Previous Music Reviews

Music Reviews

Zoegirl

Mix of Life

by

Jasmine McNealy

With the release of the remix of all of the songs from their sophomore release, Zoegirl unleashes collection of upbeat worship music that will make you want to get up out of your seat.  There is no one way to classify the feel of this disc, one song uses a hip hop beat, the next has a techno-trance vibe to it.  Perhaps this is the point of the album, the diversity of styles should attract a diverse audience.  But it is not just the track that is important, the lyrics never stray from giving the audience the word of God.

While the music makes you want to get up and dance, the lyrics make you think.  The songs are about life, about love, and all the other things that young people experience in their everyday life and their walk with God.  Dismissed  for instance is a break-up song not about being depressed because of the break-up, empowering one’s self to stand up for what you believe in and not to being pressured to do the things the world may tell you is cool.  As such the girls sing to the guy, You’ve been dismissed!

Another notable remix is With all of My Heart, which has a dramatic track change produced by Todd Collins for Beatsmart Production.  This song, whose original was already a masterpiece, features a rap by Soul Purpose, and is remixed to a laid back, almost Caribbean feeling track.  Other songs provide steady grooving like Save Myself  featuring MC Flipper and Living for You  which features a rap from the well known group Grits.

Perhaps best about this remix album is that although it changes tunes and definitely appeals to those looking for good dance grooves, it never compromises its message of faith in God. 

Jars of Clay

furthermore

by

Jasmine McNealy

Jars of Clay are legendary.  With their newest release, a 2-disc set entitled, furthermore, the Jars offers live and studio versions of their crowd favorites, along with three previously unreleased songs. This collection of songs compiles their hits into a double CD set.

Fans will remember and sing along with needful hands, and love song for a savior  on the from the studio disc.  This disk also contains the valley song (sing of Your mercy),  and dig,  two previously unreleased tracks.  These song follow the staid Jars of formula of being total worship lyrics laid over folksy-rock tracks.

The from the stage  disc also offers Jars classics such as like a child  and I need you.  These songs were recorded live during Jars’ The Eleventh Hour Tour,  and tracks include crowd participation at its maximum.

Jars have never sounded better, and the two discs offer fans both the live and studio experience.  Whatever experience you prefer, the new release from Jars of Clay won’t leave you empty.

“This is Who I am”-Jody McBrayer

by Jasmine McNealy

The death of a loved one can be devastating to those left behind.  Some sink into deep depression; some struggle with survivor’s guilt.  Jody McBrayer delivers the solo album of the year.  

McBrayer’s father passed in 2000, and the experience was life changing.  “My father’s passing brought a moment of revelation,” McBrayer says on his website.  “I returned home with so much on my hear and a vision for how to express it.”

So member of the platinum selling Christian group Avalon took advantage of the time between albums to create an eclectic mix of genres that expressed his feelings.  One of the best, if not the best thing about the CD is that you could put it in the player, and let it play.  

No two songs are alike; rhythms and harmony range from soul, to pop, from Latin to gospel, without feeling forced or disjointed.  And he never strays from his message of hope and redemption.  

The title song, “This is Who I am,” expresses the sentiments of what God may say to the world we live in.  McBrayer sings, “Don’t make a difference what they do I’ll never let ‘em get to you/ I’ll always be the one that’s loving you.”  

McBrayer continues this theme later on the CD when he sings, “It ain’t over yet, You can turn from me,/ But you can’t run away from my memory,” in “It Ain’t Over Yet.”

Two songs that are sure to get major play on Christian radio and gospel night at the skate rink are “Unspeakable Joy” and the anti-prejudice anthem “Shake It.  

The song that should receive a nomination for song of the year from the Dove Award sis “Never Alone (Nunca Sólo). This duet with newcomer and label mate Jadyn Strand details someone’s struggle to find out God’s will for their life. The fusion of Latin rhythms and bilingual verses are sure to have the listener singing along.      

“Prisoners of Hope: Songs of Freedom”

Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer

by Jasmine McNealy

When Paul and Silas were locked in jail, the Bible says they sang praises onto God, and there was an earthquake and their cell doors flew open.  Taking their cue from the Apostles, Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer, once also prisoners, deliver a collection of praise and worship songs worthy of any CD player.  

The two women, once Shelter Now International relief workers, were held captive in Afghanistan by the once ruling Taliban government, and only gained their freedom after U.S Special Forces laid claim to their prison last November.  The songs on the CD are all inspired by this experience.  

“The idea for the CD actually came in prison,” said Curry in a press release, “Worship was what carried us through our days in prison, and I though “if we get out of here wouldn’t it be neat to make a CD of the worship songs that helped us the most and then use the proceeds to help rebuild Afghanistan.”  

