I did a few reviews here and then promptly quit. Bravo. But I am back to revive the Reviews and rather than do full reviews again only to quit again, I’m going to do quick, but thorough, haiku reviews. Thank you, Andy Gullahorn, for letting me steal your idea.
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Jared Anderson Where Faith Comes From – This is Jared’s second solo release with Integrity Music and I believe a much stronger album than last year’s Where to Begin. The formula for the album is still the same, offering new studio versions of some his Desperation Band and New Life Worship songs as well penning some new tunes. This album seems to be more thought out than his previous record and I think it shows. There are creative arrangements, clean instrumentation, and always great vocal work. But unlike other albums that I love, it’s not the recordings or the creative musical elements that sell this album for me – it’s, quite simply, the songs itself and Jared Anderson’s execution. Everything else is in the background.
Anderson’s also not afraid to rethink some of his more familiar songs, for better or for worse, often breathing new life into them (see the new tag on “Beauty of the Lord”). I love Jared Anderson’s music and have loved it for years now. I appreciate his worship music for being simple, yet honest and for avoiding the popular approach of being unnecessarily wordy. It’s fun hearing his musical offerings while knowing how capable he is as a musician and writer. See Jared Anderson Part 2 for the other, also brilliant, side of Mr. Anderson.
P.S. He should also get some credit for using the name “Frodo Baggins” in a song without sounding completely stupid. 7.5/10
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Jon Foreman Fall (EP)/Winter (EP) – Jon Foreman, the frontman, songwriter for Switchfoot has released two solo EPs, titles Fall and Winter with two more to be released later this year. It has to be said that this is not at all representative of Switchfoot’s previous material. These albums are Foreman alone with his acoustic with the occasional touch of strings, horns, harmonica and percussion. I’ve long been a fan of Foreman and his writing so I was excited to hear these albums with their folksy drive. His writing is as poetic as always, his melodies creative and his voice suits this genre nicely. The songs aren’t the most memorable but it’s a welcome collection nonetheless.
My favorite song at the moment is “The Moon is a Magnet” from the Fall EP. Though short, it’s got a clever melody with a guitar reminiscent of Dave Matthews’ “Satellite.” All in all, a pleasant release. 6.5/10
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Andrew Osenga Letters To The Editor, Vol. 2
Andrew Osenga’s
Second blog/fan-based record
Better than the first
Readers sent in thoughts
Andy penned some killer tunes
Best free download yet.
Song rules: one guitar,
one amp, multiple layers.
Magical? Oh, yes.
7.5/10
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Lady Gaga
Oh, Lady Gaga
I like you more than I did,
I still hate your songs.
PunchToTheFace/10
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OneRepublic Waking Up
What a great release!
Great beats and catchy melodies
So, what can’t they do?
I think the best part
Is they have defined their sound
A force to be heard
Listen while driving
Listen from start to finish
But slow down for cops.
8/10
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John Mayer Battle Studies
I’ve always believed
Mayer made the smartest pop
In terms of music
My first thought: “Good songs
But they sound older than he;
I hope he’s okay.”
That’s maturity
The album has grown on me
I really dig it
7/10 8/10
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The Weepies Be My Thrill
Husband and wife team
Some happy happy joy joy
They can’t disappoint
“Add My Effort” – fave
Right with “When You Go Away”
Beautiful songs, folks
7/10
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Kanye West My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy
My Beautiful Dark
(one sec… I just need a break)
Twisted Fantasy
Kanye’s latest disc
Holy cow! Superb album!
He’s set the bar HIGH
It’s changing my life
I know how to write haikus
‘cuz Yeezy taught me
8.5/10
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