I read JMM's explanation on Genius and it's pretty cool. I like the idea behind the song. It's still a little bit...I don't know...abstract. I don't mind abstract lyrics usually, but in Christian circles it always weirds me out a little. Can't really explain why, or at least can't think of how to explain it in a way that wouldn't sound dogmatic. The video just reinforces how I feel about the song even though I think both are pretty flippin' sweet.
New album I believe. :) Edit: Just checked and I guess this is a standalone single. But he's working on the next album.
While the new Kings K record, Beyond Control, is likely my favorite release of any genre this year, A Mirror Dimly from Citizens & Saints dropped today, and I am digging the newly subdued sound.
Bought two copies for myself and my pastor/best friend I work under at church. Such a great record. I'm so jaded when it comes to modern worship music that when a great worship record comes out it's a serious breathe of fresh air. "Relent" tho.
A Mirror Dimly has already surpassed Join the Triumph, in my opinion. The only test is whether it can stand up to Citizens over time, which is easily my favorite of theirs. It's certainly refreshing to hear worship artists write with creative integrity. To do so is an expression of worship in itself.
"Creative integrity." I love the wording of that. I think "creativity" and "integrity" go hand in hand a lot more often than most CCM artists understand. I have trouble gleaning authenticity from Christian artists whose songs just sound like a clone of what was popular 4 years ago. I don't know if that's music snobbery or genuine concern or maybe a combination of both. But it's just a surreal feeling to love Christ and feel completely disenchanted by most modern worship music. I always go to singer-songwriter stuff like Andrew Peterson or bands like My Epic or even spoken-word artists like Levi the Poet because it's just more heartfelt and original and good. Anyway, I need to listen to Citizens more thoroughly. I know I'd love that record, it just managed to fly under the radar for me when it released.
Sounds like we're on the same page, my friend. I think Citizens is well worth revisiting. I've followed Andrew Peterson for a while, but I'll need to give another chance to My Epic and try Levi the Poet outright. Where would you recommend starting with Levi?
Check out his trilogy of poems, "The Beginning, The Separation," "Tetelestai," and "Joy Seekers" first. "Seasons" is an incredible album but it's very unorthodox. Only half the album actually has music, but it's become a top 50 album for me even though it's hard to classify it as a typical album. It's incredibly jarring and difficult to listen to but it makes the redemption all the more powerful when it shines through. "Correspondence" is also amazing and more "accessible" because there's actually music throughout even though it's still all spoken word. I think that spoken word is easily the most under appreciated art form out there and Levi's stuff has actually significantly influenced the way I write both my lyrics AND music. My Epic is basically my favorite band right now so I'd definitely encourage you to revisit them. Listen to Broken Voice and read the lyrics and get back to me. Aaron Stone is one of the most brilliant, unappreciated lyricists out there Christian or otherwise. Not that I'm any authority on good songwriters, but these guys have definitely impacted me.
Has anyone managed to find this? Hate to hear the new Colony House album got pushed back to next year.
I see on their web store where the release date has been pushed back to January, but does anyone know why?
They "needed more time to spread the word" or something. Sounds like a label decision where they thought sales weren't projecting well or something
I'm really liking the new Gungor album. I haven't been listening closely to the lyrics, but from what I've picked up on, it sounds like their lyrics have shifted from being worship music to being more Christian influenced. I haven't listened to the other two parts of this album cycle -- has this been the trend for them?
Yeah, they've been like that since Ghosts Upon The Earth in my opinion. So there's been I Am Mountain and then the two other parts to this project (Soul & Spirit) since then. There are some songs that are straight up 'worshipful' but they're just making good music at this point and that music is heavily influenced by faith. In regards to the One Wild Life project, I've really enjoyed it. Overall, you could probably make a single album of the 'best' songs and be content with that, but it's been cool to see how the project has played out. I've enjoyed the lyrical themes although I'm well aware that most conservative Christians have pretty much rejected them by this point.
Humble Beast just announced the release of Sho Baraka's first album with them later this month. The description has me excited: Jazz and soul? Yes please.
I'm a christian! But I'm not huge into christian music. I feel like most of it's the same. But I do love Relient K and Switchfoot.
A lot of it can be the same but hopefully you'll find some distinctive music in this thread. You are most welcome. I'm a big fan of Relient K but can never fully get into Switchfoot.
I'm in the same boat, but have discovered some good Christian artists here and there over the years. John Mark McMillan is a favorite of mine.
Got a lot of love for JMM. Borderland, Live at the Knight and the EP with his wife Sarah have all been excellent.
For anyone interested, Five Iron Frenzy's back catalog is being pressed on vinyl and Upbeats and Beatdowns is up for preorder here: Five Iron Frenzy - Upbeats And Beatdowns LP (Blue Vinyl) [PRE-ORDER]