Never for Nothing - CCM Record Reviews archive E
EARTHSUIT : Kaleidoscope Superior. (ICC)
Do the names Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach or Red Hot Chilli Peppers
mean anything to you? If not, I suggest you leave this album well
alone. However, if they're your type of music, I suggest you check
this album out. It's not a clone of the above bands by any means,
having a great deal of originality. It has its melodic moments
("Said the Sun to the Shine", for example) but is generally
very energetic music in a nu metal sort of way, but (thankfully)
without the overly abrasive, hateful and self-destructive edges.
It even has some harmonies. There are a few vocal tricks that
bear more than a passing resemblance to late 70s Yes or Genesis
(sorry, lads), but the overall sound is very 21st Century.
One of the best albums I've heard this year, if not the best,
so visit your local CCM emporium and get them to play you the
first track. It won't disappoint.
9/10 Paul Ganney (October 2001)
EASTER PEOPLE : The Praise Album. (Kingsway : KMCD2060).
Right from the start, let me say that, this live praise &
worship album is one of the good ones. All too often, you're left
feeling that maybe you had to be at the event to appreciate everything,
but not on this occasion. The whole congregation are led by both
the Waves and Whitewings singing groups, and just what an impact
the voices make. A whole host of well known tunes are given new
life, including 'There's a Wind A Blowin', 'Quiet My Mind' and
'He Is Risen'. From as early as the second song 'My Jesus, My
Saviour', you are literally drawn into worship and praise of the
Lord. You actually feel as if you are with the congregation as
they bounce their way through 'I the Lord of Sea & Sky'. Quieter
numbers like 'Sing to the Lord' and 'Lord, You Have My Heart'
just leave you wanting more. A must for p&w fans. 8/10.
(August 1998)
EASTER PEOPLE : Kids 2000. (Kingsway : KMCD2282).
This is a CD you need to sit down and listen to, to enter into
the atmosphere of this event - special this year as we celebrate
the millennium. Ralph Ward and his band lead much of the worship,
accompanied by John Hardwick, Greg Leavers, Simon Parry, Claire
Morgans, and their respective bands. Geared towards children aged
approx 5-10 years, the album has been put together well, with
a good variety of quiet, reflective, and lively! Ralph Ward gives
some short talks with a clear gospel message and this is an added
bonus. My teenage daughter, Joanne, noticed a similarity in backing
music to that of chart sensations Five with "Raise Him Up",
and Steps with "Show Me the Light". My own favourites
were "Praising Jesus Everywhere", "Our Father",
and "Come On, Let's Celebrate".
This is a good children's CD with plenty of new songs and giving
a clear gospel message. 8/10. Pam Robinson. (September 2000)
ECHOING ANGELS : You Alone. (INO : 40092)
This 5 piece indie rock band from Atlanta, Georgia, release their debut album which lends more than a passing nod to Third Day. The lead vocals are very similar in style and that was quite apparent from the opening track called "I Will". The title track is an epic ballad about worshipping God alone, and it stands out as the best cut. The more I listened to the rest of the album, however, the more I thought, "I've heard it all before". Yes, this collection of songs sounds just like a hundred others that I've reviewed in a similar genre. "Hallelujah" is quite a moving song but how I longed for just something a little different, to stand out from the norm. I, personally, want to be excited by Jesus music, but this album didn't make the mark. Closing the listing is an acoustic track called "Move Me". Again, it's the obligatory rock band's cliché to show a lighter side to the band, and it's all very bland indeed. 3/10 (July 2007)
THE ECHOING GREEN : Supernova (Red Hill Records :
RHCD 2155)
Geoff said he'd send me something different this month, and he
certainly has! This lot hail from the US of A, and if the dance
scene is your thing, it's worth a good listen. I say 'dance scene'
but that's a gross generalisation - what struck me about this
album was the diversity. Although there are programmed drum sequences,
excellently produced, running throughout, the content of the tracks
varies considerably. The title track reminded me of early 90s
dance, with an element of Depeche Mode creeping in, but this changes
to a much heavier sound in 'Defender', and then again to a dance
type ballad in the final cut, 'Nightfall & Splendor'. Incidentally,
I thought this to be the best track on the album, with a good
lyrical style and vocals. Other tracks to grab my attention were
'Waterfall' and 'December'. Overall this is good, well produced
material with a lyric style that is not too blatant but sets the
brain ticking over. I just wish they would use Chrissy Franklin's
vocals a little more next time, as I feel the tracks she fronts
are the better ones. Having said that, Joey Belville's vocals
are pretty good too, apart from perhaps 'She's Gone Tragic' which
didn't seem quite to cut the mustard. But, all in all, a polished
production and definitely worth checking out if you're tastes
are more towards the dance end of the spectrum. 8/10 Julie
Lord. (March 2001)
EDEN'S BRIDGE : Celtic Worship 2. (StraightWay/Word : SSD
0200)
Recorded in West Yorkshire, England, I still find it strange that
it's an American company that is behind this band. Featuring the
likes of Sarah and Richard Lacey, David Bird, Jon Large, and Terl
Bryant, this is Eden's Bridge's 5th album, and 2nd in the Celtic
Worship series. It would be easy for me to say that these musicians
are an Iona clone collection, and there's a touch of truth when
listening to "I Will Change Your Name". However, it
soon becomes apparent that there's a lot more to these people
than that. Sarah's vocals are just as good as Joanne Hogg's but
the tones are a million miles apart. Pete Seegers 1962 classic
"Turn, Turn, Turn" has been recorded by many artists
over the years, and this version stands alongside the best of
them. If it's peaceful sounds you want, then try "Sarah's
Prayer" or the simply delicious instrumental "Seascape".
