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Wednesday, April 21, 2010

New Release Recap - April 20th 2010

This is something new I've decided to TRY to do every Wednesday. I listen to almost every Christian album that releases (that's the beauty of having no life. :P ) So I've decided to start a recap of all the releases that week, rate, review them and choose my favorite album of the week.


Here is a list of what released this week...
(excluding collections.)

Reinvention - Superchick
Our Graceful Words - Sent by Ravens
Write This Down - Write This Down
Made Me Glad - Miriam Webster
*Embrace - Ember*
Introducing Eoghan Heaslip - Eoghan Heaslip
Sixteen Cities - Sixteen Cities
Everything You've Been Looking For - Jaymes Reunion





Reinvention - Superchick
Rating: 3 Stars

Although I have paid close attention to Superchick over the past few years, I've never been much of a fan. If I were, I'd be very upset with Inpop Records. I honestly have no idea why they made the band release another remix album. And since this is nothing but a remix album, I'm only reviewing the three NEW songs on the album, which are... Let It Roll (sung by Matt Dally,) Still Here and With You. I had some high expectations for "Let It Roll" but it turned out to be a huge disappointment, it was nothing but a loud mess. "Still Here" and "With You" are slow, but dazzling, no doubt two of my favorite Superchick songs ever. The lyrics and music are both moving and emotional.





Our Graceful Words - Sent by Ravens
Rating: 3.5 Stars


I was very surprised to find such a clear message at times, in Sent by Ravens' first full length. I was expecting every bit to be one of those metaphorical albums that leaves you a bit baffled, such as Secret & Whispers latest album, does anyone have any clue what that album is about??? Anyway... I really liked the mix of yelling at times, I think it brought something more to each song, it didn't feel mindless or pointless at all. "Salt and The Light" is definitely my favorite song on the album, not just because it's a worship song but I love that the overall theme is love. "Stone Soup" is one of the heaviest songs on the album, but not one of the strongest, I only mention it because it has one of the coolest titles. Overall this is a solid rock album with some nice heavy moments in it. Definitely worth a listen... Or two.




Write This Down - Write This Down
Rating: 3 Stars

Unlike "Our Graceful Words," Write This Down left me a bit baffled at times, I'm not sure what most of the songs are about. I did like the mix of yelling and screaming, but unlike Sent by Ravens, it felt a little unnecessary and overdone at times. Although the lyrics don't make much sense most of the time, they are quite original. One of the most standout songs is "We Shot The Moon," it has one of the catchiest choruses I've heard this year ("We shot the moon, We shot the moon/And we will take it in stride/If we should lose, If we should lose/At least we gave it a try) I LOVED this song. I wish I could say the same for the vocals, but I feel I've heard this voice before. So... Overall WTD is nothing special vocally, but the album is creative and quite enjoyable, if you don't care to know what each and every lyric means.




Made Me Glad - Miriam Webster
Rating: 2.5 Stars

Miriam Webster's debut delivers some pleasant worship songs and encouraging lyrics. But unfortunately this is an average album, nothing special and very cliche' at times. There were some draggy moments as well. Nevertheless, I'm sure a lot of people will like it, if you're a fan of Kari Jobe you should probably check this album out.




Introducing Eoghan Heaslip - Eoghan Heaslip
Rating: 3 Stars

I've been a huge fan of Eoghan Heaslip's for about 5 years now, he is not doubt one of my favorite worship artists. I wish I could say this EP was AMAZING but sadly, it was BARELY better than Miriam Webster's "Made Me Glad." This is probably the biggest disappointment of the week, in fact the only reason I'm giving it a 3 out 5 is because I'm bias, I admit it. For a more detailed review, just check out my review over at CMR. I don't feel like repeating myself.




Sixteen Cities - Sixteen Cities
Rating: 3.5 Stars

I've been a fan of these guys since they were Issakar, so I was pretty excited when I heard they were finally releasing their official debut album. I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed, this is exactly what I expected from these guys. I was surprised to find a stronger message in this album than their previous album, released under Issakar. And I was even more surprised that none of the songs from their previous album made this one, I was really hoping "Hold Me" would be on it, at the very least. Nevertheless, this is a solid debut that's definitely worth checking out. Some standout tracks are "Just Wanna Dance," "Sing Along" and "Winter." I found "Winter" to be the most emotional and moving song on the album, it's about trying to find your way back home, one of the most perfect endings ever. This is no doubt my favorite release of the week. If it wasn't considered unprofessional, there'd be a little smiley face right about HERE.




Everything You've Been Looking For - Jaymes Reunion
Rating: 3 Stars

Ever since I heard "Fine" on the radio (way back when) I instantly decided I didn't like this band. But I decided to give these guys a second chance and thoroughly listen to their album. Unfortunately it didn't do much good, I'm not sure exactly what it is I don't like about the album... It's not so much one thing, but everything. In all honesty... It's not a BAD album, the music is catchy, the lyrics are pretty good at times, this is just not my kind of thing.

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That's it for this week. I hope you all have a nice weekend and God bless.