John Mark McMillan - Economy

John Mark McMillan has become one of the fastest spreading Christian musicians in history. He wrote a song in November of 2005 called "How He Loves", part of his second studio album, The Song Inside the Sounds of Breaking Down. According to John Mark, this song wasn't expected to be very popular, and it wasn't at first. It was written almost as a mourning song, attempting to clear away the confusion surrounding his friend's death. However, within a few years, "How He Loves" had become (and still is) one of the most popular worship songs in history. Professionally covered and recorded by over 23 artists (such as David Crowder, Flyleaf, Kim Walker, Kari Jobe, and Todd Agnew), performed live by countless more, and played in thousands of churches worldwide, there is no doubt in my mind that "How He Loves" is more than just a little mourning song. 

Ever since then, JMM's career has skyrocketed. With five studio albums, one live album, and three singles, John Mark has become a household name for Christian listeners and musicians. His lyrics have captivated the most stoic of listeners, and the most critical of musicians. 

In his new album, Economy, McMillan has not disappointed. When beginning the album, you feel like you're already on the third or fourth song. Initially listening to the first track, I started thinking "Nothing will ever compare to The Medicine." However, the first song is powerful enough to get you excited for the rest of the album. When it ended I was, of course, holding my breath for the next track to start. The second track, "Daylight" starts with a battle rally-type sound. With a sharp, heavy reverb on McMillan;s voice. Classic, of course. About halfway through the song, James Duke comes in with the slide guitar sound we all know and love from the JMM band. This got me going. You can never go wrong with a well done slide guitar, The third track, "Heart Bleeds" is probably one I'm going to play at my church. It's just a good worship song, and John Mark has brought forth simple, passionate lyrics once again (and again, the slide guitar got me). It might be my favorite on the album. In competition with the album's title track, number six. Generally, I'm biased against title tracks, because they seem to automatically be overplayed on the radio, and I get tired of them. That may happen with "Economy" but the album hasn't been released yet, so they haven't had a chance to sour me on it yet. The album's fourth track, "Love You Swore" features a part where McMillan's voice goes up higher than I ever thought it could. Much respect. "Murdered Son" and "Sins are Stones" both remind me of "Carbon Ribs" from The Medicine. Very atmospheric and "cool" feeling songs. Like, the temperature. Anyways, the track "Who is This" reminds me of The Medicine because of it's lyrics such as "Open up your doors" and "Open up your gates before Him." Nearly exact lines from previous songs. "Chemicals" is definitely the simplest and most different in Economy, but it brings a nice break from the intensity of the previous songs. The final song is just one word. My word. Epic. You'll just have to listen to it. 

By the way, I don't EVER do this, but I think this album is just too good to hide. For a limited time, you can listen to the entire album if you click right here. Relevant Magazine is hosting a preview for who knows how long. Listen to it while it's hot!

Officially, Economy will be released on November 1st. It will be on iTunes, Spotify (Get one. Get one now.), and plenty of other online and physical music stores. I strongly, strongly suggest you buy this album. It's quickly becoming one of my favorites. 

Until it releases, listen to it on the Relevant website, and watch this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NXWE6AC8ao

Happy listening!

Coldplay - Every Teardop is a Waterfall & Paradise (singles) for Mylo Xyloto

One does not ask "What can be said about Coldplay?" One can simply ask "What cannot be said about Coldplay?" Over Six albums, eight EPs, twenty-fve singles, and twenty-seven music videos (but who's counting?) have made this band a legend. They are technically classified as a British alternative rock band, but Coldplay really doesn't fit into any one genre. It has become a kind of genre all its own. Lead by Chris Martin, Coldplay has perhaps the largest fan base in music history. You can find die hard Coldplay fans nearly anywhere in the world. 

In August of this year, Coldplay announced their new album, Mylo Xyloto, would be released on October 25th. Now, I know it's still a little far away, but generally when a band comes within a month of releasing an album, there arise what we call "leaks." These leaks are digital copies of the new album that are (whether intentionally or unintentionally) posted for listening on the internet. Well, production and recording has been finished since September 9th, and there are still NO LEAKS ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET. Two thumbs up for Coldplay. They are guarding this new masterpiece well. It makes it difficult for us to know what to expect, but let's be honest. It's Coldplay. I'd buy any Coldplay album even if it was a collection of science themed covers.

