GOD'S FOREVER FAMILY

 

 

 

GOD’S FOREVER FAMILY: THE JESUS PEOPLE MOVEMENT IN AMERICA (2013, Oxford University Press) was penned by Larry Eskridge.  His bio tells us that he was involved with the Jesus People movement in the Chicago area in the 1970s. He’s also been on the staff of the Institute for the Study of American Evangelicals at Wheaton College since 1988. 

This book fills a huge void when it comes to modern day documentation of the rise and fall of the Jesus People Movement in the 1960s and 1970s primarily in, but not limited to the United States.  Learn how scores of hippies came to know the Lord through Christian coffeehouses and street ministry, and how they went on to form communes.  Learn about the financial difficulties they faced and how they had to rely on the Lord for His provision.  Read about the lives of such influential Jesus People as Lonnie Frisbee and Arthur Blessitt.  Also learn about the controversial and divisive characters in the movement itself. 

If you are a fan of today’s Christian Contemporary Music , pop and/or rock, this book is a must read, so you can get a grasp on the beginnings of Jesus Music.  Young converts joined the Gospel message with a worldly, mainstream musical beat and by so doing, reached scores of unsaved youth and drew them to Christ.  Read about the resistance by more traditional Christians towards this new music.  Eskridge does a great job chronicling the careers of the likes of Love Song, and Larry Norman, as well as the 2^nd Chapter of Acts.  The beginnings of what is now known as praise and worship music are also traced in this study.

If you are currently a church attendee, you will be fascinated with the formation of the Calvary Chapel Church in Costa Mesa, California by Pastor Chuck Smith and how their services catered to new street converts.  Also, learn how the Vineyard churches began.  Eskridge does a good job of documenting how evangelical church youth interacted with the new Jesus freaks and embraced them.

Throughout the book, we see how the mainstream media viewed and covered the Jesus People Movement. It is always interesting to have an outside perspective on a zealous faith group. 

If you are a Christian today, reading this book will leave you longing for a second, new and fresh Jesus movement in the church and among young people worldwide.  Revival sometimes seems so far away and like something that just doesn’t happen to us.  What if a new Jesus revival started and infiltrated our schools, churches, sports teams, media, etc, etc?  Can it happen? Yes. But it can’t be forced. It would have to be a work of the Holy Spirit amongst us.  The youth of today have such potential and are definitely searching for something meaningful and lasting.  Too often today we spend our time as Christians entertaining ourselves and not on outreach.  Getting back to the Bible is key for sure.

After reading this book, you will not take forgranted having contemporary Christian music to listen to, or contemporary worship services.  A lot of hard work went into bringing these things into wide acceptance in evangelicalism.

GOD’S FOREVER FAMILY is a book that will totally captivate you!  It is extremely well-written and detailed and includes an interesting survey done in recent years of people who were involved in the Jesus People Movement.  If you are a pastor, or youth worker, or Christian radio station dj or manager, or a born again believer of any sort, please read this terrific book. For more info visit: www.oup.com/us.

 

MAXIMUS

King James released their self-titled debut album back in 1994.  Jimi Bennett had previously been the singer for Sacred Fire, while Rex Carroll was known for being lead guitarist for Whitecross.  Stryper’s Tim Gaines and Robert Sweet also played on the first album.  King James put out their second album THE FALL in 1997.  It did well in Europe and was re-released in 2010.  Fast forward to 2013 and King James is back with MAXIMUS (Madison Line Records).  The current band line-up is: Jimi Bennett (preaching, singing, coffee), Michael Feighan (drums, raybans, aquanet), Benny Ramos (bass guitar, keyboards, email, impersonator), and Rex Carroll (boss/beast on six strings, McDonalds #6 Crispy).  The latter three members are also in the current incarnation of Whitecross with vocalist Scott Wenzel.

MAXIMUS begins with a cool, short instrumental called ‘The Void’.  A great hard rock song, ‘Hard Road to Go’ follows.  It tells the sad tale of a rebel: “A penny saved, a dollar earned, I gotta make it quick/To do a deal, make a steal, or even turn a trick/Wear a gun, ready to kill, death is in your eyes/Crack cocaine, and all its thrills, you’ll soon realize/Turn against your mother, turn against your brother/Oh, what have you done?/Was it worth your freedom?/Hard road to go/Looking over your shoulder, you must have known/Hard road to go: everything you’ve got now is gone.”  ‘Black Stone Woman’ is a funk-filled rock song with great vocals by Jimi.  Of the song, Rex says: “For me, the song is about ‘Don’t hang on to your 15 minutes too tightly.  When you do, bad things tend to happen.’”  Here are some of the song’s lyrics: “Life is easy, when it’s going your way/Some say plenty of time for you to play/Running wild and too blind to see/Hearing voices full of agony.../Black stone woman, oh, so jaded/Past your prime, you’ve been downgraded/Such a shame and sad to say/Put you on the shelf for another day/Mama don’t know that the facts don’t lie/Black stone woman, got downgraded/Your time has come, the star has faded/Hanging by a thread.”

‘Mississippi Kidd’ is a melodic rocker that is a tribute song to Ean Evans who played bass with the Outlaws, King James, and Lynyrd Skynyrd: “This one’s about Ean, he lived south of the Mason-Dixon Line/He played the bass, he was an ace, got cut down in his prime/Eva’s man, father of two, left a legacy behind/A God-fearing man who wasn’t ashamed, and he was a friend of mine/This ain’t the ending of the story/Surely heaven knows your name/Now you’re walking in the land of glory/On golden streets that bear no shame.”

‘X Maximus’ is Rex’s tenth guitar solo on his albums over the years.  It runs around a minute and a half and is awesome!  Rex shares: “It was one of the hardest to play.  I’m tellin’ ya it don’t get no easier as you go along, it gets harder because you have to keep finding new things to play!”  ‘Waiting for the King’ was penned by Dean Harrington and Larry Rust.  It begins with mellow guitar playing but quickly amps up.  It has an End Times theme: “Waiting for the King to come, waiting for the trumpet to sound (2X)/Many are still in disbelief/Some don’t even care/It will be too late, judgment day/Look up...let your light shine/He’s coming, coming soon/To crush the evil one, gonna throw him in the pit.”

‘A New Beginning’ is a short, atmospheric instrumental.  ‘Miracles’ is a moving ballad inspired by Jimi’s daughter Heidi being healed of a brain tumor.  She sings backing vocals on this track.  Here are some of the touching lyrics: “I held her in my arms, ‘Daddy make it go away’/The truth of the matter is there was nothing I could say/In my desperation, I knelt down to pray/To give us hope, to see us through, to live another day.../I believe, I believe in miracles/She got just what she needed and it was right on time/I believe, I believe in miracles/I believe, she believes, in miracles.”

Of ‘The Highlander-In Exile’, Rex says it “is an improvisation created using multiple tracks and an e-bow.”  This particular electric guitar solo has a Celtic vibe.  Rex talks about the next song: “The Prisoner is a challenge-are you a prisoner? Who controls you? What controls you? Are you under divine authority? Or something more nefarious?”  This heavy, pounding rocker includes these words: “Deep down I know, I’m a prisoner/I crossed over your domain, bound by its chains/Can’t you see, I’m held by the mercy of love/Cause I’m a prisoner, a prisoner of love.”  Rex adds: “Listen to the drum beats, in this song we have the wa-wanga beat, a jazz fusion groove, and a couple of rhythm shifts...Michael Feighan has been a student of Latin percussion as long as I’ve known him.”

