the joint review http://thejointreview.com Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:55:38 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 TheJointReviewhttp://feedburner.google.com Brooke Fraser – Flags http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/YVpVKr0goeU/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/22/brooke-fraser-flags/#comments Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:46:18 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=868

Purchase Brooke Fraser – Flags
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: Coming Soon
BYRD: What do you say about Brooke Fraser? I mean, I just don’t know a voice that I am as much in love with nor an artist who’s been able to make such an impact in the worship community while also hold on to a singer songwriter career that’s truly worth commenting on. I was really excited for this release, so much so that I was on her site watching many of the promo videos that she was releasing to preview and give some behind-the-scenes looks at the new release of Flags. To say my anticipation was high would be an understatement. However, I did one critical misstep in my anticipation, I feverishly listened to Albertine while biding my time and that backfired in my face with Flags. If Flags is anything, it’s a bold step into a creative direction away from Albertine. Not that it’s a bad thing for an artist to creatively explore ones self, but it’s bad for a fan to so passionately compare an artist against herself. I was absolutely disappointed with this CD after the first few passes and just was crushed. I came back to it a week later and found that I was in love with Flags!

There are pop sensibilities like with opener of Something in the Water but each track takes us further down the rabbit hole with Fraser’s musicality until my attention is simply settled by Who Are We Fooling, a genius track with guest Aqualung. From that moment on, I’m hooked for the rest of the CD and it’s a beautiful journey of incredible song-writing. I’ve seen some reviews of people criticizing the pace of this record where all the songs sound the same and they can’t tell one from another. You should hug these people and give them a lollypop and a coloring book.

The richness of Fraser’s vocals are so thick here, they’re truly an instrument unto themselves. She’s truly gone from one end of the spectrum here to the other with pop to sundry ballads and laments. It certainly won’t please everyone and a die hard fan like yours truly, had to give it a second chance, but thank you Lord that I did. It’s been a blessing.

MAHONEY: After first my first listen to this album, I sought out the opinion of one of the vocalists on our worship team, a college-woman who loves music and loves Brooke Fraser. The reason:  I just didn’t get it.  I heard eleven songs that pretty much sounded the same, like a bad country-music dream, with what should have been brilliant vocals buried in an over-produced mess.

She loved it, however, and sent me a link to an interview with Brooke about the album, trying to help me “get it.” So I gave it a week, and then gave it a couple of more listens, more carefully this time, aware of the place some of the songs came out of.  There is no doubt about this: Brooke is a fantastic songwriter.   I liked Albertine a lot, and this album shows a lot of depth and creativity.  I don’t think, however, that Brooke is a fantastic producer.  The songs are better than they sound here, I think, especially her own vocals!! Brooke is one of my favorite female singers, and to me, she sounds nowhere near as good as she does on Albertine or her United stuff.

All that nit-picking aside, turns out there are some great songs here.  ”Something in the Water” is fun and playful, “Betty” explores isolation and self-esteem issues in a light-hearted way, and “Crows and Locusts” and “Sailboats” are pretty amazing songs.  I suppose I’m not exactly Brooke Fraser’s typical listener, and I probably won’t listen to this record to much.  And that’s unfortunate.
VANCE: I like quirky.  I do.  As soon as I heard “Something In The Water” I thought to myself I am going to love this CD.  Then we have one of my all time favourite bands, Aqualung, make a guest appearance on “Who Are We Fooling”.  That, and “Something In The Water” have to be my favourite tracks on here.

Her image on this CD bugs me a little.  She seems a bit tarted up – even compared to Albertine marketing  I really only know Brooke for “Hosanna”.  And it just seems this album (the music and the image) is a huge departure from that era.  I know people will think I’m being silly, but that’s just me.

After the first couple of listens I didn’t find myself connecting with many of the songs.  She is super talented and the album sounds great though.  After giving it several more listens it is growing on me, but I don’t think it offers me any kind of longevity.  I’ll have moved on to the next record I buy and probably not be back – except for the Aqualung track.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: Coming Soon  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
BYRD: Don’t expect the same old Brooke Fraser release and allow your soul to soak in the richness of Flags. I’m certain not everyone will walk away with as much adoration I’ve found but those who do will absolutely LOVE Flags! Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
MAHONEY: Great songs lyrically, not so great execution.    Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
VANCE: It’s just not my cup of tea.  Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

  • Coming Soon
BYRD:

  • SAILBOATS – heart stopping song, best song on here!
  • Orphans, Kingdoms
  • Who are We Fooling
  • Ice on Her Lashes
  • Coachella
  • Crows & Locusts
  • Here’s to You
MAHONEY

  • Crows & Locusts
  • Sailboats
  • Something in the Water
  • Coachella
VANCE:

  • Something In The Water
  • Who Are We Fooling
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:

  • Coming Soon
BYRD: While not worship songs, I believe you could do these songs as specials or setups

  • Flags
  • Crows & Locusts
  • Orphans, Kingdoms
MAHONEY:

I don’t think any of these would see use in my church, except maybe as a special.
VANCE:

  • Connor Byrd is crazy.

The Joint gives Brooke Fraser – Flags Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from the publisher  to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/22/brooke-fraser-flags/feed/ 1 http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/22/brooke-fraser-flags/ Jesus Culture – Come Away http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/MCei4qUfBZA/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/17/jesus-culture-come-away/#comments Wed, 17 Nov 2010 18:29:37 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=884

Purchase Jesus Culture – Come Away
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: Jesus Culture is one of those bands that comes out with CD’s that are primarily covers but done better than the original. They are an amazing, organic spirit flowing band.

They come out of Bethel church and have a real IHOP influence to them. This is great but sometimes when they are “flowing in the spirit” it can be difficult for mainstream worship people to follow.

Overall I like this CD. I have been a fan of the song “come away” since I heard it two years ago and I love their version.

They have some Jason Upton, Misty Edwards, and a great cover of “let it rain” complete with just a wonderful worshipful atmosphere.

Chris Quilala, who I assume is the band leader is fantastic and weaves in some real dynamics along side of his own vocals and Kim walkers epic pipes.
BYRD: I am a late bloomer to the Jesus Culture movement but there probably hasn’t been a band that’s shaped my worship leading these past 12 months than these guys. I think just this past year I’ve picked up every Jesus Culture project because I just canNOT get enough. There were two things I kept thinking about this CD:
1) Where are all the covers?
2) Where are the all out jamming tunes?

