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Tal & Acacia: Wake Me
Reviewed by John Lee
Wake Me, the debut album by Tal & Acacia, is like a breath of fresh air. Fun and somewhat unconventional, these inspiring arrangements blend acoustic instruments with a touch of electro-pop. Even their bright, stylized CD cover is a bit different.
Tal & Acacia’s voices blend together beautifully through creative harmonies, at times indistinguishable from one another. Behind the down-to-earth thought streamed lyrics and catchy melodies lies a message that will encourage listeners to go deeper into spiritual intimacy. The bouncy opening track, “Top Priority,” is about seeking God first in our everyday lives, a theme that rules throughout the album. Upbeat and catchy, “Merry Go Round” (my 5 year old daughter’s favorite track) inspires listeners to break away from our routine “merry go round of life” and look towards what might be in store for us “beyond what's in front of [us] and what [we] see.” Tal & Acacia’s echoing vocals float through “Yahweh,” an endearing love song to the Father, affectionately referred to in the song as “My daddy, my Abba, my best friend.”
When you watch YouTube clips of these twenty-something year old sisters performing unplugged, you realize that their spirited, synchronized vocals and Tal’s skillful acoustic guitar riffs are the essential ingredients that make this all work. Give credit to Monroe Jones (Third Day, Ginny Owens) for producing something so refreshingly different for the CCM community.
The Bottom Line:
John: Teeming with personality, T&A prove that worship music can be fun. They’ll leave you with those catchy melodies lingering in your head even after you hit the “off” button. What a great debut!Delia: I wasn’t sure what to expect from this duo but I was pleasantly surprised. An eccentric and unique sound! The voices compliment each other perfectly.
Jen: I love their unique sound and soulful vocals. These sisters definitely have something fresh to offer the CCM community.
www.talandacacia.com
www.providentpress.com
Casting Crowns: Until the Whole World Hears
Reviewed by Jennifer Ladas
Casting Crowns fans had a little something extra to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. The band’s fourth offering, Until the Whole World Hears, was released in mid-November, and did not disappoint. The album delivers that same brand of sound and lyrical substance that has rocketed the band to such astounding success.
Unfolding the CD booklet you’ll find under each song title is a lengthy list of Bible verses that influenced its theme and lyrics. I love that each track is soaked in Scripture. Clearly, Casting Crowns’ frontman, Mark Hall, doesn’t separate his pastor’s heart from his songwriting. And that’s a good thing in my opinion. Each song inspires listeners and keeps them looking up.
Of course, the title track is a clear stand out and has already paved wide the Christian radio airways for the rest of the CD. A couple other tracks that topped my list of favorites were “If We’ve Ever Needed You,” a repentant crying out to God followed in CD order by “Always Enough,” which seems to answer its preceding track with the reminder that God is all that is needed even in the most desperate moments.
Bottom Line:
Jen: Casting Crowns seems to have a penchant for hitting the mark with the Christian mainstream audience and producing radio hits. Judging by this album, there is no end to that trend in sight.
Delia: If you take the time to reflect on the words of the songs, this album will minister to you in a powerful way.
John: The title track, which opens up with a crunchy Creed-esque guitar intro, “Holy One,” and “Shadow of Your Wings” (bonus track) are my favorites. Most of the other songs, which will probably get lots of radio play, sound like carryovers from their previous albums (not saying that’s a bad thing).
www.castingcrowns.com
www.providentpress.com
Rush of Fools: Wonder of the World
Reviewed by Delia Kang
InnerVoice recently attended a Rush of Fools concert and had a great time and picked up the group’s second release, Wonder of the World. The talented young musicians from Birmingham, Alabama deliver another great acoustic-based, modern worship offering with this 12-track CD (there is a bonus track). Band members Kevin Huguley (BGV's, electric guitar & keys), Wes Willis (Lead Vocals, acoustic guitar), Jacob Chesnut (Bass), Jamie Sharpe (Drums) and Dustin Sauder (Guitars) bring a great mix of catchy soft rock tunes and reflective melodies. The group serenades listeners with the album’s theme of God's goodness and faithfulness, while sharing the benefits of living life in relationship with Christ.