‘Just as I Am (Lamb of God)’ dates back to the 1800’s when it was penned by Charlotte Elliot and William B. Bradbury.  Here, we are presented with a bluesy, reverent version of the old hymn of submission: “Just as I am, without one plea/But that Thy blood was shed for me/And that Thou bidst me come to Thee/Oh, Lamb of God, I come.../Just as I am, Thou will receive/Will welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve/Because Thy promise, oh I believe/Oh, Lamb of God, I come/Oh, Lamb of God anointed one/In You, my sin undone.”  ‘Desperate’ is a passionate rock song that finds the band earnestly yearning for a living, powerful relationship with Christ: “I’ve waited so long, reach out for me/Won’t You please let me find the Son of serenity/I’ll give You all my love, follow You all the way/Oh, the midnight hour calls the Morning Star/I’m so desperate for You/Looking for who You really are/I’m so desperate for You/I wanna hear Your voice/Call my name/To feel Your presence/Lord, like the falling rain.”  An acoustic version of ‘Miracles’ closes out the album.

MAXIMUS is a terrific hard rock album.  Fans of John Schlitt of Petra, and Les Carlsen of Bloodgood, will appreciate Jimi Bennett’s vocals.  Rex Carroll’s guitar playing is second to none in Christian music.  King James offers hope to the hurting and perishing, and points to Jesus as the Answer to life’s problems.  I look forward to hearing more from this exciting band!  They hope to do a large-scale tour before too long.  I’m rating this album 95%.  For more info visit www.kingjamesband.com and www.madisonlinerecords.com.

 

JOHNNY CASH

Johnny Cash is my father’s favourite recording artist.  Johnny was born on February 26, 1932 and passed away on September 12, 2003.  Wikipedia.org says: “Although he is primarily remembered as a country icon, his songs and sound spanned other genres including rock and roll and rockabilly-especially early in his career-and blues, folk, and gospel.”  Johnny has been inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.  In 2010 Sonoma Entertainment released a compilation of his songs and simply called it JOHNNY CASH.

The CD begins with one of his signature songs ‘I Walk the Line’.  It was originally recorded at Sun Studio on April 2, 1956.  Cash meant it to be a slow ballad but producer Sam Phillips preferred it a bit faster.  It would be Cash’s first Number One Billboard hit.  Johnny wrote it as a song of devotion to his wife Vivian: “I find it very, very easy to be true/I find myself alone when each day is through/Yes, I’ll admit that I’m a fool for you/Because you’re mine, I walk the line/As sure as night is dark and day is light/I keep you on my mind both day and night/And happiness I’ve known proves that it’s right/Because you’re mine, I walk the line.”  Musically, the song is quite catchy.  Next up, is ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ which was the eleventh song on Johnny’s debut album WITH HIS HOT AND BLUE GUITAR.  Johnny was inspired to write the song after seeing the 1951 movie ‘Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison’ while serving in West Germany in the U.S. Air Force.  In 1968 he sang the song at Folsom Prison.  This country/blues track contains some of the most haunting words in country music: “When I was just a baby my mamma told me/’Son always be a good boy, don’t ever play with guns’/But I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die/When I hear that whistle blowin’, I hang my head and cry.”

‘Get Rhythm’ is a fast paced rockabilly number.  In 1956 it was released as a B-side to ‘I Walk the Line’.  Later on, in 1969, the original recording was put out as a single.  The lyrics offer advice to the discouraged: “Get rhythm when you got the blues (2X)/A jumpy rhythm makes you feel so fine/It’ll shake all your trouble from your worried mind/Get rhythm when you get the blues.”  ‘Hey Porter’ was recorded on September 1, 1954.  Cash wrote it on his way home from a four year stint in the U.S. Air Force.  It is a story song: “Hey porter, hey porter please get my bags for me/I need nobody to tell me now that we’re in Tennessee/Go tell that engineer to make that lonesome whistle scream/We’re not so far from home so take it easy on the steam/Hey porter, hey porter, please open up the door/When they stop the train I’m gonna get off first ‘cause I can’t wait no more/Tell that engineer I said thanks a lot/And I didn’t mind the fare/I’m gonna set my feet on southern soil and breathe that southern air.”

‘Cry, Cry, Cry’ was originally released in 1955.  It got Cash a featured spot on the Louisiana Hayride Tour and helped his career get going.  It sold 100, 000 copies in the southern states.  He soon began to tour with Elvis.  The song features heavy bass and chastises an ex-lover: “When your fickle love gets old, no one will care for you/Then you’ll come back to me for a little love that’s true/I’ll tell you no and then you’ll ask me why, why why?/When I remind you of all of this, you’ll cry, cry, cry/You’re gonna cry, cry, cry and you’ll want me then/It’ll hurt when you think of the fool you’ve been/You’re gonna cry, cry, cry.”  ‘Rock Island Line’ is an American blues/folk song first recorded by John Lomax in 1934.  It is a funny story song about a train operator who smuggles pig iron through a toll gate by saying all he has on board is livestock: “I got livestock, I got livestock/I got cows, I got pigs, I got sheep/I got mules, I got all livestock/Well, they said ‘You’re alright boy/You don’t have to pay no toll/You can just go right on through’/So he went on through the toll gate/And as he went through/He started pickin’ up a little bit of speed.”

‘Big River’ was released as a single by Sun Records in 1958.  It went to Number Four on the Billboard country music charts.  The song includes these depressing lyrics: “Now I taught the weeping willow how to cry/And I showed the cloud how to cover up a clear blue sky/And the tears that I cried for that woman are gonna flood you Big River/Then I’m gonna sit right here until I die.”  The next two songs are my favourites on this compilation CD. ‘I Love You Because’ dates back to 1949 and was written by Leon Payne.  It is a nice country ballad with good backing vocals.  It praises a human love interest: “I love you because you understand, dear/Every little thing I try to do/You’re always there to lend a helping hand dear/But most of all I love you/’Cause you’re you/No matter what may be the style or season/I know your love will always see me through/I love you for a hundred, thousand reasons/But most of all I love you ‘cause you’re you.”

‘Guess  Things Happen That Way’ was penned by the recently deceased Jack Clement and uses doo wop style backing vocals.  The words admit that it in life, one has to take the good with the bad: “Well, you ask me if I’ll forget my baby/I guess I will someday/I don’t like it/But I guess things happen that way/You ask me if I’ll get along/I guess I will some way/I don’t like it/But I guess things happen that way/God gave me that girl to lean on/Then He put me on my own/Heaven help me be a man/And have the strength to stand alone/I don’t like it/But I guess things happen that way.”  ‘Luther’s Boogie’ is a fun, cool song that seems autobiographical: “We were just a plain ol’ hillbilly band with a plain ol’ country style/We never played the kind of songs that’d drive anybody wild/We played a railroad song with a stompin’ beat/We played a blues song, kind of slow and sweet/But the thing that knocked them off their feet was, ooh-wee/When Luther played the Boogie Woogie”

‘There You Go’ speaks of an unfaithful lover: “Because I love you so, I take much more than I should take/I want you even though I know my heart is gonna break/You build me up and for a while I’m all a-glow/Then your fickle heart sees someone else and there you go/There you go, you’re gone again/I should have known I couldn’t win/There you go, you’re by his side/You’re gonna break another heart, you’re gonna tell another lie.”  ‘Ballad of a Teenage Queen’ is a memorable song with good backing vocals.  It tells of how celebrity does not meet one’s deepest needs: “Then one day the teenage star/Sold her house and all her cars/Gave up all her wealth and fame/Left it all and caught a train/Do I have to tell you more?/She came back to the boy next store who worked at the candy store.”  This song was written by Jack Clement and recorded by Cash circa 1958.  It hit Number One on the U.S. country charts.

There is no doubt that Johnny Cash is one of the true legends of American music.  His career was productive, creative, and innovative.  He has inspired countless artists in various musical genres.  As with most compilation albums, JOHNNY CASH (2010, Sonoma Entertainment) is hit and miss.  It does contain some great songs.  The weakness though is that several of the songs sound too similar to each other.  The same though, could be said of many rock band compilations.   I prefer full, original studio albums over compilations, perhaps with a couple bonus tracks added on at the end.  I’m rating this collection of songs 78%.