There's pipes, guitars, various keyboards, miscellaneous percussion,
and many odd sounding instruments on display throughout the album
and the overall sound is one of sheer bliss. Take "Who Can
Bind Your Heart". 6 minutes of priceless vocals, riding high
upon the waves of engrossing music. "Refiner's Fire"
is, perhaps, the best of the more traditional numbers, where the
tune remains the same but given the Eden's stamp. For Celtic fans,
and more, everywhere. 8/10. (June 1999)
EDEN'S BRIDGE : Isle of Tides. (from Jude Music Ltd, PO Box 253, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England, WF1 3UD)
I'm not sure why it's taken two years for this album to wing it's
way through my letter box but, I guess, better late than never.
Lover's of celtic music still miss the sounds of Iona, but many
are still to find the joys of Eden's Bridge. It's impossible not
to compare the two as the musical content is so similar. Indeed,
Sarah Lacy's vocals are just as velvet to the touch as Joanne
Hogg's. On this album, there's 18 tracks in a typical celtic vein
that only lacks the odd uptempo number to add a little extra to
proceedings. Instruments are provided by the likes of Terl Bryant
and Simeon Wood who, along with their colleagues, bring out the
best in each song. Favourites for me include "Keep Me Sailing"
and "From Here, Today", but there's a whole host of
good songs to choose from. 8/10. (April 2004)
EDEN'S BRIDGE : The Celtic Worship Collection. (Straightway : EMID2701)
In this second 2 CD volume of worship songs, the listener is once more given the chance to hear songs delivered in a Celtic style. The first disc contains praise songs and includes the bright and empowering "Whole Earth", written by Richard & Sarah Lacey and David Bird. There's an intriguing ethereal version of "There is a Redeemer" which I found quite inspiring, before the gentle vocals and flowing pipes of "Son Of Man". Sarah may not get the plaudits of Mairre Brennan and Joanne Hogg, but I find her vocal quality just as soothing and warm. "Every Heart" is quite an epic, with a very full and well produced celtic sound. Disc two is sub-titled "Celtic Reflections on Hymns" and I particularly liked the way "Holy, Holy, Holy" builds up to a crescendo of praise. "Be Thou My Vision" and "Here is Love" are very thoughfully portrayed and the atomospheric version of "Amazing Grace" sits well amongst the rest of the tracks. The album, as a whole, works well and the content is really good. 8/10. (June 2006)
EDWIN BROWN : Christ For Me. (Kingsway : KMCD2967)
This is Irish tenor Edwin Brown's debut album, and what a good one it is too. His background has seen him study music in Texas, sing with the popular Continental Singers, work in Christian Television & Radio, as well as leading worship at major evangelistic events. Oh yes, and if that's not enough he also turned down the opportunity to pursue a career in professional music theatre so that he could continue his worship ministry. I guess Edwin will be likened to Stuart Pendred, in style, but he does manage to make all the songs his own. He writes some of the songs too, and the opening 'Let Your mantle Cover Me' is one of his. Edwin's smooth vocals carry the song, where it ends in an instrumental, celtic style. Fanny Crosby's immortal 'All That I Am' is next, and Edwin breathes new life into this well loved song. I thought that his next highlight was on 'Just the Very Thought of Thee', another self penned number. His performance here is heartfelt, and full of worship. The tempo rises with 'It's the Power', but he's at his best on songs of grace and love like 'The Greatest Love' and the tender 'See the Lamb of God'. Edwin has certainly been blessed with a great voice, and this album should open many more doors for this talented musician. 9/10 (July 2009, Album of the Month)
ELECTRALYTE : Scratch Beneath the Surface. (Fierce! : FIERCD44)
Electralyte are a four piece British rock band who said to have "all Arctic Monkeys and Fratellis flair." They've toured with the likes of Delirious? and have played many of the major festivals, so they've got quite a good pedigree. Well, if I'd written this review after one play of the album, I wouldn't have been very impressed. If anything, I found them quite melancholy at times, nearing on The Verve sort of territory. But, after another play or two, I began to enjoy the songs, and could see exactly what the press release had said. 'Again Again' is a lively enough start but 'Where in the World' and 'Athens' is where the album really gets going. Both songs are written about relationships, and work well. 'Let's Get Married' is written about seeing Christian friends marrying and then separating. Perhaps without God's guidance, there wasn't enough to hold them together. Perhaps, the more I listen, the higher score this album will get, but for now, it's 7/10. (August 2008)