Now, come to my surprise, they do have some songs they covered here but I just am not familiar enough with them to know they are covers. The whole CD feels organically original and I guess that’s the beauty of Jesus Culture, they’re able to personalize each song so that it doesn’t feel like a scrapbook of songs.
Come Away certainly has a different feel than Come Away and Your Love Never Fails. There are a schmorgazbourg of mid-tempo worship grooves and ballads. In pure Jesus Culture style this does NOT mean it’s not a powerful CD but it does feel differently. I guess that’s my only disappointment, Kingdom was in the EP but is missing here on the CD. Maybe it felt a little out of place compared to the rest? Guess I’ll have to get the DVD now!!! Haha! Gladly!

What this CD also has is a real ethereal, organic feel to it. It truly feels like we sit in worship for a while. For the casual listener that means they might get tired of the length of the songs but for the worshipper, it truly captures and creates a worship experience as you’re listening. I do wish there was a bit more diversity of tempo or song feel. I also think that My Soul Longs For You is SUPER THICK because besides being a powerful song, mixes leads with both male and female vocalists. I’d love to see more of that. Wowzers.

MAHONEY: Here’s the funny thing about Jesus Culture – they’re not that good.  Which is what makes them great.  Every Jesus Culture albums sounds like some big ‘ol jam session, which makes them all feel… real.

Come Away is a typical Jesus Culture album in that way.  It’s also typical in that it’s a mix of originals and cover songs.  I was pleasantly surprised to hear Kim Walker belting out “Freedom Reigns.”  She’s probably one of the few vocalists who could really do that Jason Upton song justice.

Of course, Kim isn’t the only vocalist in this band.  ”Freedom Reigns” is followed by Chris Quilala beginning the Paul Morton classic “Let it Rain.”  When the crowd takes over, the heaviness of worship is palpable.  The originals are good, too, especially “Rooftops” and “I Want to Know You.”
VANCE: There are different types of worship albums out there.  Those with lyrics that are steeped deep in theology, those that take a more simplistic but yet structured approach and finally those that are seemingly spontaneous in nature.  Jesus Culture fits comfortably in the latter category.  I would describe most of the songs on Come Away as very loose.  It seems the band totally expressed their freedom to take the songs wherever they wanted in that moment.  Ha ha.

And I like it.  It’s a like a portable worship experience.  Ha ha.

I’m a strong believer in using songs to reinforce a truth about God, as melody helps us to more easily remember things.  However, every now and again, it’s just so refreshing to soak in God’s presence and just ramble our praises to Him.  That’s what Jesus Culture do here.  Ha ha.

It’s funny, but the only song I feel is out of place is “Come Away” which happens to be the title track. The song is sung from God’s perspective to us.  This is great a solo performance, but I feel as a congregational song, it’s a weird perspective to be singing from.  Ha ha.

The absolute best, and probably the most structured song is “Rooftops”.  Ha ha.

Here’s a wee confession for you.  Kim Walker’s wee giggles used to annoy me when I first started to Jesus Culture’s recordings.  Now I don’t mind them.  In fact, I think I like it.  Ha ha.

See what I did there?  Ha ha.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: Overall a very wonderful live worship experience. I can’t say it is their best because it seems they are moving in a hillsong path where all the CD’s sound the same. I hope the next release shows us some more creativity that the artists are showing us on their solo CD’s Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
BYRD: The collection of songs on Come Away feel as though we’ve skipped introductions and “gathering” songs and are just digging into a night of incredible worship. Not a song is under 6 minutes which means the casual listener may skip but the worshipper is in for an experience even in your car or through your headphones. Get the DVD because Kingdom is a killer tune and I’m sure the video quality is as excellent as the audio. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
MAHONEY: More Jesus Culture in the vein of We Cry Out – and just as good.   Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
VANCE: A refreshing worship experience you can carry with you in your pocket.  Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

  • Rooftops
  • You Are My Passion
  • I Want to Know You
  • My Soul Longs For You
  • Freedom Reigns
  • Show Me Your Glory
  • Let it Rain
  • Come Away
BYRD:

  • You are my Passion
  • My Soul Longs for You
  • Show Me Your Glory
  • Rooftops
  • Freedom Reigns
  • One Thing Remains
MAHONEY

  • Freedom Reigns
  • Rooftops
  • I Want to Know You
  • Let it Rain
  • Show Me Your Glory
  • You Are My Passion
VANCE:

  • Rooftops
  • You Are My Passion
  • I Want to Know You
  • My Soul Longs For You
  • Freedom Reigns
  • Show Me Your Glory
  • One Thing Remains
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:

  • All of these are usable. I used “come away” for opening for good friday service 2 years ago. worked great!
BYRD: Do them all!
MAHONEY:

  • Let It Rain
  • Freedom Reigns
  • I Want to Know You
  • Show Me Your Glory
  • My Soul Longs for You
  • One Thing Remains
  • You Are My Passion
VANCE:

All of them I guess.  I really love “Come Away” but a little weird for a congregational setting.

The Joint gives Jesus Culture – Come Away Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from the publisher  to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/17/jesus-culture-come-away/feed/ 0 http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/17/jesus-culture-come-away/ Worship Rises – Worship Rises EP http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/78vCx1HXvYQ/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/09/worship-rises-worship-rises-ep/#comments Wed, 10 Nov 2010 03:19:08 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=858

Purchase Worship Rises – Worship Rises EP
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: I have the privilege of being friends with the vision behind this EP and movement, Chris Vacher. When I got this EP I honestly didn’t know what to expect because while there are tons of talented people in the local church we just don’t hear much from them. Leave it to Canada to start something absolutely inspiring and amazing.

This EP is obviously a tease for future releases and a promotion for their movement, but for the first time in a while I have just heard an EP that left me wanting more.