SUNNY DAYS

 

Tammy Trent released her debut album back in 1995.  In 2001 she suffered a tragic loss when her husband died in an overseas diving accident.  She documents this in her terrific book LEARNING TO BREATHE AGAIN.  Her latest CD is SUNNY DAYS (2013, September Day Records).  In her bio she says: “This musical offering has brought me to the most beautiful season yet on my personal journey from love to loss and into a deeper understanding of God’s faithful commitment to us through life’s growing moments.”

The opening cut is the title track ‘Sunny Days’.  It is an upbeat pop/dance song and is the first of two songs in a row she writes with main album producer Doug Beiden and Scott Krippayne.  Here are the opening lyrics: “Top down/Embracing the blue skies/Don’t know how long it’s been/No clouds, a sight for these sore eyes/Just want to soak it all in/The gifts You give/Very life that I live/You are my reason/I’ll give You praise/Through the pain/All my days/In every season/But I’m grateful the storm is at an end.”  ‘Glow in the Dark’ is a song of encouragement for the discouraged: “If it feels there’ll never be a way out/And the weight is too much to bare/Don’t forget that even though you may doubt/Hope will always reappear.../You’re not alone, I know you’re gonna get through/You have so much more to give.”

‘We’re Letting Go’ will get your feet moving with its urban beat.  It includes these fun lyrics in a breakdown: “Come on everybody/Come on, come on and lift your hands/Come on everybody/Come on, come on/It’s time to dance/Shake it to the left and move it to the right/Love is gonna lead us to the other side/I know you can/You’ll learn to fly/Come on, come on!”  Next up is a nicely updated version of Tammy’s inspirational signature song ‘Welcome Home’ penned by John Mandeville and originally recorded by Tammy in 1997.  The song speaks of God’s willingness to forgive us and wipe our slates clean if we just repent and turn to Him: “I was taken back when You took me in/Just to wipe my tears away.../Welcome home, My mercy’s waiting/Welcome home to open arms/There’s no shame in your returning/Though you may have wandered far/Welcome home.”

Hillsong United fans will recognize the next song.  Tammy covers Brooke Ligertwood’s ‘You’ll Come’.  David Cleveland plays guitars while Duncan Mullins is on bass.  These words put full confidence in Christ: “We are not shaken, we are not moved/We wait upon You Lord/Mighty Deliverer, triumph and truth/We wait upon You Lord/As surely as the sun will rise/You’ll come back to us/Certain as Your Word endures.../Chains be broken/Lives be healed/Eyes be opened/Christ is revealed.”  ‘Fall at Your Feet’ is one of my favourites on the album.  It reflects on who God is and how we ought to respond to Him: “We bring our broken lives/You hear our desperate cries/All as we fall at Your feet/You see our deepest pain/And make us whole again/All as we fall at Your feet/And worship You/We worship You/And our hands are lifted high/For You can save/From the depths we will cry/And give You praise.”

‘Your Grace is Enough’ is a light adult contemporary song.  It was co-written with Alisa Childers, and Quinlan.  Childers was in Zoegirl and also contributes guest vocals on the chorus here.  These words from the song make it evident where Tammy seeks refuge: “In my heaviness I am confident/That You will never leave/All my brokenness is the evidence/Of the work You’ve done in me/Your grace is enough for me/Your love is the touch I need/When I’m safe in Your arms I’m free/Oh, Your grace is enough for me.”  ‘I’m Running’ was written by Tammy, Chrissy Katina (Zoegirl), and Bobby Tinsley.  It is a happy pop song of testimony that Carly Rae Jepsen fans should check out: “I can’t forget the day we met/My smile it gives it all away/I took a chance, You held my hand and now I’ll never be the same.../So I’m running/Straight to You/With all my broken pieces/The fact is I’m on empty/If Your love does not consume me/I’m running, oooh (3X)/I’m running straight to You.”

One of the co-writers of ‘Stronger Now’ is Doug Beiden.  He has worked with the likes of Mandisa, Carman, and Benny Hester.  This is a song that makes a lot of sense in light of Tammy’s husband’s death: “I never thought/I’d breathe again/Life fought me hard/But here I stand (I’m stronger)/Hey Yeah/Trouble always seemed to find me/But You picked me up and showed me mercy/Now I’m living to praise/Your beautiful Name.”  ‘Don’t Let Him Be The Last To Know’ is a pretty ballad that urges us to turn to Father God in our times of need: “When the day succumbs to night/And when the clouds conceal the light/And when You’re down and feeling low/Don’t let Him be the last to know/When you have grief just lay it down/And put your knees on sacred ground/When you have weight you just can’t tow/Don’t let Him be the last to know/Don’t let Him be.”

Tammy says: “I’m still over the moon excited about sharing my faith and hope with those that feel like leaning in for a listen.”  SUNNY DAYS is a terrific, contemporary, cool sounding, pop/dance album.  Tammy’s talent, message, good looks, and fashion sense, along with her modesty, make her a great role model for young women.  Her vocals are great too!  I’m rating this project 90%.  For more info visit www.tammytrent.com.

LIVE FOREVER BY MYLON AND CHRISTI LE FEVRE

Before reading the book LIVE FOREVER (2013, Heritage Builders Books) I really didn’t know a whole lot about Mylon Le Fevre’s past.  He co-wrote this autobiography with his wife Christi.  Mylon and Broken Heart were one of my favourite Christian rock groups during my teen years, along with the likes of Petra, DeGarmo and Key, and Whitecross. I even had the chance to see the band live once in Brantford, Ontario. What a loud show!

This book is a wonderful 112 page, hardcover, rectangular shaped, coffee-table style book.  Mylon’s writing style is very easy to follow and understand. It is very conversational and down to earth.  Mylon’s life story is interspersed with a generous dose of photos spanning his career in music and family life.  This is a true collector’s item and keepsake!

Mylon writes in detail about what it was really like to be a member of a traveling family Southern Gospel music group back in the day.  I appreciate his honesty as he shares both the good and the bad. He then documents how he came to record what some consider the first Christian rock record WE BELIEVE (1969).  A good chunk of the book finds him reminiscing about his stint in mainstream rock and roll.  You will be amazed at some of the stories he tells and some of the people he rubbed shoulders with.  He is candid about his drug use and mindset during that time.

The second half of the book documents how Mylon became a believer in Christ. I will just say it involves him attending a Christian rock concert, but you’ll have to read the book to find out who he saw in concert that night!  You will learn how he made his re-entry into church life. Also, you will find out how Mylon and Broken Heart came to be. Let’s just say, not all Christians were happy about Mylon mixing the Gospel message with rock and roll.  Nevertheless, the band went on to reach many young people for Christ.

In 1989 Mylon experienced a heart attack.  After this, God put him in touch with Kenneth and Gloria Copeland.  Mylon recounts the fascinating story of how they came to minister him.  It wasn’t long after that Mylon was involved in a teaching and preaching ministry.  He married Christi in 1998.  To this day they continue to teach and preach. They have been involved with NASCAR, NBA and NFL in chapel type settings.

In the last part of the book Mylon expounds on his theological beliefs. Those who do not endorse the prosperity gospel will have some trouble with some of what he says. That being said, he does have a lot of good insights into God and His heart and will for us. 

The point of this book is that God can change your life for the better no matter what you have been or are going through.  Never give up hope. God has good things in store for you.  It is He who blesses and the devil who attacks.

Kudos to www.heritagebuilders.com for publishing such a beautifully presented book by a true music legend. Hop on over to their website and pick up a copy or two!

