Jeremy Camp Live
by
Jeremy With five studio albums now under his belt, Jeremy Camp releases his second full-length
live album, shortly after the first went double-platinum. This time, instead of going
“unplugged,” Camp and his...
Beautiful History: A Hits Collection
by
Plumb Tiffany Arbuckle Lee has come a long way in her career as a Christian recording artist.
Starting out in the industry as a back-singer, Lee eventually went on to front her own
band, Plumb. After five...
It Is Well
by
Kutless When you think of worship artists, which come to mind? Chris Tomlin? Hillsong?
Brenton Brown? Matt Redman? There are plenty of others, but one unlikely candidate is
Kutless. Sure, the Portland-based...
Jeremy Camp Live | Posted November-17-2009
With five studio albums now under his belt, Jeremy Camp releases his second full-length
live album, shortly after the first went double-platinum. This time, instead of going
“unplugged,” Camp and his band bring out the electric guitars and drumsticks for the full
live experience.
Live is a sensible mix of songs from Camp’s repertoire, including hits like “Tonight,”
“Let It Fade,” and fan favorites such as the hard-hitting “Take My Life.” Noticeably
absent is the heart-wrenching “I Still Believe,” but surely this song has been worn out.
The album breaks half way through for a brief message. Camp shares his heart for this
generation and encourages the audience to reach out to others by serving and speaking
the truth, a perfect segue into “Speaking Louder Than Before.”
A few tracks, “Give Me Jesus” and “There Will Be A Day,” are powerful and captured
well. However, other tracks like “Capture Me,” “Give You Glory,” “This Man,” and
“Tonight” feel very underwhelming. The recordings hardly convey the energy that
undoubtedly was experienced by the audience. This is often an issue with live recordings
and is usually remedied (somewhat) with live footage. Oddly, this live album does not
include an accompanying DVD, which could prove to be the album’s downfall.
Closing Thoughts:
The question arises then - Is Live worth the buy? For loyal Jeremy Camp fans, the
obvious answer is yes. For casual fans- probably not. If you’re on the fence, I’d
recommend picking up Camp’s Unplugged album first. Though it lacks his more recent
songs, the intimate setting makes for a more authentic and enjoyable performance (plus it includes a DVD).
Plumb | Posted November-10-2009
Tiffany Arbuckle Lee has come a long way in her career as a Christian recording artist.
Starting out in the industry as a back-singer, Lee eventually went on to front her own
band, Plumb. After five highly successful albums spanning over a twelve-year period,
Plumb has compiled its most noteworthy songs into arguably one of the finest greatest
hits collections in Christian music.
Beautiful History is comprised of two discs. The first disc contains re-recordings of past
songs, hits from previous albums, and two new tracks. The re-recordings are selected
songs from Plumb’s first two albums that are in need of updating to mesh with the other
tracks. “Stranded” is refreshed with new guitar parts and a punchier rhythm section,
giving it more of a rock flavor. Lee showcases her impeccable vocal skill and range in
the bridge, soaring to a high note that was not in the previous recording. “Here With Me”
is revamped with new synth layers and a different rhythm. The updated version would fit
in perfectly with today’s pop radio. The extended version of “Damaged” was pulled off
of Plumb’s 2006 release, Chaotic Resolve. “God-Shaped Hole” starts out noticeably
different with a new guitar motif and a backing piano, rather than an acoustic guitar. Just
like “Stranded,” the song packs more punch than the original. The two new tracks,
“Hang On” and “Beautiful History,” fit in perfectly with the other tracks. The dark piano
vibe of “Hang On” resembles “Cut” as do the hopeful lyrics. “Beautiful History” is serene
pop/rock and continues the message of hope, “I feel so far from home/Completely all
alone/And then I hear You say… I am here, I am here.”
The second disc consists of remixes, some of which had been previously released to
iTunes. Two of the remixes are by Bimbo Jones; the group has remixed songs for
countless artists, mostly secular. Bimbo Jones’ remix of “In My Arms” topped Billboard’
s Hot Dance Airplay Chart back in 2007. There are several remixes by Plumb’s producer
Matt Bronleewe, Dave Aude, among others. All of the remixes are fast-paced with great
pulsating beats, perfect for working out at the gym or for parties.