Great songs written by the church and for the church. Amazing vocals and polished production. What more could we ask for? This is a God movement here and I can’t wait to hear more from the worship Rises Crew.
BYRD: To be honest, I wasn’t exactly sure what it was that we were reviewing at first: 4 tracks from 4 different people on an EP without a real website. I soon fount out that it was a movement in Canada by worship leaders for worship leaders and that was surprising. That wasn’t what I expected to find out because you can usually tell when artists without the backing of “the industry” try something like that. To my pleasure this is a well put together EP that sounds great.

Each of the four songs as I mentioned are “by” four different artists but they fit together as a great project. However as a whole, I’m not sure if it’s a cultural thing or a production thing or what but something doesn’t click with me. It’s good and here’s where doing this review site bothers me sometimes because I ask myself, “Where’s the wow factor” or that “something” that’s going to make me want to listen to it after I finish this review. I’m not sure that’s the right attitude with this because certainly it’s the heartfelt songs of these artists, that one thing is undoubtedly sure here. It’s also VERY singable for congregations which is another thing we forget about oftentimes with worship CDs. So the good thing is that if these songs resonate with you, you’ll certainly have an immediate addition to your catalog!

MAHONEY: So you put out the call for worship leaders and songwriters across Canada to come together and brainstorm some songs.  What do you get?  Worship Rises.

This EP is a tease, really.  The Worship Rises community meets regularly, and I’m expecting to hear more from them.  And none to soon… these are great songs, written after God’s heart, and made (intentionally or not) for the church. These songs are memorable, singable and lyrically rich.  The album itself is a great (albeit short) listening experience.

My advice is to get this EP, and leave room in your music collection for more.
VANCE: I love what is happening with the Worship Rises project.  It’s such an inspiration to other worship leaders of what can be achieved in each of our own local areas.  It’s certainly been a big inspiration to me.  There’s also no denying God’s hand on this project.  The songs coming out of it are absolutely amazing.

The WorshipRises EP contains four songs performed by different artists.  Joshua Seller (whose album we reviewed recently) sings Worship Rises on there.  The other artists I have not heard of, but will be surprised if we all don’t in the coming months and years.

The vocals are all top-notch.  I also love the work that has obviously gone into crafting excellent arrangements for each of the songs.  The songs are written by worship leaders for the Church.  They are singable, engaging and full of truth.

You’re going to be spoiled with too many good song choices here.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: Great songs written by the church and for the church. Amazing vocals and polished production. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
BYRD: Heartfelt and truly worshipful songs to be sung. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
MAHONEY: Beautiful music by the church, for the church  Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
VANCE: I love this project.  I love this CD.  Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

  • Everlasting Light
  • Maker of My Heart
  • Holy You Are God
  • Worship Rises
BYRD:

  • Maker of My Heart
  • Holy Are You God
MAHONEY

  • Everlasting Light
  • Maker of My Heart
  • Holy You Are God
  • Worship Rises
VANCE:

  • Everlasting Light
  • Maker Of My Heart
  • Holy You Are God
  • Worship Rises
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:

  • Everlasting Light
  • Maker of My Heart
  • Holy You Are God
  • Worship Rises
BYRD:

  • Everlasting Light
  • Maker of My Heart
  • Holy You Are God
  • Worship Rises
MAHONEY:

  • All four song are perfect for any church tradition.
VANCE:

  • Everlasting Light
  • Maker Of My Heart
  • Holy Are You God
  • Worship Rises

The Joint gives Worship Rises – Worship Rises EP Overall Rating: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from Worship Rises to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/09/worship-rises-worship-rises-ep/feed/ 0 http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/09/worship-rises-worship-rises-ep/ Joshua Seller – My King is Coming http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/jqsyTz50eNM/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/09/joshua-seller-my-king-is-coming/#comments Wed, 10 Nov 2010 03:08:23 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=828

Purchase Joshua Seller
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: I have a a pretty long standing of avoiding doing reviews of CD’s from people I know. I figured with this CD what harm could there be because I had never met him other than in the cloud of social media. Then I met him at the Forge Conference and I realized “oh crud…I really like this guy…what happens if I don’t like the CD”

If you read this site you know we are brutally honest and as an artist/musician  myself I know how important “REAL” feedback is. So here it goes…Blatant and unabashed honesty.

I FLIPPIN LOVE THIS CD. What the heck…seriously why has integrity and other people not picked him up. This is one fantastic worship album with brilliant vertical writing. It is Christ centered and is PERFECT for the church. On top of it being accessible it is also just nice to listen to because it doesn’t fall into the boring same old worship trap. I Won’t say it is cutting edge per say, but it is full of sonic goodness and the production is fantastic. Heck I even love the cover.
BYRD: …
MAHONEY: When I found out that we were reviewing Josh’s album, I was a bit ambivalent about it.  I was sure that it would be good, but didn’t expect a whole lot from an indie self-release like this.  I mean, his website is on Blogger.  My website is on Blogger, so you get my point.So, I was totally blown away with the quality and craftsmanship of this record.  The songs are amazing, the production is slick, and the whole package works very, very well.  Josh is a gifted  anointed songwriter, whose heart pours out song after song.  Forget mainstream and listen to this guy.
VANCE: When I got Joshua’s album, I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what to expect.  However, from the first few bars I knew this was going to be way better than I expected.  Mr. Sellar has done a stellar job here.  The sound is very mature, you’d think Joshua has been recording for years.

The songwriting is superb and the style of the songs will suit a broad range of churches.  My favourites have to be “Greater”, “To The One”, and “Worship Rises”.  There is not really a bad song on this album.

Joshua has been involved with the very exciting Worship Rises project that is spreading across Canada.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: I am amazed at how good this CD. This is a must have. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
BYRD: …
MAHONEY: Big artist performance on a indie budget. Deep, rich songwriting.    Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
VANCE: Fantastic set of songs, very singable and suitable for a broad range of church congregations.  I’m expecting great things in future from Joshua Seller.  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

  • Came To Save
  • God You Are My God
  • Greater
  • My King Is Coming
  • To The One (Worthy)
  • Worship Rises
BYRD:
MAHONEY

  • Came to Save
  • Worship Rises
  • God You Are My God
  • Greater
  • Finish What You Started
VANCE:

  • Came To Save
  • God You Are My God
  • Greater
  • My King Is Coming
  • To The One (Worthy)
  • Worship Rises
  • Finish What You Started
  • Love Letter
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:I would say I would use all but “finish what you started” and “love letter”. The rest are perfect.
BYRD:
MAHONEY:

  • Worship Rises
  • God You Are My God
  • Greater
  • any of the others….
VANCE:

These songs would all work in church.

