Third Day: Revelations

Give me revelation. Show me what to do. Cause Ive been trying to find my way, I havent got a clue. Do I stay here, or do I need to move.
Give me revelation, Ive got nothing without you.


Yes, give us revelation. For if we had as much revelation as Third Day for every piece of music they have ever touched, we would be famous too. More so, we would travel the world spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through southern rock.
Something Third Day has been doing for some time.

And with Revelation, they dont show any sign of slowing down. If anything, they are just getting started, just getting warmed up, cause this cd is pretty much amazing.

The cd starts out with classic upbeat southern rock your world Third Day with a song called This is Who I am. The song is solid all around from the starting guitar leading into Mac Powells soulful voice. A song about who we are on an every basis, but is this all we are? No, we are so much more in God's hands.
Which leads into Slow Down, another rock anthem that gives the cd depth. The third song on the cd is their single Call My name, which is a unique ballad, but after only a few plays becomes one of the down falls of Third Day. Their slow stuff is overplayed and often times their stronger tracks are simply ignored on the radio. Run To you, the fourth track, is an awesome song. Unfortunetly, this song may have the potential of becoming Call My Name and other songs that have been overplayed. Still, the first few listens it is one amazing song with female vocals to back up Mac's already amazing baritone.
Revelation, the title track, is another solid outing, but it is only a lead up to Otherside. This song has amazing guitar and really gets the cd going after a couple of slower songs.

The rest of the cd's highlights come in Born Again and Take it All. Still, this cd is a much needed fallback to Third Day's early music. It seems like Third Day took enough time off with releasing their Chronological cds that none of the tracks on this cd remind you of songs like You Are So Good to ME and Show Me your Glory. Both of which are good songs, dont get me wrong, but when they are played every single day by every single Christian adult contemporary station out there, they can drive a person insane. Still, you will not find songs of the like on this cd. No, this cd reminds me more of Did you Mean it and Consuming Fire combined with the entire cd of Wherever You Are.

Although this cd has yet to hit shelves and will not do so until July 29th, listening to it initially gives me great hope for Third Day. It also gives me a little bit of an advantage that I get to hear the songs before radio gets a hold of them. Until then, I will listen to this cd as many time as I chose, and not be bombarded by the songs being on every single day.

Overall: A--Highly Recommended

Mercy Me

The store I work at currently has all of the MercyMe cds on sale so I thought I would take a moment and comment on their cds.

I have followed mercyme since their beginning. Beyond their singles like 'I can only imagine' I have been inspired by their thoughtful lyrics where some only like the idea of heaven, and for go the reality of Christians actually having to adhere to their master.
I will break down their cds one by one and I wont waist my time with their Christmas album, even though All That is Within Me came out around Christmas and really could be a Christmas album in many respects.


Almost There: This is their first and most acclaimed album to date. For a first effort, it is very strong. I imagine they had been playing together for while and this was simply them finally being heard by the public. Still, this cd has come out with a platinum edition because of how popular it is and how many overall units it has sold. I imagine this is because of its most widely known song 'I can only imagine', so I wont spend to much on that song. All I will say is yes, it is that good; yes it is overplayed; and if you havent seen the video you should watch it with any person you have watched pass on's picture there beside you. It is pretty poweful.
The other songs to get excited about on this cd are 'I worship you', 'How Great is your Love', 'House of God', and probably 'Bless me Indeed.' Although the rest of the cd is very good, the next two cds that they come out with will only better a lot of the efforts found in this cd. One thing is for sure though that Almost There is probably the most unique of the first three cds, simply because the second two albums really seemed to try to reproduce I can only Imagine. Still, if the sound works-which it has-go with it.
I worship you starts out the cd as an upbeat melody for Christians to aspire to. The song starts out with 'Ive been walkin with a big grin, singing with my eyes closed, liftin up my hands'. I can only hope that Christians are able to live life with this mentality. I believe Christians, including myself, walk around miserable and wonder why. They have accepted Christ into their lives, but no joy is theirs to have. Maybe though, if really truly searched after God and let Jesus reign in our hearts and not just be a part of who we are we would have reason to Worship Him. The second song I noted, How Great is your Love, is a slower melodic song that lifts up the majesty of the Father. It really amplifies Bart Miller's vocals but also has a depth to the music that some of Mercymes other songs simply do not. It is a classic adult contemporary song that really shows Mercymes strenghts. House of God then is an awesome song. It makes one want to get out of their seat and shout the lyrcis with Bart and proclaim a Christian battle cry in many senses. I like this song because of its uniqueness in a ever reproduced sound, but also the very clear lyrics that really call out to God and proclaims what the Church truly ought to be. The last song of note is Bless Me Indeed. Although this is not a great musically done song, it would have been written right around the time the Prayer of Jabez came out, and basically outlines the theme of this book. Bless me Indeed, open up my horizons. That is what we pray.