Joining Curry and Mercer are vocalists from their home church Antioch Community Church in Waco, Texas, which is also where the CD was recorded live.  Most often joining them are Barry and Michelle Patterson.  

The CD includes well know songs like “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” “Jesus, All for Jesus,” and “What a Friend I’ve Found.”  But the twosome also write some of their own music as Curry wrote “My Times are in Your Hands” and “We Wanna Go Home,” and collaborated with Mercer on “Fear Not.”    

While all songs are delivered with excellent harmony and precision, perhaps most notable is “We Wanna Go Home.”  After a comical deliver of verses like “Lord, we thank You for/ all that You’ve done for us,” Curry, Mercer and the Antioch Community Church Mass Choir begin to chant “We wanna go home” over again, expressing the sentiment they felt after many months in the Afghani prison.  

All proceeds form the sale of the CD go to the Hope Afghanistan Project, a non-profit foundation created to help development efforts in the war-torn country.

Everyday Sunday

by Jasmine McNealy

Distraction, friendship, belief, people; All themes that the average teenager or college student can relate to, all themes of the songs on Everyday Sunday’s new record. Instead of telling young people to seethe, pout and take the stereotypical posture of the under 25 crowd, this Ohio foursome admonishes them to “Stand Up!”

The 14 track record is full of the stuff that not only today’s generation, but anyone can relate to.  The title track is the groups undeniable statement of faith in which Trey Pearson, the lead singer and main songwriter, proclaims I will do my best to wear this crown/but I need You as You guide me through today.  These lyrics mixed with Pearson’s compelling tenor make for a quite an anthem.

Throughout the CD, the foursome deliver soft rock melodies suitable for any college radio play list.  “Don’t Leave,” a tune Pearson and Matt Shulaw wrote about a friend who left his faith for the distractions of life, could easily be the next themes song for Dawson’s Creek.  “Hanging Around” incorporates strings with hard rock guitars to make the momentum of the song build to a stellar climax.

The message in the music, however, is not lost in the melody.  The lyrics clearly show the bands relationship with Christ and their Christian focus.  In their song “Sleeper”, the band sings Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead and Christ will shine on you. 

All in all Everyday Sunday has delivered a solid first album. With great writing and arrangement like this, the band is sure to be a force on college radio throughout the country.

Visit the official website for Everyday Sunday.

Natalie Grant

Natalie Grant is living proof of how far one can go when they take a leap of faith.  Her newest release, Stronger, shows just how far she has come in the last two years of her career.

Musically daring, lyrically affirming, and vocally stronger than ever, Grant's confidence radiates through each song.  Indeed, Grant's Pamplin Record debut bears the stamp of a young singer who has found her footing.

See what we mean with these Real Audio clips from Natalie's album, Stronger.

What Other Man

Whenever You Need Somebody (featuring Plus One)

You can also go to Natalie's official website at

www.nataliegrant.com

Jennifer Knapp

A thirst for professional, personal, and spiritual enrichment isn't always an easy ethic -- especially when you're a 26 year old artist whose debut album spent 80 weeks within the top 25 on the Billboard charts, you earn endorsements from Tommy Hilfinger, and you take Lilith Fair by storm.

We couldn't wait to introduce you to Jennifer Knapp, whose clear, rich vocals and thoughtful lyrics have made her a favorite of many.

We hope you will enjoy these clips from her current album:

Into You             When Nothing Satisfies

You can also go to Jennifer's official website at  www.jenniferknapp.com

Randy Travis

Randy Travis has long been a highly respected name in country music.  His multi-platinum history speaks for itself. 

Now the music world is in for a new treat from Randy - his first Christian recording "Inspirational Journey." 

As the name suggests, this album is a sheer inspiration.  The beautiful lyrics combined with Randy's touching voice make for a musical experience unlike any other.

Get a sample of this inspiring new release right here:

"Which Way Will You Choose"

www.randy-travis.com

Jaded

Remember the show "Family Ties?"  The lady up front on this CD sure does.  She is Tina Yothers, formerly Jennifer on the popular show.

Now Tina has teamed up with a talented band to produce the creative and colorful release "Confessions."

This album is a testimony to people who follow their dreams and produce something unique and wonderful.

Sample the sound of Jaded right here:

"Hush"

www.jadedonline.com

Abbotfinney

Hard work and dedication has paid off  for this group from Seattle, Washington.  They started out playing anywhere they could get in.

Now Abbotfinney is being played on  radio stations all across the country. 

Their sound has been favorably described as "a wonderful hybrid of roots, rock, folk, and jazz." 

Hear a portion of this unique new sound right here at Person 2 Person.

"Feeling Rather Lonely"

www.abbotfinney.com

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