The Joint gives Joshua Seller – My King is Coming Overall Rating: 4.33 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from Joshua Sellar  to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/09/joshua-seller-my-king-is-coming/feed/ 1 http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/09/joshua-seller-my-king-is-coming/ Charlie Hall – The Rising http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/GTXhnGzJedU/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/05/charlie-hall-the-rising/#comments Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:57:02 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=823

Purchase Charlie Hall – The Rising
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: I have been a Charlie Hall fan since the beginning. Hmm..Maybe even before then. I am getting to the point where my yearly schedule revolves around when the next CD will come out. All kidding aside I consider Charlie one of my top favorite worship artists out there. On my blog I claimed The Bright Sadness Album as being the best CD of that year and I have been eagerly waiting for this CD.

Normally it takes me no time to jump in and love a Hall CD, but this one was different. I can’t put my finger on it, but it has taken me a long time to warm up to it.

There are some amazing cuts on here and my enthusiasm for the CD also stems from the fact that I heard charlie play a few of the songs live the week before.

Ultimately this CD takes us on a journey towards a bit more of a commercial side of Hall that does not sacrifice his deep lyrical content.

While this CD has taken some time to love I want to clarify one thing. I do LOVE it. It is full of great poetic imagery, brilliant production and extremely creative and out of the box songwriting.
BYRD: Charlie Hall sure have come a long way from the Porch and Altar! I’ve been a long time listener and fan of Charlie and how much his song writing seems to touch my soul. If he’s not writing a song that literally seems like prophesy of the time, he’s literally pouring out his heart and soul through his music and it’s always connected with me. He’s not the hit maker Tomlin is and he’s not as quirky as Crowder and yet, these last two releases have felt a little bit like catering to what “sells” trying to find that middle of the road that Charlie would sit in. I believe this release is much more grounded in who they are and finds us with a much more self aware band than The Bright Sadness. Either that, or the evolution of the band is beginning to form wings and they’re able to take off!It’s such a well thought out and made CD too! Rising and Let the Earth Awake are killer openers. Ransom gives us a weird honky tonk gospel shake up and then into Constant. I believe it’s in Constant, Lamp, and Deeper in Love where Charlie really shines. Such beautiful and powerful songs. King of Heaven has been heard on the Passion: Awakening release but I love what they’ve done with the studio version! It’s given some real polish to it while keeping the corporate feel! But perhaps the most surprising and well received by this reviewer is the ending with Sleep and Dreams. It’s a raw 7 minute lullaby that makes me teary eyed every time I get to it. Well done all around Charlie!
MAHONEY: One thing you pretty much can be assured from a Charlie Hall album is that it won’t be the “same ol’” that you might find from a lot of Christian artists.  Somewhat in the vein of David Crowder* Band, Charlie dances to his own tune, and allows us to come along for the ride.

Most Charlie Hall albums take a little while for me to get into, and this is no exception.  I have no doubt that in a couple of months, I won’t be able to stop listening to this record.   But from jump, this is something special.  ”Rising (Song of Ascent) slaps you in the face as soon as you start to listen.  By the time you get to the third track, you need a breather from the intensity you’ve been subjected to, and “Ransom” gives it to you.  And by the time you think you’ve got it all figured out, “King of Heaven” makes you rethink that stance.  The ride continues right up to the denouement of “Sleep and Dreams.”

Like Crowder, Charlie Hall isn’t for everyone.  You probably won’t hear a lot of his music in church besides “Marvelous Light” (although I’ve done “Hookers and Robbers” and “Chainbreaker” with Klampert), but he’s definitely worth a listen. 

VANCE: I’ve been listening to The Rising all day, just hoping I’d warm up to it a little.  I have quite a few friends who are mad about the Charlie Hall Band, but I don’t get it.

The quality of the record is smashing.  No complaints there.  The songs are well written with wonderful lyrics, so I don’t know why I can’t connect fully with it.  Maybe it will grow on me?

There are a couple of standout songs though, even for a non Charlie Hall fan like me.  ”King Of Heaven” is probably the best track on the album for me, followed by “Deeper In Love”.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: If you are not a charlie Hall fan now is the time to jump in head first. If you are a Hall fan and you are not really into this give it a few more listens because I think this may become one of your favorite CD’s. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
BYRD: I’ve always said that I either love Charlie Hall and his band too much or everyone else loves him too little. I think this is an accessible project that newcomers can really get into and old timers like your’s truly would be really proud of. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
MAHONEY: A back-to-his-roots Charlie Hall, thoughtful and intense.  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
VANCE: I hate giving it a low rating.  It doesn’t mean that it’s not good, it’s just not my taste. Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

  • Let the Earth Awake
  • Constant
  • King of Heaven
  • Lamp
  • Deeper in Love
  • Ransom
  • Sleep and Dreams
  • Rising
BYRD:

  • Let the Earth Awake
  • Constant
  • King of Heaven
  • Lamp
  • Deeper in Love
  • Make Me Alive
  • Sleep and Dreams
MAHONEY

  • King of Heaven
  • Lamp
  • Deeper in Love
  • Sleep and Dreams
VANCE:

  • King Of Heaven
  • Lamp
  • Deeper In Love
  • Breathe
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:

  • Let the Earth Awake
  • Rising
  • King of Heaven
  • Lamp
  • Deeper in Love
BYRD:

  • Let the Earth Awake
  • King of Heaven
  • Lamp
  • Yesterday is Gone
  • Deeper in Love
MAHONEY:

  • King of Heaven
  • Let the Earth Awake
VANCE:

Can’t see me using any of these in the foreseeable future.