The next cd is Undone. Overall this cd really reminded me of the first, so I wont spend too much time on the nitty gritty parts of the cd. The most played song is probably 'Here with Me', which is probably rightfully song because of its strong melody and how it once again amplifies Bart's vocals. I personally liked Unaware, Undone, and Keep Singing.
Unaware is an amazing song proclaiming the truths of Christian finding Christ in the midst of our own inequities. We ought to be unaware of our pasts and only strive for a future that is in Christ.
Undone, the title track, is a noteable because of the build up in the song. Calling us to go to Christ and lay all our cares upon the throne because are chains are undone and we no longer bound to sin, but our chains have been broken and we are free.
The last song, Keep Singing, is by far the best song. The piano in this song is no less than beautiful, and if this is not enough one can simply sit back and let Bart's amazing voice cue you to sleep. This song, though, I do not believe is about the talents found there in. I believe it is about the lyrics giving glory to God. We keep singing, we keep praising His name, for He is the only one that keeps our hearts beating. Everything else that happens in this world apart from God can only lead to death and decay. Finding our solace in the Lord is the only reason any of us have claim to any good which has every happened. His Salvation is all we need in this Life. So, Jesus sing over me, and I will be able to keep singing.

Spoken For: This is much like the first two, infact listening to them all in junction of one another it really sounds like some of these songs from the first three cds may have been written right along the same time the first cd came out. Which it could of been, considering the first three cds came out one year after the previous. Still, for true Mercyme fans this is not a reason to complain, but be thankful that they are staying to what works and what is reaching their listeners.
The songs of note on this cd are much the same as the second cd. The title track, Come One Come all, Word of God Speak, and All Because of This. Spoken for is much like Undone and Unaware, proclaiming much of the same message of who has spoken for our soul. Come One Come All goes back to what caught my attention with House of God. It is up beat and really is one to sing with, good for any car ride really.
Word of God Speak is amazing. In the same tradition as I can only imagine, but more so Keep Singing, this song really calls out to the Word of God to be what we listen to. Sometimes in the midst of our complaints and our trials our voice can be too loud and we simply do not listen for the truths of our maker. It ought to be our prayer for us to take the opportunity to come to God's holy Tabernacle and rest. Beyond the music, beyond the noise, God will speak if we only listen. In the quite, we will hear His voice.

Coming up to Breathe: This cd took a little longer to come out it seemed, and there are notes on this cd that really make that visible. The songs that are unique and different than anything MercyMe has done to this point are No More No Less, One Trick Pony, and Safe and Sound. No More, No Less is upbeat and has a lot of different aspects in the song. At one point it shifts to an almost African sound with distinct voice harmonies that MercyMe simply hasnt done much of. It is more of a rock ballad than anything else, and the first song on this cd that really set it apart from its counterparts. One Trick Pony is almost like what Jars of Clay Who We are Instead album was to most of their music. The song has a real blue grass feel with an entirely jazzy beat to it and once again very unique and very different than anything we have heard thus far. Safe and Sound then is almost a flash back to the seventies, a very up beat and diverse sound. Although it has similar tendencies to other songs MercyMe have done, overall they do more with harmonies and the overall feel of the song is more unique.
Still, for all you die hard fans of Word of God, I can only imagine, and Keep singing, the is Bring the Rain. Once again, an amazing song of praise and worship clarifying that our best times are in our worst times when we are willing to give our heavy burdens over to the king.