HOW MERCY LOOKS FROM HERE

Amy Lee Grant was born on November 25^th, 1960.  She released her debut album, self-titled, in 1978, one month before her high school graduation.  That Fall she performed her first ticketed concert in Fort Worth, Texas.  Her 1982 album AGE TO AGE was a huge success.  One of the tracks on it is ‘El Shaddai’ which Michael Card wrote.  AGE TO AGE was the first Christian album by a solo artist to be certified gold (1983) and the first Christian album to be certified platinum (1985).  Some of my favourite gospel songs of Amy’s over the years have been: ‘I Have Decided’, ‘Angels’, ‘Love of Another Kind’, ‘Lead Me On’, and ‘Saved by Love’.  I had the privilege of seeing Amy live on her HEART IN MOTION tour at Canada’s Wonderland in the early 1990’s.  The songs ‘Baby Baby’ and ‘Every Heartbeat’ from that album really helped her break into the mainstream.  She has won numerous Grammy and Dove Awards

HOW MERCY LOOKS FROM HERE (2013, Sparrow Records) is her first all new studio album since 2003’s SIMPLE THINGS.  It is her seventeenth studio album.  It was produced by Marshall Altman who has produced for the likes of Natasha Bedingfield and Audrey Assad.  Peter York executive produced.  This newest album from Amy debuted at Number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart.  It was also her 16^th chart-topping album on the US Christian albums chart.  In the liner notes she writes: “The best part of waiting ten years to release a record of all new songs is the amount of life lived between projects-so much to write about.”  Instrumentalists used include: Jeremy Lutito, Tony Lucido, Tim Lauer, and Tom Bukovac.

A nice pop song ‘If I Could See (What the Angels See)’starts things off.  It is presented in memory of Ruth McGinniss and was written by Amy and album producer Marshall Altman.  The song finds long time DeGarmo and Key member Greg Morrow on drums and is highly optimistic¨”If I could hear what angels hear/The thunderous sound of a crashing tear/Holy, Holy in my ear/I’d never doubt that God is near/If I could hear/I’d see that love will conquer hate/There’s always hope, it’s not too late/I’d find the truth is easy to believe/If I could see.”  ‘Better not to Know’ features Amy’s husband Vince Gill.  It was inspired by the fruit trees planted at Riverstone Farm in the Fall of 1988 in memory of Amy’s grandma who died that year.  This easy listening song uses strings and admits that there is much pain involved in living: “Oh, it’s better not to know/The way it’s gonna go/What will die and what will grow, oh/Oh, nothing stays the same/Life flickers like a flame/As the seasons come and go/Goodbye more than hello/What comes of what we sow/It’s better not to know.”

‘Don’t try so Hard’ is a pretty song written by Ben Glover and Amy Grant.  It features music legend James Taylor and reminds us there is nothing we can do to make God love us more: “When did we start trying to measure up?/When all of this time/Love has been trying to tell us/Don’t try so hard/God gives you grace, you can’t earn it/Stop thinking you’re not worth it/Because you are/He gave you His love and He’s not leaving/Gave you His Son, so you’d believe it/You’re lovely even with your scars/Lovely the way you are/So open up your lovely heart/And don’t try so hard.”  ‘Deep as it is Wide’ is a great song written by Eric Paslay.  He is an American country music singer who has songwriting credits for Love and Theft, Donnie and Marie Osmond, and Eli Young Band.  This song meant a lot to Amy during the last months of her mother’s life.  It features Sheryl Crow, Eric Paslay, and a choir.  Lyrically, it ponders what Heaven is like: “There’s a place at the edge of the sky/Where there’s a love deep as it is wide/The weak are strong, the hungry are all fed/And there’s a breeze from the angels flying over head.../Every nation, color, and creed/Like grace pouring out, far as the eye can see/Singing praises up to a King/’Cause He died for a crowd/Deep as it is wide.”

While recording the vocal for ‘Here’, Amy was holding a baby girl who was born to an addict in the backseat of a car on a cold January night in Nashville.  This light pop song finds God reassuring and calming us when we need it the most: “I am here in the dark/I’m the music in your heart/I’m the song in every corner of the sky/I am here in the light/In the thunder late at night/I am here, I am here/Here/I am here/I am here in the dark/I’m the song inside your heart/I’m the missing piece that you’ve had all along/I am here when you call/When you rise and when you fall/I am here.”  ‘Shovel in Hand’ is performed with Will Hoge, who has opened for the likes of Needtobreathe, Sugarland¸and Shinedown.  It is dedicated to Davis Porter Rice who only lived to be 20.  The song begins with these blunt words: “oLife can change/In the blink of an eye/You don’t know when/And you don’t know why/Forever young/Is a big fat lie/For the one who lives/And the one who dies.”

Amy co-wrote ‘Golden’ with Chris Eaton and Marshall Altman.  It includes angelic vocals and is soothing.  It is a song of honesty and encouragement from a parent to a child: “You are young for a moment/For a moment you are young/And your song and your story/Well it’s only just begun/And the roads you will follow/Only time will tell/Some will feel like Heaven/Some like Hell/But you are loved/You are golden/And the circle won’t be broken/When you sail into the shadow of the storm.”  ‘Our Time is Now’ is an upbeat, catchy pop song, driven by percussion.  One of the co-writers is Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman.  The song makes use of the talents of music icon Carole King, Amy’s five children, and even her father who has dementia!  This song is about appreciating every day we have left on this earth: “Time is illusion/Time is a curse/Time is all these things and worse/But our time is now, ohhhhh/Yeah, our time is now, ohhhhh/Let us sing before our time runs out/I want to sing before my time runs out.” 

‘Not Giving Up’ uses strings and talks about the extreme importance and power of our thought patterns: “If you think you’re gonna fail/Well, you’re probably gonna fail/So tell me, what was all the dreaming for?/And if you think you’re gonna lose/Well, you’re probably gonna lose/So what’s the point in trying anymore?/What you’re looking for, you’ll find/It happens every time.”

The title track ‘How Mercy Looks From Here’ is an inspirational song that finds Vince Gill on mandocello and mandolin.  It was inspired by the great Nashville flood of 2010, the death of Amy’s musician friend Will Owsley¸the death of Amy’s cousin by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan, and the marriage of Amy’s oldest daughter Jenny Gill.  The song speaks of God’s faithfulness: “When you face your greatest fear/Losing all that you hold near/Open up your eyes my dear, my dear/That’s when boundless grace appears/Unseen angels hover near/Saints are singing loud and clear/Oh, how mercy looks from here (2X).”  ‘Greet the Day’ penned by Amy Grant and Cindy Morgan, was inspired by a prayer Mary Chapman taught Amy in 1992.  This cheerful sounding song includes these prayerful words: “Lead me to the ones I need/And to the one who’s needing me/I won’t assume the worst is true/And do the best that I can do/A word of kindness, I believe/Is heard throughout eternity/Hey, hey/This is how I greet the day/I greet the day.”  The digital deluxe edition of the album includes the bonus tracks ‘Free’ and ‘Faith’ and the Target edition also includes the song ‘Threaten me with Heaven’. 

HOW MERCY LOOKS FROM HERE is an album of great depth and maturity.  It should be a real treat for Amy’s long time fans.  Amy paints a picture of a God whose love knows no end.  He longs for a relationship with each and every person He has created.  Amy’s music and message is warm and inviting.  The pictures of her accompanying this project are simply beautiful.  I’m rating this CD 95%.  For more info visit www.amygrant.com.

 

 

BLACKEST SHEEP

First cousins Luke Cornelius Prins and Jeremy David Daw were born forty-six days apart.  Their bio says: “During 2003-2004 they simultaneously started a heavy rock band, recorded a Brazilian jazz album, and even found time to tour Finland and Sweden with an orchestra.”  In 2006 they went their own ways, each continuing to play music.  In 2011 the cousins began collaborating on new songs.  They have now formed the group MoPrimo and have released a magnificent new album called BLACKEST SHEEP.  ‘Mo’ is slang for ‘my’ and can also mean ‘more’.   ‘Primo’ means ‘top quality’ and means ‘cousin’ in Portuguese. 

