“Rise Up!”, The Rizers – Album Review

“We want to instill in kids a love for Jesus Christ and his Word through Scripture memory, praise and worship,”  this is the mission of The Rizers (short for Memorizers) a band represented as cartoons and sing Scripture verses in the form of upbeat, kid-friendly music.  There is Gracie (lead vocals), Matty C (guitar and vocals), Mei Mei (keytar), A-Yo (drums), and Johnny Danger (bass). They meet in Matty C’s garage to make their joyful noise in their town of Rizing Springs.  Their newest album Rise Up certainly accomplishes their mission and more!

Although designed for ages 4-10, Children ages 7 – 13 describe this group as “being better than any other Christian Kids artist I’ve ever heard!”  With their opening song ”Make a Joyful Noise” a song which boasts an upbeat rap/funk flare, will have children and adults alike unknowingly memorizing this scripture verse from Psalm 100:1-2.  ”I Can Do Everything” another track from The Rizers current album embraces a Calypso/reggae style while inviting children to learn Philippians 4:13, “I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.”

Track 3 ”Glory, Glory, Glory” gives way to a catchy techno/dance beat all while teaching 2 Peter 3:18. The vocals are very pleasant to listen to with catchy rhythms sure to engage the youngest child as well as adults.  Track 4, as one child puts it is, “a very settled down techno style”.  This song is brought down with more of a melodic ballad feeling, again, while teaching 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God breathed…”

Rise Up fittingly ends with the bands familiar techno sound while focusing on John 14:27, ”Let the Children Come to Me”.  The Rizers are not only a band, but help to define Children’s Ministry today, not only within the wall of the church but also within the home.  Their catchy lyrics and modern rhythms will certainly have children enjoying the music but also soaking in God’s very word into their minds and hearts.

-Review by Kerri Thomson
(review copy provided by the band)

Where I Find You, Kari Jobe – Album Review

Chris Olson and Julie Terwilliger had the opportunity to co-review Kari Jobe‘s new album, Where I Find You, releasing on Tuesday, January 24th. Here’s their conversational-style review…

Julie: Hey Chris! Once again we team up for a review of an epic album release! First things first, what was your first impression of this highly anticipated release?

Chris: After my first time giving it a full spin, I was immediately in love with the album. Admittedly there were a few songs that I wasn’t as bought into from the get go, but they came to grow on me upon future listens.

Julie: Same here, it grew on me & now I can’t stop listening to it!

Chris: I kinda expected this to sound like Kari’s last album, but it doesn’t. Hard to explain, but I believe this album more. Both albums have some nice layering and arrangements, and both have some good textures. But this one seems deeper, both sonically and lyrically.

Julie: I definitely noticed how polished it sounded at first. Although pretty much all of the songs are congregational friendly they are also masterfully produced for a radio hit. A few creative new sounds incorporated, but not to the point that the art is more noticeable than the heart of worship expressed.

Chris: The feeling I get listening to this album is far more tangible than I got with the last one. It’s still Kari’s soft, sweet voice, still a lot of “pretty” going on in the music. Directionally, the focus of this album is a little different. Kari herself says that this is about experiencing God’s presence, even in the midst of hardships. All of these songs definitely feed that theme, in the best way.

Julie: So what is your favorite song on this album? I would have to say mine is “Find You On My Knees” & “Stars In The Sky” – wonderful lyrics & lovely soaring vocals.

Chris: This isn’t a fair question! When I asked you the same thing in our last review together, you couldn’t pick just one, and I can’t either! My favorite songs on the album are “Stars in the Sky”, “Love Came Down”, and “Here”. “Stars in the Sky” just has an amazing groove with one of the best chorus melodies I have heard in a while. “Love Came Down” is by far the best rendition of this song I have heard, and the arrangement truly brings this song to life for me. “Here” is simply amazing. Listen to this song through some good headphones with your eyes closed. Do it.

Julie: Comments on the collaboration of some of the contributors to this recording? Did that question have a lot of C’s in it, or is that just me? : )

Chris: Ed Cash produced this album (Best. Name. EVER.) with Matt Bronleewe. Matt’s addition to this on the producing side (although he did also cowrite a few tunes on the album) likely is part of why this album has a different feel and vibe compared to the last album.

Julie: I concur we could converse about this album quite a bit longer, but will conclude with any of your closing comments & considerations of these carefully crafted choruses. (Did I just do that ‘C’ thing again…?)