All that is Within me: This cd is by far and away the most unique album to date. The melodies take different turns than any of the rest of the cds, and in this way is definately their best musically done cd because it is not easy, but sounds like it would have been a different turn for the group. Although the Coming up to Breathe is a smooth transition so as to not completely surprise us, but still, there are no real songs to really compare to other MercyMes stuff on this cd. God With Us is really the only song that can be compared to other Mercy Me songs, but even this one takes a unique upbeat step to what songs like I Can only Imagine have done lyrically before. I wont take too much time describing this cd, I believe that if you have followed MercyMe you will enjoy this cd just as much as the others and may even be what people are looking for. Just know you wont find as many of the same cookie cutter songs on this cd as the previous ones.


Almost There: A
Undone: B-
Spoken For: B-
Coming up to Breath: B+
All That is Within Me: A

Jars of Clay

I have to admit that I havent yet bought this cd, but if you have followed Jars of Clay this their conception then you dont need to. Just buy the one new single off of itunes, and call it good.

No, the reason why I am specifically evaluating this cd is because of its comprehensive arrangement of of Jars of Clay's music. So I will try to comment on the set up of the cd and its ability to draw from Jars of Clay vast array of music.

At first glance, it is a quick making of the cd. That is, it is put together by cd, progressing from their self titled cd, to Much Afraid, then to If I left the Zoo, the Eleventh hour, and finally Work. The only good part of this is that the cd starts out with the song that got Jars of Clay started, and in my mind one of their greatest up beat singles to describe our need for Jesus, Flood. With all this being said, let me break the cd into small paragraphs by cd.

Debut Album: Songs on Cd: Flood, Love Song for a Savior, Like a Child, and Worlds Apart.
This is a good combination from there first cd. They cover the best parts of the album(where they could have picked any song, as long as they got Flood and Worlds Apart, they would have been safe) but in general the first album has similar sounds throughout. Love Song for a Savior is a very solid song and the lyrics say more than most listeners will know, but oh well. Worlds Apart is still probably Jars of Clay best song, and if you have heard it live or a live recording you understand why. The only song, which unfortunatly is not on this cd, that might rival Worlds Apart is Oh My God, which has received less play time, but lyrically and musically just as powerful.

Much Afraid: Songs on CD: Crazy Times and Frail: This is a poor catching of this cd. Although these two songs are highlights off of this cd, they are not the best songs. They should have either incorporated Fade to Grey or Five Candles(you were there). Although Much Afraid was probably one of Jars of Clay worst showings, it is still a solid cd because of the fact of their ability to change their sound enough from their first cd to their second; something that would come to define Jars of Clay's sound through out their careers.

If I left the Zoo/Eleventh Hour: This is the worst combination of the Greatest Hits album. Only having one song from each(Unforgetful you and I need you respectively) they do not catch at all the highlights of each. If I left the zoo had some harder highlights like Collide, but then wit songs like unforgetful you it shows just how talented the group is. Although their are no other songs of note off this cd(that i can remember of the top of my head) I do know that this cd was another change in sound, and only having Unforgetful You on it really is disapointing. As for Eleventh Hour, there are a whole list off of this cd they could have put on this cd, yet they put their most repetitive song next to Unforgetful you to date on their album. They could have put songs that are much stronger like Disapear or Something Beautiful or even the title track. Each of which are better songs, each of which stronger displays of Jars of Clays talents.

Who We are Instead: This is probably one of the better showing, highlighting the two best songs on the album. The only other one they should have put on is Trouble Is.

They actually dont put any songs from their hymns album, which is too bad, so moving on.

Work: They missed Oh My God, but otherwise they did highlight the strongest sections and most played songs. This is expected from the Christian industry, realizing that Jars of Clay simply would have recorded the one single on the cd and approved the rest.


