Kristian Stanfill - Attention
May 6, 2009 by Willis
Filed under New Album - Other
Kristian Stanfill - Attention - Album Review
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Kristian Stanfill - Attention
“As the first new artist signed since sixstepsrecords started in 2000, Kristian Stanfill has some big footsteps to follow. After all, this is the indie-label home of Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall and the David Crowder Band. But this impressive collection proves he’s a worthy addition to the roster. A seasoned worship leader with experience at his home church in Georgia and internationally with the 2008 Passion world tour, Stanfill has a gift for writing compelling, uplifting lyrics and wrapping them in vibrant melodies. The opening track, “Alive and Running,” is a prime example, with its joyful, anthemic sound punctuated by Stanfill’s exuberant vocals. He’s just as effective on such ballads as “I Need You” with its tender words. Combining worshipful lyrics with keen pop sensibilities, Stanfill is particularly engaging on such tracks as “Faithful,” which demonstrate why he’s such a promising new voice in the worship music community.”
Third Day - Live Revelations: On Stage, Off Stage and Backstage
April 30, 2009 by Willis
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Third Day - Live Revelations: On Stage, Off Stage and Backstage - Album Review
“This 75-minute documentary lives up to its title by providing Third Day fans unprecedented access to the band’s life on the road as well as time at home with their families. Filmed during last fall’s Music Builds tour, the two-disc set includes a live CD with riveting performances of songs including “Call My Name,” “This Is Who I Am,” “Slow Down” and “Otherside,” which features the steel guitarist Robert Randolph. The footage demonstrates why this is one of the most-awarded bands in Christian music, shining a spotlight on the musicianship of drummer David Carr, bassist Tai Anderson and guitarist Mark Lee and the star power of frontman Mac Powell. The singer prowls the stage with a smoldering intensity that rivals any mainstream rock legend yet moves the audience with the heart of an evangelist: Imagine Jim Morrison meets Ronnie Van Zant meets Billy Graham. Beyond the live footage, the intimate, familial moments are especially revealing, providing a glimpse into the challenges of balancing career and family. The DVD includes interviews with victims of Hurricane Ike and footage of the devastation, underscored by Third Day’s poignant hit “Cry Out to Jesus.” —Deborah Evans Price”
Phillip LaRue - Let The Road Pave Itself
April 26, 2009 by Willis
Filed under New Album - Other
Phillip LaRue - Let The Road Pave Itself - Album Review
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Phillip LaRue - Let The Road Pave Itself
“Previously part of the duo LaRue with his sister Natalie, singer/songwriter LaRue makes his solo debut with this intimate, insightful collection. These songs were tracked live in the studio to old-fashioned 2-inch tape, and taking an organic detour in a high-tech world works well for LaRue’s personal, vulnerable delivery. Listening to the tender love song “Don’t Be Deceived” feels like watching a soul laid bare. Other highlights include vibrant opener “Chasing the Daylight”; the brilliant, confessional “Running So Long”; and the hopeful honesty in the closing track, “Mountains High Valleys Low.” —Deborah Evans Price”
John Waller - While I’m Waiting - Album Review
April 19, 2009 by Willis
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John Waller - While I’m Waiting - Album Review
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John Waller - While I’m Waiting
“John Waller’s sophomore set is a solid follow-up to his impressive 2007 debut, “The Blessing.” Prior to embarking on a solo career, he’d already gained a substantial fan base as leader of the band According to John, and his solo work continues to be characterized by literate, uplifting lyrics and ear-grabbing melodies best exemplified on this collection by the buoyant “Faith Is Living” and “Quest.” The title track is a powerful ballad about serving God even when answers and resolution aren’t quick in coming. The only song played in its entirety during the movie “Fireproof,” “While I’m Waiting,” has already become a hit thanks to the film exposure and a great music video. (Waller’s retail CD includes a second disc featuring a sampler from the movie soundtrack.) Waller has a compelling voice that infuses his songs with integrity: He draws the listener into each lyric, especially on thoughtful ballads like “Of All the Places.” For church audiences hungry for wisdom wrapped in an appealing musical package, Waller delivers the goods. —Deborah Evans Price”
Download John Waller - While I’m Waiting via IsoHunt Torrent
Melissa Greene - Next Step
March 14, 2009 by Willis
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Melissa Greene - Next Step