They have, however, released two singles to wet our appetites. Both have some similarities, but are very different from any of their past albums... in a great way. The first one, called "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall" has made fans go crazy. Beginning with the lyrics "I turn the music up" this song is (we hope) a very hopeful picture of what is to come. With the classic single-note guitar "solo" we know, a thick pumping bass line, and crisp, quick acoustic guitar in the background, Coldplay has once again taken elements that no one else could pull off, and created something I can't stop listening to. Their second single "Paradise" starts almost like "Viva la Vida", but is more subtle and "classy"... until the bass line drops. The song takes you up and down, and up again. It is definitely a "Coldplay" song, throwing away the typical song structure and dynamic rules that so many artists are confined by. Coldplay has no rules, and this song is the perfect example of why. 

Once again, I suggest you get yourself a Spotify if you haven't already. $10 a month for unlimited music whenever and wherever you want. (I say wherever because I'm in Guatemala right now.) Or, you can always do it for free with a few commercials and stuff. If you don't like it, feel free to write me a nasty email about it. I can't guarantee I'll read it, but go ahead. 

I (along with probably 75% of the world) am anxious to hear what this upcoming album brings, but I don't think anyone will be listening to it until the release date of October 25th. Until then, you can pre-order the album from iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/coldplay/id471744 or Coldplay's website at http://www.coldplay.com/. When it does come out, you can bet I'll have it on Spotify AND iTunes.

Happy listening!

Ryan Adams - Ashes & Fire

Who is Ryan Adams, anyways? Well, throughout his career, he's been lots of things. He's been dark and heavy, and he's been light and twangy. Ryan Adams is the perfect example of a well-seasoned rock-star. In only eleven years, he's come out with 13 albums, some with a band called The Cardinals, which broke up in 2009. His history of fame, substance abuse, and Ménière's disease, a painful inner ear disease, has marked Ryan Adams' career as a long and colorful one. He went through a two year hiatus from music altogether, and some people thought he would never return to the stage. Ménière's disease made it hard for him to keep his balance or stay in tune, and many people thought his days were over. However, Adams claims to now be drug free and completely healthy. When considering his new lifestyle and recent marriage to Mandy Moore, it's no surprise that his new album, Ashes & Fire is quite a bit "happier", and returns to the classic Ryan Adams twang we all remember in albums like Easy Tiger, but with a mellower, more easy-going sound.

Ashes & Fire is perhaps the most soulful and low-key album ever from a new happy and clean Ryan Adams. The album starts out with a low southern tone with "Dirty Rain". Benmont Tench, on loan from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers features in several tracks, including "Dirty Rain." I'm hoping he works with Adams on future projects, because I nearly passed out listening to this one. The title track, "Ashes & Fire" is what I would consider a "road trip song", but I would consider most of the songs on this album as such. Old timey piano and a three-quarter beat make this song a great western feel-good. His wife, Mandy Moore, makes several appearances on the album, adding fresh, high harmonies to his songs. Also, one of my favorite artists, Norah Jones, is featured on three songs. "Come Home", "Save Me", and "Kindness." This is yet another dream come true for both Ryan Adams and Norah Jones fans... and mostly me.

This album definitely takes a turn from Adams' previous works. Lyrics like "Do you believe in love?" and "I will shelter you with my love, and my forgiveness" show that perhaps ol' Ryan really has taken a turn for the better. It's definitely an easier listen, but it still retains the classic carefree Adams guitar, and deep meaningful lyrics everyone loves. For those who miss the more edgy, angry Ryan Adams, don't worry. We have faith he'll be back, and even more intriguing. Besides, he's allowed to have a honeymoon record, right? I applaud this album because it expresses Ryan's life. In my opinion, that is what music should be. A reflection of what's going on inside.

Ashes & Fire gets 8 out of 10.

Ashes & Fire hits the shelves on October 11th. If you don't have Spotify, then your life hasn't become quite awesome enough yet. I suggest you get it. It's about $10 a month, unless you get invited. In that case, there is a free version that's... well, free. If you don't feel like being awesome in that way, you can be awesome by actually buying the album, along with others by Ryan Adams, on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ryan-adams/id1010602.

