back 2 index

Resources and Reviews

Music Reviews

Film Reviews

Kirk Franklin

Album: Hero

Intro
Looking for you
Hero (with Dorinda Clark-Cole)
Interlude (with Fred Hammond)
Let it go
The process
Imagine me
Could've been
Better
After while
Broken-hearted (with Marvin l Winans)
Without you
Keep your head
Why
First love
The Appeal
Broken-hearted (Reprise)
Interlude
Sunshine
Kerrion Outro

This is the latest instalment if Gospel praise from the one and only Kirk Franklin, if you haven't heard of him you must be living under a rock. Listening to this album has given me such enjoyment and I can truly say that God is working wonders through the sound waves of his music.

For an averagely priced album you get 20 awesome tracks, which relate to everyday trails and sufferings, which we as Christians and people go through. This album is predominately based on Kirk's life as he grew from someone in deep trouble and who lived a life, as far from Christ as possible to the person he is now a world-renowned gospel artist and one of the many followers of Christ.

Each track comes with a story; one of my personal favourites is track 5 - Let it Go (Yet again I love all the songs on the album). It talks about the hardships of him growing up on the streets after he suffered abuse in the home.

It tells of the struggle he had to go through to try and release himself and how he came to find strength in God. These are one of many songs out there, which can honestly touch your heart and help you come to terms with the fact that we are not perfect and that we can always turn to God for forgiveness and guidance. Let It Go is more or less a narrative track which starts from the beginning of his life and his childhood which left him the many scars the lyrics and the beats behind them are amazing, absolutely breath taking but yet so simple.

Another track I particularly enjoy is one called Imagine me ; what a track ! A combination of a stunning piano background, soulful voices and bass guitar bring out the soul and ultimate Gospel rhythm in this track. It talks about how we should Imagine ourselves as important people as God does, how we should know that no matter how bad we mess up God loves us so much that he will wipe away every sin we ever make and have ever made.

Could've been me is a classic and prime example of a Gospel track; it just makes you want to get up and dance. It says that it could be us homeless, foodless and hopeless on the streets living a hard life but because Christ died for us to free us from suffering we are better off, and because of this we say THANK YOU! A track, which realise the ultimate sacrifice Jesus, made and praises and thanks him for it.

A completely upbeat track which carries the makings of an awesome hit both in the Christian market and the secular one (non Christian); however it must be said that it is a hear to believe and understand track?!

I could honestly talk and ramble on about the entire album as all the tracks have had such a lasting impact on me. Crossing many genres this album hits all the right beats for the urban and gospel market; there is bound to be something to suit all. Awesome drumming, great guitar, amazing voices and truly inspirational beats the vibes of the Lord truly come through the speakers.

Finally I must, MUST comment on Looking For You , this tune has reached the secular market breaking many expectations.as has the album, this track has been played on Kiss 100, Choice Fm and many other well-known stations. This song is cover of a song released a long time ago, yet a change of words and thanks to the musical talents of Kirk it has been re-vamped into an upbeat heart stopping and mouth watering track.

Must listen!!!

Looking for you

Imagine me
Could've been
Better
Sunshine
Interlude (with Fred Hammond)- Short but still amazing
Keep your head
Sunshine

By Anne L

Stacie Orrico

Album: Stacie Orrico

So why should I listen to it?

It is an awesome CD with a mixture of different styles of music, though mainly R&B and pop, but with catchy lyrics and helpful Christian messages that are relevant to us.

Haven't I heard of her before?

That's quite likely, she released a few songs into the mainstream charts, which became very popular 'Stuck' and 'More to Life' were the most famous and are included in this album. A lot of people don't know she is a Christian artist. How exciting is that great music and a Christian!

What songs can you recommend?

I think I probably have two favourite songs on the album, although I do like all

Of them.' Instead' this has great lyrics, beat plus a catchy chorus. This is an upbeat song focussing on those less fortunate than us. My second favourite is a lot slower with soft piano instead of electric guitar sound. It is called 'Strong Enough' and is a really beautiful song about God giving us another chance even when we mess up.

Where can I get it?

Most music stores or Christian bookshops.