“Until now Melissa Greene has been known for her work with the award-winning vocal group Avalon, but this impressive solo set should change that. The title track is an uptempo, dance-ready anthem with an uplifting message. “Long Road to Forgiveness” is a poignant ballad about the power of grace and redemption. “Too Far” is a rockin’ number with crunchy guitars and a cool lyric that lets Greene show her sassy side. The most memorable song is the ballad “To Trust You (Jody’s Song),” about trusting God even in the midst of painful struggles. Her immensely moving vocals reveal a singer of considerable depth and emotional integrity. —Deborah Evans Price”
Revive - Chorus Of The Saints
March 7, 2009 by Willis
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Revive - Chorus Of The Saints
“This talented, young Australian outfit caught the attention of Third Day when it opened for the veteran band on a tour Down Under. Third Day frontman Mac Powell took it under his wing and helped craft this impressive U.S. debut. There’s a fresh, vibrant sound to every track that draws listeners into each song where the full impact of the lyrics can wash over them. The title tune is a buoyant opener with an uplifting message and memorable chorus. “You Know” is a thoughtful ballad that acknowledges life’s uncertainties while celebrating the supremacy of God; Powell’s guest vocal underscores the passion and hope in the lyric. “Distant Memories” is a potent rocker with an intriguing lyric about how fleeting this life is. Lead vocalist Dave Hanbury has a warm, confident instrument that breathes life into each song and captures every nuance in these powerful lyrics. —Deborah Evans Price”
Bluetree - God Of This City
February 26, 2009 by Willis
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Bluetree - God Of This City
“This Belfast, Northern Ireland-based worship band is starting to generate strong buzz on this side of the Atlantic as the title track from this impressive collection gains steam at Christian radio. The song has already become a church anthem thanks to exposure from Chris Tomlin and the Passion movement. This solid set proves there are more great songs where that one came from. “Life’s Noise” is a dynamic, thought-provoking opener with a grand, atmospheric sound, while “For You” is a compelling worship song fueled by passionate vocals and a cool melody that conveys a sense of urgency and purpose. The uplifting “God’s Plan” and the ballad “River” are among the album’s other highlights. Look for this talented outfit to become one of the Christian market’s most enthusiastically embraced new worship bands. —Deborah Evans Price”
Joy Lippard - Joy Lippard
February 22, 2009 by Willis
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Joy Lippard - Joy Lippard
“This talented 18-year-old—the 2006 winner of the Gospel Music Assn.’s Music in the Rockies songwriting competition—fulfills that early promise with a debut disc that showcases her expressive vocals and insightful songwriting. There’s a sweet, vulnerable quality in her voice that lends extra emotional weight to such ballads as “The Other Side” and “Too Much to Ask For.” The latter tune is an earnest, heart-in-throat relationship song that has the potential to be a major mainstream pop hit. “I Will Write You Letters” is an effervescent tune with a terrific singalong chorus. “Hole in My Pocket,” penned with Scott Dente, is absolutely infectious. Though the album is targeting the Christian market, Lippard, with her well-honed pop sensibility, mature-beyond-her-years songwriting and that wonderful voice, could find herself embraced by mainstream audiences enthralled with Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. —Deborah Evans Price”
Stephanie Smith - Not Afraid
January 29, 2009 by Willis
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Stephanie Smith - Not Afraid
“Stephanie Smith is a pop/rock tour de force with a vibrant voice brimming with personality and an arsenal of potent tunes that get under your skin. The catchy title tune is a survivor’s anthem replete with crunching guitars and a singalong hook in the chorus. “Superstar” is an empowering rocker teeming with attitude. She slows it down on “You Alone,” a gorgeous ballad that really showcases every nuance of her engaging voice. Smith also shines on the poignant “What If I Made a Mistake” and the exuberant “Love Out Loud.” Supported by a relentless tour schedule, Smith’s stellar Gotee debut should thrust the talented singer/ songwriter into the spotlight in 2009. —Deborah Evans Price”
Julian Drive - My Coming Day
January 14, 2009 by Willis
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Julian Drive - My Coming Day
“This Georgia band first gained attention by winning the Exalting Him Christian Talent Competition in 2004. “My Coming Day” is its first album with Inpop and delivers on the early promise the band showed on its previous indie efforts. Lead vocalist Shane Bowers has a warm, engaging voice that he puts to good use on this strong pop/rock set. “From Your Hands” starts as a gentle acoustic number and builds into a powerful anthem that captures the essence of Jesus’ love, while “Not My Fight” is a potent uptempo track with a driving melody. Julian Drive even serves up a solid cover of Hoobastank’s “The Reason,” which works remarkably well on a faith-based record. This band’s relentless touring has obviously seasoned it musically, and it’s also provided a feel for the kind of meaty lyrics and spiritual insights for which audiences are so hungry.—Deborah Evans Price”
