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!