The title track ‘Blackest Sheep’ starts things off.  It is a beautiful classic rock ballad that draws from the New Testament to reflect on the greatness of Christ’s forgiveness: “Down this rabbit hole again, the many ways to judge man/So, they caught her in the act/Who casts the first stone my friend?/Tossed on the ground midst judging men/Ruse set for their King/As He stooped down to write in sand, rocks slipped from their hands/We see Your beauty when we catch You calling in the blackest sheep/It comes in streaming, voice of virtue/Your songs, we love You, the forgiven, the set free.”  On the breezy pop song ‘Everybody Sees You’ MoPrimo make it clear they don’t want to hide their Light under a bushel: “Everybody sees You/Everyone will see You/But not many want to/Not many knew You before/Everybody sees You/Everyone will see You/And some really want to/So let them get to know You more/You more (4X)/Let them get to know You (2X)/Fill up on love/By giving it out/Fill up your life/Share what you got/Fill up on love, the tangible God/Fill up on love.”

‘If I Run’ has an upbeat Celtic feel to it with Don Reed playing fiddle and Michael Kidd playing banjo.  The song points the way to eternal life: “Oh brothers, sisters/It’s straight and narrow/Oh brothers, sisters, it’s straight and narrow/I won’t die/I won’t die/You won’t die, won’t die/We will follow it/We won’t die, won’t die.”  ‘Rose’ is one of five songs on which Jeremy Daw’s younger brother Justin contributes backing vocals.  This romantic song features a Beach Boys type vocal delivery.  Here are some of the words: “What grows the rose and all its constituents?/Fragrance and pedals disclosing elegance/Melts the hearts of all the girls and the boys love to give them/Credence to chivalry/Gentry of excellence/How gently matrons foster, disclosing assurance/Bless the hearts of all the girls when boys bestow honour to them/Melts the hearts of all the boys when girls are respectful of them.”  The following Biblical principle from Proverbs 31 is also included in the lyrics: “Charm is deceitful, beauty is vain, but fearing the Lord is worthy of praise.”

‘Father Son’ includes a nice electric guitar solo and tells the moving story that Jesus told of the prodigal son: “He thought there was freedom seeing his life as a curse/He took his whole blessing, a large estate’s worth/Drained away on lavished living, how quickly gold turns into sand/And now he’s frail with pockets empty, alone on a stranger’s land.../When you’ve forgotten Me, you’re still my son/I’m waiting with open arms, as far as you run.”  ‘Lone Wolf’ is a soft pop song.  It seems to be the song of one going through a separation: “Alone’s a lonely place/My spouse: an empty space/I will see it through/With or without you/With or without you/Cause God’s got you and He’s got me/Fulfilling each and every need/Even good drama; we all love drama.”  Miles is credited with wolf howls on this one.

‘All I Want’ is a very reflective, radio friendly song: “All I want is what the good Lord gives me/Not a double mind and eyes that sway/I make yet want more money/But isn’t that idolatry?.../If one day I get cancer and when I go away/I’ll believe Your love’s my answer, have all I could ask for on that day.”  ‘Mature Spirit’ is one of three songs on which friend Christopher Conley plays electric guitar.  This song uses nautical terminology to describe the journey we call life: “Launch this ship into the ocean/Held up high on salty waves/The crew holds fast bow to stern/The captain grins as anchors raise/All we can be is ready and willing/It’s not up to me/It’s not up to you/Do you know what is written in your heart?/It’s in mine too/It’s in mine too/Peaking waves, the mature spirit crested with eagle’s wings/Her hull cuts over the depths below/Patience is the cargo praised.”

‘Light of Life’ is a cheerful sounding pop song with additional vocals by Jovi Daw.  The song praises Christ: “Piercing shadows, and still the dark could never understand/Life enduring, is calling out to see the Light of Man/Illuminates the mountains, dives deep into the sea/Commanding night at sundown, a lamp before our feet/When the night falls, the Light of Life is living inside of me/Warming every morning/Grows the smallest seed/Sets all life in motion/Gift of life/The Light of Man/Beginning ‘till the End”.  On ‘Kings Alone’ Dave Barton plays trumpet, while Douglas Vieira plays trombone.  Lyrically, it speaks of how we oft become isolated from others in our high tech world: “In a virtual world, you wait by yourself, placed like a toy high on the shelf/A string and a loop that needs to be pulled, to bring out the life you wanted in full.../Ruling kingdoms we call our own, but kings can’t rule when they’re all alone.”  These words prove that this is not a song of despair though: “Our life is fleeting, we’re already leaving/Pray and wait for new hope to come/All will see the hope that has come/The way and the truth/The brightest of light/The morning stars shines through the pitch of the night/Although hope’s unseen, we know to be true/Just from one promise and what it can do.”

‘Someday’ is a happy folk song with Doug Johnson on pedal steel guitar.  It anticipates life eternal in heaven with great joy: “Someday we all will know/Someday we’ll all bow low/Someday we’re going to meet the King/Through the clouds towards the One who saved my soul and sent His Son/Ever present in His love, evermore/It’s beautiful, when You call I will come/The soul will sing forever, the body will decay/The brilliance of jasper and crystals/Suffering no longer, troubles washed away.”  ‘Watching the Days’ is a song of companionship: “My name is your friend, so throw me your cares cause I care for you/Even if you think I don’t, I do/I really do.../No pressure my friend, your heart to defend, and I feel tense too/Even if you doubt, just know, it’s pure/I love you.”

BLACKEST SHEEP is artistic, experimental, and unique.  It is honest and contemplative.  It is a breath of fresh air in the Canadian Christian Music scene.  It is diverse, deep, and never boring.  The vocals are pleasant.  Jeremy Daw of MoPrimo says: “We feel our message is always edifying, clear, endearing and easy to follow...Our hope is that our music points listeners to Christ.”  Fans of the pop sounds of Michael Roe and the Beach Boys should give this one a listen.  I’m rating it 90%.  To purchase visit iTunes and CD Baby. Look for a website at www.MoPrimoMusic.com soon. You can also check them out on Facebook!

 

CRANK IT UP

The same year that Petra put out BEYOND BELIEF, Mylon and Broken Heart released their final album CRANK IT UP (1990, Star Song Records).  Producers used on the album are: Scott Allen, Joe Hardy, Mylon Le Fevre, and Cheryl Rogers.  Michael Gleason contributes background vocals.

The title track ‘Crank it Up’ is a killer rock song that lyrically is a cry for spiritual revival: “I wanna live for Jesus and not just survive/I need the power of God to kick me into overdrive/C’mon and crank it up/There’s power in Your Name/C’mon and crank it up/Turn up the Holy flame/Crank it up (2X)/When I need it the most/You crank it up.”  ‘Denomination Demolition’ is a meaty, punch-filled rocker.  It is a plea for unity in the Body of Christ: “One church, one heart/This was God’s intention from the start/No fuss, no fight/We can walk together in the Light/It’s so important that we catch the vision/Stand up for Jesus and renounce religion/Denomination Demolition/Life shouldn’t be a competition/We can fulfill the great commission/Denomination Demolition.”

‘New Attitude’ sounds like something out of DeGarmo and Key’s catalogue.  It speaks to the fact that our relationship with God should transform us: “He’s the God of the chosen few/He’s making everything brand new/We need a new attitude/This is no time to play/New attitude/We need to do it God’s way/New attitude/We need it every day/We need a new attitude.”  ‘Letter from the Front’ is a light pop song on which Stutz Wimmer plays saxophone.  It is a song of exhortation: “Pastors and teachers/Disciple His children/And tend to your flock/Prophets and preachers/Keep sharing the Gospel/Of Jesus our Rock/And for all the intercessors/Who deal with all the pressures/Don’t get discouraged/Cause His love is keeping you strong.”