THE ELECTRICS : Danger Live… (ICC : ICCD39830)
It must be 8 or 9 years since I bought my first Electrics' album
and, boy, was I impressed. Since then, however, their recent releases
have all failed to live up to that excellent introduction. "Danger…"
was recorded live at the 1998 German Christmas Rock Night, and
features songs and tunes, old and new. The opening "Killiecrankie"
is not a death threat to those Scotish comedians, but the famous
Robbie Burns poem put to music. If you like a lot of jumping and
jigging, then there's plenty of reels to get you in the party
mood, "Berni's Wedding Jig" reminded me of those heady
Eden Burning gigs of the past, while "Piping Hot" is
more in the same vein. "Livin' It Up When I Die" and
"Visions & Dreams" are both well known favourites
and they obviously go down well with the live crowd. For the casual
CD listener, however, the album gets a bit samey after a while
and it's hard to know when one song stops and another starts.
Sammy Horner and the guys have been around for some time now,
but to really get the most out of this release, I think you had
to be there. 6/10. (April 2000)
THE ELMS : Truth, Soul, Rock & Roll. (Sparrow : SPD51978)
Billed as playing "straight ahead authentic rock & roll",
The Elms bring guitar music to the fore with this follow up to
their critically acclaimed debut. I never heard that one, but
this is a gem. With traits of Petra at their best on tracks like
"Speaking in Tongues" and "The First Day",
there's distinct cutting edge to their music. "Burn &
Shine" says "let's get out and tell the world about
God" instead of just thinking about it. It's another top
song and very radio friendly. Then, there's the jangly sound of
"Let Love In". It's a cross between the Byrds "Mr
Tambourine Man" and Big Tent Revival's "Letting Go",
but still contains it's own individuality. To be honest, there's
not a bad song on the album, it's just filled with terrific rock
& roll. That is, with the exception of the closing song. In
sorrow and despair, when all seems dark - there's a time to let
it go. "Smile at Life Again" is one of the most touching
songs I've ever heard. One of the releases of the year so far.
10/10 (April 2003, Album of the Month)
ELVIS PRESLEY : He Touched Me. (Alliance : 8443923) - Video
I've got to admit to being one of the few who didn't think much
of Elvis' music until long after his death. Since then, however,
I've become to appreciate the depth of the music, as well as the
phenomenon that was Elvis himself. This video charts his progress
from childhood attending an Assembly of God church with his parents
through to concerts by Southern Gospel Quartets like the Statesmen
and the Blackwood Brothers. There's plenty of interviews with
former members of these groups, as well as the legendary Jorannaires.
There are a couple of concert songs featured, like "american
Trilogy" and "How Great Thou Art", but others are
either used as backing music for the narrative, or from amatuer
film clips. There's some great stories included, like the time
Elvis prayed for one of the members of the backing group who had
just been diagnosed with a cancerous tumour. The next day, the
tumour had disappeared. To watch the full 90 minutes in one sitting
was a bit much, but I was still fascinated by it all. 8/10. (April 2000)
Encounter Worship. Volume 1. FIERCD29
This CD is yet another compilation of all the worship songs that you already own several times over. The main difference about this one though, is that it is an album of cover versions rather than the original artists. You can however still predict most of the tracks, "How Great Is Our God, Famous One, In Christ alone", and of course no worship CD is complete without "My Jesus, My Saviour" To be fair most of the songs on here are ok in themselves, the arrangements are fairly basic, so if you wished to you could adapt them for playing live without too much trouble, but really I just wonder. What's the point? There's nothing here that I've not heard before, and the CD as a whole seems to lack any kind of spark. Why not be Radical, Write something new! There is actually a statement on the sleeve asking people to send in songs to be considered for future projects, presumably anything written in the last five years won't be considered. Go to www.encounterworship.info if you're interested. This is probably best described as Christian lift music. Personally I'd take the stairs. 5/10 Andy Sayner. (July 2007)
ERIC CHAMPION : Natural. (Essential : CD70015).