Happy listening!

Upcoming Album by... The Shat?

That's right, Captain Kirk never lets us down. On October 11th, William Shatner is scheduled to release a metal album called Seeking Major Tom.  When I first heard this, I thought "Aw crap" because I knew I would have to listen to it. I mean, it's Shatner! Then I found out some of the people he planned to feature on his album. Brad Paisley, The Strokes' Nick Valensi, Zakk Wylde, Wayne Kramer, Manuel Göttsching, Johnny Winter, and others. I found myself thinking, "Well, maybe there's hope. Maybe it will be legitimate."

My hopes were short-lived. Not long afterwards, The Priceline Negotiator released his tracklist. It turns out this album, Seeking Major Tom, is simply a collection of space-themed covers such as  "She Blinded Me With Science" by Thomas Dolby, Elton John's "Rocket Man", and everyone's favorite, "Bohemian Rhapsody". Now, I'm going to be honest and say that I've always wanted to hear Shatner sing "Bohemian Rhapsody", and I know you have too, but will that be enough to reconcile the rest of the album? You never know. It sounds like an adventure either way.

You can bet that once this album gets into my hands, I'll tell you if it rocks... and also if it doesn't. Until then, however, I have faith that it could be something worth listening to. Never underestimate Captain Kirk. He's made it this long.


Once again, this album will be coming out on October 11th. I can't promise it will be on
Spotify ($10 a month, get one), but I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find it on iTunes. When it comes, I'll let you know how it all goes down.

By the way, the final track is an original song called "Mrs. Major Tom" featuring an unannounced female artist. My money is on Lady Gaga.

Until then, uhh... live long and prosper?

NEEDTOBREATHE - The Reckoning

NEEDTOBREATHE is the perfect example of band evolution... in a good way. Many bands hit a really good sound, and slowly fade out of it and, consequently, out of fame. I think NEEDTOBREATHE (yup, I'm gonna capitalize ALL the letters.) may have done quite the opposite. They've come from a sound that was actually pretty typical, and have turned into a very interesting and noteworthy group. They started back in the year 2000, but didn't make a full-length album until 2006. Their first album, however, happens to be one of my favorites. They've gone from a poppy, upbeat sound that easily fit into chick flick movie soundtracks to a big, loud, South Carolina sound that is both musically and lyrically entangling. 

This new album has the sophisticated yet southern twang of The Outsiders, but with "Oohs and Ahhs" it starts out quite a bit darker. A slow and southern beginning, backing vocals, crashing chorus, and killer instrumental (with horns and all) make it a very memorable first song. The next two songs are a bit more light-hearted and have more of a "country road" feel to them. I'm a Texas boy, so naturally I love it. "A Place Only You Can Go", "Tyrant Kings", and "Learn to Love" all are slow, powerful songs, easily bringing one back to songs like "Stones Under Rushing Water" and "Haley". The fifth track, "Slumber" was released earlier as a single, and received unending praise... from those who knew about it. The single wasn't very highly advertised, and many people don't even know it was a single. As for the song itself, it typifies the powerful, moving attitude of NEEDTOBREATHE. The title track "The Reckoning" is (and I'm gonna use this word whether It's professional or not) epic. Drums with big reverb, echoing guitar riffs, high-end piano notes throughout the song, this song deserves to be the album title. "Able" is perhaps one of the more southern of songs NEEDTOBREATHE has produced. With it's recurring chorus lines, backing vocals, old time piano, and slide guitar, this song is an easy one to just sit and enjoy. "Maybe They're On to Us" is definitely a different song for this album. It would fit well in The Outsiders, but even then, it seems a little forced. It definitely has great lyrics, though, and a good feel to it. It provides a great contrast to the rest of the album. "Wanted Man" is a very "open" feeling song. It reminds me of Mumford & Sons' "The Cave", but that could be because of the whistling. Either way, it is well done, and well thought-out. "Keep Your Eyes Open" starts out like a City Harmonic song. A high pitched piano riff, leading into a driving bass line. The rest of the song follows the typical Bear Rinehart drive & passion. "Devil's Been Talkin'" and "Angel and My Door" have the driving, banjo strumming energy that makes this album complete. Perfect songs to add to your road trip playlist. 