‘Give it Away’ is a mellow track that talks of sharing what God has given us with others: “You can make a difference/You can lead the way/Jesus is the Answer/So let’s give His love away/Give it away/When you find a ray of hope/That shines like a priceless treasure/Give it away/When you find the love of Jesus/Upon you without measure.”  A cover of James Taylor’s song of warmth ‘Shower the People’ follows: “Shower the people you love with love/Show them the way you feel/Things are gonna be much better/If you only will/Shower the people you love with love/Show them the way you feel/Things are gonna work out fine/If you only will.”

‘Dancing in the Light’ is a forgettable number that includes these words: “All my fears just fade away/When I’m dancing in the light/I feel like a child today/Cause I’m dancing in the light.”  ‘Heaven’ is a joyful rock song that anticipates the jubilation awaiting us in heaven: “Seems like I finally caught a glimpse of heaven/And what I see is blowing me away/Cause heaven’s gates are open wide/And I can see myself inside/I’m gonna go to heaven/Gonna walk down the streets of gold/I’m gonna go to heaven/Breaking away from horizontal hold/I’m gonna go to heaven/And see where the living waters flow/I’m gonna go to heaven/Don’t you want to go...well?”

‘World Changer’ is a catchy rocker.  This song reveals that Mylon truly wants to be sensitive to the Lord’s leading: “There’s always some place new to go/Wearing a ministry disguise/Lord help me hear You if You tell me no/Help me to be wise/Help me not to do more than I should/Even if it’s in the name of doing good/I just need to know Your will today/And I don’t want to get in Your way.”  ‘Going Home’ includes these words of encouragement: “Press on toward the goal/And keep on fighting the fight/With Jesus in control/We’ll finally see the light.”

While on tour Mylon suffered a massive heart attack.  This put an end to his rocking out days.  CRANK IT UP is a very solid rock record with great vocals and messages.  It stands the test of time.  I’m rating it 87% just like its predecessor BIG WORLD.  Mylon Le Fevre has since released a couple of much lighter Christian records musically.  1992 brought FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE, and 2003 brought BOW DOWN.  Mylon and his wife Christi currently teach and preach.  He has spoken at motorcycle rallies, NFL and NBA chapel services, and NASCAR chapel services.  He says: “I have never enjoyed anything as much as ministering the gospel to people and watching it change their lives for the better.  It is the best news on this planet!”  He adds: “We believe our future in the Lord is very bright and full of promise.”  For more info visit www.mylon.org.

 

IT'S A BIG WORLD OUT THERE!!!

The songwriters on Mylon and Broken Heart’s 1989 release BIG WORLD (Star Song Records) include: Mylon Le Fevre, Scott Allen, Trent Argante, Kenny Bentley, Ed Carswell, Joe Hardy, Jerome Olds, and Oliver Wells.  The album was produced by Joe Hardy and Mylon Le Fevre and has what I deem to be a very cool front cover!

The title track ‘Big World’ is a splendid album opener.  It is a heavy electric guitar driven rock song that encourages believers to press on in their faith: “You’re tempted to give in/But I know that you can win/So keep lookin’ at the goal/Cause God is in control/Look and see, He’s made the world for you/So stand up and fight and He will see you through (Big World!)/There’s a big world out there/It’s waiting just for you and you and you and you/Let them all see Jesus/In everything you do/(Look out, Big World!).”  ‘Love Comes Down’ is a melodic pop song that encourages us to be receptive to the spiritual help only God can offer us: “When you finally reach for help/You can move ahead and leave the past behind/If you are willing/He is able/To let the power of His Word renew your mind/So don’t run when Love comes down/You can’t hide when you’ve been found/You gotta face Love/When Love comes down.”

‘Falling in Love’ is a terrific upbeat rocker.  This song makes it clear that God is willing to free us from what holds us back from Him: “On my knees I found You/Waiting there for me/You held the missing peace/When I was still bound/You freely turned the key/Securing my release/Love was calling/Right out of the blue/You took my fear of falling/When I fell in love with You.”  ‘Face to Face’ is a pretty song that finds the group longing for Christ: “Deep in my heart a fire burns/Cause I just can’t wait for Your return/And when You call, I’ll finally be free from me/I’m holding on until the day/That I am going to see...My Lord.”

‘Jesus, It’s You’ is a moving ballad that speaks of being sold out to Christ: “I look over Jordan and I see eternity/A great cloud of witnesses calling out, encouraging me/To press on for the prize/To lay this world aside in all I do/Lord keep my eyes on You/There is no room in my heart/You have consumed every part/Everything else I must refuse/There’s no room in my heart/For anything but You.”  ‘Turn the Tables on Me’ has a similar message as Petra’s ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, and picks up the pace musically: “My heart belongs to Jesus/But it’s trapped inside of me/Trying to live for Him/But the world won’t let me be/I know my spirit’s willing/But my flesh is not as strong/I want to do what’s right/Oh, but sometimes I’m so wrong.”

‘Remember the Future’ has a party rock sound.  It is a good song for believers to listen to when discouraged: “Remember the future/Cause what He says will be/Remember the future/What it means to you and me/Remember the future/Cause it will never fade away/Remember the future/It just might be today.”  ‘Let Love Conquer’ has a Michael Jackson vibe to it.  The chorus contains some basic, but too often ignored, advice for us: “Don’t put down your brother/Let Love conquer/Please don’t hurt each other/Let Love conquer.”

‘The Distance’ points to Christ as mankind’s ultimate Hope: “Big, big world/Racing for the top/People chasing treasure/And they’re losing what they’ve got/I know I can help them Lord-if you just help me/I know if they’ll listen to You-You will set them free.”  ‘Movin’ On’ is a touching ballad with a conversational feel to it: “I opened up my heart/As Your Spirit moved inside/You wanted all of me/I gave in willingly/But before too long/The feelings were all gone/I had to walk by faith/And faith alone/So I’ll just keep movin’ on/I can’t stay here too long/Cause the road I’m on is leading to Your throne/I’ll just keep movin’ on/Cause I know before too long/You will come and take me home.”

BIG WORLD was certainly an album that encouraged me in my faith in my teenage years.  It still holds up as a great Christian rock record with touches of pop thrown in.  I’m rating it 87%.  The vocals are great!  I had the pleasure of going to see this tour live in Brantford, Ontario with my church youth group at an arena.  Man was it loud! Our ears were ringing!  For more info visit www.mylon.org.

 

CRACK THE SKY

From 1970 to 1980 Mylon Le Fevre recorded and performed with the likes of Eric Clapton, Billy Joel, and the Who.  He almost died of a heroin overdose in 1973.  In 1980 he attended a 2^nd Chapter of Acts concert and became a Christian.  The next year he began a Christian band named The Gathering Ground Band.  They changed their name to Airborn and then in 1982 became Broken Heart.  Their debut release was BRAND NEW START.  Fast forward to 1987 when Mylon Le Fevre and Broken Heart released CRACK THE SKY (Myrrh Records).  It won the Dove Award for Rock Album of the Year.  The group also won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance by a Duo, Group, Choir, or Chorus.  At the time the group’s roster was: Mylon Le Fevre(vocals, guitars)¸Ben Hewitt (digital drums, percussion), Kenneth Bentley (bass, vocals), Scott Allen (guitars, vocals), Paul Joseph (synthesizers and vocals), and Trent Argante (guitars, vocals).

‘Crack the Sky’ is a great pop rock anthem.  It has the band yearning for the Rapture: “I know You’ve got me where You want me to be/I know You’ve got a plan to use even me/But I long for You/I long for You/So now I’ll work until You’re ready for me/But I don’t know if I can guarantee/That I’ll never cry/Never try to get to You/Come on and crack the sky for me/Come on and crack the sky and take me home/Tonight.”  ‘Love God, Hate Sin’ is a manly rock number that was later covered by gospel rap artist Stephen Wiley.  It urges us to be holy: “It’s either black or white, so don’t look for grey/The lights are flashing ‘Keep out´ where you want to go play/Religion makes it harder/With its prisons and its rules/But in the end you’re either with/The wise men or the fools/Love God, hate sin/Refuse to lose, live to win/Love God, hate sin.”

