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.