What if We

Brandon Heath

What If We

Brandon Heath has been one of my favorite artists since his first release Don’t Get Comfortable. Well, I took his words to heart and was incredibly fidgety when I heard he was coming out with a new album. Now that it’s been released, I have can’t help but sit still and listen to this incredible album. I’m sure a couple of you are familiar with his most well known song right now, Give me Your Eyes, which is played on many stations around the country.

Strengths

I had the privilege of seeing Brandon Heath in concert just a few months ago, and one of the things that stood out to me was how much sincerity he performed with; this was not lost in his album. The depth and sincerity Heath sings with is one of the best attributes of his work. It’s incredibly touching to hear about him singing about standing on the streets of London and crying, praying for God’s understanding, and his experience with other hurting people. This is not a superficial album in the least bit.

Other strengths include his brilliant voice and the shift in style from his last album. You can still tell that this is the same guy, but something about this album is different. There is slightly a more rhythmic feel to some of his songs and you can tell that his musical maturity is growing. His voice clean and clear while the music is not muddled  or too overpowering. It seems that the balance between vocals and instrumentation is very well done.

Crimes [These United States]

Crimes

[These United States]

I received Crimes from a good friend of mine a little while ago. I had never heard of them before but I really liked the album art the first time I saw the album (this is [almost] always a good sign). So over the past few days I’ve been listening to the intricate multi-faceted music of These United States, and I approve.

Strengths

I always appreciate variety. This album is variety, and therefore I appreciate it. One of the strongest parts of Crimes is the diversity in style. There are several upbeat and rhythmic songs, but they are complimented by those that are acoustic ballads full of emotions in quiet esteem. The lyrical depth of the album is also something to be commended. Lines such as “each wave a mirror, each crest a key” strike me with elegant beauty. I am glad the use of instruments is also not over done or too colloquial. Yes, there is your basic guitars and drums, but with the addition of banjo, piano, and synthetic sounds, that mundane guitar takes on some pretty interesting shapes.

The End is Not the End

{House of Heroes}

The End is Not the End

House of Heroes has stepped off on a new foot with their release of The End is Not the End. Their former release, Serial Sleepers, didn’t do a whole lot to really impact the music industry, but this album is pretty good. The style House of Heroes puts forth in this album is quite different from their first, but yet it manages to keep the band’s identity.

Strengths

Strong and catchy rhythms are the single most improved feature of The End is Not the End for House of Heroes. I generally can get bored with some music very quickly, especially if it all sounds the same. But with this album, the style and direction of many songs change multiple times through the length of a single track. For example, “In the valley of the Dying Sun” starts out in a moderate tempo with a nice guitar background. Then it quickly changes to a melodic falsetto that adds so much complexity to the song — yet it remains simple. A tricky thing to do.

Cannons

{Phil Wickham}

Cannons

I don’t know what is more impressive: Phil Wickham’s vocals or his guitar playing. I’ve had the privilege to see Phil in concert two times already and I have not been disappointed. Although both venues could have used some better acoustics, the sound from this guy is unique. Along with this album, Phil’s first album, Phil Wickahm, holds another spot in my list of favorite albums (although I’m not going to count it as one of my “20″). Specifically form his previous album, standout tracks include “Divine Romance”, “Crumble to Pieces”, “Holy Holy Holy”, “Grace”, and “Always Forever”.

Strengths:

The album starts off almost dark, mysterious, and bass-driven with “Must I wait”. The only thing that carries through the rest of the songs form the description in the previous sentence would probably be the bass. The mystery of the song is lifted when Phil starts in with his vocals. It all seems to come together at this point; the lyrics add to the overall clarity and beauty of the song. There are transitions from driven guitar, to more subtle controlled vocals. This is an example of the strength of the album, not necessarily in the song itself, but what elements it portrays. The vocals are by no doubt some of the most powerful, subtle, beautiful, and fully enticing vocals I’ve ever heard (seeing him in person also adds another layer to his depth). I would say that this element of the album is certainly one of the strongest.

The Heat

{Needtobreathe}

The Heat

Needtobreathe has always been one of my favorite bands. With their first release, Daylight, I’ve been eagerly watching the band, and as they have progressed in style, they have moved up on my list. I am relieved that needtobreathe’s sophomore album is not a “slump” and shows the band can change but remain itself.

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Strengths:

The vocals of needtobreathe’s lead singer, Bear Rinehart, are outstanding. They are not going to suit every person’s particular taste, but if you like smooth, strong, southern rock vocals, you’ll love this band. The melodies and blend of the band is also a highlight. The instruments are in balance and we hear what we are supposed to hear and when we’re suppose to hear it (always a bonus).

Heal for the Honey

{Brooke Waggoner}

Heal for the Honey

When I learned that Brooke Waggoner had recently released a full length album, I was immensely excited — immensely excited. I went and bought the album off iTunes and was almost giddy. I think some of the expectation I had for Brooke was based off of her last release, Fresh Pair of Eyes, but Heal for the Honey isn’t quite as sweet as what I thought it would be. I think having such a high expectation let me down a little bit when it wasn’t as wonderful as I expected, but perhaps this album will grow on me over time.

Strengths

Brooke Waggoner does a very good job of fusing different instruments into a style that is intriguing, enticing, and just plain different. I am glad that she is not another run-of-the-mill artist who sounds like everybody else. She manages to define herself as an artist of quality and skill. The piano in the album is a reoccurring strength that adds layers as well as complexion to the songs — a defining and well done feature of the album. At times, Waggoner’s voice can be smooth and controlled and blends very well with the style of music she is performing.

Apple Tree

{Katie Herzig}

Apple Tree

I have been whistling “Songbird” for the past four days (quite literally). I don’t know what that tells you about me, but this album has turned into one of my all-time favorite albums. I have been a fan of Herzig’s previous album, Weightless, but I’ve come to perch on Apple Tree’s branches quite a bit more in the past few months. People are starting to comment on how I’ve been whistling the same song for days, and yet it’s still in my head.

Strengths

Katie Herzig is a master of quirky and beautifully unique rhythms. Her musical intuition is so clearly portrayed within her work that it makes me smile to hear her use bells and wind instruments in so many different ways. One of my favorite tracks, “I Will Follow” is more of an upbeat song that utilizes bells in such a clever fashion. I don’t know why it strikes me as such, but the chorus goes perfectly with all the background music.