‘Closer than a Heartbeat’ speaks of intimacy with God: “You know my thoughts and my intentions/You know the purpose of my heart/Before I speak, You know the words I’ll say/You know my needs before I even pray/You stay close to me/Closer than a heartbeat/I’ll stay close to You/Closer and closer, I need to get closer/You stay close to me/Closer than a heartbeat.”  ‘Give it Up’ is a funky pop song about spiritual surrender: “Find the One who loves you/Let Him change your mind/Give yourself to Jesus/Leave your self behind/Give it up-give it up to Jesus/Give it up-you’ve got to give it to the King/Give it up-give it up to Jesus/Give it up-you’ve got to give Him everything.”

‘I Belong’ is a ballad that asks a couple of great questions: “Why am I so complacent?/Why do I waste my time/Getting lost inside myself and straying from Your side?”  ‘Let Me Be The One’ reminds us that we as Christians are to witness for Christ: “So many times I refused to share/About Your love and the way You care/’Cause in my heart I was just afraid/To tell my friends of the price You paid/Who will You send if I don’t go?/How will they learn, they’ve got to know/The time is short, I just can’t wait/They need to see, before it’s too late.”  ‘Reach for the Sky’ is a good song that encourages us to have an active, personal relationship with God the Father: “Open up communication/Let your heart be known/You don’t need an invitation/To come before His throne/And receive His grace and mercy/His strength in time of need/And He will help you/To fight the fight and win the race/With power and might to crush the night.”

I like the following words from ‘Heart on Fire’: “He’ll keep this fire burning as long as I believe/Love is in the learning/And I’m learning on my knees.”  ‘For My Growing’ is a mellow duet that deals with our vulnerability as believers.  Here are some of the lyrics from this duet with Carole Ford¨”Jesus, although I may stand these storms/Like I’m made out of stone/You hear the songs that I cry/When I’m weary and all alone/You see the years that have come too fast/And the pain that goes so slow/Yet like rain to a garden/When the ground becomes hardened/I know You’re using it all to help me grow.”  The album ends with ‘Doxology Prayer’ which states: “You may ask me how I know He lives/Praise God He lives within my heart!”

CRACK THE SKY begins with two superb, powerful songs.  Unfortunately, after that the album tanks musically.  Many of the songs, though having a good message, are mediocre pop at best.  There are a lot of songs that simply aren’t memorable.  Mylon and Broken Heart would greatly improve with later releases.  I’m rating CRACK THE SKY 70% and recommending it to fans of Petra, Hall and Oates, and White Heart.  For more info visit www.mylon.org.

 

RISE

Skillet released their self-titled debut album in 1996.  Some of my favourite songs by them over the years have been: ‘Whirlwind’, ‘You Take my Rights Away’, ‘Alien Youth’, ‘Collide’, ‘The Last Night’, and ‘Lucy’.  Current group members are: John L. Cooper (vocals, bass, only founding member remaining), Korey Cooper (keyboards, programming, John’s wife), Jen Ledger (drums/vocals), and Seth Morrison (guitars, newest member).  Jonathan Chu plays violin, while Tate Olsen plays cello.  RISE (2013, Word/Atlantic Records) is Skillet’s ninth album.  The producer is Howard Benson who has won two Grammy Awards and has worked with the likes of Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, and P.O.D.  RISE sold 60, 000 copies in the U.S. in its first week of release.  It debuted at Number Four on the Billboard 200 and Number One on the Rock Albums and Christian Albums charts.  I am reviewing the Deluxe Edition CD/DVD of RISE.  The CD has fifteen songs on it and runs 61 minutes and 9 seconds.

Skillet performed the heavy rocking title track ‘Rise’ on Conan’s late show.  The song touches on domestic violence, high unemployment rates, and a general loss of hope for many in today’s society.  Skillet is proactive in addressing these problems: “Sound it off, this is the call!/Rise in revolution!/It’s our time to change it all/Rise in revolution!/Unite and fight to make a better life!/Everybody one for all/Sound off, this is the call, tonight we rise!”  ‘Sick of It’ was the album’s first single.  It is a pulsating rocker that could be referring to the ills of society or a vice someone is struggling with: “Are you sick of it?/Raise your hands/Get rid of it!/While there’s a fighting chance/Are you over it?/Bored to death?/Have you had enough regret?/Take a stand, raise your hands/If you’re sick of it.”

‘Good to Be Alive’ has more of a pop music feel to it, at times sounding like Katy Perry’s ‘Last Friday Night’.  Here are some of the words that praise human companionship: “Driving down this highway/Soaking up the sun/Got miles to go before we get home/And the journey’s just begun/We hold onto each other/You are everything I need/You feel like forever/You’re a second chance for me/This life could almost kill ya/When you’re trying to survive/It’s good to be here with ya/And it’s good to be aiive.”  John Cooper and Jen Ledger trade off vocals on several tracks including ‘Not Gonna Die’.  This song seems to be about a couple whose relationship is on the rocks.  They vow to save it: “No, not gonna die tonight/We’re gonna stand and fight forever/(Don’t close your eyes)/No, not gonna die tonight/We’re gonna fight for us together/No, we’re not gonna die tonight/Don’t you give up on me/You’re everything I need/This is how it feels when you take your life back/This is how it feels when you fight back,”

‘Circus for a Psycho’ starts off with an AC/DC style electric guitar solo.  It contains these interesting lyrics: “Tonight, get ready for a fight/So now you know it’s time/To ride my circus for a psycho/Round and round we go, look out below/Because I want off this/Circus for a psycho.”  ‘American Noise’ is a nice ballad that should connect with audiences.  It stresses the importance of each individual in our chaotic society: “Times will be bad, times will be good/Things I wish I hadn’t done and some i wish I would/Cutting through the American noise/You’ve got a voice and a song to sing/Drink deep in the morning (2X)/See what the day will bring/La da da da/Lift up your voice/Let love cut through the American noise.../No matter who you are, you’ve got a voice/Why don’t you use it?/Sing your own song, take all the noise/And make it into music.”

’Madness in Me’ speaks of inner turmoil: “From the fire that burns inside, consuming/I fight to stay alive but I can’t breathe/The voices scream, the enemy takes over everything/This is the madness in me/Madness in me/The madness in me/Madness in me (2X).”  On ‘Salvation’ Jen Ledger carries the lead vocals.  At the beginning of the song one of the Cooper’s kids talks about how Christ was bruised and wounded for us.  Christian listeners and seekers alike will be drawn to the following words: “Touch You, taste You, feel You, need You/Give it all just to find You/Hold me, heal me/I will find You/Keeping me alive/You are my salvation/Touch You, taste You, feel You here/Our love will never die/You are my salvation/Hold me, heal me, keep me near/My heart will burn for You/It’s all I can do.”

‘Fire and Fury’ is a lighter track musically and includes these passionate sentiments: “I will burn, I will burn for you/With fire and fury, fire and fury/My heart hurts, my heart hurts for you/Your love burns within me/With fire and fury/Let it all fall down to dust/Can’t break the two of us/We are safe in the strength of love/You can stop the aching/Because you’re the one I need.”  ‘My Religion’ is a great track that blends blues and rock music.  It reflects the mentality of many in today’s society: “I don’t need to stare at stained glass and a steeple/I don’t need to dress to impress all of the people/Don’t need no priest, don’t need no pew/You are my religion, my religion is you/I don’t need no other purpose, you give me a reason/Ain’t their business what I want to believe in/You are my priest¸ you are my truth/You are my religion, my religion is you.”

