Review: Travis Ryan's Fearless Debut

Travis Ryan’s debut album is an excellent combination of driving rock guitar riffs and a solid message that always manages to refocus our attention on Christ. Collaboration with Grammy award winning producers, OneRepublic’s Brent Kutzle, and songwriters Matt Redman, Jason Ingram, Brenton Brown and Dan Bailey resulted in an awesome album that captures and holds your attention from beginning to end. The quality of musicianship showcased throughout this project is more than enough to keep you interested in what’s going on behind the vocals while not distracting from the message contained in the lyrics.

This is due to Ryan’s approach. His tenure as worship leader for Saddleback Church has cultivated a true minister’s heart that results in a message the church needs to hear. Beginning with the title track, “Fearless,” Travis encourages the church to shake itself awake and drive out all fear by working to perfect the love of Christ in our lives. Another indication of the heart behind this project is the fact that he calls this album his “altar.” Married with two young sons, Travis says, “If I died, these are the songs I would want my children to point to and say: that was my dad; my dad believed that. This is an altar to God.” He’s done an excellent job.

While the message is strong and it’s clear the songs were clearly written with a deeper purpose, the musicianship did not suffer. The primary musical drive comes from the interplay between rock guitar riffs and the driving drums generously sprinkled throughout the album. While there are no screaming guitar solos to speak of, those who enjoy a good rock guitar riff will definitely enjoy the feel of these songs. However, if you prefer a softer, more mellow approach you’ll that as well. While there’s nothing groundbreaking about this album Ryan does an excellent job of balancing musically interesting, driving material with the lyrical aspect of songwriting. You’ll find worship songs, uplifting messages, and challenges for personal growth. A couple favorites are “Awaken Us” and “Devotion” each for different reasons. The primary focus on “Awaken Us” is the lyrical encouragement to lift our eyes to God and contains this prayer:

“This is my desire, come like a fire, awaken us, awaken us”

Devotion is more of a personal declaration that, “I’m gonna sing forever, sing forever, gonna find you...” It’s a focus on personal relationship and friendship and devotion to the one that walks on water and paid our ransom.

When you think about it, isn’t that what it’s all about? I don’t know about you but if you’re anything like me life is crazy, busy, and incredibly distracting, making it easy to lose perspective. That’s where albums like this come in. Every time it plays I’m immersed in a worship experience that drives my focus from the distractions of this crazy life to the joy, friendship, and grace I experience in the presence of the Lord. To me that’s exactly what it’s all about...           

Reviewed by Michael Henson.

Paul Baloche: The Same Love

Paul Baloche’s latest album, “The Same Love,” is a refreshing approach to worship whether you’re looking for something to enhance your personal time and provide a worship filled atmosphere to your life or if you lead worship in your local congregation. It is filled with songs that transcend generations and echoes the popular sounds of worship groups like Hillsong, United, or Jesus Culture, followed by simple, folksy arrangements of simple, worshipful declarations complete with the requisite banjo.

Evidence of the spirit and intention of this album is the fact that it features other very well known artists and worship leaders without detracting from the message of grace and salvation echoed throughout. Kari Jobe and songwriter Jason Ingram provide support on a couple songs and worship leader, Lincoln Brewster, co-wrote “Loved By You.”

Musically, this album provides enough musical talent to keep your attention without distracting from the message and the heart of the lyrics. Paul’s tenure as worship pastor for Community Christian Fellowship leads to a style that leaves space for worship to take place rather than focusing on creating something that’s focused on showmanship. This approach is surprisingly refreshing and has had me listening to this album repeatedly for the past couple weeks. It ushers God’s presence and reminds me of the sacrifice and purpose of Calvary that provides salvation and hope that we would never be able to purchase or earn for ourselves.

From the opening notes of the album, encouragement pours out and lifts up your heart and mind. The message of “The Same Love” states that,

            The same love that set the captives free,

            The same love that opened eyes to see,

            Is calling us all by name

It is a timely reminder that we are chosen as God’s children and that a life of victory awaits those that kneel at the foot of the cross and accept the gift given to humanity when Jesus gave His life for ours. This is echoed in “We Are Saved” with the lyrics,

            We stand amazed at the work of the cross,

            We are saved, we are saved,

            Our sin has been forgiven, you have broken every chain

            We are saved, we are saved

No matter where we are in life, or our circumstances, we can appreciate the message of the cross and encouragement found on this album. If you’re looking for encouragement, worship, or new material for your congregation you’ll find it here...Thanks to Paul Baloche for pouring his heart and spirit into my new favorite album.