Overall I am a bit disapointed in the lack of showing Jars of Clay unique change through each cd. Leaving out the Hymns cd is one of the big reasons for this, but overall any listener who wants a good compilation of Jars of Clay will find what they are looking for. Unfortunatley it is another greatest hits album that ultimately isnt worth the time, simply putting out another cd for people to buy.

Yet because it does have some of Jars of Clay's best music I will give this cd on Overall of a B. But if you have Jars of Clay's cds since their first one like me, then you would be better off burning a collection of your own favorites so that you can include twice as many songs, accounting for the songs left out on this particular collaboration.

Overall: B
Recommended for anyone who is new to Jars of Clay or simply wants a good greatest hits album. Not recommended for any Devout fan.

Skillet

REBIRTHING NOW!!!


I dont know how else to introduce Skillet, and I wish I could make it seem more like John Cooper's voice, but hey, what can you do but blog on....


Skillet, man I have been following this band this their conception. The only bad thing about this band is its small following. Although it has gotten bigger over time they still are not as popular as they should be simply because of the money behind the project. Still, they have improved with every project, and I dont think many artists can say this.

In their early years they were known for songs like Locked in a Cage and I Can. These songs define their sound and still to this day you might hear one of them at their concerts. What has changed is the band members over time and they truly didnt get who they have now until Alien Youth. Still, even if this cd wasnt bad, it wasnt Collide either.
When Collide came out Skillet's hard side really shined through. With songs like Saviour and Forsaken one just wanted to rise to their feet and mosh. These songs even were able to combine lyrical ability with the hard edge, talking from Jesus point of view to the lost and walking through the valleys of this life perspectively.
Then came Comatose. This cd blew me away combining elements from nearly every cd to date. Beyond this though, they did it flawlessly. Rebirthing is an awesome testament of coming from who you were to who we become in knowing Christ. Where other tracks on the cd deal with every day horrors raging from suicide to famine. They incorporate orchestral movements with hard guitar rifts in the up beat songs and then are able to slow down and talk about specificaly Cooper's experiences growing up with acoustic ballads like the Older I get.
The cd is good, but their live shows are amazing. Cooper plays bass and can swing that massive thing around his neck. The two females in the group are amazing, as they claim to have the best chick drummer of all time. These three are good, but their feature guitarist is amazing. Every featured guitar movement throughout their Alien youth to Comatose is done by one guy, and he is this good-Just watch them live.

The only bad thing is that they lost their Chick Drummer, but do not fear, they found another and apperantly the former drummer was able to train the new one. So, she wont be the best chick drummer, but she may be the second best.

Skillet is one of my favorites and I hope they keep making music for at least a couple more cds. But if I had it my way, they would sit at my porch and play when I wanted them to.

Comatose: A
Collide: B
Alien Youth: C

The Flame in All of Us

After seeing these guys in a concert where they had sound difficulties and simply was a horrible concert, I had little expectations for their new project. But from the first down beat into the last chord, I found this cd to be worth the time and effort.
Although I never got into TFK's first cd, every project since has been solid and worth any hard rock fan's time. I find myself coming back to The Flame time and time again. The only noteable problems with the cd is how repetitive their songs can get. But, I dont think we can expect much more out of a Xgames type of sounding artist.

With this being said, I want to highlight some of the best songs through out the cd. The title track is one to put in the cd and crank up. This song leads into another song of the same nature of Everything Falls Apart. Track four slows down a bit, but shows a new side of TFK that has been explored on previous cds but never done with much care. What do We know shows signs of more acoustic talent and give TFK to go a little more in depth with their lyrics.
The rest of the cd has pretty good intervals in the songs giving them a much needed diversity and for the most part is a cd to put in the car when you want to head bang.

