Christian Music Reviews By Aaron

Courageous, the New Movie from Sherwood Pictures

REALLY? YES, IT’S TRUE
On June 7-9, Christian Music Review (CMR) will report live from the set of Courageous, the latest film from hit maker, Sherwood Pictures.  Fans are invited to tune in to real-time video feeds and interact with CMR founder, Jay Heilman via CMR’s Twitter and Facebook accounts as he interviews the cast and tours the set during the making of the movie.

WATCH THIS

Invitation from Jay Heilman, Founder of ChristianMusicReview.org

Watch Jay’s personal invitation on YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYyWAx7pfUg

ABOUT COURAGEOUS
Courageous follows the story of two law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell and Nathan Hayes, who willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer on the job, but at home face a challenge that neither of the men are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.  While living up to the highest professional standards at work, they quickly discover that they are missing the mark at home. When tragedy suddenly hits their households, each is left wrestling with their hopes, fears, faith, and fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God…and to their children? Courageous is the fourth release from Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking ministry of Sherwood Church in Albany, Georgia.  The film is also Sherwood Picture’s first production since releasing Fireproof, the number one independent film of 2008.  Sherwood Pictures’ previous films, Facing the Giants (2006) and Fireproof (2008) have gone on to become two of the most successful independently-made theatrical releases in the last decade, bringing in a combined $43m.

COME ALONG, HERE’S HOW
Beginning Monday, June 7th, visit: www.christianmusicreview.org/livefromtheset for instructions on how to access the live video feed and interact with Jay Heilman, founder of ChristianMusicReview.org.  In addition to the video feed, the page will also feature the latest interviews and news ‘live from the set’ of Courageous.  Jay will monitor fan feedback, elicit questions, and provide updates throughout the day via CMR’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.

LINKS REVIEW
For the CMR live video feed, visit:
www.christianmusicreview.org/livefromtheset

For CMR updates on Facebook, visit:
http://www.facebook.com/christianmusicreviewdotorg

For CMR updates on Twitter, visit:
http://twitter.com/cmr2004

Fee - Hope Is Rising

FEE
Hope Rising
Release Date: October 6, 2009

This is the type of CD where you just press play and literally every song on the album is solid.  It’s upbeat with solid rock anthems (that you can’t get out of your head) and a couple of sincere ballads, all prayerful and powerful.  I first heard the songs played at a local contemporary worship service. But it’s also on heavy rotation where I workout.  It was as if the album was following me around, so I felt I had to add it to my playlist.

TobyMac - Tonight

TOBYMAC
Tonight
Release Date: February 9, 2010

TobyMac’s style and talent is unparalleled in the Christian market.  It’s hard to imagine a band as creative as DC Talk was and an artist as prolific as TobyMac has proven himself to be over his long career.  Like U2, TobyMac is always current and never seems to disappoint.  His latest album offers new anthems, straight forward messages and contemporary stylizing that is exactly what listeners of his music are looking for.

Santus Real - Pieces Of A Real Heart

SANCTUS REAL
Pieces of a Real Heart
Release Date: March 9, 2010

‘Pieces Of A Real Heart’ is the next chapter in Sanctus Real’s songbook.  With each Sanctus Real album you feel like you’ve entered the next phase of the band’s thought life.  This album is no different.  It’s sincere, contemplative and yes, still rockin’.  Sanctus Real know how to assemble infectious melodies.  What they have to say is always interesting and true to life, and that is precisely what sets them apart.

THE GOLDEN RULE
Above The Golden State
EMI CMG
Release Date: January 26, 2010

Above The Golden State - The Golden Rule

Track Listing

1. The Golden Rule
2. Chance To Love
3. I Am Loved
4. Real You
5. Teach Us
6. Tragedy

Score: 85%/B

Above The Golden State’s (ATGS) The Golden Rule is a solid, 6-track album made of energetic West Coast-style rock songs with challenging Christian content.

“I Am Loved” is the first song off the album released to radio and contains lyrics that remind us that God is with us and that we are not alone.  The message is conveyed in similar manner as David Crowder Band’s “We Are Loved” from their recent album, Church Music.  Musically, ATGS swings into a melodic mid-range ballad quite reminiscent in meter of the band’s popular hit, “Sound of Your Name” though with a bit more of a rocky edge.

The title track, “The Golden Rule” stands out from other songs on the album with its classic approach.  The sound is reminiscent of a 90′s Weezer and includes a solid helping of vocal echoes.  The song’s delivery is quite clever and nonchalant, while the message is both, universal and poignant (in typical ATGS form).

ATGS debut album helped define the band’s style by combining a variety of old and new sounds that kept the listener intrigued and off balance, giving the album its dimension.  In comparison, The Golden Rule is more direct and engaging in approach.  Though I found myself sometimes feeling nostalgic for those 50′s style beats and vocal “whoah-ooh, whoah-ooo’s” (remember “I’ll Love You So”), the edgier distortions and modern sonics in The Golden Rule are equally attractive in their own way.

My favorite song on the new album by far is a reflective ballad entitled “Chance To Love.”  Listen as the lyrics begin: ” Why would I bother speaking if my words weren’t meant to share?  Why would I bother breathing if my lungs don’t need the air?  Why would my heart keep drumming on if there’s no will here to live? I don’t want to give up ’cause today’s a chance to love.”  Musically, the song is reminiscent of a Christian Blink 182 and the lyrics are as convicting as any other on the album.  Michael Watson, the band’s lead singer and guitarist summarizes the sentiment of the song when he describes the song’s core message as “Don’t give up! Love right now like there’s no tomorrow.”

I found the album, The Golden Rule to be more serious and passion-driven than the first.  While it can be said that the latest release lacks some of the fun and quirkiness of the band’s first album, The Golden Rule instead delivers a more mature ATGS and a sound that is sonically more modern in approach.

In the end, The Golden Rule represents the next step for Above The Golden State and delivers on the promise of their unique style and incredible talent.  With just 6 songs, this album is an abbreviated offering which may disappointment some listeners.  But I believe that when given a chance, the 6 tracks on the album are strong enough to win over fans and make up for any initial disappointment.

For more of the latest Christian Music Reviews, visit: http://christianmusicreview.org

CLOSING THOUGHTS
As creative and original as their first album.  Narrowing to 6 tracks for The Golden Rule means you’re listening to only the best stuff they have to offer.  Listen to the creative evolution of Above The Golden State.  The guys from Oregon are back and in full form!

The Now And Not Yet

1. JEREMY RIDDLE – The Now And Not Yet
Varietal Records (March 3)

Raw scripture meets alternative rock sounds for a powerful, modern-day praise experience.  Read my full, original review here: http://reviewsbyaaron.com/review/jeremy-riddle-the-now-and-not-yet/

Take Over

2. AARON SHUST – Take Over
Brash Music (August 4)

An album full of catchy hooks bears Aaron’s signature sound with scripture and deeper meaning to boot.  Read my full, original review here: http://reviewsbyaaron.com/review/aaron-shust-take-over/

Church Music

3. DAVID CROWDER BAND – Church Music
Sixstep Records (September 22)

Since 2003, David Crowder Band have been exploring their own unique creative sound.  With their latest album they continue to pioneer new trails, pushing the definitions of modern, mainstream Christian music.  Read the full, original review here: http://www.christianmusicreview.org/davidcrowderband_churchmusic.html

Live From My Church

4. JARED ANDERSON – Live From My Church
Integrity Music (September 22)

A fantastic live album from start to finish – energetic, prayerful and powerful. The album includes a full lineup of tracks that you just want to listen to again and again.  Read my full, original review here: http://reviewsbyaaron.com/review/jared-anderson-live-from-my-church/