Vid: Cell Phones in Church

Start Monday with a laugh! this is exactly how to handle the problem:

Dawkins: Not an Atheist Actually

Richard Dawkins talks to the Archbishop of Canterbury and admits he can't prove there is not a God (whew!) and he's actually at an agnostic during a festival of public discussion about religion in Great Britain.

Muslims Team Up with Catholics on Campus

Did you know that Muslim attendance has doubled at Catholic Universities - because of modesty? Read this and you'll understand why that fact makes sense.

Four Artists: Diaz, Bare, Dutton, Echoing Angels

Jonny Diaz

     With his success from his hit single “Beauty of the Cross” Jonny Diaz had a great array of musical diversity. Just listening through his self-titled cd, I find him going from a smooth jazz feel, to a contemporary worship aura, to a country/gospel feel and then to a comedic type artist. I love the diversity of the album. I definitely would recommend the album to anyone looking for a great, chill, fun, positive feeling when listening to his or her music. He seems to be a great advocate for charity work and concerts, a quality which I admire in an artist. A great overall album to listen to, that’s for sure. Check it out: www.johnnydiaz.com

Jason Bare

    Jason Bare, an artist I had never heard of before I was presented the opportunity to review his album, has an interesting feature about his singing. . His music has a great message and I enjoy the music aspect of his album, but his voice is one thing that I couldn’t seem to get over. I, personally didn’t care much for his voice. No, it wasn’t the tone or enunciation, but the vibrato. He seemed to always be singing through a fan or a leslie. His rolling vibrato is incredible don’t get me wrong, but in opinion it doesn’t need to be engaged all the time. Great songs, catchy melodies, riffs, and messages, but It was all I could do to get through listening to it once through. It’s not often I find music or a voice that I don’t really care for, but unfortunately this is one of those times. He seems like a pretty cool guy regardless judging from his promo videos. I would encourage you to check him out at www.jasonbare.com and let me know what you think.

*Hint: check out the track, “Touch the Sky”

Dutton

        If you’re on the search for some great new worship choruses to add to your repertoire, this I a band that you might like.  With a Hillsong feel in a sense minus the Australian accents, Dutton Brings a great perspective on sharing the Gospel around the world with their song entitled “Share.”  They have a great mix of encouraging evangelistic songs as well mixed with worshipful ones such as “Jesus, Be Lifted Higher” and “Out of the Depths.” If uplifting Christian music is what you’re searching for, I definitely would encourage you to check them out:  www.duttonband.com

Echoing Angels

     Last but certainly not least is the band Echoing Angels. If I were to categorize them I would classify them as of a Christian southern rock genre. I would have to say out of the four artists reviewed, they would have to be my most favored. From the very first song, “Say What You Believe” I found myself bobbing my head right along with the catchy guitar rhythms. I love the vibe that the band gives through their music. It also seems to me that their music has much more felling built into it than some of the others I have reviewed. Fantastic vocals mixed with soulful guitar licks and a positive Christian message does it for me. Great job Echoing Angels; I can’t wait to hear more: www.echoingangels.com

Teaser Ads for Super Bowl Commercials?

It is perhaps a telling note on the centrality of the Super Bowl in America that we are now getting teaser ads for Super Bowl commercials. Of course these ads are ridiculously expensive ($3m-$3.5m for 30 seconds), so it only makes sense that companies want to get as much PR as possible for their money. Still, this is a new one, even for extravagantly combining the web with television.

VW, after releasing the most successful commercial at last year's Super Bowl, now offers a teaser to their next commercial, since both are Star Wars themed. It's tracking at roughly 1 million views a day!



Plus, it appears Ferris Bueller is making a comeback. Stay tuned, soon it will not just be countless web sites running variations on the "Best Commercials from the Super Bowl" the next day, but countless web sites offering running variation on the "Best Super Bowl Commercial Teaser Ads."  Capitalism never rests. (And that's not always a good thing.)



Apologies to Momo's Musings for not posting this in our sports blog, but this seemed more culturally related.