Rarely does an album contain so many songs that really search,
deeply, about the important things in your life. 'Am I Lookin'
Good' kicks of with an indie/rock feel and homes in on the fact
that we spend so much time on our outward appearance that we forget
about the inside. 'God Only Knows' is very radio friendly but
'Hacker's Prayer' sounds morose and easily forgettable. Tired
of living life under your own steam? It's about time you really
gave yourself to Jesus, so says the ballad 'Giving Up' in a Bryan
Adams sort of way. There seems to be times on the album when Eric
gives carte' blanche to everyone to do their own thing, as two
or three different tunes appear at the same time. However, if
you're honestly ready to be challenged, buy the album and be prepared
to pray. 7/10. (August 1998)
ERIN O'DONNELL : A Scrapbook of Sorts. (Alliance : ALD108)
This is the lady who got her recording contract in a cyber cafe!
Sounding very much like Suzanne Vega, Erin takes you on a trip
around her life. "Be Still & Know" is not the chorus
song that many of us know, but a happy ditty that cheers you up
the moment you hear it. "I Will Trust in You" is a slower
track, complete with summery feel, but that happy feeling still
shines out. Looking back on your pre-Christian days, you may find
that God was there, even in the darkest of times. That's just
what Erin admits to on the classy "Even in My Youth".
She's the nearest thing to Amy Grant I've heard for some time
and the overall strength of the album is in it's simplistic but
memorable lyrics.
It's a good debut. 8/10. (August 1997)
ERIN O'DONNELL. "No Place So Far". (Myrrh : 080688605322)
I've got say that I can't make up my mind about this album. I've
listened to it a few times and find it infuriating to the fact
that songs which sounded good first listen leave me cold, while
songs that, at first, passed me by are now beginning to grow on
me. Take, for instance, the title track. Nothing special on first
time of hearing but, then, sounds totally different on second
listen. In fact, so much so that many listens later, I'm still
singing along! "Your Love Will Get Me There" is another
one, and I'm really beginning to like this one, too. Erin, herself,
has a voice that sounds a little like Sarah Masen but the songs
themselves are in the style of, say, Natalie Imbruglia. "There
You Are" tells that even if we wander off from Jesus, when
we return, He hasn't "moved an inch" and has His arms
are still open to welcome us back. Maybe I should have listened
to this album for a month or so before reviewing? There again…….7/10. (May 2001)
ESSENTIAL CHRISTIAN SONGS Vol.2 : Let My Words Be Few. (ICC Records)
When reviewing Worship CDs I normally look for one of two things:
new songs and/or new arrangements. In short, something to justify
adding this CD to my non-trivial collection. This, however, doesn't
really fit, being more of a "greatest hits" kind of
thing - it doesn't need to add to the cannon, just collect together
some of the "best bits" (as the title "Essential..."
implies). So, is it? Well, all of the arrangements and performances
are very competent and clear (important if you're going to sing
along). However, it lacks energy, especially on "Did You
Feel the Mountains Tremble?". The more melodic stuff works
very well, though, such as "You Are My Portion" (a new
song to me, so passes one of my two Worship CD tests). Stand-out
track, though, is "Open the Skies" (not that I could
imagine our congregation singing it, mind) which has a wonderful
rhythm running around behind it (and some very subdued powerchords).
Essential? It all rather depends on whether you already have worship
CDs with these songs on. If you don't, then you could do a lot
worse than to buy this. Of course, you may already have done worse,
in which case this'd be worth getting so you've got some decent
versions of your favourite songs. 7/10. Paul Ganney. (January 2004)
The Essential Worship Chillout Collection. (Kingsway : KMCD2499)
The ever expanding range and style of worship albums released
shows no sign of abating and this one is quite a worthy addition
- taking a selection of popular songs and re-interpreting them
in a more atmospheric/ambient style designed to provide respite
from the pace and pressures of everyday life. Cool grooves abound,
and within that context the 10 songs chosen are a good selection,
with three in particular standing out for me: a great, laidback
"In Christ Alone", a surprisingly effective reggae version
of "Jesus lover of my soul" and a superb recording of
"Light of the World" which is more than a little reminiscent
of Right Said Fred, spoken vocal and everything. Not all the songs
are as effective as these, but none of them are ever less than
interesting, uplifting and (of course) relaxing, with some nice
variety in the vocals, sweet harmonies and simple arrangements.
