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RICHIE MCDONALD It’s not everyday that country music songs crossover to the pop charts, but the band Lonestar did just that during the past decade with smash hits like “Amazed” and “I’m Already There.” Those are the kinds of songs you’ll be hearing at wedding receptions for years to come. The warm-but-commanding voice leading those poignant ballads belonged to Richie McDonald. About a year ago, McDonald decided to leave Lonestar and go solo. Fans got a taste of McDonald’s work on his 2007 Christmas album, whetting their appetites for I Turn To You. Now that he’s a solo act, McDonald is free to express himself in any way he chooses, and this album allows him to share his Christian faith with millions of country fans. Besides singing with strength and conviction, the 46-year-old is also a talented musician, playing both the piano and guitar. Fans will get a taste of his country-pop style on I Turn To You, an inspirational addition to any music collection.
When This Beautiful Republic first hit the Christian music scene in 2007, their album was well received both on a critical and commercial level. Now they have returned with their sophomore release and hope to make a similar impact. Titled Perceptions, This Beautiful Republic’s second disc consists of 13 songs and over 49 minutes of material. Tackling the punk-rock/emo music genre, most of the record has an upbeat vibe that could land in the same vein as mainstream band Simple Plan with a hint of early Relient K, only without the latter’s signature humour. The majority of the disc’s 13 songs are guitar-blaring punk-rock anthems that feel they could be interchangeable with each other. The remainder of the album consists of ballads, and this is where the band really shines, especially on the musically intriguing track “Point Between The Extreme.” Though they aren’t reinventing the genre by any means, fans of punk-rock music and the band’s first effort should consider checking this one out. Perceptions is a lengthy endeavour that should provide plenty of material for those looking for more of the music they enjoy.
Turns out the inimitable Jimmy Needham is just as creatively satisfying the second time around. Debut Speak was the mother lode of quirky rhythmic inventiveness; Not Without Love richly mines the realm of melody. The good news is that Needham hasn’t let up on fervently expounding Biblical truth in his unique beat-poet style. Twelve nimble tracks transition through a wide range of styles, from tongue-twisting worship a la Mat Kearney (“Before & After”), to rootsy pop (“Come Around”), to bouncy surf rock (the desperate but deeply melodic “Hurricane”). Needham’s newlywed status shows up in two very different love songs: the sunny “Firefly,” very Chris Rice, and the sparkling “Unfailing Love (Kelly’s Song).” The soaring soulfulness of the stirring piano ballad “The Great Love Story” easily brings Stevie Wonder to mind, specifically Fulfillingness’ First Finale. Needham’s melody lines track the heavens, and serve as the perfect conduit for his earthy vocals, which are part fiery preacher, part coffeehouse poetry slam. It’s strictly the latter on closer “Not Without Love (Benediction),” a breathy prayer that positively drips with honest passion and energetic longing. Not Without Love is sincere, creative, and overflowing with truth; we could use plenty more like this one.
Think Ashlee Simpson or Avril Lavigne’s radio-friendly club/pop rock, but factor in straightforward spiritual lyrics, delivered with Meyer’s customary vocal kick. In other words, strong chart material. Meyers, 22 and now on her third album, wrote or co-wrote all 10 tracks. Exuding robust confidence, she has clearly grown into her popularity. A new maturity shows through the guitar-driven arrangements and expressive vocals of the prayerful “My Freedom,” as well as on the sizzling first single “Shine,” thoughtfully accented by percolating beats. Make Some Noise is a mix of fun, straight-up dance tracks (the lively “You’ll Never Know” and guitar-driven rocker “Beautiful Tonight”), some forgettable pop (“Feels So Right”), and vertically oriented pop ballads conveyed somehow with both poignancy and muscle. An interesting mix, uniquely Meyers, and it works best in the pulsating pop of “S.O.S.,” dripping with vulnerability, and the sultry vocals of “Love It Away,” extolling the faithfulness of God. The younger set will flock to Make Some Noise for its exuberant title track, a bouncy call for spiritual boldness laced intelligently with buzzy techno riffs. But I enjoy Krystal Meyers most for the strength of her passion, spilling through the majority of these 10 tracks. The upbeat pop is the icing on a cake that most will find delicious.
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THIS BEAUTIFUL REPUBLIC
JIMMY NEEDHAM
KRYSTAL MEYERS