The gem on this cd though and best song by far is Wish you Well. The only bad thing is that most people listening to this cd wont appreicate this song as much. But if one is to evaluate the musical ability of an artist that person has a responsibility to point out these types of songs. For this cd it is Wish you Well. Evaluating the journey that is known as life we follow TFK through experiences of life that help define who we are. As the cd begins I thought it would be another failed attempt at slowing down their music, but as the song progresses you find that this is not the case. When it comes to the bridge of the song TFK is able to use their rapping ability and combine it with a slowed down acoustic/piano/orchestral movement(depending on which version you are talking about). The only thing missing from this track is a bit more depth, once again falling into the reality of repetition found in every TFK song.

Overall: B-
Recommended for the devoted fans of up beat rock and anyone who wants to rock.

Heat

I must say that this cd has been out for a while and I continued to ignore it. Only after hearing a second single on the radio that took my breath away did I finally break down and spend the money on it. What I found was something unexpected and different.

What bothers me most about the Christian music industry and music in general is the ability to control what singles you hear. In Needtobreathe case, it may turn more people away from them then attract them. Signature of the Divine is a solid song, no questions asked. But it is based on a message and a safeness that isnt in fact safe. The song is repetitive and almost irritating at times when it is played over and over and over on Christian music stations. But, even if the cd is out, that is all they legally can play because of how the single is released to radio stations. Unfortunately, for Needtobreathe, this was a cruel trick for anyone who is out there listening to the radio stations because their cd has so much more to offer.
The cd starts off with Restless which has an awesome sort of southern dance beat that starts it out leading it into piano. As the lead singer starts to sing you realize just how much this group has to offer to the Christian music industry. One thing that music lacks in many areas, especially those artists you find on MTV, is layers of music. In other words, true talent. Most artists will be given a back beat that can be mixed with ease and then the most of their money is spent on image. Needtobreathe actually brings talent to the floor. Their layers of music is one that the listener can tell that the band in all is very talented. Makes you a bit restless, if you know what I mean.
The cd has many noteable tracks, but due to time and the fact that I only purchased this cd, I will only take note on a few tracks. The best tracks on the cd are Return, Streets of Gold, and More Time. I am listening to the latter right now and it makes me want to weep. Any relationship that has endured the hardships of financial difficulty or simply trying to better understand their own, this song captures it all. In my first year of marriage we struggled in our jobs trying to make things the best they can. Just a few more months, just a little more trying to get to the American dream. We can make if we try, the music says, just a little more time. But the reality is no amount of time will fix the lacking in your heart. Only the love of our Lord. The song has a truly interesting interval in it with Bango and really shows the bands southern rock and gospel roots. The first two songs are both solid, the first talking about returning to God, and the second talking about going to Heaven: Im willing to let you go, Someday we will walk upon streets of gold.
These songs, however good they do make the cd, can not compare to the best song far and above the rest called Washed by the Water. You really have to listen to it to realize that yes, these white boys are laying down some serious soul. Very few artists can accomplish this, but Washed by the Water helps anyone in ministry will be crucified in many ways. We are always questioned for what we did and didnt do, but no matter what, we are not judged by what we do in this world but whether we knew Jesus and Jesus acknowledges our faith. No matter what though, even if everything falls around you and your plains of darkness take you far into the night, know that Jesus died so that we might have life. We are washed by the water and justified by God's grace through Jesus Christ.

Overall: A
If you miss this cd, you will miss one that ought to have more recognition than it is currently getting. It will take you away from the normal, and lead you into greatness.


Author's Note:
The past few months have been increasingly frustrating. I have entered and gone through a plain that I will never truly understand. Having lost two family members in the past year I have begin to understand the importance of Grace in our lives. Even more so than I did when I was first saved. Regardless, I still walk through the valley of the shadow. In this shadow my ministry struggles and our decision making is blurred by our own wants. God takes a hold of my life just like he does for anyone to truly show them the path less traveled. Needtobreathe's lyrics really helped me see this and is continueing my own journey.
For anyone who is in the valley of the shadow, please know that along with Christ we were crucified so that we might not suffer what he suffered, but when Christ raised from the dead we would experience eternity with our Lord. No matter what your circumstances, their is hope for the suffering, love for the hurting, and a water of life to lead you into the very Glory of God. Keep walking, walk on, know that you are loved, and forever more washed by the water.