Turn off the lights, close your eyes and go with it. You won't
be disappointed. 8/10 David Cooper (Jnaury 2004)
The Essential Worship Chillout Collection 2. (Kingsway : KMCD2603)
I've got to be honest. What I expected from this album, was to be able to sit out on a hot summer's day, and to reflect and meditate to the "chillout" tunes. Well, I gave up waiting for a hot summers day when I wasn't at work, and decided to listen to this album both at home, and in the car. The result being, I didn't feel "chilled out" in either setting. Sure, the music didn't pound your brain, nor did it ease my mind after a stress filled day. In fact, it reminded me of elevator and shopping mall music - the stuff that just plays in the background as you go about your day. I found most of the songs, like "Be Lifted Up" and "You Are My Passion" to be nothing more than just very ordinary songs, while the reggae feel of "God is Here" did raise my hopes. There's nice versions of "Beautiful Saviour" and "Outrageous Grace" but, I'm afraid, that the album just fulfill my expectations. 4/10. (August 2005)
EVERLIFE : Everlife. (Authentic : 7770292)
It must have seemed like a good idea at the time but to let these three girls try and sing rock songs was a big mistake. Let's face it, they just haven't got the vocal range to carry songs like "Heaven Open Your Eyes" and "Take A Ride". When they leave the rock sound behind, you do find their voices fitting well to the more pop orientated "I'm Over It and "Lead the Way". One of the three girls has a voice that sounds very much like that of Susan Ashton, and this really comes to the fore on the acoustic backed "Save Me" and "Set Me Free". Although I'm not slating the lyrical content, I did find the songs quite weak throughout. I'm afraid that this album would go down as just "another record" for me. 4/10. (May 2005)
EVERYBODYDUCK :Still Know How To Groove. (Diadem : 92193-1225-2)
With some zany humour and catchy lyrics,, this album starts off
really well with songs like 'Sunday Shoes' and the title track.
The former looks at the myth(?) that being a Christian is boring,
while the latter continues the theme explaining that "Yes
I have become a Christian but I still know how to groove".
It's these lighter numbers that give the album it's class, complete
with it's light rock feel. In between, the band get heavy and
the lyrics get lost in the overall production. 'Walk the plank'
and 'Closed Doors' are, in sound, reminiscent of 80's band Martha
& the Muffin's 'Echo Beach'. Not bad, but not the best. 5/10.
EVERYDAY SUNDAY : Wake up! Wake up! (Inpop Records : POD1406)
This CD is by four guys from Columbus, Ohio, and is an album full of no nonsense guitar led pop/rock songs. I think that this band sound more like a British rock band than an American one. In fact if this CD had come out in the late seventies or early eighties it would have probably have been filed under new wave. That's not to say that it sounds dated though, all the songs seem to be the kind of tune that sticks in your head after you've listened to them a couple of times. There is no let up at all in style or pace, right from the start of the first track with a guitar lick in the intro which reminded me somewhat of "Into the valley" by The Skids (If my memory is correct). A lot of albums that have no variation in pace tend to get me bored by half way through, but this one, it has to be said is an exception. The songs are all well performed, and each one of them stands up on it's own. There isn't anything bad to say about this CD. I reckon that this is an American band that could do very well over here, if they get the chance to be heard that is. If you get the chance to pick up a copy of this CD get it. 10/10 Andy Sayner. (January 2008, Album of the Month)
EVERYONE : Everyone. (Furious Records)
This four piece band from California bring guitar pop back to
the fore with a sound that is reminiscent of label-mated Delirious?
Well, perhaps that isn't such a surprise, as singer Jeff Searles
1995 album "Inside Me" was produced by Martin Smith.
However, there's more to this band than just being a cloned copy.
Okay, so the title track could well be the D-boys in disguise,
it's still got some great lyrics and super guitars. "Lovely
Way" is a bit more melodic - "like Travis", my
better half says. Searle's vocals are good all the way through
and he's at his best on the rockier numbers. "Thank you",
"Jesus Saviour", and "Crazy" reach out as
"up and at 'em" praise, but I personally found "Only
for You" to be a little bit too heavy and over the top. Lots
of good things to come out of this album, so give it a try. 9/10. (May 2003)
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