With greatest hits collections, there almost always seems to be an issue as to whether the
included tracks were in fact the artist’s best songs. Nothing on either disc seems out of
place on this collection. Beautiful History is a fantastic representation of Plumb’s work
thus far.
Closing Thoughts:
Beautiful History has become one of my favorite greatest hits collections, along with
Nicole Nordeman’s and Ginny Owens’ greatest hits albums. The only aspect of Beautiful
History that I dislike is the remixes. I’m not really a fan of the dance/techno type stuff.
However, Plumb has experienced great response to its remixes through radio and such,
so this is probably not an issue for most fans.
Memento Mori | Posted November-03-2009
Four years, that’s almost an eternity in the ever fast-paced music industry. A band that
waits this long between album releases can easily be forgotten. However, Flyleaf wisely
used this time to tour non-stop, building up their fan base. Now the Texas-based
alternative metal act is finally in position to release their sophomore album, Memento
Mori.
The radio release of “Again” gave fans a peek at the new material. The single sets the
tone for Memento Mori, unveiling a more polished, tighter-sounding Flyleaf. From the
lyrics to the music there is noticeably less aggression on the new record than their debut,
but the band’s extraordinary passion is still present.
Throughout Memento Mori there is a sense of urgency. Lacey explains that the
overriding theme is “to make the most of the time we’ve all been given.” On the hard-
hitting “Beautiful Bride” she sings, “Strengthen your arms now/Train your fingers for
battle/Urgency’s here now,” speaking of preparation for spiritual war. Just as urgent,
“Swept Away” starts out discorded and erratic before shifting into a melodic chorus,
“Time for surrender/Spread out your open hands/And He will raise you up/Confessing all
that’s broken/And watch the healing come.” The song comes to a peak in the bridge with
Lacey unleashing her signature scream.
Lacey sings “Set Apart This Dream” and “Tiny Heart” with her younger sister in mind,
not wanting her sister to make the same mistakes as she made. “Set Apart this Dream,”
in particular, comes across as maternal and loving, “Close your eyes little girl/You’re a
princess now/You own this world/Twirling in your twirly dress/Your the loveliest far
above the rest.”
Much like their debut, Flyleaf concludes with an epic closer, “Arise.” The soaring
anthem picks up on the theme of living life to the fullest yet also imparts hope, “Sing to
me, about the end of the world/End of these hammers and needles for you/We’ll cry
tonight but in the morning we are new/Stand in the sun will dry your eyes.”
While Flyleaf’s debut was bolder in sound, Memento Mori is bolder in message. In songs
like “The Kind,” “In The Dark,” “Swept Away,” “Circle,” and especially “Beautiful
Bride,” there is no question of who or what Lacey is singing about. Musically, listeners
who felt Flyleaf’s debut was too intense will probably find Memento Mori’s overall
subdued nature to be more palatable. This is not to say that Flyleaf has gone all soft,
rather that the group has matured and refined it’s sound.
Closing Thoughts:
No sophomore slump here, Flyleaf manages to release a record that shows maturity and
growth yet stays true to their sound. Flyleaf’s debut album went platinum less than three
years after its release; I suspect Memento Mori shall reach that status quite sooner.
It Is Well | Posted November-06-2009
When you think of worship artists, which come to mind? Chris Tomlin? Hillsong?
Brenton Brown? Matt Redman? There are plenty of others, but one unlikely candidate is
Kutless. Sure, the Portland-based rock act released a worship album (Strong Tower) a few
years back, but that was when most of CCM was caught up in the “worship music
craze.” But, after much prayer and consideration, the guys of Kutless have decided to
put forth a second worship project, titled after the group’s favorite hymn, It Is Well.