The State of American Religion

RealClearReligion offers their "State of American Religion" by winnowing through the polls & trends, coming to some reasonable conclusions:

"We might best describe the state of American religion today as "robust but confusing." Relative youths are having a harder time navigating it than past generations. Pew tells us that "Among Americans ages 18-29, one-in-four say they are not currently affiliated with any particular religion."


Check it out.

2011: The Year in Tweets

What better way to remember 2011 than to view Tweets that mattered?

Rend Collective: Homemade Worship by Handmade People

Rend Collective Experiment’s new album is an interesting and exciting look into the heart of the core group of the Collective. We find them pursuing a course that walks the line between the hymns of old and contemporary worship music. While listening to the album this becomes evident almost immediately. Some songs are more conducive for quiet moments reflecting on the enormity and beauty of the God we serve and draw us into His peace and love. Others are perfectly suited for the worship services at church and combine powerful, thought provoking lyrics with catchy melody, rhythm, and vocal harmonies that speak to Rend Collective’s professionalism and talent as a group of musicians as well as lyricists.

One highlight from the album includes the powerful message of the cross and is found in the song “Second Chance.” The lyrics are what caught my attention. 

           

“Oh Your cross it changes everything

There my world begins again with You

Oh Your cross it's where my hope restarts

A second chance is Heaven's heart”

It serves as a timely reminder of the purpose of Christ’s coming to Earth during the hustle and bustle surrounding the holiday season. Tim Hughes mentions in the promotional video for the new album, “His hands made worlds and stars and also chose the pain of human scars.” The cross changes everything and while we celebrate the birth of our Savior lets keep our focus where it belongs, on the freedom and mercy that drove the Son of God to visit Earth, begin His life in the lowest place possible, and eventually suffer the “pain of human scars” so you and I don’t have to.

(Here’s a link to the promotional video for the new album: click.)

Musically, the talent displayed by the five core members of the collective is impressive to say the least. Styles range from a folksy, almost bluegrass feel in some parts to guitar driven worship music is sure to provide enough variety to keep even the most seasoned critic from finding too much similarity from song to song.

Despite the incredible musicianship, tight vocal harmonies, and moving lyrics found throughout this album, the most touching and exciting part of the Rend Collective is their heart. Their goal is to make the kingdom of God greater on this Earth and to do so without elevating one single person over another. Their call to God is not one that is based on a life of ease and simply paying lip service to a greater power. To borrow another quote from the video, “God is not safe or small…He’s got a wild imagination.” That sums up this album. It’s not “safe.” It doesn’t necessarily stick to what sells and it pays homage to the imagination and boundless creativity of our God and the expression of that creativity that the Rend Collective is able to capture in their recordings. It’s a call to worship and deeper relationship with God…Will you listen and respond?

-Reviewed by Michael Henson

Bethel Music: The Loft Sessions

To imagine a group with such great talent and seemingly endless creativity seems to be the essence of this new Bethel project. Bundle this in with a laid back atmosphere of what I think of as a “loft” implied by “The Loft Project” and what do you get; an excellent blend of worship music. Music suited for a more intimate search of the One who created all things is what this project inspires me to do.

If a laid-back yet engaging worship album is what you are looking for, here it is.  The Loft sessions has more of an organic feeling to it in general compared to the more electronic feel that some of their other albums include. I love hearing the incorporation of the banjo and such bluegrass-like and even classical instruments into today’s worship music. I have noticed many such instruments being used by groups such as Gungor and the Rend Collective. Hearing the sounds of undiluted instruments and organic sounds being mixed in with unadulterated worship music make my soul happy.

Hearing undefiled worship, and even just looking on worship music with the most pure mindset may also help with that. I suppose this is part of what the Lord meant when He said, “…unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV). Without this childlike mentality, I believe it is impossible to receive the full worship experience of the God and Creator of all things.

The most favored track of mine on this album would be Fall Afresh. I found it particularly easy to enter into the atmosphere of worship with this song. The line “…Pour through the caverns of my soul, pouring me to overflow…” particularly struck a chord in my soul. Letting His Spirit move through every fiber of my life is my hearts desire. To hear that echoed by other writers brings me great joy.

I am happy to hear these sincere messages of hope being published in this topsy-turvy  world in which we live. To have the message of the Gospel being spread through music, give the church of today a breath of fresh air so to speak. Knowing that His truth is being carried to all nations through the art of music is amazing and with groups such as Bethel leading the way, I look to a brighter future.