Downhere

Ok, so give me a break. This cd was released in 2001, so what. Its still my favorite by far, but wide eyed and mystified should get people interesed in this group. Although their most recent attempt is good, their first project is still worth gloating over.

First of all, the cd starts out with the song Larger than Life. I have constantly used this song in times on renewal: times when I fell down and needed some real motivation to get back up. As simple as this song is, it reminds us that we walk through life barely breathing, seeming to be underwater more often than not. Still, at the end of the day our Lord is larger than Life and will forevermore be the rock on which we ought to be standing upon.

However good the first track is, it can not compete with Great are you Lord, Calmer of the Storm, So Blue, and Protest to Praise. I absolutely love the first three, having both singers incorporate their talents, but having a strong baritone in any song is worth listening to. Protest to Praise shows more of the tenors talents, and rightfully so, he is really good, just I simply cant get as high as he can. Regardless, each song has incredibly strong lyrics and backing to it and I will fall on my knees and praise my Lord because each song has HIM at the center. Too many times have I done exactly this in tears to this music.

Regardless of if you relate with this band or not you can not say they dont have talent. Their music is incredibly well crafted with strong lyrics. Although Wide Eyed and Mystified defines their sound, it should have been the second cd all along, because So Much For Substitutes was simply a step backwards in my opinion. Downhere got more recognition doing a Christmas cd, but if you like these songs at all, you have to go buy downhere and wide eyes and mystified. If they fit your fancy, then by Thunder after lighting, which shows you songs they did whiel recording there third cd that didnt make it on the cd. The session was simply that good, and worth the money. I just saw they have a Unplugged out on Wide Eyed and Mystified, which may be worth peoples time too as to it explains the songs clear back to this paticular cd. I highly recommend these guys to anyone who tires of the Christian music scene; they are fresh and inspiring and they cant come out with music fast enough for us already fans.

Overall A
So Much for Substitutes: C+
Wide Eyed and Mystified: B+
Thunder After lightning: B

Cities

Funny story as to how I came across these guys in the begginning. I actually bought there first cd and put in the player. I remember thinking this is crazy, and not liking it that much. Now, looking back, I wonder what I was thinking, cause these guys are good. Really good.

As for Cities, I believe this cd is a defining project for this group. Although their previous one (never take friendship personal) was good, it did not have any defining moments. For the most part it was yet another up beat Switchfoot/Relient K sound to it. But one could tell that the lead singer had some talent. In this cd, the lead singer comes of age in writing lyrics that define who Anberlin is. The lyrics have always been strong, constantly dealing with realities found in this world in relation to Grace and Love. Combine these types of lyrics with defining background guitar rifts and drums with the occasional acoustic addition, and you will find Cities.
Paticular songs of note on this cd are probably The Unwinding Cable Car, Dismantle Repair, and (*Fin). Besides these songs you will find the cd to be a closer image of the previous, but when these songs are included it takes the artists to a new plane. These songs combine acoustic with the lead singers brilliant vocals. They deal with anything from breaking down, understanding God's grace, and simply coming to understand life. And they do so with a realistic image of what it means to be human.

By the end of Fin I was in awe and wonder of what this group is becoming. They are definately not a group that will slow down having endured the hardships of being a rock band and come out the other side the better for it. I believe that with better promotion and the continued desire to tour these guys will become better known. If you come across this cd and enjoy it, I recommend the follow up called Lost Songs, but this is for the most part nothing new, I had heard all but one song. They are simply an all iclusive look at Anberlin.

For now, I am thoroughly interested in Anberlin. But if you havent given them a try, take a chance; you may just find a gem.

Overall: A
Definately recommend

Finally Awake

As a person who has followed this band pretty intentally, I was very much disapointed with this project. Don't get me wrong though, it is a good project, it simply isnt Seventh Day at the core.

