LoveLibertyDisco-Newsboys
Well, the most recent release by Newsboys certainly is ear-catching. If it don't make you want to pull on some platforms and do the hustle, I don't know what will. It definitely has disco flavor, and that helps make the record very unique. The first time I listened to it, I guess I was expecting was Take Me to Your Leader II, or Step Up Even Closer to the Microphone, but it was neither, and at first, I was kinda disappointed, especially near the end when it was one mellow song after another (I'm a fast-song kind of person). I was like, "Where's the kickin' stuff?" Well, my advice is to definitely listen to this one a few times, because once you do, the full force of the record will hit you, and then it will be staying in your cd player for quite awhile. You've just got to give it a chance, because you may not get struck by it like when you heard Breakfast or WooHoo for the first time. The sound is pop, disco, and maturity I suppose, all rolled into Australian accents, and it all comes together very smoothly. Some of my particular faves on here are:
-Foreverman: this one is just a plain feel good song. When the strings are going at it, you feel like all is right in the world. The harmony is also great too.
-Good Stuff: Phil does great on this one, it's like the only true rock song on the whole album. It's fun w/ a good message, great to listen to if you're feeling shy.
-LoveLibertyDisco: the main attraction, of course. I've made up motions to this one, it's that much fun. This is the pure disco song, and it's very catchy.
Overall, letting this album soak in first, you'll see it's a very well done record, and you'll realize that Newsboys have never lost their touch. If asked what my fave Newsies cd is, well, I honestly think I'd have to go w/ Take Me to Your Leader, because that one just went beyond amazing. But who knows? Maybe this new one will too.
Some Kind of Zombie-Audio Adrenaline
I know this record is not new, but I just got it and thought it had to be reviewed. No doubt, I'll end up reviewing all the cd's I've got. Anyway, if you're up for some feel-good, guitar-drenched, well-balanced fun stuff, Audio A. is right up your alley. Bloom and Underdog are slightly on the tamer side of this, and they are fabulous albums mind you, but Zombie is right in the middle. The upbeat songs are full of kickin' melodies, and head-banging is only natural. The slower songs are sweet and groovy. The entire album's lyrics make you realize how simple having faith is. Some highlights:
-Some Kind of Zombie: it's well-formulated, and it ROCKS. Makes you want to "stand up straight" and "begin to walk through the maze", because you're "dead to sin like some kind of zombie".
-Blitz: Supertones are great guests on this kickin' song about believers who will stop at nothing to show their faith. Plus, the part in the middle w/ the phone conversation is great fun.
-People Like Me: this song is fun, and simple. Audio A. tries to pull you in by including lyrics like "persons like you, we want to be closer to God". We're all in this together, and the hand claps in the background grab ya too.
All in all, it's just a well-done album that makes you feel great once you've heard it, and it makes you think as well.
If I Left the Zoo-Jars of Clay
The Jar boys have taken me for quite a ride since their debut. When I received their first album as a birthday present 3 years ago, I thought they were so awesome. Then I went through a phase where I wasn't quite sure why I liked them, especially the first album. I'd really liked Much Afraid, but still, I opted to listen to other cd's when the moment came to listen to something. Yet I still loved their stuff. Well, all the confusion ceased once their newest release came out. Zoo, as it's sometimes called, is, to put it simply, awesome! While the first 2 albums were at spots almost dark and murky, this new cd is fresh, peppy, and full of feel-good moments. It's an invigorated version of Jars, and it works very well. The songs are deep and thoughtful, as would be expected, and the music is a wide variety of choices, going from guitar-driven choruses, rich harmonies, a choir in the background, and hard piano. And since they can pull this off so easily, so much the better. Some particular faves:
-Collide: Once I heard this one I was hooked. It's so...thick. I can't describe it well, but with the guitars going at it, and the harmonies...you just can't go wrong. The lyrics definitely make you want to sit down and do some analyzing. If you don't smile during this song, something is wrong with you. :0)
-I'm Alright: I'm sorry, but this song is too much fun. Sometimes, you're just that: alright. We may not be where we need to be, and we're not where we've been, but we're alright. The melody stays with you, and the choir in the background is such a nice touch. Make sure to listen to Dan at the end. Too funny!
-Unforgetful You: There's some subtle praising going on in this song. Once you know God and how he provides for us, you can't forget Him. And that's what this song is about. It's catchy, the video is awesome, and the fact that it's blatantly Christian and still made it on the Drive Me Crazy soundtrack is awesome!
In my opinion, this is the best work by Jars of Clay yet, and it's totally rekindled my love for the band. If you haven't heard this cd yet, give it a try, and hopefully you'll feel the same way. :0)