Chris: Ten C’s in that one! Nicely done! This album is something special. Lyrically profound and sonically inspiring. I have listened to this album several times, quite often through headphones while working. I have genuinely been moved almost to the point of tears while listening to this album. Almost. I don’t have tears . . . I am a man . . . So, if you crave a creative choral consideration of God’s consistent covenantal commitment to His children, consider cranking this album in a cab or your casa, or anywhere else you care to. You will be blessed! (Julie . . . that’s 13. Check. Mate.)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

(review copy provided by EMI)

Spirit Break Out, Worship Central – Album Review

The team from Worship Central, a school of worship in London, has just released Spirit Break Out in the US, its first live worship album. Spirit Break Out was recorded live at London’s famed HMV Forum theater and features 14 tracks from the Worship Central team of Tim Hughes, Ben Cantelon, Al Gordon, Nikki Fletcher and Luke Hellebronth.

As the title implies, Spirit Break Out’s overarching theme is the cry to allow God more freedom and power in worship. “We always need to be looking to be Spirit-led in our worship,” says Tim Hughes. “The Spirit gives life, releases freedom and joy, puts a new song on our lips and reveals the beauty and majesty of Christ.” This theme is well-explored throughout the album, which combines new songs with all new live versions of favorites such as Hughes’ “Counting On Your Name” and Ben Cantelon’s “Savior Of The World”.

The album opens in a very appropriate way for this album, with Tim Hughes’ take on “Spirit Of The Living God” fall fresh on me. That sets the tone for the whole album! “New Day” comes next, by Ben Cantelon, a great up-beat, catchy opening song! Tim’s classic “At Your Name” is also included here, with a cool keyboard sequence that’s very reminiscent of Owl City’s “Fireflies”.

It’s the title track, though, “Spirit Break Out”, that sets this album apart. It probably wouldn’t translate well in many churches live, but it works well in this live concert/conference format. It combines rap and vocals with the band, and is really the heart cry of this project. As Hughes explains: “The title track feels like a revival song… a cry to see God smashing out of the box, turning us upside down, inside out and leading us into more of His presence and glory.”

Other standouts include “Undivided Love”, “For Your Glory” and “All Glory”. There are many songs on this album that would work great for congregational use. It’s also a perfect album to have for your own personal worship, with the live, free-flowing feel. Great job, Worship Central!

Rating: 4 of 5 stars

-Review by Barry Westman
(review copy provided by Kingsway)

Reason To Sing EP, All Sons & Daughters – Review

This past Fall All Sons & Daughters released their debut EP, Brokenness Aside. Even as an EP, it was among the top albums of 2011. This week they released their second EP – Reason to Sing. This 7 song EP is just packed with brilliance.

I have been listening to this EP for a month now and haven’t sat down to write this review. It’s mostly because I keep listening to the EP and getting lost in worship when I should be typing. However, that is not a bad sign. If a worship album draws you in to worship, then it should be considered a success.

“Oh Our Lord” really captivated me. It begins with a soft strings sound with fingerpicked guitar. Leslie’s voice shines then you come into the main chorus, which is the theme of the song: “Oh Lord our Lord. Oh Lord our Lord. How majestic is Your name in all the earth.” The signature harmony between David and Leslie really shines. When the song continues to build to the bridge it has this truly majestic feel with a driving drum and lyrics declaring the attributes of God and the name of God.

“Spirit Speaks” is another song that really works well. It begins with David, a piano and the cello. It’s about being awakened to the heart, love and presence of the Lord. The full band comes in on the second verse and the song has a slow drive that really pulls you in to worship. I love the way this song is simple, yet deeply profound. Simple lyrics really pull you into worship of the Lord.

“All Praise to You” begins with a soft fingerpicked guitar that sets a soft melody. Electric guitar with subtle volume swells in the background highlights this feel. It draws your focus to the lyrics and the harmony between David and Leslie. This song is exactly as the title would suggest. All praise to GOD! The song calls us to lavish our love, to give the glory, and to pour our praise, honor and thanks before the Lord.

I could write something about every song on this seven track EP, but for the sake of brevity I will keep it short. I must admit that I am quickly becoming a big fan of All Sons and Daughters. I love their soulful style that seamlessly melds worship and bluegrass with an organic sound that is simply meant to glorify the Lord. I give this EP 4 out of 5 stars!

-Review by Mathew Reames
(review copy provided by Integrity Music)

“Telling Time”, Tanya Godsey – CD Review

Singer-Songwriter Tanya Godsey recently releases her second album, Telling Time. Her music is reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan and Sarah Groves, and fits that simple feel that made those ladies recognizable. With some folk, country, and even a bit of soul hidden down in her music, she puts forth a solid album that should put her among the popular women in Christian music. 