Lyric-driven and easy to sing along with, the songs carry a great message. One of my favorite tracks was “Wonder of the World,” which magnificently depicts the beauty and splendor of who God is in our lives. It shares that God is “displayed for all to see” in all places and throughout all situations we go through. A couple of other highlights from this album include "Holy One" and “Lose it All.” “Holy One” starts out with reflections on our own unrighteousness, but the building chorus reminds us that God, even in our imperfection, is enough for us and can lift us and fill us up with His love. Upbeat and fun, “Lose it All” is particularly moving because it really expresses the heart of true discipleship to God. The song speaks of how giving up what this world has to offer for the cause of Christ is the only thing that matters.
The Bottom Line:
Delia: All in all, this album offers a great variety in rhythm and style. Whether you enjoy the soft reflective pieces or the pop/rock sound that Rush of Fools are known for, you’ll find something you like.
Jen: It had to be tough following up "Undo," but this album is a solid effort.
John: I love lyrics they write, but musically, this album doesn’t quite stack up to their self-titled debut. www.rushoffools.com
Evie Haskell: My Beautiful Everything
Reviewed by Delia Kang
My Beautiful Everything is Portland, Oregon’s native Evie Haskell’s debut album and it made quite an impression. Each of the songs on this album were written or co-written by Evie whose angelic voice carries beautifully through the album’s simple, yet polished performance, leaving you appreciating Evie’s piano-driven style.
The album delivers a combination of contemporary pop and worship music while incorporating elegant piano playing that reflect the album’s hymn-like style that immediately draws the listener into a reverent mindset. Each track is intricately arranged and does an excellent job of blending Evie’s beautiful voice and piano with the sounds of drums played by Dennis Holt, cello played by John Catchings, and Percussion by Steve Hindalong.
Inspired by her life experiences and personal walk with God, Evie’s passionate heart comes through in each song. Evie is a humble, talented performer who never lets her own ambition cloud her purpose – bringing people into communion with God.
The Bottom Line:
Delia: Loved the sincere lyrics and beautiful sound of this album. I can't wait for Evie's new album being released soon!
Jen: Beautiful and distinctive vocals… I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more from her in the future.
John: Her voice and piano together sound exquisite… Grounded and inspiring lyrics... This one is a gem.
www.eviehaskell.com
Go With Me: Second Chances
Reviewed by John Lee
Second Chances, is the second offering by indie crossover band, Go With Me. This eclectic collection of 15 tracks (that’s right, 15!) tells the stories of love and heartache (mostly heartache), life and its struggles, and God’s grace (in the form of second chances).
All the songs are original compositions by songwriter/bassist Bob Idakaar. Idakaar teams up with childhood friend and multi-instrumentalist Bruce Gatewood, vocalist Rich Ortiz, and a talented team of accomplished musicians to record this collection of rock/folk-flavored songs (with touch of reggae) geared for the “seasoned” listener. For those of us who grew up listening to classic rock before they became classics, this album offers listeners their second chance to relive that musical era (minus the negative messages). Produced by Idakaar and Gatewood, this album flashed me back to shades of Neil Young, Eric Clapton and even Bob Marley.
Ortiz’s lead vocals, a cross between Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton, really shine in the inspirational piece, “Calm Water,” one of the standouts on this album. The recording quality is superior, as you can hear the acoustic instruments and vocals burst through brilliantly. On the inside sleeve of the CD cover, Idakaar thanks God for his second chance at life and music. He certainly made the most of it here with this wonderfully produced CD.
The Bottom Line:
John: Master musicians who offer their own mature (and family-friendly) brand of rock with a positive message.
Delia: I appreciated the variety of sounds on this album… some gentle and peaceful while others lively, passionate, and spirited.
Jim: A very high quality production… My favorite track is “Calm Water.” 
www.gowithme.info
www.autarkeiarecords.com
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