‘Hard to Find’ admits that we need others in our lives to help us through life: “If I fall will you hold on to me?/Through it all, promise me you won’t lose me/These days hope is hard to come by/And tonight I don’t know how I can survive/You give me faith to believe there’s a way/To put the past finally behind me/And hope to make it through another night/You give me strength during these dark times when I’m blind/You are my light when faith is hard to find.”  ‘What I Believe’ is a rock song that uses strings.  It is the song of one who is totally captivated by another: “You are what I believe/I’ll live and die for you/This is all that I need/When nothing is real you are my truth/In the darkness you shine/Can you keep me safe tonight/When I’m down on my knees/You are what I believe.”

Three bonus tracks are included on the Deluxe Edition CD.  ‘Battle Cry’ is an inspiring song.  It is an optimistic call to action: “Let it rise like a prayer in the night/Shout for love, shout for hope/Let them hear us/I believe we can’t lose/Even mountains will move/It’s our faith, it’s our life/This is our battle cry/They can’t take us down/If we stand our ground/If we live, if we die/We will shout our battle cry.”  ‘Everything Goes Black’ is a relatively soft song that deals with emotional pain: “Whenever you’re gone away/The darkness hides the day/Whenever you’re gone the bleeding won’t stop/It hurts till you come back/Everything goes black.”  ‘Freakshow’ includes these introductory words that put the spotlight on us as Christians: “Step right up ladies and gentlemen/Come and see things your eyes won’t believe/Some say they are aliens/Some say they are strangers/Some say they are not of this world/We will not conform to the masses/Whether they scorn or whether they attack us.”

RISE will not likely give Skillet’s Christian fan base as much spiritual nourishment as past releases.  The lyrics are not that deep and some of the themes are repeats of other Skillet songs.  The songs focus more on the emotions and feelings of everyday youth.  In that sense, the album tells a story.  This album could serve as a bridge to lead someone to Christ if it gets them thinking about the emptiness and hurt in their lives.  I do wish Skillet would have included a couple more songs that point more directly to Christ by Name.  RISE is a solid mainstream rock album though.  The vocals and music are top-notch.  At least Skillet isn’t promoting evil in their lyrics.  Perhaps a non-Christian who likes RISE will pick up Skillet’s earlier albums and find hope in Christ.  I’m rating RISE 87% as a rock album.

The Deluxe Edition of RISE comes with the AWAKE & LIVE DVD.  It includes nine of the Skillet’s past hits live in concert at Winter Jam in Michigan.  The stage show includes great pyrotechnics and lighting.  The group makes good use of the stage and there is always something to look at!  Jen Ledger really hits the drums with gusto!  Onstage John Cooper lets the crowd know he is not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation.  He also tells the burdened to come to Jesus for rest.  The DVD also includes behind the scenes and before the show goofy antics and preparations.  John Cooper talks of how he was influenced by Petra, DeGarmo and Key, Stryper, and Amy Grant.  Fans also get a look at the making of RISE and a look at the band’s promotional photoshoot.  Also included on the DVD is ‘Heart and Passion’ by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.  It documents Skillet’s performances alongside Franklin Graham.  John Cooper sees what he does as mission work.  I’m rating the DVD portion of RISE 90%.  This year Skillet will tour with such respected mainstream bands as Shinedown, Papa Roach, and Nickelback.  For more info visit www.skillet.com.

 

 

MYLON (WE BELIEVE)

Mylon Le Fevre was born on October 6, 1944 in Gulfport, Mississippi. As a young child he sang and played guitar with his family in the Southern Gospel music group The LeFevres. When he was seventeen, Mylon wrote his first song, 'Without Him', which was recorded by Elvis Presley and countless other artists. Mylon was a member of The Stamps Quartet from 1966 to 1968. His first solo album was 1964's NEW FOUND JOY. He followed it in 1968 with YOUR ONLY TOMORROW. His first mainstream album was 1970's MYLON (WE BELIEVE) on Cotillion Records. It hit the scene just after Larry Norman's debut UPON THIS ROCK in 1969. Musicians Mylon used on the album include: Kim Venable, Barry Bailey, and Dean Daughtry. It was produced by Allen Toussaint.

A classic rock version of 'Old Gospel Ship' starts things off. It anticipates the afterlife: "I'm gonna take a trip in that good old gospel ship/I am going so far beyond the sky/I gotta shout and sing until all heaven's gonna ring/Well, I'm gonna leave this old world/Goodbye!" 'Sunday School Blues' includes great electric guitar licks and gospel style background vocals like those found on Bob Dylan's SAVED album. It is a song of humility: "I don't wanna tell you how to live/I don't wanna tell you what to do/I don't wanna tell you what to do/But forgive me, you got to be you/I don't want you to accuse/And I don't want you to refuse.../I paid my dues and I got nothing to lose/Please don't let me get those Sunday School blues/I'm not tryin' to tell you I'm right/I'm not tryin' to tell you you're wrong."

'Who Knows' is a happy sounding rocker that points to God as Helper: "You know, He knows where you've been, He knows what you've done/He knows when you're lost, He knows when you're gone/He knows how you feel, He hears what you say/And He can lift you up, He'll show you the way/When you're in trouble He can lend you His hand/He can take you through to the Promised Land." 'Sweet Peace Within' makes good use of the organ. It is evangelical in nature: "I've been thinking lots of things/'Bout the feelings freedom brings/That's the reason I have got to sing my song all day long.../There's one question got to ask you my friend/What's gonna happen when you reach the end?/Are you going to have that sweet peace within my friend?"

'You're Still on His Mind' points to the fact that we don't serve a God who is detached from us: "When He made the crystal sea for you and me to contemplate/When He made the tallest tree for you and me to appreciate.../You were on His mind (2X)/Think about that lonely day on cruel Calvary/Think about the way He suffered death for you and me/When you face reality, know that you will find/You were on His mind." 'Trying to Be Free' features heavy percussion and shares the Gospel: "And God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son/And all you gotta do to live forever is to believe."

'Searching for Reality' has a psychedelic rock feel to it. It is about spiritual exploration: "Searching for reality/I find my maturity brings all my insecurity and I guess it shows/Life becomes so complicated/Some people get inebriated/Others get high and feel elated/They say their mind grows/Mentally it's so complex/I feel that I might be the next to lose my soul and that reflects my philosophy." 'Pleasing Who, Pleases You?' is a country song. It is the song of a man after God's own heart: "I have found peace of mind and I can see/Pleasing You, pleases me/I'm gonna keep on tryin', I will/Tryin' to climb that highest hill/To the Promised Land/Sometimes I will, sometimes I won't/Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't/Understand/All this trouble, hunger, and strife/It's hard for me to live this life and still be free/Pleasing You, pleases me."

'Contemplation' is an easy listening song. 'Hitch Hike' is slow Southern rock. It is the song of a restless soul: "There's a mountain over there I have got to climb/There's a sea over there that I must sail/I have been in this road far too long/But I think I feel a hitch hike comin' on.../Once again I put my faith in things of this world and once again they let me down."

'Peace Begins Within' is a boring, repetitive track. 'The Only Thing That's Free' again strikes an evangelical chord: "The only thing that's really free is nothin'/That's what they tell me/But nothin's not good enough for me.../But I don't want to think for you/No, I want you to decide/But please don't forget the reason that for you and me He died.../I just want to see you happy and to know at least you heard about the King."

I recommend MYLON (WE BELIEVE) to fans of other early Jesus Music artists such as Larry Norman, Resurrection Band, and Randy Stonehill. This is classic Christian rock music. The music is raw and manly if you will. Mylon's faith comes across as fresh, passionate, and alive. There is no doubt his desire was to share his faith with his listeners. I'm rating this one 90%. Visit www.mylon.org