She grabbed me right away with the song “White Page” – it has a piano driven feel that hits me like a Regina Spektor song. It’s a simple song, but it really locks you in; from its catchy rhythm to the soft sound of her voice. This is not really a song for Sunday morning, but the kind of song that makes you want to turn up the radio and cruise the Miracle Mile with your top down.

“It Doesn’t Feel Like Home” is another great song. It has a strong driving rhythm with a solid use of the tambourine that keeps your foot tapping. Again, like much of the album, this is not a song to play on a Sunday morning for the church, but it is a solid song that makes you want to listen to it.

The title track “Telling Time” has the most country sound out of anything on the album. I love the song; it talks about the gap between the image of God and the nature of fallen man. I am not a country music fan, but I still found myself enjoying this song.

With “All of the Healing” Tanya really does a great job on the acoustic guitar with full open chords that really just reverberate and give the track a unique presence. This is probably the most directly “worship” song on the album. It is not a song that fits the mold of the “Hillsong” style and culture, but it really keeps a strong focus on the Love of God and his power. It is a song I would lead in my church on a Sunday morning.

Before listening to the album and reading through the titles of songs, I was most intrigued by the track “Abraham’s Sky” – another piano song, this is probably my favorite song. She compares herself to Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and how she knows she has promises from God, but sometimes has to fight doubt. I love the Chorus line, “Show me my inheritance, lead me to your promises, and set me as a star in Abraham’s sky.” This song is probably the one I will be stuck on the most.

As a worship leader, this is not an album I will be pulling from often for my services, but it will become a regular on my personal rotation. Tanya herself admits she wasn’t writing for worship, but rather unfolding the journey of her life and the conflicts she was wrestling with God. This really shows in the diversity of the sounds and themes.

-Review by Mathew Reames
(review copy provided by artist)

“O Come Divine Messiah” Single, Jennie Riddle – Review

The name “Jennie Lee Riddle” might not be a household name.  However, unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past several years, you are familiar with “Revelation Song”, the CCLI top 10 song that she penned.

Given the meteoric rise of “Revelation Song”, the industry has been watching with some interest the development of her next project, PEOPLE & SONGS Opus 1: A Collective by Jennie Lee Riddle. In anticipation of Opus 1, Riddle has released the single, “O Come Divine Messiah (Everything Will Change)”, a song co-written with Robbie Seay. The single is a contemporary adaption of a 16th-century French carol “Venez, Divin Messie” by Abbot Simon-Joseph Pellegrin.

“Revelation Song” suggested Riddle can turn a lyrical phrase; “O Come Divine Messiah” confirms it. The lyrics point toward the season of Advent but also allude to a longing for Christ’s return. Though following a customary verse-chorus-bridge approach, the words reveal a gravity and depth generally associated with hymns.

The music is familiar without being formulaic. Instruments do not dominate but gently support and enhance the vocals. The gravel of Seay’s vocal work is balanced by the Riddle’s own delicate voice. It’s a great pairing that at once elicits yearning and warmth.

Riddle enlisted Michael Farren of Pocket Full of Rocks to produce. Though this project marks his debut in the role, it is evident that he has the chops to pull this off.  He imparts some nice Nashville touches with cello and pedal steel.

“O Come Divine Messiah” is a fresh work that reminds you that worship music can be accessible without resorting to cliché lyrics and derivative music. If this is any indication of the forthcoming Opus 1, something remarkable is on the horizon.

You can download the song, exclusively on iTunes, by using the widget below.

-Review by Joe Brookhouse
(review copy provided by artist)

“Not Myself Anymore”, Jessa Anderson – CD Review

Not Myself Anymore is the debut release from Jessa Anderson, a 20-something Michigan-native, and the newest female recording artist with BEC Recordings. This wife and young mom is grateful for the opportunity to live out her dream and share her music on a larger scale.

Jessa travels full-time with her guitar-playing husband, Jordan, and their young daughter, Lorelei. She describes her music as – honest, open narratives about faith, struggles and real life. Her goal in songwriting and being an artist includes honesty and a genuineness that can be found in her music and life. Not Myself Anymore is filled with songs that accomplish that goal.

