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friend2every1 -> The CD Review Thread (4/25/2008 10:43:56 PM)

I'm going to start this thread because I've been looking for really good music and people just don't sound really good anymore. I mean, people just sound "good" but not really good.

For example take a look at some of the really good 90s songs:

God - Rebecca St. James (1996)
Stand - Susan Ashton (1996)
God So Loved - Jaci Velasquez (1997)
People Get Ready...Jesus Is Comin' - Crystal Lewis (1998)
God Is In Control - Twila Paris (1993/94)
On My Knees - Jaci Velasquez (1996)
Carolyn Arends - Seize The Day (1995)
Third Day - Consuming Fire (1997)
Sandi Patty - Hand On My Shoulder (1993)

..and so many other GOOD songs!!!

Why can't we find songs like that anymore???

Yes I listed all women, but there was HUNDREDS of GOOD songs in the 90s.

I need some GOOD music like that again.

Note: You can list all genres here.



humbleinspirit -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/26/2008 12:40:57 AM)

Lay It Down-Cherri Keaggy
I'm Not Ashamed-Newsboys
Just Between You And Me-DC Talk
In The Light-Charlie Peacock
Jesus Loves Ya-Jon Gibson
I Will Always Come Back To You-First Call
A Place In This World-Michael W. Smith

Thats a start anyway. [:D]



friend2every1 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/26/2008 10:23:45 AM)

Yeah but I mean currently.



humbleinspirit -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/26/2008 10:27:03 AM)

You mean within the past five years or very, very recently instead? Both Toby Mac and Natalie Grant have some good stuff out there right now.



friend2every1 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/26/2008 10:39:22 AM)

I've heard Tobymac's song "Gone" but that's the only one I like really.

Natalie's song "In Better Hands" is pretty good, but not as good as Keep On Shining, No Sign Of It, or I Will Be.

I think it's maybe the CD producers nowadays who want the artists to be different. I'm not saying that it's altogether bad, but songs need to be more creative instead of sounding so...average, you know?



humbleinspirit -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/26/2008 10:49:34 AM)

Yes, I hear ya, there is a general consensus that CCM has been pigeon holed again, and the the music that is being produced these days is quite homogeneous as well.



friend2every1 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/26/2008 11:10:59 AM)

I like some of Chris Tomlin's songs too, but not all of them. My faves include:

Forever
Unchanging
Enough
How Great Is Our God

Who wrote the song Your Grace Is Enough? (from Arriving)



humbleinspirit -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/26/2008 11:19:57 AM)

I do not know that last one. I have heard some really good stuff in the mix of the blah's. However, here are a few that I found to be quite good!:

My Savior, My God-Aaron Shust
Grace Like Rain-Krystal Myers
He Reigns-Newsboys
Nothing Left To Lose-Matt Kearney

My mind is drawing a blank on the others at the moment.



RHardin15 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/27/2008 12:14:37 AM)

I like the new Starfield stuff, was talking about their stuff last night, then I heard that the floor in front of the stage collapsed at their show last night. Wow! Pray that everyone will be ok in that whole deal!



freakofnature -> RE: The CD Review Thread (4/28/2008 11:54:10 AM)

Well...let's see.. I've just this past weekend picked up the new P.O.D. cd and a couple of weeks prior the new Pillar C.D.. if we are talking CD Review... both are weak. I have tried to enjoy the P.O.D. and Pillar CD's and I will continue to listen to them (and get my $12.00 worth) But nothing to amazing. The next C.D. purchases I plan to make are:
1) The Wedding
2) Down Here
3) Kirk Franklin ( A huge fan, just haven't picked up the C.D. yet I am hopeing for better than P.O.D. gave me.)
4)Theives and Liars

So if anyone has these, let me know before wasting..Iee mean spending the funds that could go to help the hungry...(my 4 kids)



friend2every1 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/4/2008 11:25:53 PM)

I'll do the next review.

PureNRG - PureNRG 4 1/2 out of 5.

I LOVE these guys even though they're a kids group and I'm 18. I still miss my homies Jump5...so they are a good replacement for a while.

Listen to these songs first:

What If
When I Get To Heaven
Thy Word (AN AWESOME VERSION!)
Footloose (AN AWESOME VERSION!)

PureNRG - Here We Go Again (current release) - 4 1/2 out of 5

Very strong vocals on their version of Call On Jesus near the end. I've been listening to this song OVER and OVER!!! Very good CD overall!

Listen to these first:

CALL ON JESUS (emphasis on caps)
Here We Go Again
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (ok version)
Are You Ready
More (ok version)



Rufas2000 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 12:11:07 AM)

Here are my top 5 CDs from last year as I posted on my MySpace. Note: not all Christian.

1) Arcade Fire: Neon Bible
A great combination of Springsteenish story telling, 80s alternative and down home roots rock. This is one of those buzz bands that earns the buzz.

2) Anberlin: Cities
My heart wanted to put this at 1 because they're Christians and I've seen them in concert but Arcade Fire was just too strong. This is the prototype for arena rock circa 2K. Depth, passion, fun its all here. Rock out, get your heart on or even a little prog (see *Fin). Very impressive.

