CD Review: Bart Millard “Hymed Again”
In honor of his performance this past Friday night on “Country’s Most Famous Stage” The Grand Old Opry I thought it was only fitting that I review Bart Millard’s (lead singer for Mercy Me) new solo project called “Hymned Again”. My first thought when I started listening to this project was “It’s not what I expected”. What do you think when you see the word “Hymn”? I thought the exact same thing…all really soft and slow songs. This project is way beyond that. While I’m not familiar with most of these songs there are a few that I know and really like. It’s a different take on what you and now I think how hymn songs should sound. Read more
CD Review: Above The Golden State
Today I’m reviewing the new project for our friends Above The Golden State. From the first moment I popped this it into my cd player I knew it was something special. One theme I got from it right away is the word love. Not the word we associate with romance but God’s love for us and ours for him. Read more
CD Review: 33 Miles “One Life”
Hey friends! I’m proud and happy to announce that we have a new author here on Stereotruth.net. Everyone say hello to Darlene. Darlene, this is everyone in the world and I wanted to first say “thanks” for being one of the first visitors to our blog when we launched in January. Second we’re glad your now part of the team and look forward to future CD reviews from you. Now, it’s time for your first review and it’s for 33 Miles and their new project “One Life”. - Rodney Read more
CD Review: Decemberadio “Satisfied”
So I come in the the Stereotruth Headquarters the other day to find a shiny, new copy of Satisfied - Decemberadio’s sophomore effort - sitting on my desk. Now, don’t take any offense here, but Decemberadio was always one of those bands that I’d heard about, but never actually listened to. Read more
CD Review: Michael Gungor Band “Ancient Skies”
Last week we introduced you to The Michael Gungor Band and now thanks to our new friend Matt Williams at The Williams Media Group we received an advanced copy of their new project “Ancient Skies” to review. If you’re a music fan who likes the worship style lyrics of Mark Hall from Casting Crowns, but you also like the rock edge that John Copper and Skillet then you’ll really dig “Ancient Skies” from The Michael Gungor Band. Read more
CD Review: Chris Tomlin “Hello Love”
Do you like me remember how it felt the night before Christmas? I couldn’t stand the anticipation of what would be under the tree, or reading the Christmas story from the Bible and trying to stay awake to catch Santa coming down the chimney. Now, some 30 years later I get to relive that feeling every time a CD arrives in our mailbox. Read more
CD Review: Jon Foreman “Spring & Summer”
Our good friend Vanessa at EMI sent us a copy of Jon Foreman’s new project “Spring & Summer” to review. Let’s just say these 12 songs, 2 CD’s and Jon’s voice will take you on a musical journey.
Instead of giving you the typical review of what I think are the best tracks on the project. I’d rather share with you about how his lyrics have changed my heart and view of what the Lord really wants from me every season and every day. There are two tracks (one from each disc) that really moved me.
On the “Spring” CD you’ll find track 5 “Your Love Is Strong”. Here are the lyrics… Read more
CD Review: Dizmas - Dizmas
The self titled, third release from Lancaster, CA’s Dizmas hits stores tomorrow. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a pre-release copy a few days ago and have been listening to it ever since. My first and most lasting impression is that the entire disc fits together really well. If you’re a long-time Dizmas fan, this will act almost as a Greatest Hits compilation and many of the tracks are from previous efforts. If you’re new to the band, however, I can’t think of a better way to introduce yourself to their sound.
I’m a new listener, so I can’t compare it to previous efforts, but knowing that these songs were on other discs is in no way a detraction from the effort. The songs are well crafted and at first glance, there’s just a ton of radio-worthy singles on this release.
CD Review: Chasen - Shine Through the Stars
Chasen, the trio from Powsersville, SC, has something special on their hands. Their OMG debut, Shine Through the Stars, landed on my desk this week. Unfortunately for me, it was a busy week and I wasn’t really able to sit down with this disc in it’s entirety until now. Also, to tell you the truth, I’m not all that taken with Crazy Beautiful, the album’s leading single. The riffy guitar work and rough-edged vocals seem to get lost in a sea of similar sounding artists. The rest of the disc, however… is a different story.
CD Review: NEWWORLDSON - Salvation Station
What can you say about a bunch of guys from Niagara Falls that have more soul than James Brown? This disc came in the mail to use here at the Stereotruth HQ and I instantly grabbed it (No, I didn’t steal it… really) off of Rodney’s desk. We’ve been talking about these guys, hearing the odd single, and seeing the odd video from them, and this was the first time I got to sit down with a CD and just enter their world.
First thing I can say about the disc is “Wow” - What a refreshing change. This is not your standard pop or rock music. Think old-school gospel with roots/rap/funk infused in truly imaginative ways.
Sometimes loud and boisterous, others soft, gentle and reflective. Well, it’s always reflective of their spirit and obvious devotion to God. The current single, Workin’ Man, is a terrific, bouncy tune. You almost can’t stop your knees from bouncing, or your foot tapping when it’s playing. Plus, it contains probably the best line I’ve heard in recent memory:
