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.

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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/