By Gillian H

Delirious

Album: World Service

In World Service , Delirious delivers a collection of heart-lifting praise songs and emotionally charged, honest explorations of the place where faith meets some of life's toughest challenges. It captures the heart and sound of a band in the middle of something inspirational Also featuring Daniel Bedingfield as the guest vocalist on track 12 Every Little Thing.

Personal Review soon.

Phatfish

Album: Faithful

Phatfish - Faithful Hi I'm Julia I have been reviewing some music on a website called www.phatfish.net

This album has some great tracks on it. They are nice and the music is up- beat and makes you feel happy. I personally wouldn't dance to it myself. I think it's more a kind of chill-out music but that is up to you. It is different than the music I usually listen to (chart music) but I probably would have it on my mp3 player because I like listening to different types of music too.

As for worship it's not the kind of music you usually use during worship but it might work well in a youth club. It depends on what kind of worship you're doing and whom you are doing it with.

I really like the beat and rhythm of these tracks; I think it is really lively and fun. This is what I think- just go on to the website and listen yourself.

Thank you

Julia

Yfriday

Yfriday have developed into one of the most prominent bands in the UK. Faithfully they have served churches and events with their own brand of worship. They have inspired many young Christians in their faith. Now they return with their latest album Universal bringing themes of the grace and magnificence of God right through to God's hunger for justice on earth. Produced by Nathan Dantzler (Tree63, Casting Pearls) the band still deliver God inspired themes through a huge wall of sound! Yfriday will be appearing at many events this year including Easter People, Spring Harvest & Newday.

Personal Review to follow

Underoath-Keeping their faith in the Rock scene

One would think that speedy riff ( change of harmonies ), the brutal screaming and heavy rhythm of the double bass drumming that makes a heavy metal band what it is could perhaps be of no interest to a Christian, but no!! not Floridian Metal Sextet ''Underoath'' On first listen, the overall sound of their music would be thought of as anything but Christ inspired. However with a sharper ear; throughout many songs and in amongst the sharp and fast powerful guitar riffs and doulble bass drumming, sounding immensely fast that it could easily be mistaken for a machine gun. One can indeed hear the message of their faith. This band are certainly one of a minority, as Christianity and heavy metal do not often combine.

One of the band members quoted in a recent interview '' There is all this pressure, where we feel like we are under a microscope, as people know about our faith''

Their new album, ''Define The Great Line'' is released on June19 th . Many of the songs on this album are said to deal with the struggle they have experienced as a christian heavy metal band to get to where they are today. It is set to be groundbreaking.

Laura S

Blush UK- Sunshine

This is a great album!

I think this album has some great up beat songs on it that are great to dance to. It has some great rhythms in it too. This album creates a great mood and atmosphere.

My favourite tracks are:

Track 2- Sunshine- this is really up beat and happy and lively.

Track 4- More like you- this is up beat too but I think this is more of a dance track.

I think the most interesting track is number 7 it is called reflection it reflects what people do and how they think God has had an affect on them it is really interesting and is definitely worth listening too.

Generally I think this is a fun album. I would dance to most of these tracks because they have great rhythm and beat. I would definitely have this album on my mp3 player to listen to.

I may consider using this in worship but not as music throughout the programme because I think it would be distracting but I may use it as they come in or after the worship has finished. However with track 7 you may want them to listen to it and then ask what they think about the points made.

Thank you

Julia

Like the psalmist before them, Tree63 have experienced doubt and questions, but returned to the answer-the sanctuary of God-resulting in praise of the One who protected them.

The Answer to the Question has Tree63 returning to the contemporary worship sound and focus that produced the classic '63' album that won a dove award for 'Rock album of the year'. The album also includes a Tree63 version of Matt & Beth Redman's 'Blessed be Your Name'.

Ttt

TBC

tbc

Very much a christian atomic kitten,their energy comes across in ther music. My 8 year old sister enjoyed the dance moves section especially.

The dvd is clear and easy to travel through.

Tree63

Album: The answer to the question

I enjoyed listening to this light pop/rock band. There song I stand for you stuck out to me as a good song in particular. Good lyrics.

Yours Robert Alexander Youngson