Similar to Strong Tower, It Is Well is a mix of covers and originals. The title-track opens
with a traditional choir angelically singing the chorus of It Is Well. A dance/techno beat
emerges in the mix before slamming into a wall of crunchy guitars. “Redeemer” is
actually a medley of two Keith Green songs, a verse of “Oh Lord, You’re Beautiful” and
a verse and chorus of “There Is A Redeemer.” The song starts out subdued but soon
becomes faced with gutsy power chords, similar in execution to the title-track.
“Hungry,” “God of Wonders,” and “Give Us Clean Hands” while solid tracks, leave a bit
to be desired (although the “woahs” at the beginning of “Give Us Clean Hands” is a nice
touch).
To keep this worship record from being all too familiar, Kutless offers some original
worship songs. The album’s lead single “What Faith Can Do” has already resonated with
many around the country, at one point reaching number one on iTunes’ top Christian
songs. Stylistically, “Remember Me” probably wouldn’t be out of place on a regular
Kutless album. The track is noticeably darker from the rest, but worshipful nonetheless.
Acoustic-driven “I’m Still Yours” brings the album to a close. Though it’s one of the
softest tracks, it’s perhaps the most powerful song on It Is Well; Jon Micah sings,
“Even if You take it all away, I know I’m still Yours.” This powerful line ties back to the
song “It Is Well” in that God will carry us through difficult times, we just have to trust in
Him.
Overall, It Is Well is a solid, uplifting worship album. Kutless once again proves that
worship can be rockin’.
Closing Thoughts:
I was quite impressed with It Is Well. I somewhat enjoyed Strong Tower, but I found it
to be a little bland. Thankfully, this is not the case with It Is Well.
Comedown | Posted September-22-2009
After creating a buzz at this year’s GMA awards, the Norwegian pop/rock outfit
Dreampilots is ready to release their debut, Comedown, here in the States. The cause for
all the buzz- Dreampilots unique sound, a seamless combination of classic pop/rock and
alternative rock elements of the band’s primary influence, Radiohead.
The two opening tracks “Keep My Soul” and “Comedown” have an early ‘70’s vibe with
Oddi’s warm vocals, synthesizer usage, and sizzling guitar riffs. Even with the classic
sound, both songs are very catchy and would appeal to today’s generation.
“Stones” references a passage in John chapter 8. In the passage, the Pharisees bring an
adulteress to Jesus and say, “In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such a woman.”
To that Jesus replies, “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone
at her.” The song (and passage) asks listeners to examine themselves before passing
judgment on someone else’s sin and reminds “Only God should speak tonight.”
From the opening guitar riffs, “Broken Man” sounds like something pulled from the
Rolling Stones’ catalog. The first couple of lines pretty much sum up the song’s
message- “Forgive me Lord for the times I didn’t see You/I was too busy staring at
myself.”
“Stones” and “Broken Man” offer the most straightforward messages on the album,
however most of the remaining songs aren’t as clear-cut. “Invisible Things” is especially
ambiguous and just downright bizarre in spots- “Indian scream/Haunting me/I feel the
heat/On the battlefield/On top of the world/Kings and queens/The lion is friendly/Ruling
the scene.”
From a lyrical standpoint, it’s difficult to determine the exact message being conveyed
throughout the album. But, while it’s not explicit, Comedown does carry a semblance of
hope. Musically, Dreampilots brings a remarkably refreshing style of music to CCM;
creativity oozes out of every aspect of Comedown.
Closing Thoughts:
It’s not too often that I come across an album so unique as Comedown. Yet the music
isn’t so aberrant that it’s not accessible. Comedown has the potential to appeal to classic
pop/rock fans and contemporary pop/rock fans alike.
Live Life Loud | Posted September-22-2009
Less than a year and a half after Hawk Nelson’s third release, the Ontario boys are back
with their fourth project, Live Life Loud. This time around Hawk Nelson crafts a more
musically diverse album by including non-conventional instruments in the mix (bagpipes,
church organ, ukulele) and pushing genre boundaries.
The title-track is typical Hawk Nelson- punk flavored guitars, energetic vocals, pulsing
rhythms, and lots of “whoas”. “Live Life Loud” exemplifies the album’s core theme of
being bold and living life to the fullest. “Never Enough,” “Eggshells,” and “The Job”
(think “Friend Like That”) also encompass Hawk Nelson’s usual pop/punk qualities.
