Nathan

Some Notable albums of 2009 Category: Music Views: 424 Derek Webb: Stockholm Syndrome. Although his album was the most controversial record to come out of a Christian label, it didn’t stop virtually every reviewer (let’s admit it, their “reviews” were more like blogs) from giving high marks. Example: ‘exhilarating, subversive masterpiece’, ‘most unusual and best release to date’ And ‘finally providing his indefatigable lyricism.’ Webb’s creative album was ingenious musically as he brought much thought-provoking lyrics to the floor as well. However, ‘creative artistry’ was a common phrase for Webb’s three profanities as he was praised for that and his disturbing spiritual and sexual references. But that really didn’t hurt Webb’s popularity with the critics as he was covered flawlessly by publications like HM magazine: ‘The music here is so mesmerizing that Webb can say whatever he wants and get away with it.’ MercyMe: 10. Although the band has been around for fifteen years, the title of the compilation disc, 10, is reflective of the anniversary of MercyMe’s transcending hit song, “I Can Only Imagine.” The album contains “So Long Self”, Word Of God Speak”, “Hold On” and many other radio hits. What makes the album interesting is that MercyMe has decided to create a best of/greatest hits revolving around one song which seems limiting. Also, in addition to “I Can Only Imagine”, the band throws in two other heavenly minded tracks, “Finally Home” and “Homesick.” Problem: MercyMe is great at talking about Heaven but when it comes to discussing Hell (a topic Jesus spoke more on) MercyMe doesn’t seem to have much to say. Falling Up: Fangs. The other concept album that came out in 2009, FM Static’s Dear Diary, had nothing on Falling Up’s own storytelling. The unusual Falling Up (which is saying something) album details the story of a hero traveling to Neptune to uncover a plot which could prove fatal to the children on his own world. The writing is vague, but the plot (what you can make of it) is intriguing. The brilliant experimental/alternative rock sound is definitely lighter than all previous project by the band, but the music is more complex and provides a great backdrop for the lyrics. The Fangs might anger some Falling Up fans, but the mysterious lyrics and arrangements definitely isn’t a wasted effort. Newsboys: In The Hands of God. One Era ended while another began. Peter Furler’s last album with the Newsboy’s would have been the most devastating news of the year if it had not been counteracted by the news of the replacement lead singer: Michael Tait (DC Talk). Not only do Tait’s vocals seem to be a perfect fit for the job, but his influence might take the band lyrically and musically in a surprising direction. A much needed change after a pretty lacking effort by Furler and band. The poppy music weren’t nearly as good their last album, Go, and the lyrics were badly cliché and a step down from the Newsboy’s career of clever tunes. Although Tait brings a fresh approach to the Newsboy’s it’s too bad that Furler had to end on a sour note. Others: Stephan Curtis Chapman: Beauty Will Rise. The loss of his daughter, his sadness, and his hope all shine through on his newest album. Owl City: Ocean Eyes. It seems wrong for a guy who is an admitted serious Christian to be on the top Billboard’s charts. Yet there he is with “Fireflies” and a host of other great tunes on his CD. Flyleaf: Memento Mori. Their first album in four years is long winded and very spiritually minded.

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alien8	November 25, 2009, 15:57PM  Well done and excellent insights. I couldn't agree more.