The Joint gives Charlie Hall – The Rising Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/05/charlie-hall-the-rising/feed/ 1 http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/05/charlie-hall-the-rising/ Page CXVI – Hymns I & II http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/4clN734da9Q/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/04/page-cxvi-hymns-i-ii/#comments Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:05:27 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=735

Purchase Page CXVI – Hymns I & II
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: I am a HUGE fan of the hymns. Having an ancient modern and liturgical background I have grown to appreciate different forms of worship and have realized the richness and doctrinal teaching value of the hymns. In the past there have been two different kinds of hymn “re-vitalizers”. There are the “passion worship” kinds of guys that take a hymn like Amazing grace and add a chorus (My Chains Are Gone). Then there are those like Sojourn music who take the hymn and create an almost entirely different hymn from it.

Page CXVI I would say is smack dab in the middle of that. They have a refreshing sound and the female lead vocalist is very different. I could see her fitting in well at a 10,000 maniacs show.

I don’t think these CD’s will be loved by everybody because it is very stylistic, but I absolutely LOVE them. They are fresh and innovative and steeped in the ancient.

My favorite track “Joy” just blew me away the first time I heard it. I was dealing with the lack of God’s joy and it spoke right to me “it is well”. Honestly I get goosebumps every Time I hear that song.

The “In Christ Alone” cover is the best version I have ever heard of it. Yes even ahead of the new Owl City version.
BYRD: To be honest, I have not understood the “Hymns Movement” that is upon us. I remember when Passion dropped Hymns Ancient and Modern in 2004 and thought it was fantastic but it appears now that the only “respectable” worship music is if you’re remaking hymns and that’s just weird to me. So, honestly I was a little jaded going into the reviewing of Pages CXVI’s two hymns CDs. That being said, I’m grateful for the time spent on these two projects and a bit anxious for the new CD due out at the end of the month.

What distinguishes Page CXVI is their haunting quirkiness. The arrangements are simple, their instrumentations are fundamental, but what they play is largely very creative. It’s not the polished and put together sound but it is tight and well thought out! These guys definitely have talent and it’s definitely accessible for a band of any size.

My favorites are the unique sounding worship songs like Nothing But The Blood that sounds like it should be on the soundtrack to Little Miss Sunshine, Praise to the Lord with it’s quirky shuffle and march, Rock of Ages that is just simply beautiful, and oddly enough the Doxology that is hauntingly special. That being said, the things I so like about Page CXVI kind of put me to sleep when it doesn’t hit on tracks like How Great Thou Art, Abide With Me, and The Solid Rock. It’s really a mixed bag when you think about it. Good thing there are four of us reviewing these CDs!
MAHONEY: Ah, hymns.   Few things can divide a worship team faster than the “hymn problem.”  Do we do them?  How do we do them?  We can’t do them!  Yes we can!

Page CXVI gets its name from my absolute favorite part of The Chronicles of Narnia - Aslan “singing” the world into existence in The Magician’s Nephew. (which is on page 116)  They look at hymns as essential to modern worship.  To that end, these albums are as much about demonstrating how to artfully accomplish classic hymns as they are for listening pleasure.   And, for the most part, they accomplish both goals.

Imagine “When I Survey the Wonderful Cross” as a Hillsong-esque anthem.  It works pretty well.  ”Come Thou Fount” is also amazing, as is “In Christ Alone.”   A couple of the songs did fall a little flat for me; I don’t like the intro to “How Great Thou Art” although I really like the body of the song itself.  I’ve heard better versions of “The Solid Rock” and “Doxology.”  And I’m  pretty sure I really dislike “Battle Hymn of the Republic.”

All in all, this is a must have if you like hymns, or if you are looking for a way to approach hymns.
VANCE: I’ve had the first Hymns album from Page CXVI for donkey’s years now.  I love it.  The hymns they have selected are awesome.  The only one I would not be ecstatic about is “When I Survey The Wonderful Cross”, but the rest are absolute blinders.

So when I laid my little mitts on Hymns II recently I was quite excited at the possibilities.  To be honest I was disappointed.  Did they use all their best hymns for the first project?  I don’t know.

I’m not saying this is a naff record, not at all!  There are some beauties on here too, like “Rock Of Ages”, “Battle Hymn Of The Republic”, and “Doxology”.  If you can afford to purchase both albums, please do.  However, if you only have enough change for one, I’d go with the first one.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: I Love these two CD’s and can’t wait for hymns 3 and 4 to come out. They have become an Epic band. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
BYRD: I think there’s some great music here and the fact that they lyrics are hymns makes it pretty special. It’s not Passion. It’s not Hillsong. And yet again, it’s really good stuff and that makes it special as well. Not everything hits on all cylinders for me here but I really respect these two projects and am anxious for the upcoming releases. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
MAHONEY: A great, modern approach to classic hymns, with one or two klunkers.  Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
VANCE: I love when old hymns are revived and get to live again.  Page CXVI are doing a good job of classic hymn revival and I will be keeping an eye on them. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

  • In Christ Alone
  • Joy
  • Praise to the Lord
  • Doxology
  • Battle Hymn of the Republic (I can’t even believe they made me like this song)
BYRD:

  • Come Thou Fount
  • In Christ Alone
  • Nothing But the Blood
  • Praise to the Lord
  • Rock of Ages
  • Doxology
MAHONEY

  • In Christ Alone
  • Come Thou Fount
  • When I Survey the Wonderful Cross
  • Joy
VANCE:

Hymns

  • Come Thou Fount
  • In Christ Alone
  • My Jesus I Love Thee
  • Nothing But The Blood
  • Solid Rock
  • Joy

Hymns II

  • Rock Of Ages
  • Battle Hymn Of The Republic
  • Doxology
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:

Every single one of these could be used in church
BYRD:

Well…the titles to the CDs are Hymns I and II so I think they’re all Songs for Church :)

MAHONEY:

Really?  These are hymns.
VANCE:

All of them.

The Joint gives Page CXVI: Hymns I & II Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from Page CXVI  to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/04/page-cxvi-hymns-i-ii/feed/ 0 http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/04/page-cxvi-hymns-i-ii/ Lincoln Brewster – Real Life http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/xY-tpaEKfa4/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/03/lincoln-brewster-real-life/#comments Wed, 03 Nov 2010 10:45:27 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=778

Purchase Lincoln Brewster – Real Life
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: Lincoln…Oh Lincoln. As musicians we are always in awe of great talent and Lincoln is just dripping with it. I love what the man does with a guitar, what he does with his songwriting and how crisp his vocals are.
What I do not love is Lincoln in the studio. I will say this 1000 times if need be. Lincoln’s best CD ever was his live one. There is something with His live CD’s that is captured that isn’t on his studio work. Maybe it’s that it is too polished or the production itself. I don’t know but I find myself drifting when listening to it and I just can’t connect with what is going on.