Expanding upon the album’s theme, “The Meaning of Life” emphasizes the importance
of change and making a difference in the lives around you- “Gonna find a new
beginning/Lately, I’m tired of the life I’m living/Find a way, to make a change in the lives
of all of us who need to find the meaning of life.”
Live Life Loud takes a few detours in other genres along the way (alternative rock on the
hopeful anthem “Alive” and reggae on the interlude “Ode To Stanley”) before evolving
into acoustic pop/rock. But, it’s a seamless transition due to acoustic elements in
previous tracks (“Eggshells,” “The Meaning Of Life,” and “Long Ago”).
One acoustic-driven track, “Shaken” is particularly stirring. Frontman Jason Dunn dares
to step outside his own world and be the hands and feet of Christ- “Lord use me, take
me where You want me to go/I can’t help it, my heart has been replaced with a face/I’m
ready, these hands are dedicated to change.”
The finest track on the album is Hawk Nelson’s rendition of the traditional hymn “’Tis
So Sweet.” The hymn features bagpipes throughout, a bit daring perhaps, but it fits
nicely. Jenn Helvering (Sandi Patty’s daughter) provides angelic vocal harmonies, a
perfect compliment to Dunn’s vocals.
Hawk Nelson maintains a healthy balance of fun (“Live Life Loud,” “Ode To Stanley,”
“The Job”) and maturity (“The Meaning Of Life,” “Shaken,” “Lest We Forget,” “The
Final Toast”). All together Live Life Loud is an album relevant to today’s culture both in
sound and message.
Closing Thoughts:
I have to admit, I wasn’t too fond of Hawk Nelson before Live Life Loud. They still
haven’t completely won me over, but I did enjoy this album. Maybe I’ll be a full-fledged
Hawk Nelson fan with the next release…
Welcome To The Masquerade | Posted September-01-2009
One of Christian music’s most popular Canadian bands, Thousand Foot Krutch, unveils
its fifth studio album Welcome To The Masquerade. This project marks the return of
Aaron Sprinkle, who produced the group’s break-out album Phenomenon. Welcome To
The Masquerade invites you to take off your mask and confess “I’m not o.k.”
“The Invitation” serves as a foreshadowing of what’s to come - aggressive guitars,
haunting piano parts, and thumping beats. From the opening verse of the title-track long-
time fans will be pleased to hear Trevor McNevan bringing back the rhythmic vocal
stylings of Phenomenon. Setting the stage for the album McNevan raps “Take a look
around at the sea of masks/And come one, come all, welcome to the grand ball.”
Getting it’s title from a 1960’s X-men comic, “E for Extinction” picks up on the album’s
theme of “camouflaging” flaws and pain - “When we move/We camouflage
ourselves/We stand in the shadows waiting/We live for this and nothing more/We are
what you created.” Expanding on the theme, the string-laced ballad “Look Away”
encourages listeners not to hold their pain inside, instead give it up to God. He will “take
all these cuts and make them shine.”
“Smackdown” sounds like a fusion of “Rawkfist” and Queen’s “We Will Rock You.”
The anthem is sure to translate well into a live setting, as well as the gutsy “Fire It Up.”
Along with fist-pumping anthems, Welcome To The Masquerade contains some wicked
breakdowns, the best one being found on “The Part That Hurts The Most (Is Me).”
Remaining rather tame at first, the mid-tempo song lets loose after the bridge with
McNevan screaming “No! Stay away from me/Get up! I’m tryin’ to walk away/It just
won’t let up!”
The softer songs seem to be the weaker points of Welcome To The Masquerade, most
would have been better suited for McNevan’s side project FM Static. However, the
ballad “Already Home” is a definite highlight of the album. One of the more spiritually
overt songs, McNevan humbly cries out “Now I am on my face/And I’m calling out
Your name/And I won’t run away/’Cause I’m already home.”