Heaven & Earth

5. PHIL WICKHAM – Heaven & Earth
INO Records (November 17)

A sonically and lyrically stellar album.  Just like David Crowder Band, Phil Wickham’s creativity is ahead of its time.  Wickham continues to pursue new and elegant ways of telling the gospel story – and boy is he an excellent storyteller!  Read the full, original review here: http://www.christianmusicreview.org/philwickham_heavenandearth.html

Love Is On The Move

6. LEELAND – Love Is On The Move
Essential Records (August 25)

The deeper heart expressed in the sounds and lyrics of Leeland is unparalleled.  These guys embody humble psalmists, yet their approach is rich, bold and fresh.  Their latest album gets better and better track after track.  When you listen to Leeland you can feel the soaring highs and subtle lows that represent their raw emotion and true love for the Savior.  Read my full, original review here: http://reviewsbyaaron.com/review/leeland-love-is-on-the-move/

Merry Christmas everyone!  Checkout this video I put together using Amy Grant’s “Breath of Heaven (Mary’s Song)” and footage from the hit movie, “The Nativity Story” (Released in 2007 by New Line Productions, Inc.).  It’s a beautiful song and a moving presentation.  It helps us remember what this season is all about.  I promise you’ll be blessed.

Watch the video now on YouTube by clicking this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOQRtYYERGo

HERO
Silver City
Red Hen Records
Release Date: October 14, 2009

Silver City - Hero

Track Listing

1. Tell It All
2. He’s In Control
3. Jesus And Family
4. The Cradle And The Grave
5. I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now
6. Your Sings Gonna Find You Out
7. I Still Cling
8. Give It Away
9. In Vain
10. I Was Listening
11. Hero
12. Welcome Home

Silver City’s Hero is heartfelt and direct.  In a classic country style the band preaches American values and common sense Christian faith.  Their words are encouraging and their voices ring with sincerity.  If you like the down home feel you get from Travis Tritt and Alan Jackson and the energy that comes from listening to Rascal Flatts, I think you’ll dig this album.

Throughout the album the band successfully mixes Gaither-style harmonies with modern country licks and a passion that can only be explained by a sincere devotion to the Word.  Highlights on the album include “In Vain,” a song that tells the story of a minimum wage waitress who promptly corrects a patron after he haphazardly uses God’s name in vain.  She does this because she recalls how Jesus brought her boy home from Iraq, how He rescued her husband from alcoholism and how He continues to help her get through each day.  The title track on the album, “Hero” identifies well with the common struggles of so many Americans dealing with the loss of their jobs, the loss of loved ones at war and the cultural challenges we face at home.  The band offers a timely call and reminder that the answer to our cries is in our eternal hero, Jesus Christ.

It occurred to me while listening to Jeremy Skinner, Tim Hamby, and Kevin Woody sing in unison on the track, “Jesus and Family” that just a few decades ago this type of music might not have necessarily been labeled as Christian Country, but simply as Country music.  Aside from solid vocals and energetic play, the well-crafted lyrics on the album really help to set it off.  The song, “Give It Away” starts off with the fervent line: “If you want more happy than your heart will hold.  If you want to stand taller, if the truth were told – take whatever you have and give it away.”  The principles of Matthew 5 are conveyed here with a spirited Southern Gospel feel that just makes you want to dance in the aisles.

Hero by Silver City will take you back to the America you remember growing up.  Eight country musicians expressing their God-given talents on Hero will remind you of our country’s common sense, pure hearted heritage.  I found the album to be filled with catchy hooks and feet tapping faith jams.  The songs I’ve listed above are only a few of the many catchy tunes included on the CD.  If you’ve never heard Silver City, you’ll definitely want to check out Hero.  Well done Silver City!