-Reviewed by Tyler Cummings

Switchfoot: Vice Verses Hits St. Louis

Switchfoot hit the Pageant in St. Louis on December 6, 2011 for the latest stop on their “Vice Verses” tour. This is a band that feeds on the crowd and I’m not quite sure “St. Louie,” as frontman Jon Foreman refers to us locals, was energetic enough on this Tuesday night to create greatness (whereas their February 15, 2010 show did), but the band always comes through in an energetic, uplifting manner and they did it again here.

Somehow this group has navigated that difficult middle course of remaining unapologetically Christian without alienating non-believers. This could not be proven any truer than the St. Louis show—the concert was sponsored by the local alternative radio station (where “Dark Horses” is their Current No. 1 Song on the playlist), while the audience was shot-through with T-shirts advertising the local family-oriented Christian station (which doesn’t play their music).

The Concert

It will be interesting how this tour is received, because musically the new album is a clear departure from most of their past efforts, with songs featuring almost hyper literate lyrics (“Selling the News,” “the War Inside”) against the backdrop of solid, guitar driven rock and roll that continues to mature. This is obvious when listening to the new CD, but—interestingly enough—not during the concert, where the band blends in the new songs seamlessly.

This is a band confident of their talent and full potential. They’re never slaves to the CD versions of their songs, often adding fresh interpretations to the set list without revinventing the song. When not overtly critiquing American culture, their songs are almost invariably laced with hope, faith, and challenges. It’s no surprise they’ve found a sizable audience, inclusion on the late night talk show circuit (Kimmel, Leno, Conan), covers sung during concerts by the likes of Taylor Swift and the Jonas brothers, and songs regularly embedded into movie soundtracks.

Live concerts always include surprises. They’ll lull you into a fresh dose of Switchfoot before busting out “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys. Later, it is “Been Caught Stealing” by Jane’s Addiction with a guest soloist. (Sorry, I didn’t get his name.). These aren’t tributes, but fun interpretations that keep everyone alert. (During the Hello Hurricane tour, they covered Beyonce’s “Crazy in Love.”)

They’re always highly interactive, with Foreman regularly wading into the crowd, and bassist Tim Foreman and lead guitarist Drew Shirley often leaning into the screaming, reaching fans. At this show, as 16-year-old named Tyler got a chance to play “Hello Hurricane” with the band during the Encore set because he held up a sign saying, “All I want for Christmas is to play Hello Hurricane with you.” He got the star treatment he wanted.

It’s an uplifting, energizing night that often includes songs ending with the band pointing to heaven via hands or guitars, as if they want to keep everyone’s eyes where they belong.

Can There Be More?

After a bevy of GMA Dove Awards, the band scored their first Grammy with “Hello Hurricane” in 2010. Every new album consistently adds to a catalog of songs that most bands south of U2 would envy. This is a band that’s still arcing into full maturity. While you might quibble that the venues might get larger, if they don’t, that won’t indicate failure. This is a band marking out a middle course almost no one has taken before, one that reaches believers and non, without sacrificing quality or energy. The real question is why more people don’t recognize that.

-Reviewed by Kent d Curry

NOTE: Susan Loyd shot some amazing pix from earlier in the tour.

The Internet: 1996 vs. 2011

Here are some fascinating comparisons between what the internet looked like in its infancy and what it looks like now. Check out the differences between MapQuest & Travelocity, as well as the most popular web sites then (where have you gone AOL?) and now.

Grammy Nomination: Royal Tailor

If you haven't heard, IBC grads Royal Tailor Band received a Grammy nomination for "Black & White."

Switchfoot: Dark Horses Live

The guys from San Diego offer the same type of show on Jay Leno they offer live -- high energy, positive, clear. Enjoy

Jesus Culture: Awakening

In an effort to convey the love of God to the world, Jesus Culture is releasing a new live album entitled The Awakening. Recorded in Chicago by the California-based band as the group hosted Awakening 2011 conference in August. If you are a fan of Jesus Culture’s previous albums, this one is a must! I am especially partial to live albums so this one hits home for me quite a bit.

Their combined effort at catchy chord patterns, lively licks and driving passion in worship alone make for a great combination. Couple that with great lyrics and a longing to worship our Lord and Savior and you come us with a recipe for success. This is exactly what Jesus Culture is and has done for the past several years.

