American CD from Dreampilots, a European band likely
to be enjoyed by fans of Newsboys due to the group's powerful melodies and
intense lead vocals ala Peter Furler. Lyrically the band combines their musical
talent on COMEDOWN with a psalm-like quality: "Keep my soul, I feel it's
growing cold." The band proves they don't always have to be pumping things up
with "Eye Candy," a mid-tempo jewel that alternates between a lounge groove and
an entertaining higher-octane interlude. The only letdown for this reviewer is
the lack of theological messages on many of these songs, though the abundance
of artsy messages likely have multiple layers of meaning.
The
songs "Jesus Died My Soul To Save" basically sums up the message of this
project from Pocket Full of Rocks: It's a rock worship CD full of praise tunes,
mostly slow to mid-tempo numbers that are both measured and mainstream
sounding. In fact, the band even included the worship anthem "Let It Rain,"
which was also recorded on Michael W. Smith's platinum-selling Worship album.
"A lot of what I've been sharing on the road deals with losing your religion
and finding relationship with an amazing God," says lead singer/songwriter
Michael Farren. "Much of our message is that you've got to make more than
noise." And the band certainly does that on their latest CD.
For
those born over the past three decades who have no clue that Elvis Presley
wrote and performed tons more than just "All Shook Up" and "Jailhouse Rock",
out comes this incredible 4-CD collection of digitally mastered Elvis tunes.
Hey, even this 40-something reviewer hadn't heard of many of these songs. ELVIS
75: GOOD ROCKIN' TONIGHT, released on the 75th anniversary of Elvis'
birth, contains 100 digitally restored masters include hit singles, deep album
tracks, rare cuts and live performances, including all 30 #1's ever recorded by
this artist. More than six decades have elapsed since the post-war stirrings
that oozed from the primordial swamp of American southern hillbilly boogie,
country and western, race music and R&B-a gumbo stew that grabbed musicians
and singers by the scruff of the neck, and led them kicking and screaming
through the birth of rock and roll. The tracks on these four CDs appear in
strict chronological order-Disc 1 (1953-1957), Disc 2 (1958-1962), Disc 3
(1963-1969) and Disc 4 (1970-1977). They range from the first demo Elvis made
as a gift for his mother in 1953 ("My Happiness"), to a sampling of Sun Records
sides produced by Sam Phillips in 1954-55 ("That's All Right," "Blue Moon Of
Kentucky," "Good Rockin' Tonight," and more), through 21.5 years of RCA tracks
from 1956 to 1977. "We will never agree on anything as we agreed on Elvis,"
declared writer Lester Bangs. Though we can agree on the effect of this guy's
music-for better and for worse.
Wow,
projects like this don't come along very often! At first listen this CD sounds
like a band doing guitar-oriented tunes with a touch of 1970s keyboards, but
it's not long before we find their style extremely difficult to categorize.
Sure, there's a little bit of a Caribbean jive on "Listen to the Lord," and
then some incredible honky-tonk piano and handclapping during the catchy "Do
You Believe in Love," and then some almost grungy guitar action on portions of
"That's Exactly (How I Like It)," but we're still left with such a diversity of
styles it's like we're listening to a multi-artist compilation. It's not until
"O Lament" that we discover a secure loungy Latin feel, followed quickly by a
straight-ahead Latin tune ala Salvador ("Jamaican Praise Melody), followed by a
1950s-style ballad ("Weary"). Much of the international flair on the recording
is due to travels this band has made-"That's Exactly (How I Like It)"
transpired during a Dutch radio content; "There is a Way" features the Toronto
Mass Choir (Newworldson hails from Canada); and "Total Eclipse" includes input
from Jamaican frontman Mark Mohr of Christafari fame. And best of all,
according to their videos from YouTube, this band's live performances easily
match their musical talents. Lots of incredible beep-boxing that is not present
on their new CD. Still, a clear evangelical message throughout their live show,
which assures us they are for real-and a group to watch for when they come
around your neighborhood on tour!
At
first listen the guitar grooves and lead vocals of this Kentucky-based band are
more reminiscent of U2 than anything out of the Bluegrass State (where the band
was formerly known as Special D). But the group then kicks into some serious
rock ‘n' roll matched with harmonious vocals, sounding like the smooth southern
tunes for which the South is known. Lyrically, this rock band deals with the
attributes of God ("Hello Grace"), a deep love for the Almighty ("Over and
Over"), and regret over sin ("Monster"). Though the group's a touring staple throughout
the Midwest and South,
these guys are steadily expanding their national presence through the festival
circuit. Besides sharing the spotlight with the likes of TobyMac, Skillet,
Family Force 5, Jars of Clay and Third Day, Hearts of Saints scored main stage
slots at AtlantaFest, Rock the Light, Unity Festival, Hills Alive, Crossover
Festival and even Rock the Universe at Universal Studios. With such a super
work ethic and music that is quickly winning over fans, watch for them to
continue to impact the CCM scene in a major way.
Music Reviews 