Combining the catchy hooks of The Flame In All Of Us and the rhythmic elements of
Phenomenon, Welcome To The Masquerade finds a happy medium that will likely satisfy
TFK’s massive fan base. Though ambiguous at times, the album’s message is a solid
one, letting listeners know it’s okay to take off your “mask” and reveal your inner
struggles or hurt because that is the first step toward healing.
Closing Thoughts:
Trevor McNevan describes Welcome To The Masquerade as “… pedal to the metal.”
That it is. Upon first listen, it is evident that Welcome To The Masquerade is one of the
best rock albums of the year.
Love & War | Posted September-01-2009
After a tremendous fan response for the release of BarlowGirl’s fourth album, Love &
War, Word Entertainment surprisingly reacted by bumping up the release date by two
weeks. This time around the girls continue to boldly fight for their beliefs but take it a
step further, acknowledging why they fight - love. A combination of lush harmonies, pop
melodies, rock anthems, melodic ballads, and thought-provoking lyrics make Love &
War the trio’s most mature effort to date.
The pulsating “Come Alive” challenges Christians to eagerly answer God’s call, making
the point that life is too short to wait. Tying in with the overall theme Love & War, the
chorus proclaims “We’ll fight for love and we’ll live to die.” Later in the album, the
melodic “Love Is Marching” returns to the previous lyric in reflection- “Can we say/We
have lived for more/And did we live to die for/… love?”
“Stay With Me” was born out of a personal prayer of the Barlow sisters. The girls cry
out to God, asking why He won’t take them out of a difficult situation. Through prayer
they discover that God wants to take them through the situation. A profound line in the
verse sheds light to the reason- “Is hope found in moments with no light/Does strength
grow in our greatest fears?” Another honest prayer “Sing Me A Love Song” also longs
for God’s presence during dark times.
Just as on previous albums, BarlowGirl unashamedly declares the truth. “Running Out Of
Time” warns Christians of being luke-warm and complacent in their faith- “This is a war
so pick your side/It’s time to move not time to hide.” The audacious rock anthem “Time
For You To Go” takes a stab at the media. The gospel-influenced “Tears Fall” tackles the
taboo subject of abortion, grieving for unborn babies that have been murdered “in the
name of rights.”
The highlight of Love & War is the album’s epic lead single “Beautiful Ending.” A
mesmeric, fast-paced piano riff carries the song into a contemplative refrain- “Tell
me/What is our ending/Will it be beautiful, beautiful?” The song came out of the Barlow
sisters’ fear of losing their relationship with God while serving in ministry. The message
of “Beautiful Ending” will surely resonate with all who hear it.
Love & War is straightforward pop/rock for the most part but the girls experiment with
some funky piano riffs on “Our Worlds Collide” and “Hello Sunshine.” It’s nothing
groundbreaking, but it shows that the girls aren’t afraid to try new things. The real
shining points of Love & War are in the lyrics. The bold proclamations of truth and
challenging, honest lyrics prove Love & War to be one of the most lyrically daring and
thought-provoking albums of the year.
Closing Thoughts:
BarlowGirl continues to set the bar higher with each album. Surprisingly, the group has
never garnered a Dove Award, but 2010 just may be their year.
Awake | Posted August-18-2009
Christian rock phenom Skillet unleashes one of this year’s highly anticipated albums, Awake. The Grammy-nominated group attained a mass following in both Christian and Mainstream markets with their previous endeavor, Comatose. After experimenting with several genres throughout their thirteen-year career, Skillet stuck close to the sound that worked so well with Comatose, resulting in another accessible, radio-friendly rock record.
The first two singles, “Hero” and “Monster” gave fans a glimpse of what to expect with Awake. “Hero” opens with lead singer, Jon Cooper, trading off vocal lines with drummer Jen Ledger, then leads into an addictively catchy chorus in which Cooper longs for a Hero (referring to Christ) to save him from the darkness of the world. Skillet showcases their harder edge on “Monster” with heavy, distorted guitar riffs complementing Jon Cooper’s rough, powerful vocals. The lyrics cleverly depict man’s internal struggle between good and evil. “I feel it deep within/It’s just beneath the skin/I must confess that I feel like a monster.”