I will say however that his songwriting has matured and he has taken on a john mayer meets phil keaggy type of guitar style with vocals that you can compare to PFR. All in all it’s a good CD that seems to be cut right out of 1994 but leaves me wishing for more live lincoln goodness.

Amazingly enough, because I love his guitar work, I was not able to get into the rocking songs this time and I went straight for the more ballad worshipful stuff. “whom shall I fear” and “Made for more” really stand out to me. They are the best songs on the CD and are fantastic. I have no clue what he was thinking with “shout for joy” because if that was the first song I probably would not have listened to the rest.
BYRD: You need to know this up front: I LOVE LINCOLN BREWSTER! I typically despise people whom God graciously and if I might say unfairly poured out talent upon but I can’t help but love Lincoln Brewster! Seriously though, the guy’s got mad skills on the guitar and he can sing and he can write and who has he NOT played with? It’s incredible. Besides the fact that “Today is the Day” feels like it only came out earlier this year (when in fact it was 2 years ago) he drops another bomb of musical greatness in our laps with “Real Life.”

For me, the stand out tracks on “Real Life” are his songs showing his true maturity as a person more than a singer/songwriter. Real Life and Made For More would sound hollow and odd coming from a Lincoln a decade ago but now ring with an authenticity that not only reveals a bit of his soul but speaks to mine as well.
While there’s no doubt that his musical chops are second to none (usually), I love that he’s tried to experiment with his sound some. “Today is the Day” seemed to really speak into the John Mayer-ish sound which he totally nails but this CD just seems so much more natural and at the same time not dated like we’re listening to B tracks from “Live To Worship” back in 2000. Yes, Lincoln still shreds your face off but there’s also the beautiful piano led ballad of More Than Amazing and there’s a few sleeper tracks at the end that also show off his control.

Can this man do no wrong??? Well, not in the “Real Life”…ba dum dum ;) Yeah, that just happened.
MAHONEY: Lincoln is a brilliant technical guitar player, and a great songwriter. (Although, ironically, the song he is perhaps best known for, “Everlasting God,”  was not written by him.)  This album is tight, energetic, and well written.  It’s odd for me, then, that I just couldn’t connect with it.  Perhaps its the Southern blues-rock vibe, maybe it’s the stylistic inconsistencies that come from collaborating with such powerhouses as Paul Baloche, Mia Fields, and Jason Ingram.  Or maybe it’s just that there’s nothing really groundbreaking here.

Still, there’s nothing wrong with the record.  No one loves everything. There are a lot of great songs here.  ”More Than Amazing” is great, and I like “Shout for Joy.”  And of course, having Kari Jobe sing on anything makes it better, so “Whom Shall I Fear” gets some props.
VANCE: There’s no denying Lincoln’s skillful on the guitar.  He writes killer songs and sings great.  However as an album I couldn’t really get into it.  There is a lot of story behind the songs and Lincoln has some life stories to share here.  Maybe that’s the issue for me.  It starts off sounding too much like a country music album.

Other times we have worship anthems like More Than Amazing and Whom Shall I Fear which have a Paul Baloche feel.  I know these guys have done a bit of co-writing in the past.  I’m not sure these were some of the songs though.

Then we have rockin’ tunes like So Good and I Belong To You.  This is what I like to hear.  Maybe there’s something for everyone here.

I can so hear Michael W. Smith covering Shout For Joy.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: It is an ok CD with 2 really stand out worshipful slow songs, but I could not get into the rest. Praying for a new LIVE CD from him. Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
BYRD: I think it’s his most firm and solid release since Live to Worship. Just amazing! If So Good isn’t the next single played in every church I don’t know what will be? And there are some true gems in here as well. Did I mention the song writing that’s stepped up several notches!?! Yeah, get it!Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
MAHONEY: I)Fan’s of Lincoln Brewster will love it.  Energetic, and tight.    Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
VANCE: Two or three really fantastic songs on this album. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

  • Made For More
  • Whom Shall I Fear
BYRD:

  • Best Days
  • More Than Amazing
  • Real Life
  • So Good
  • I Belong to You
  • Made for More
MAHONEY

  • Shout for Joy
  • More Than Amazing
  • Whom Shall I Fear
VANCE:

  • More Than Amazing
  • So Good (love these lyrics…. tad fast though)
  • I Belong To You
  • Whom Shall I Fear
  • Loved By You
  • Made For More
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:

While you could use most of these songs. I think the two I picked as must haves are the ones I would most likely use.
BYRD:

  • Reaching for You
  • More Than Amazing
  • So Good
  • Loved by You
  • Who Shall I Fear
MAHONEY:

  • More Than Amazing
  • Whom Shall I Fear
  • I Belong to You
VANCE:

  • More Than Amazing
  • So Good (love these lyrics…. tad fast though)
  • I Belong To You
  • Whom Shall I Fear
  • Loved By You
  • Shout For Joy

The Joint gives Lincoln Brewster – Real Life) Overall Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from the publisher (Integrity Music) to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/03/lincoln-brewster-real-life/feed/ 1 http://thejointreview.com/2010/11/03/lincoln-brewster-real-life/ Hillsong Chapel – Yahweh (Live) http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/nlJk3rhp9ag/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/10/27/hillsong-chapel-%e2%80%93-yahweh-live/#comments Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:00:27 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=742

Purchase Hillsong Chapel – Yahweh (Live)
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: Accessibility. This was obviously the goal of this CD. We have had tons of hillsong CD’s over the years that small churches have listened to and scratched their heads. How do we translate this song from 75 members in the band to 3. This album addresses that by giving us a stripped down array of Hillsong music. The best part is they did not just grab a couple acoustics and go at it. They actually redid the arrangements and gave us a fresh new look at some of their best songs.