Overall, NEEDTOBREATHE has not disappointed me at all. It is a very well done album. From Bear Rinehart's passionate vocals, to his brother Bo's lively banjo, The Reckoning is an album that you'll want to download. 

I'm going to say this in every post, because I want to support Spotify, and because I think it's awesome. Especially since it's really the only way I can find new music easily here in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. So yeah, if you haven't already, get Spotify. A premium account is about $10 a month, and free is... free. You have to be invited, though. Sorry about that.

If you just can't bring yourself to become a part of the new best thing ever, you can always download The Reckoning and other NEEDTOBREATHE albums on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/needtobreathe/id113247214

Happy listening!

Switchfoot - Vice Verses

I decided to start with an easy one. Switchfoot. I've been a fan of Switchfoot for a long time, and they've never failed me. They've been together since 1996, have produced 8 albums, and have won 9 Dove Awards and a Grammy. This is the point at which most bands start to slowly fall downhill. Take another of my favorite bands, Anberlin. Never Take Friendship Personal and Blueprints for the Blackmarket are two of my all-time favorite albums, but ever since New Surrender I just get sad when I listen to them. Switchfoot has not disappointed me so. The boys have once again made me squeal like a girl when I started listening to the first song, and that excitement lasted through the entire album, which is not an easy task. 

The first track, "Afterlife" is definitely an embodiment of Switchfoot's recent change in direction. It takes a slightly darker turn than their previous songs, starting with thick guitars and heavy drums. The entire song continues with a slightly "epic" feel (can I use that word?), with inspiring lyrics and a memorable guitar solo near the third quarter of the song. The next two tracks, "The Original" and "The War Inside" bring us back to the Switchfoot we're all familiar with. The punky, exciting sound makes old-time fans feel at ease knowing their old friends are still the same crazy, fun loving rock stars they've always been. The next track, "Restless" reminds me of a toned down "Your Love is a Song". Not the most memorable song on the album, but a masterpiece nonetheless. "Blinding Light" takes us back a little to the Nothing is Sound days with the line "Hey girl," repeated through the song and the uplifting, encouraging lyrics seemingly directed to a typical teenage girl vexed with discouragement and loss of direction. Definitely classic Switchfoot. "Selling the News" definitely gives a small shock to listeners. With Switchfoot experimenting with the spoken word, this song definitely sticks out. On a commentary they made, they said this song was written to be put on Hello Hurricane, but after much thought, the band decided to save it for their next album. A wise choice, in my opinion. The song sticks out in stark contrast to the melody and depth of the other tracks. That says nothing for the depth of the lyrics, though. The lyrics in this song are perhaps some of the most powerful in Switchfoot history. If you could only listen to one song on this album, I would suggest this one. "Thrive", "Souvenirs", "Where I Belong", and title track "Vice Verses" bring excellent balance to the album, and are woven into it in just the right places, creating a master piece. The more upbeat "Rise Above It" is just one more party of a song written to encourage the lost and left out to "rise above it." The track "Dark Horses" was released early as a single, and it got our mouths watering. Arguably the most well done on the album, and the favorite of many, "Dark Horses" was written for homeless kids in San Diego."They are the true dark horses... They've been dealt a tough deck of cards, and they're fighting it." said bassist Tim Foreman in a special commentary.

Vice Verses has definitely impressed me, and if you like good music with meaning, then you should probably like it too. I'm just saying. Switchfoot still has yet to let me down, and I will continue to act like a child at Christmas every time they come out with something new. If you don't have Spotify, I suggest you get it. Without an invitation it's about $9 a month for as much music as you can possibly listen to. 

If you don't, then you can always buy this album, along with Switchfoot's other albums at http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/switchfoot/id655658

Happy listening!

Blog time.

I feel awesome. It's like this is my own little world! Here, what I'll do (at least for now) is I'll be taking albums that are popular (or that I want to be popular) and posting a review of them on this blog. If you have any questions, comments, agreements, or disagreements, feel free to comment. I wanna hear things!