Anderson lists some of her musical influences as female songwriters such as Sara Groves, Nichole Nordeman and Ginny Owens. You can hear glimpses of each of those singers in Jessa’s music, and I would also add a touch of Francesca Battistelli. All of these singer/songwriters display that honesty and genuineness in their music and lyrics, and Jessa Anderson is no exception.

In fact, even the name of the album is an expression of this honesty, pointing to the fact that this process of pursuing her dream of music has forced her to trust God like never before and has shaped her into a new person. Though the title track, “Not Myself Anymore”, appears to be about a broken relationship, Jessa also mentions a double meaning, pointing to the change that took place in her own life while in the process of pursuing her dreams.

The first track on the album, “Not What I Thought”, is another song that’s drawn from an honest look at a painful time in her life, when Jessa was dealing with an eating disorder in college. She got to a point in her life where she could either choose to go down a path that would destroy her life, or choose her relationship with God. She chose to follow God’s calling on her life, and through that journey discovered God’s not who she thought, and that revelation was the basis for the song.

“Everybody Has Those Days” is a fun song she likes to use to introduce herself to her fans, describing herself as a clumsy, insecure, ordinary girl who is learning that every misstep and every bad day is just a chance to learn more about herself and share it with others through her music.

This album sounds great, with a very high production value, honest lyrics, spot-on vocals and a variety of musical styles that keeps the listener engaged and not quite sure what to expect next at first listen. Keep your eye on this new artist! I would not be surprised if you hear a lot more of Jessa Anderson very soon!

-Review by Barry Westman
(review copy provided by BEC Recordings)

“Saying Grace”, Geoff Moore – CD Review

As it is with many singers/songwriters, our inspiration comes from the journeys we walk in life.  Never has this been truer for 25 year Compassion advocate, Grammy Nominated and Dove Award Winning artist – Geoff Moore.  After a 4 year hiatus from recording, Moore is back with a new album, Saying Grace.  From the beginning this album will embrace the listeners’ heart with Moore’s familiar storytelling way and raw melodic tones.

The album opens with a song entitled “Believe”. It begins as a reflective piece which continuously builds instrumentally throughout the song. The message of the song will offer hope and assurance to all who at one time or another are faced with struggles and trials in life.  Easily an anthem song for this album.

The title track “Saying Grace” gives the feeling as though you’re sitting down with the family for a time of prayer. This song has a slight country feel with harmonies and mandolin playing in the background throughout. ”The Wonder of Kindness” is another track with a country feel. Pure harmonies, tight acoustic work, tambourines and mandolin give this song a reflective feel. With words like  “The wonder of Your kindness is something I can’t earn,” reminds the listener of God’s great love for his children.

“Overwhelming Love” - a favorite of mine on this album. With lyrics that tear at your heart such as,  ”Let us be ruined by your overwhelming love“, and ”if we could see just one glimpse of who you are than we would be undone“. The song styling is driven by a contemporary rock beat with great guitar work throughout. This song truly speaks the heart of Moore when he states, “‘Saying Grace’ is an album about thankfulness. The last few years God has let me walk some hard roads with people I love. These songs were born of those journeys. My prayer is that they will be good traveling companions. I wrote them to encourage all our hearts that we are loved, and cared for. That on our best, or hardest, days we would be overwhelmed by God’s great love for us.” 

Saying Grace released in August 2011. Certainly an album I would highly recommend.

-Review by Kerri Thomson
(album provided by artist)

“Oh for Joy”, David Crowder Band – Christmas Album Review

As a consumer of music and a fan of all things music related, I find myself drawn to certain artists – not so much for their style or genre, but rather their character and personality individually and collectively. The David Crowder* Band is one such band. If the album cover of their latest Christmas release Oh For Joy doesn’t intrigue you, certainly the unique yet recognizable delivery of classic holiday selections will.

The band has long been known for their ability to shape a genre to suite the message – even mixing styles such as bluegrass and techno – but in the end, I personally feel drawn into the arrangements. Oh For Joy contains skillful instrumentation, quirky styles and unique rhythms, but this release with live renditions of “O Holy Night”, “Silent Night” and “Carol of the Bells” bring the best element of all: the audience. What better way to capture the essence of this timeless music but to include those who hold it dear.

Bringing the audience into the recording – including some playful dialogue before the final song – adds such a personal element to the recording and literally makes you feel as though you participated in the event. Unlike other live recordings which still have a performance feel, the dynamics of the arrangements, timing changes and introduction of even the banjo truly make this album memorable. “Carol of the Bells” is still one of my favorites and they perform it with the same detail and polish as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.