Over the last few CD’s from them I have been sorely disappointed because most of the music, unless written by Brooke Fraser, sounds all the same. This Cd not only takes it out of the box but gets me excited about future offerings and innovations from the Chapel Series.
BYRD: I love this so much! It appears Hillsong is introducing a new “line” of their music: Chapel. In a stripped down sort of way, Hillsong is putting together their music for more intimate and devotional settings. We don’t have any new material here (that I’m aware of) but we do have a contrastingly different approach from their arena-epic-larger-than-life approach that often scares worship teams away from trying to attempt a Hillsong or Hillsong United song.What I’m so pleased with is that while using the same songs they didn’t simply throw them down the same way. This is probably my favorite intimate worship setting captured on a recording since Phil Wickham’s Singalong. The arrangements have fresh life in them with more strings and more use of space. I honestly prefer a few of the songs like You Hold Me Now done this way than I did electrified! And I LOVED it electrified. I’m also pleased to hear some old tried and true songs like From the Inside Out and Mighty to Save with a little different swagger to them. Ever want to pull off a tune like The Time Has Come or Salvation is Here but were a little intimidated? Fear not acoustic players! Here’s an example to get you going!

Again, a great mix of Hillsong and United tunes stylized a bit differently. This seems like a great resource for churches already using these songs as well as wanting to get into some of these amazing worship songs. Let’s not forget about the worship setting it gives us personally as a CD of some raw singable worship songs in the car and personally at home!
MAHONEY: Ok, so when it comes to the Joint, I’m probably the Hillsong junkie here.  We do a lot of Hillsong stuff at our church, and we put five Hillsong songs on the worship album our team released earlier this year.  So the idea of stripping down the big Hillsong sound was less groundbreaking to me than it is to a lot of people – I do it all the time.Still, it’s great to hear the original artist do this, because they generally have great insights into the songs.  And plus, they have great skills.  While this is far from an “acoustic” or “unplugged” album, the arrangements are stripped way down, and acoustic guitar is the main instrument throughout.  Acoustic guitar and some killer vocals, that is.

I was interested to see how they would do the turnaround in “Hosanna,” one of my favorite Hillsong tunes, and one of the few songs I actually play a guitar solo in during service.  I was amazed to hear them do it vocally. Brilliant! “Mighty to Save” is probably the closest to the way I would play it, but “From the Inside Out” has me rethinking my approach to that song.  Also, “Came to My Rescue” is a great, moody, intimate moment on the album. My only knock on this record is that it’s not really an acoustic album.  It’s still a heavily-produced, fully-instrumented set of songs, just deconstructed from their anthem originals.

Hillsong released Yahweh (Live) in response to requests from worship leaders to “unplug” some of the there more popular songs.  While listening to this album probably won’t help the worship leader with one acoustic guitar, keys and drums, it’s a great start.  The CD ships with chord charts for all the songs, and there will be a companion DVD available.  Also, some of the Hillsong musicans (Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, Nigel Hendroff and others) will be participating in live web-events demonstrating the songs on release day, November 2.  (these events will be on worshiptogether.com and Facebook.)
VANCE: This album lays out a nice mellow approach to a set of familiar Hillsong favourites.  Not sure I would go as far as saying ‘unplugged’ though.  It’s great to hear the songs performed in a more simplistic fashion.  It will definitely encourage more people to lift them up and use them at their churches.As with all Hillsong albums we have a variety of vocalists leading the different songs.  Hearing the congregation sing in the background is a nice touch and at times has a Phil Wickham / Singalong feel.

Most of the songs work really well stripped down in this way, except for perhaps Salvation Is Here.  I miss the full sound here.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: A fantastic reworking and stripped down version of many great Hillsong songs. I would have loved to have heard “Like incense” on this one. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
BYRD: 13 tracks is nothing to scoff at! While a more “raw” recording and acoustic session can feel like a plug for money from the worship consumer, I believe Hillsong has actually accomplished their goal by getting these songs out in an intimate and devotional setting. This is a must have for worship leaders and worshippers. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
MAHONEY: If you like Hillsong music, and are trying to find way to introduce it at your church, this album is for you.  If you already do it, and want some new ideas, this album is for you.  If you like intimate, acoustic worship, this album is for you.  (Seeing a pattern here?)   Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
VANCE: A nice wee mellow album, perfect for chilling out to. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

  • Hosanna
  • Savior King
  • From the Inside Out
  • Came to My Rescue
  • Yahweh
BYRD:

  • This is Our God
  • You Hold Me Now
  • Stronger
  • Came to My Rescue
  • Run
  • Hosanna
  • Savior King
MAHONEY

  • Hosanna
  • Mighty to Save
  • From the Inside Out
  • Came to My Rescue
  • Yahweh
VANCE:

  • Hosanna
  • Saviour King
  • Came To My Rescue
  • You Hold Me Now
  • From The Inside Out
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT: All of these of course and due to the new format any church will be able to translate these to any size band.
BYRD:

  • ALL OF THEM! That’s the point :)
MAHONEY: Are you kidding?  This is Hillsong!

  • Every single song.
VANCE:

  • All of them.

The Joint gives Hillsong Chapel: Yahweh(Live) Overall Rating: 4.38 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from the publisher  EMI records to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/10/27/hillsong-chapel-%e2%80%93-yahweh-live/feed/ 1 http://thejointreview.com/2010/10/27/hillsong-chapel-%e2%80%93-yahweh-live/ Hillsong – A Beautiful Exchange http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/Y4HiSsn4blM/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/08/07/hillsong-a-beautiful-exchange/#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 03:44:08 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=678

Purchase Hillsong – A Beautiful Exchange     
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: Here we go…Another Hillsong CD. There is something comfortable knowing that when I turn the ipod on and play the new hillsong I will always get that “hillsong” sound. That comfortability may be de-sensitizing me as well though. I find that the Cd becomes almost a blur or wall of eight note delay sounds.

 

Don’t get me wrong…it’s good. This is a well done CD. Great songwriting, playing, and production. What else could you want.

If this is a persons introduction to Hillsong it is a great one. However if you are like me and have about 25 Hillsong CD’s then this may not rock your boat.

Actually there is one song on here that will. “Like Incense/Sometimes By Step.” is the stand out song of this CD. It is a brilliant remix and is AMAZING.
BYRD: -
MAHONEY: Ah, Hillsong.  They’re kind of like a high-end chain restaurant.  Whatever album you listen to, you know what you’re gonna get.  It’ll be good quality, it’ll be well prepared, and it will be completely familiar.