Silver City’s latest album, Hero is available for purchase on iTunes or through their website: www.silvercityqt.com

NEW DOWNHERE INTERVIEW

DOWNHERE Open Up About Their Faith, Their Songs & Jars Of Clay

Downhere band members speak candidly to Aaron of ChristianMusicReview.org backstage before their show on October 15, 2009 in Cumming, GA.  Find out who they’re listening to now, the artists that influenced them, the meaning behind their songs, and the challenges they face in keeping the faith.

Questions included:

• What other music are you listening to?
• Where there any bands you considered as mentors?
• How do you personally stay connected to God?
• What’s your favorite thing about being a Rock Star?
• How does your band go about creating a new song?
• What was the inspiration for the song, Cathedral Made of People?
• What about the song, How Many Kings?
• How can your fans become a part of what you’re doing?

Watch the full interview now on Youtube:

PART 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GANDJlbjZPE
PART 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2rBxeOQdtA

NEED
Todd Agnew
Integrity Music
Release Date: October 6, 2009

Todd Agnew - Need

Track Listing

1. Joy Unspeakable
2. Written On The Wall
3. I Need No Other
4. Give Me Jesus
5. Higher Ground
6. Tell Me The Story
7. Did You Mean Me
8. Gloria
9. The Love Of God
10. Breakable
11. Deep Love Of Jesus
12. Jesus, The Hope Of Glory

Score: 85%/B

For many, Todd Agnew is an acquired taste.  While his past albums have had their moments, it’s also fair to say that they’ve had their challenges as well.  Listening to the paradox that exists in Todd’s deep grunge vocals set upon tracks reciting Bible stories and old church hymns is strange to some and sometimes difficult to relate to.  Often plagued by slow, wordy ballads sung in a deep baritone, Todd’s recent releases fell flat and had difficulty connecting.

Need, however, is quite different.  This time around, Todd Agnew achieves balance.  On Need, the best qualities of his signature lyricism and heartfelt vocals are captured within a myriad of listener-friendly hooks and infectious sounds.  Much of the unwanted wordiness of past albums has been toned down and replaced with more syncopated rhyme.  Todd returns once again to using his full vocal register, allowing choruses to build and reach their true intended climax.  As a consequence, much of the music on Need feels natural, less embellished and far more appealing than before.

What’s more, Need offers a clever combination of styles from church hymns to southern gospel and both, classic and modern rock.  This spectrum of influences helps keep the album interesting and the anticipation going from one song to the next.  Several tracks on the album stand out for me as they remind us again of Todd’s gifts.

First off, tapping into the magic of past hits like “Grace Like Rain” and “This Fragile Breath,” are the tracks “Written On The Wall” and “The Love of God.” The song, “Written On The Wall” is an up-beat, piano-driven piece that includes the highly identifiable sentiment: ”I wish you still spoke through burning bushes…and I wish you still wrote on blocks of stone…‘cause the sound of this world is deafening and I wish your will was still written on the wall.”  The song, “The Love of God” is a pacing and haunting alternative rock version of a timeless church hymn based on an old Jewish poem that expresses the endless depth of God’s Love.  Dramatic and humble, Todd delivers what may be one of his most timeless covers yet.  There is power in the chords as Todd delicately sings: “Oh, the Love of God – how rich and how pure, how measureless and strong.  The Love of God – it shall evermore endure, the saints and angels song.”

Not to be outdone, the tracks “Did You Mean Me” and “Gloria” also soar to great heights.  In “Did You Mean Me” Todd relates his personal struggle with sin and his own humanity in contrast to God’s eternal promises.  Todd’s willingness to expose his own self-doubt in the lyric, “You said all sins can be forgiven, but when You said that, did You mean me?  Did You mean me?“ is quite powerful.  Also demanding attention, the radio-friendly first track on the album, “Joy Unspeakable” is both lively and sweet, and stylistically reminiscent of the hit song, “Heaven” by Los Lonely Boys.  Dynamic as well, are the rocky “Breakable” and the classical hymn “I Need No Other,” which includes the title lyric: “I need no other argument, I need no other plea.  It is enough that Jesus died, and that He died for me.”