I know I started by focusing on the end of the album, but rest assured that the other five songs do not disappoint. You will be instantly welcomed with a colorful arrangement of “Joy to the World” with fast echoing drum fills and racing slap delay guitar. What I also enjoyed about their arrangements are how they kept melody for the most part intact and only made departures in order to modify certain chord structures that compliment the original intent of the songs.

Another standout song for me surprisingly is “Go, Tell it on the Mountain”. They make no apologies for their use of country and bluegrass with slight alterations in lyrics. I didn’t find the changes took away from the song at all. In fact, I’d almost say I like it better! You will find yourself wanting to stomp your feet – even if you’re not a huge fan of this style.

Overall, as a lover of Christmas music, I’m impressed by this album and the variety it brings, while carefully keeping the songs true to their original intent. In true “Crowderband” fashion, they have hit the mark and carefully combined fun, energy, humor, serious reflection and with all of that, still help the listener truly worship the Savior.

-review by Dan Thomson
(review copy provided by EMI)

Awakening: Live From Chicago, Jesus Culture – CD Review & Giveaway!

With this review we decided to go about it a little different than our usual format. Since one of our reviewers, Julie Terwilliger, actually experienced this live recording firsthand, Chris Olson and Julie decided to review the album in an interview format. Below is the result:




Chris: Hi Julie! Before we get to talking about the new Awakening CD by Jesus Culture, I hear that you have a unique perspective on this. Tell me about it . . .

Julie: Me & my peeps were in the 3rd row, I actually didn’t know it was going to be a live recording at the time (darn it I should’ve screamed louder to be heard on it!), It was a 3 day experience, with worship & speakers. I loved that on the first night we didn’t start right out into praise, Kim Walker-Smith gave a beautiful word and we launched into slow worship, it was a wonderful beginning to the event.

Chris: Awesome! I think that definitely gives you a unique perspective on this album! Well, let’s get into it.

In past Jesus Culture projects, we primarily see Kim Walker-Smith and Chris Quilala. On this project we see a number of other vocalists joining in: Kristene Di Marco, Katie Torwalt, Bryan Torwalt and Jake Hamilton. Do you like these additions?

Julie: At first I was a bit bummed because all I wanted was to just hear Kim & Chris but when Kristene (who I had the privilege to literally bump into and say hello & props) launched into her song the crowd exploded into worship. Bryan & Katie are now some of my new faves, I have their album too. So, I am very excited about their new additions.

Chris: I noticed a bit of a heavier emphasis on electronic effects and synthesizers than on past projects. I thought it added a nice energy to the album. How did it translate in person?

Julie: Energy. In the song “Dance” it gave it a whole new makeover, I thought it was a new song at first. Surprisingly, nothing took away from the worship experience with the new effects added.

Chris: I think this rendition of “Nothing But the Blood” is one of the prettiest and most powerful I have heard. Not only is it a truly anointed song, but Kim’s harmonies combined with the driving drum beat really push this song. How was that live?

Julie: One word…Epic!



Chris: As we have seen in some past albums, there are a fair amount of what I would call “me centered” songs, such as “Fill Me Up” on this album. I personally don’t consider these to be true worship songs (as I view that as being more upward), but more prayerful songs. “The Anthem” is another example, this one being more of a rally cry to edify each other rather than a true worship song. How did songs like these go over in the live, congregational setting?

Julie: “The Anthem” caught on really quick, by the end of the song everyone was fist pumping. “Fill Me Up” was more of a soaking song, I honestly can’t remember, I may have not even opened my eyes during it!

Chris: 
I really like that they brought back “We Are Hungry” and I think they did a great job with it. This is one of my favorite tracks on the album. What is your favorite track on this album?

Julie: I can NEVER have just one favorite, so mine are: “Glorious”, “Dance” and in my humble opinion the most powerful song live was “Break Every Chain”. Which is by the way an incredible song for the local church to sing, just get a good strong & anointed vocalist on it and God will rock it!

Chris: Ok, last question: If you had to describe this album in one or two sentences, what would it be?

Julie: Incredibly anointed! There is power in the name of Jesus and all over this album!

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Enter to win the CD! What is your all time favorite song written and/or recorded by Jesus Culture? Leave your answer below for your chance to win the CD. Deadline is Monday, December 5th @ 5pm CST. You must be a resident in U.S. or Canada; at least 18 years of age. We’ll pick a random winner. You will have 48 hours after we attempt to contact you to claim your prize.

(Review copy and giveaway courtesy of Kingsway.)

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