Before I go on any rant though, I want people to understand the integrity of the muscians involved in Seventh Day Slumber. The lead singer is a recovering drug addict who came to Christ in the midst of his addictions. His story of redemption will bring the strongest person to tears. He can relate to many people who are struggeling with addictions and growing up in difficult situations. When I saw these guys live I realized just how genuine they are, so for every lyric that talks about change, redemption, and finally understanding love have more meaning for this band then those who havent ever experienced what it truly means to lose everything.

I am listening to the cd as I am writing this down. My biggest frustration with Seventh Day Slumber is how refined they have become. I say this because the first cd, especailly tracks like I know and My struggle are simply the lead singer laying down his struggles in a hard frustrated tone. As each cd has come and gone this has left the overall feel of the band and they are more and more becoming just another Christian Rock band, not having anything to distinguish them from the rest of the crowd.

The tracks that stand out on this particular cd are Always and Breaking Away. Although these songs are not unique, they are the strongest lyrics and combine both the integrity of the artists and their musical ability. Although On My way Home and Broken Buildings are solid tracks they seem to just be missing the mark. I feel like Seventh Day in their live shows want to define themselves as a hard core band, but their music is beginning to relate more to the alternative scene then the hard rock one.

Seventh Day Slumber will always be defined in my mind by their first project. Without going back to the garage and just letting the lyrics hit the hard guitar and drums; I dont think they will ever truly get back to their roots. I did appreciate them rereleasing Picking up the Pieces, but a lot of their music since has ultimately been disapointing. Here is to them getting a label that supports their rough edge, and getting away from pleasing the Christian crowd.

Overall: C+
Recommended: Yes, but not for the hard core fans of ruggid rock.

Portable Sounds

Right around the same time this cd came out Dc Talk came out with yet another collection cd. As you first start listening to Portable Sounds you initially think Toby Mac has done it again, and his sound is ever diverse as well as his message. As you finish out this cd, you get an indication that Toby had a hand in the collection cd and no longer are you thinking Toby Mac, but more so DC Talk. The array of music that one finds in between these two points are amazing.

As a member of Dc Talk, this group rose above any Christian band that had come before and has defined a generation. After seeing Toby Mac live, I realize he has never compromised his integrity nor his talents. The concert played more like a broadway play in the way it was constructed and executed. The funny thing is, is that the people Toby Mac records with have the same expectation and talents that Toby does, and on both their live show and cd it shows.

In regards to the cd, it is one that keeps finding its way back into my cd player. The title track is an head banging fist pumping sing your lungs out type of track and truly shows Tobys hard side. This is directly contrast to songs like No Ordinary Love and One World. These two songs are hip hop and R & B through and through and incredibly well done. Where the listener begins to hear notes of DC Talk are in the songs Face of the Earth and All in. Each song have strong lyrics talking about giving ones life to Christ. Especially is the case with All in, who one might swear that Dc Talk is doing the entire song(with the exception of Kevin Max whailing in the background).

In seeing Toby Mac live one will realize that he is one of the true faces of Christianity, and anyone who says otherwise simply doesnt understand Toby. He has been a front man of spreading the gospel and in his show fell to his knees and prayed acknowledging what mankind was made for...I was made to love you(Our Lord). On top of all this, he continues to be a strong face in reconciliation having found on of his musicians in a foreign tribe. This cd is definately worth everyones time, and seeing him live is definately worth any money that it might be worth.

Overall: A

Altar and the Door

I can not emphasise enough how dedicated and genuine Casting Crowns is. Each CD they have come out to date has been amazing, and each CD continues to surpass the last. Before this cd, I certainly liked the first cd better than the second, but with Praise You in this Storm on the second cd, this song alone really amde the second worth it. If you havent encountered Casting Crowns and are a Christian, you need to give them a chance.

As for Altar and the Door, you are not going to get anything new musically. This the group members will tell you themselves, as they have several postings on there site on exactly this. What you will also hear them say, though, is this cd is meant to challenge everyone who listens. If you do not come away from listening to Casting Crowns without being affected; check you pulse, you may be dead.