Unlike recent attempts, Need is an album from Todd Agnew that has greater commercial appeal and is far easier to consume.  In addition to loyal Todd Agnew fans, I expect general audiences to respond favorably to this solid release.  Congratulations to Todd for his superb work!

For more of the latest Christian music reviews, visit: http://www.ChristianMusicReview.org

CLOSING THOUGHTS
If, for whatever reason, you’ve drifted away from Todd Agnew’s music in recent years, it’s time to come back and listen again.  In Need, Todd reclaims so much of what originally attracted audiences to his music.  His new album, Need offers listeners Todd’s signature depth and power, but more importantly, it recaptures his original artistry in a format that is highly consumable and extremely infectious.

LIVE FROM MY CHURCH
Jared Anderson
Integrity Music
Release Date: September 22, 2009

Track Listing

1. Lift The Name
2. Never Be Shaken
3. Prepare The Way
4. Fill Me Up
5. How He Loves
6. God Be In My Head
7. Inside
8. Glory Of God
9. Carrier
10. Glorified
11. We Will Be Changed

Score: 88%/B+

I must be honest in saying that this album was my first exposure to Jared Anderson and that reviewing live albums always gives me pause.  Pause because live albums are (by nature) less refined than studio albums, more spontaneous, and key aspects of the actual performance are inherently absent on the album: stage and crowd dynamics.  It’s highly difficult, if not near impossible to truly capture the raw energy of a live performance on record.  In fact, I’d liken it to trying to retell a great joke delivered by a comedian – somehow it’s never as funny as it was the first time.  This explanation often describes the difference between a studio version and a live version of a song.

But sometimes, live albums can go right, and when they do, they can represent one of the more significant records in the artist’s catalog.  Hearing old songs covered in fresh new ways, or rare performances that convey the sound of primed musicians motivated by a great crowd on a great night, can offer a unique and intimate listening experience.  When a consumer can pick up the record and step back into that kind of special moment again and again, a live record turns into the “must-have” title versus the easily forgotten, “for die hard fans only” release.

For his part, Jared Anderson’s latest release, “Live From My Church” gets it right.  The album captures Jared and the band performing flawlessly with great soul, precision and praise.  Jared’s organic piano style is much akin to the popular group, The Fray and he leads the church audience in “Live From My Church” like a veteran Michael W. Smith.  The worship experience we’re dropped into is ripe with listener-friendly hooks and choruses.  Jared seamlessly mixes popular favorites with new standouts, all the while ensuring that the mood of the album is never compromised and the momentum never lost.

Highlights on the album include Inside containing the lyrics: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard how the glory of God is gonna cover the world.  It will silence the tongues of men; give our children freedom to dance again…they will dance again.  I will be clay in the potter’s hand.  I will be light in a darkened land.  I will be love lit on fire; Holy Spirit burn on the inside.” Glorified, a hit song from Jared’s album “Where Faith Comes From” is even better as it’s performed live with a church choir and crowd echoes.  Finally, I have to stop and take note of Jared’s signature cover of How He Loves.  Next to Jared’s version, this song has been simultaneously released in recent weeks by Jeremy Riddle and the David Crowder Band.  Nevertheless, Jared’s take is very much his own.  While Jeremy Riddle’s soars and David Crowder’s paces, Jared Anderson’s How He Loves is much more subtle, introspective and emotive.  A magnificent take.

Overall, “Live From My Church” is a career triumph for Jared.  Fans (of which I am now one) will love him in the live format.  Go out and buy this one, I highly recommend it!

For more of the latest Christian Music Reviews, visit: http://ChristianMusicReview.org

CLOSING THOUGHTS:
With great inspiration from a hometown crowd, Jared’s talent is forefront and on display on “Live From My Church”.  This record captures Jared at his very best. This is a great live album you’ll want to listen to over and over again.

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