3) Nightwish: Dark Passion Play
This band endured self created turmoil when they fired their lead singer. But they found a new lady whose voice isn't as good but matches the music better. Sounds like a fantasy movie soundtrack but in a good way. Majestic.

4) Iced Earth: Framing Armagheddon Part 1 Something Wicked
I didn't think these metal warriors had anything left but they return with their best release yet. Everything you would expect from Iced Earth (if you're familiar) or 80s power metal updated and even a couple of surprises. Get your fist in the pumping position now ...

5) The White Stripes: Icky Thump
The ultimate retro "band" (actually a duo) comes back with another great effort. Everything you love about classic rock updated for the 2K generation. They just "get it". And Meg is hot in the "not obviously hot" way. Too much fun.

BTW: Still Remains: The Serpant might have gotten into this list if I had heard the CD before I created the list.

And I responded to the title of the thread, not necessarily the direction the thread is going (Christian CD recommendations). Hope it was OK.



hawknelsonismyfriend -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 2:24:33 AM)


  • Stellar Kart Expect the Impossible 3/5
    Pros: Fun sound, mostly good lyrics
    Cons: Sometimes cheesy lyrics, some songs have a more "80's" pop/rock sound, than pop-punk sound, forgettable songs, annoying "whoa-oh"s
    Overall: Pretty good CD, worth buying, but not nearly as good as their first 2.
  • Hawk Nelson ...Is My Friend 2/5
    Pros: "Turn It On", "Friend Like That", cool bonus DVD, and packaging.
    Cons: Over-produced sound, VERY cheesy lyrics, due to the fact that 3/4 of the writers also write for Hannah Montana, High School Musical, Jonas Brothers Etc.
    Overall: The worst HN CD, not worth the money, the only good songs are the ones written by Jas, Dan, and Trevor McNevan. Use iTunes.
  • Number One Gun The North Pole Project 4/5
    Pros: Catchy songs, great music, some cool lyrics, and all instrumentation and songwriting by Jeff. Not too long of a CD.
    Cons: A few weird lyrics, the song "Thank You Ending" says "where the hell", which some people may not like.
    Overall: A very good NOG CD. Highly recommended.
  • PlayRadioPlay! Texas 5/5
    Pros: Unique sound, great songwriting and instrumentation, all done by 17 year old Dan Hunter.
    Cons: A few not-so-great songs in the middle, but not bad enough to skip.
    Overall: A very good CD if you like Electronic/Alternative bands. Worth going to the store to buy it.
  • Sanctus Real We Need Each Other 1/5
    Pros: None that I can think of. Maybe one or two songs.
    Cons: Over-produced, generic sound, cheesy lyrics, annoying vocals, completely different than their first 2 CDs, and not in a good way.
    Overall: Not worth it unless you enjoy countless bands that have a boring, forgettable sound.
  • Olivia the Band Where We Come from It Never Snows 5/5
    Pros: Every song is awesome, no skippable tracks, honest songwriting, very cool lyrics.
    Cons: "So Much Going On"
    Overall: This CD has been on constant repeat for over 2 months now. Thats saying something.
  • Jon Foreman Spring 3/5
    Pros: Good songwriting, "Your Love Is Strong".
    Cons: Too folk for my taste, background vocals are annoying as heck. "Revenge" was a b-side from "Oh! Gravity." So not a completely new set of songs. Some annoying parts.
    Overall: If you like acoustic stuff get the song "Your Love Is Strong". Good if you like Jon Foreman's songwriting and alternative acoustic music. Pick songs from iTunes.
  • Modest Mouse We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank 4/5
    Pros: Almost every song is good, an 8 minute song doesn't seem that long, extremely catchy.
    Cons: A few cusswords, and a few bad lyrics.
    Overall: VERY good CD. Another one that has been on constant repeat, mainly the song "Dashboard".
  • Sherwood A Different Light 5/5
    Pros: Good songwriting, cool music, doesn't sound like another wannabe Fall Out Boy/Panic! At the Disco alternative band.
    Cons: Last two songs are kinda weird/boring.
    Overall: One of the best CDs I have bought in a LONG time. I also suggest seeing them live. They rock live.
  • Chiodos Bone Palace Ballet 4/5
    Pros: Most of the lyrics are from Shakespeare and Edgar Alan Poe, cool song titles, awesome unique music.
    Cons: Craig's voice can get annoying, not completely memorable, short.
    Overall: A very good CD for fans of Hardcore/Emo/Rock. Worth buying at the store for the cool artwork.



Rufas2000 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 6:26:52 AM)

This thread needs a truly negative CD review. Fortunately I'm good enough at buying CDs where I get very few duds. Unfortunately this has given me the chance to do only one negative CD review on MySpace. Sorry if you like this band, they just didn't do it for me. Anyway ...

