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!

Track Listing

1. Loud And Clear
2. Gaze Into Your Eyes
3. Clear
4. Streets
5. I’ll Love You So
6. Comeback
7. Love
8. Chapter 13
9. Scared
10. One Thirty Nine
11. The Haunting
12. All My Heart
13. Reel To Reel

Score 90%/A-

MAIN REVIEW
The band, Above the Golden State, marks out a space for themselves inside the CCM industry with the release of their unique, self-titled, debut album. This album combines classic, up-beat West Coast-style acoustic, rock-pop sounds with moving, reflective songs of praise and worship. The lyrics are simple and clear, yet deep and introspective. While folksy and soulful, Above the Golden State is at its core authentic and environmental. This is one of those rare albums you’ll want to sit back and experience straight through from beginning to end. It’s upbeat and trendy at times, while moody and melodious at others.

Above the Golden State reflects on life and God and the impact of His Word (referenced so frequently throughout the album). With this release, the band offers listeners a sense of Christianity at peace with itself. There’s no rebellion here, only a humble gratefulness, desperation and awe. That approach is truly refreshing in an industry where artists can sometimes toe the line between secularism and their own core beliefs. While I’m usually not one for song-by-song reviews, I want to detail a few of my personal favorites in the hopes that you’ll gain a better sense of the album:

The song, “Gaze Into Your Eyes” is the second track and sets the album on a beautiful course of exploration by mixing sunny, radio-friendly pop-rock chords with natural, organic choruses that blend the singer’s falsetto with careful, instrumental pauses and builds.

“Streets” is a haunting, acoustic blend of seriousness, brokenness and revelation. The lyric, “Love is real. Love will bleed. Love will heal. Love will need.” reminds you of the impact The Lord has had on your life and the potential impact He can have on others by way of your testimony. Low, dissonant verses dramatically intersect with higher, emotionally-charged choruses, relaying a full-bodied presentation of sound and message.

The track, “Love”, continues on the former theme by way of the band’s signature appeal of powerful simplicity. In the fashion of Jars of Clay, “Love” lays out a straightforward lyric and builds in a sense of profound scale and gravity with layered guitars (both acoustic and electric), violins, background echoes and dance club beats. The song consists of sudden stops and starts; music that’s stripped down and then built back up. For added emphasis, this song is immediately followed by a raw, dramatic reading of 1 Corinthians 13.

Many other songs on the album have already been reviewed by other industry writers and are equally great offerings. These listed above are just some of my own personal favorites, but like other quality albums, there is plenty here to choose from and you’ll probably settle on your own favorites. I recommend this album to audiences who appreciate music from artists like Aaron Shust, Jars of Clay, Leeland and Audio Adrenaline. This is truly a solid debut for Above the Golden State.

CLOSING THOUGHTS
Sit back and enjoy Above the Golden State. The album is a pleasant journey from start to finish. Whether you need a healthy reminder of your faith, a simple break from the world, or a mild spiritual renewal, this album can take you to that higher place.

For more about Above The Golden State and to see the full review, visit:
http://www.christianmusicreview.org/abovethegoldenstate_debut.html