Orchestrated motifs, faint piano licks, and crunchy guitar riffs gives “Awake and Alive”
a strong resemblance to Comatose. The infectious, melodic anthem encourages to not let the world pull you in, stand up for your beliefs, and don’t back down.
Fans of Skillet’s softer side will not be disappointed with Awake; there are several power
ballads and softer pop/rock tunes. “One Day Too Late” encourages listeners to make the most of each moment. Piano-driven “Lucy” mourns the loss of a loved one. Cooper describes “Don’t Wake Me” as an “’80s prom song” about dreaming to be with someone you lost. “Should’ve When You Could’ve” features a catchy melody but the chorus comes off as cliched and cheesy- “You should’ve when you could’ve/You’re gonna miss my love girl/You should, it would have been so good/You should’ve when I would’ve.”
One of the strongest tracks on the album, “Believe,” was added after Awake was thought
to be complete. Lyrically, “Believe” isn’t so different from the rest of the album. What
makes the song stand out is it’s melancholy manner and rawness.
Many tracks on Awake sound like they came straight off of Comatose- “Hero,” “Awake & Alive,” “Forgiven,” “Should’ve When You Could’ve,” “One Day Too Late,” “Don’t Wake Me.” While many will be quick to label Awake as Comatose part 2 (myself included), a good portion of the album features tracks that are more stripped down (“It’s Not Me It’s You,” “Believe,” “Sometimes,” “Never Surrender”) than those found on Comatose. But, the most important aspect remains unchanged - the message.
Closing Thoughts:
Awake wasn’t particularly what I was looking for from Skillet. I’d prefer more of a resemblance to Collide, or even Alien Youth, than Comatose. But I can’t fault the band for sticking with what’s popular. After all, the goal is to bring hope to as many lives as possible, isn’t it?
Blue | Posted August-18-2009
Many talented Christian bands have come out of Canada in recent years- Thousand Foot Krutch, Hawk Nelson, Downhere, etc. Up and coming rock group, Manic Drive, is Canada’s latest offering of talent. Shortly after the group’s sophomore release, Reset & Rewind, Manic Drive returned to the studio to construct their first release for major distribution through Provident/Sony Music. The album, titled Blue, consists of several
new tracks as well as eight tracks that originally appeared on Reset & Rewind.
Manic Drive proved on their previous release that they are not afraid to venture into different genres. So it’s hardly surprising that the two opening songs (“Music” and “Walls”) are dance-infused. “Music” is lighthearted in style and lyrics- “Step aside cause tonight we’re going to feel alive/With the drums and bass pumping by my side.” “Walls” almost sounds like a Family Force 5 track in spots with space-like synth noises and the utilization of a vocoder in the pre-chorus. While “Walls” is stylistically similar to
“Music,” the message goes deeper. Vocalist Shawn Cavallo calls on Christians to stop fighting amongst themselves and unite- “Can we practice what we preach/And turn these fists into hands that reach.”
The title-track “Blue” was re-recorded from Reset & Rewind. The funky, rock anthem features Lu Rubino (Storyside:B) on guest vocals (in place of Kevin Max, featured on the original recording). “Blue” comes to the realization that contentment is only found when following God’s will.
“Closer” slows the pace down opening with a beautiful Latin-influenced piano/guitar motif. The love ballad, written to God, expresses the need to draw closer to Him. “Rain” also displays Manic Drive’s softer side. The melodic chorus equates God’s love and grace to rain. It’s not the most creative or original comparison, but the song is captivating, nonetheless.
Gone are the monotonous nu-metal days of Reason For Motion. Manic Drive mixes it up by blending dance, funk, and hip/hop elements into their rock centered music. Blue’s unique music will no doubt appeal to many and expand the band’s fan base. Shawn Cavallo says the album will “encourage people to get up and make a move, both literally
as well as their faith.” Blue does indeed deliver on both fronts.
Closing Thoughts:
With Manic Drive’s eclectic music palette, it’s hard to pinpoint what direction they will go next. Whatever it will be, I’m looking forward to it.
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