You have probably heard East to the West, which is a powerful, overwhelming song of God's deliverance through Jesus Christ our Lord. This song however, is not the best song lyrically on the cd. The songs Every Man and The Word is Alive are very well done. In Every Man he talks about every person in the Christian community, every living person. All the people we will see in our life time we will pass by and as Christ followers we have a responsibility of giving them more than a second look. So many people will walk through this life not realizing they are loved, not knowing they are unique, and not understanding that there is more. Even Christians today are depressed and even Christians are committing suicide. But the song every man makes you realize that there is a solid place to stand a Savior who will help us endure. The Word is Alive is one of the groups most powerful songs to date. In a world where truth is relative, Casting Crowns is willing to stand up and say that God's word is alive this very day and is the words of God himself. Everything that it says comes from the breath of God through his creation that have landed on a page for us to read. The song quotes John Piper, a strong Calvinist preacher from the Baptist General Conference: Having gone to his church and heard his sermons, this clip is probably the most powerful clip I have heard by him. It fits perfectly.

If you are frustrated with the church, this cd is for you. If you are frustrated with Christianity, this cd is for you. If you need a breath of God's word in your life, put this cd on and then start reading the Bible.

Overall: A
Recommended: If you dont know the answer by now, read this again.

Something to Say

After two months of not being able to say anything due to vocal chord surgery, this album is appropriately titled. And the reality is that Matthew West did have something to say. Something that God is speaking through him.


Of course the overall message is that everyone must step up and speak their minds. But we have nothing to say if God isnt speaking through us. This, though, is not the only message.

A few things can be said about Matthew West. He refuses to conform to the Christian music industries need for cookie cutter artists. They not only look similar, they sound similar. But if you were to compare Matthew West to most Christian artists, you will probably not say he is the best singer. But if you dont say that he has the best compliation of music and musicians, then you didnt listen to the cd. I am not sure if Matthew West writes his own music(although I am pretty sure he does) but his music has the most layers to it than any other Christian artist out there right now.
This cd is no different, with the title track having anything from piano to orchestra back to guitar. Once again though, the title track is not the best track. Motions is absolutely incredibly calling out every church goer in the world. No one who calls themselves a Christian should find themselves caught up in the norm fo going to church every Sunday, or every other, or when you feel like it, or simply call youself a Christian but you never do anything Christ did. This song calls any of these people out. Even the most dedicated of Christians will be able to relate to this song, knowing that even the Pastor or people like Chris Tomlin could get caught up in the motions.
The cd never slows down. The lyrics are strong through out, using lyrics about Matthew West's wife clear to getting to the last song that really dives deep to the core message. I really enjoyed this cd and am really looking forward to seeing him with Toby Mac and Jeremy Camp in March.

Overall: B+
Reckomended: Definitaly
If you havent heard anything by Matthew West, this cd would be a great start.

Pillar: For the Love of the Game

I saw these guys before anyone really knew about them. They opened for Skillet, who probably twice as many people had heard of then those who had heard of Pillar(yeah, you get the point). The only song that people might recognize that Pillar played at this concert was the Original Superman. By the time Where do We go From Here came out, they were known by anyone who has even heard of music.
Then they came out with Reckoning. Not to say that this cd was bad, but it wasnt Pillar. The cd took a hard turn that was uncharacteristic of Pillars upbeat diminsion. They have always had a hard edge, but I simply couldnt take them seriously, and I missed songs like Frontline, Echelon, and Superman.
So, in receiving For the Love of the Game as a pre-release, I was pretty much jumping for joy as the first song started out with that fast upbeat jump like youve never jumped before tone. The thing about this album is the first song isnt the best song, Turn it up does exactly this in multiple ways. First, the chorus is incredibly catchy, and definately a live song for any crowd. Second, it somehow encorporates every popular Christian song you have heard in the past five years. If you dont believe me, by the cd. Then shut up and realize the truth.

The bad thing about every Pillar album is once you have listened to the first few tracks, the rest are a little more of the same. Although this album was good, it gets old fast.

Overall: B
To buy list: Pillar fan: yes, Rock fan: definately.