Dragonforce: Inhuman Rampage

The good news is that this 80s style power metal band can play their instruments better than just about anyone and the vocalist has a great tenor voice with no need for a falsetto. The bad news is they can't write songs. Songcraft is so much more important than technical ability and this band is exhibit A. Each song (except the last: a token ballad) is the same speed and pattern. I fell asleep while listening to this one. I don't end up with many duds but this was one for sure.

Grade: D-
Best Track: "Through the Fire and Flames" (its first and its decent until you realize that the next seven songs sound almost the same)



uncabeeil -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 10:23:59 AM)

Folks, look at the artists he's listed. Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart, Sanctus Real? They'd probably send him screaming from the room.

quote:

I still miss my homies Jump5
If this is what you consider great music then you're in a heap of trouble. Your best bet is to listen to Disney radio. You might try Rachel Lampa or Stacy Orrico, or The Jonas Brothers, they're kind of in the same genre.



Rufas2000 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 10:37:38 AM)

quote:

Folks, look at the artists he's listed. Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart, Sanctus Real? They'd probably send him screaming from the room.


I think the problem is that the thread's title is at odds with the original post. I think a CD review thread is a good idea so I went with it. Perhaps an offshoot "What are some current good female CCM artists?" is in order.



hawknelsonismyfriend -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 1:43:06 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: uncabeeil

Folks, look at the artists he's listed. Hawk Nelson, Stellar Kart, Sanctus Real? They'd probably send him screaming from the room.


I dont get it? [&:]



uncabeeil -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 1:51:41 PM)

He misses Jump 5, does that tell you anything? How many people do you know that list Jump 5 as a favorite alongside Anberlin or The White Stripes? Ummmmm, nobody?



hawknelsonismyfriend -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 1:57:35 PM)

Isnt this the CD review thread? or does it have to be bubble gum pop?



uncabeeil -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 2:49:44 PM)

Maybe I'm wrong, but I got the impression from the OP that he was looking for music, and he listed some of his favorites, which included Jaci Velasqeuz, Jump 5, and other CCM pop favorites of the past. So to recommend a punk or hard rock band would be like telling a blind person to "pick the red one". IOW not much help.

But I could be wrong, it's been known to happen occasionally. [:D]



Rufas2000 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 2:55:55 PM)

quote:

Maybe I'm wrong, but I got the impression from the OP that he was looking for music, and he listed some of his favorites, which included Jaci Velasqeuz, Jump 5, and other CCM pop favorites of the past. So to recommend a punk or hard rock band would be like telling a blind person to "pick the red one". IOW not much help.


No you would be right about what his tastes in music are and the most likely reason he started the thread. But he also entitled the thread "The CD Review Thread" and said all genres welcome. I took the title of the thread literally since I thought a CD review thread would be cool.

And I certainly am not recommending Dragonforce; to him or anyone else! [:D]



Rufas2000 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 3:08:17 PM)

quote:

How many people do you know that list Jump 5 as a favorite alongside Anberlin or The White Stripes? Ummmmm, nobody?


I can't say I do that but I like Abba, Barry Manilow, Bee Gees and Bay City Rollers. Along with Anberlin & the White Stripes. Not to mention Priest, Maiden and Guardian (both Blind Guardian as well as the Christian band plain old Guardian). And of course Miles Davis. So I'm sure its possible to enjoy Jump5 (whoever they are, I trust I didn't miss much) and Anberlin. [:)]

As far as his taste is concerned I got nothing. Female vocals for me are Patti Smith (and Patty Smythe, she is "The Warrior" after all), Heart, Blackmore's Night, Nightwish (both Tarja and Annie?), Pat Benatar, Blondie, Fleetwood Mac, (especially Stevie).

I would recommend Rebecca St. James but he already knows about her. Did I miss Barlow Girl in this thread?



hawknelsonismyfriend -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 3:12:40 PM)

quote:

Note: You can list all genres here.



Rufas2000 -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 3:24:32 PM)

I think he should track down a copy of Imagine This. I even reviewed it on MySpace:

Imagine This: Imagine This
This is one of those bands I think should have been much bigger than they were. This 1993 release combines hard rock with great melodies and pop hooks. Fun but with a level of seriously good songwriting both musically and lyrically (and upfront about their Christianity). The only drawback was the sheer amount of genres they attempted to emulate leading to some clunkers. Note: the genre emulation reached such heights on their second CD "Love" that astericks were placed by the tracks that were "extra hot rockin tracks".
Grade: B
Best Tracks: "Word to the World", "In You", "Bishop of Souls"

And here's one he already knows about

Rebecca St. James: Pray
One of my favorite female vocalists. Pop isn't usually my thing but she did / does it so well and this is a great example of late 90s pop. Her lyrics are so upfront also without being preachy or cliched. I might have to see what she has done since.
Grade: B
Best Tracks: "Love To Love You", "Lord You're Beautiful" (the best rendition of this classic chorus that I ever heard)



hawknelsonismyfriend -> RE: The CD Review Thread (5/5/2008 3:29:31 PM)

Addison Road, Fireflight, Flyleaf, and Paramore are good bands.

Seriously, listen to The Chariot though.



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