 

Such is A Beautiful Exchange. Consistently Hillsong.  Now, I have no problem with Hillsong (although most ‘United’ albums are more to my taste), and I know going in there will be some good songs, and there are.  I would just love to see musicians of this caliber step outside the box a little more; I’d like to see some risk.  This album fits right into the formula perfectly.

One jewel on the record is the great medley with a classic Rich Mullins tune called “Like Incense/Sometimes By Step.”  Hearing that beautiful tune with the full Hillsong treatment is awesome.  ”You” is another good, high-energy song that will be finding it’s way into a youth group near you.  And, of course, all these songs are very easily learned, which will make them great for congregational worship.
VANCE: I don’t know why it is, but Hillsong songs take a while to grow on me.  I’ll always start out hating on an album, and then two albums later think to myself…. dang it… that’s a good song.  I think this is probably the case this time round too.

 

I think there is a little experimentation (for Hillsong) on here.  For example the mashup with “Like Incense” and “Sometimes By Step”.  I like that they attempted this, but I’m sure I like the result.  Another example is “Forever Reign” which has a strange (but extremely singable) melody.

I do think Hillsong songs are becoming more sophisticated with more guitars and other instruments needed to do the song justice.  I do think however, with some rearrangement you could use most of these songs without too much trouble no matter your band setup.
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: The rating would be quite different if it were not for “Like Incense/Sometimes By Step.” The CD is worth double the price just for that song. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
BYRD: -
MAHONEY: Immense talent. Great sound. Sound lyrics.  Not a lot of creativity.   Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
VANCE: A solid selection of songs, as usual. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

 

  • Like Incense/Sometimes by Step
BYRD:

 
MAHONEY

 

  • Like Incense/Sometimes by Step
  • You
  • Our God is Love
VANCE:

 

  • Our God Is Love
  • Open My Eyes
  • The Fathers Heart
  • Love Like Fire
  • Believe
  • Thank You
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:

 

You could do any of these songs. It’s a HILLSONG CD! The only one I will use though is “Like Incense/Sometimes by Step”
BYRD:

 
MAHONEY:

 

  • Are you kidding?  This is Hillsong.  You could use ever single song at some point in a service.
VANCE:

 

It’s a Hillsong album!  However, my feeling is that most of these songs will need rearranging for bands without multiple electric guitars.

The Joint gives Hillsong: A Beautiful Exchange Overall Rating: 3.67 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from the publisher  EMI to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/08/07/hillsong-a-beautiful-exchange/feed/ 1 http://thejointreview.com/2010/08/07/hillsong-a-beautiful-exchange/ FFH – Wide Open Spaces http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheJointReview/~3/dRezmkk_EQU/ http://thejointreview.com/2010/08/07/ffh-wide-open-spaces/#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 03:30:31 +0000 Mike Mahoney http://thejointreview.com/?p=681

Purchase FFH - Wide Open Spaces     
Artist official site

SYNOPSIS
KLAMPERT: FFH…A classic group that has been around for a long time. Then there were a few years where we heard nothing from them. This new CD gives us a bit of the old FFH sound but with a modern twist. I found myself more drawn to the guys voice rather than the girls. As a matter of fact that might be my issue with the title track “wide open spaces”

 

I really Like “undone” and “hold on to me”. “i don’t care” has a great funky feel that sounds very similar to PFR.

In the end I think they have a few really great songs on here, but the back half of the CD sorta falls off for me. I don’t think there is consistent quality of songs from beginning to end. The back end feels very retro…as in before 1980. Normally I like that but it just doesn’t work for FFH.
BYRD: T
MAHONEY: I was pretty excited to hear we were reviewing an FFH album.  These guys have been doing cutting-edge music for a while, and I was looking forward to this.

 

It’s a mixed bag, unfortunately.  I’d love to say every song was a hit out of the park, but the songs that are good are really good. The album grabs you right away with the opening tune, “Undone.”  Very nice song, really singable.  ”Hold On To Me” is another great song- I really love the harmonies and the blending of the instruments.   There’s a nice 70′s easy-rock vibe to a lot of the songs.
VANCE: I used to love FFH way back when.  I had one of their first albums, I Want To Be Like You.  I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I popped in my earbuds.  I was surprised.  This album was off to a great start.  First of all, the first song, “Undone”, is their current single and is playing on K-Love.  Niiice.  Then came “Hold On To Me”… niice.

 

I got a wee bit worried when I didn’t quite dig the next track, “Wide Open Spaces” which happens to be their title track.  However, my worry went away when “What It Feels Like” starting playing.  Easily my favourite song on this album.

I’d love to end on a good note, but the rest of the album went a little downhill for me.  I don’t think it stands up to the first few songs on here, but maybe that’s just because they are so good?
BOTTOM LINE
KLAMPERT: A pretty Good CD. First few songs minus title track make purchasing this CD worth it. Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
BYRD:
MAHONEY: SP. FFH rarely plays by the rules, and this album is no exception.  Some really, really good songs here.  Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
VANCE: FFH fans may love this – but for everyone else there is still some cracking songs on here that you need to hear. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
MUST HAVE SONGS
KLAMPERT:

 

  • Undone
  • Hold On To Me
  • I don’t care
BYRD:

 
MAHONEY

 

  • Undone
  • Hold On To Me (probably my favorite)
  • What It Feels Like
  • Who I’m Gonna Be
VANCE:

 

  • Undone (currently playing on k-love)
  • Hold On To Me
  • What It Feels Like (probably my favourite song on here)
SONGS FOR CHURCH
KLAMPERT:

 

I would not use any of the songs here for church
BYRD:

 
MAHONEY:

 

No “church service” songs here
VANCE:

 

I did not find any songs on here that I would use in church.

The Joint gives FFH: Wide Open Spaces Overall Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from the publisher  (Saavy media/inpop) to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we  have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
]]> http://thejointreview.com/2010/08/07/ffh-wide-open-spaces/feed/ 1 http://thejointreview.com/2010/08/07/ffh-wide-open-spaces/