By impacting their local community and reaching beyond themselves for a greater purpose, they have grown into a great worship culture. I believe their true desire as well as the desire echoed by our generation can be defined in the song “We Are Hungry.” As I was listening to this, I realized that this is my desire as well.

“..I will not be silent,

I will not be quiet anymore,

I will not be silent…

I will raise my voice,

I will raise my voice,

I will raise my voice to You to You...”

It is about time we started stepping out and sharing this good news, which we have been so blessed to have been given. That exactly, through exuberant worship, is what Jesus Culture is doing and all the while not being a bit ashamed.

Be looking forward to this new album released November 29, 2011.

Kudos to Jesus Culture for taking the stand.

Reviewed by Tyler Cummings

Leigh Nash: Hymns and Sacred Songs

Leigh Nash’s new release, Hymns and Sacred Songs, is a collection of the singer’s favorite old hymns as well as newly released hymns by such writers as Graham Kendrick, Stuart Townend, Aaron Keyes, Katie Gustafson and Nash, herself. Seeking lyrics cherished for their depth of meaning as well as poetic beauty, the hymns are given a fresh, new look with the combination of Nash’s light and easy voice and updated instrumentation.

Nash, who has been performing since her high school days, became known through her collaboration with Matt Slocum in forming the band Sixpence None The Richer. Following her time with the band, she continued to sing on projects with artists such as Amy Grant, Jars of Clay, Matthew West and others. Her latest project is a celebration and homage to the hymns she grew up singing in church and which she cherished from a child.

It is refreshing to hear the rich lyrics of old hymns such as “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” and “Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above.” Writers such as Fanny Crosby, Charles Wesley and Dorothy Thrupp wrote Biblical truths and profound life experiences into their lyrics. As more and more artists rediscover these musical gems their message is once again being heard. Nash’s arrangements are simple, using keyboard, bass, drums and guitars, but they uniquely allow the lyric to take center stage. The overarching theme is that of hope restored, of finding deliverance and restoration in the work that Christ has done one the Cross. My personal favorite is Fanny Crosby’s “O Heart Bereaved and Lonely.”

O heart bereaved and lonely

Whose brightest dreams have fled.

Whose hopes like summer roses

Are withered, crushed and dead.

Though link by link be broken

And tears unseen may fall.

Look up amid they sorrow

To Him who knows it all…..

Take a stroll through beloved hymns, or, discover them for the first time. Their message is timeless, and you won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by Ann Ahrens

Switchfoot . . . and Taylor Swift?

So, because I have a taste for the perverse... Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman sang alongside Taylor Swift in Glendale, Arizona on Oct. 21, 2011. They shared a duet of Switchfoot’s breakout hit “Meant to Live” before an arena full of little girls, who - judging from all three angles of the same concert - knew the lyrics.

Swift proclaims Switchfoot "one of her favorite bands" and she has included their "Dare You to Move" in her acoustic shows (top video), so . . . maybe there's hope for the younger generation after all.

Science vs. Religion Again? No, just common sense...

So we got another one of those weird "Teacher fired for teaching creationism and hating Evolution" cases...

Link? LINK!

While I hear of reprimands to such teachers and slapping on the wrists.... But termination of a teacher's position regarding such a matter seems to be the first that I come across (though I am sure it's happened elsewhere)....

But they had a whole trial for this man's removal as a teacher...

6,000 pages of transcripts and 350 exhibits later, the court agreed that the man was right to be fired....

Sounds a tad similar to the Scopes Monkey Trial at the beginning of the century where a man decided to teacher his beliefs in evolution and was removed from his teacher post, and later went to trial, which, is kind of a big deal in history books....

I have really no spin on this trial. I agree with the decision of the court... If you can gather 350 pieces of evidence demonstrating that a teacher was continuously refusing to teach the material that the curriculum asked him to teach then he should be fired.

Teachers like the rest of us are hired to do a job. And like most of us would get in trouble for spouting our religious beliefs in the workplace, I don't think the teachers themselves should be exempt just because they disagree with the curriculum. If the man didn't want to teach it, he could have resigned.

Words to Live By: The Bible

"Many Christians expect the world to respect the book they neglect." -Quoted by E.C. McKenzie (via David Jeremiah Ministries)