I recently had the pleasure of attending the 2007 United Catholic Music and Video Association Unity Awards in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was great networking with all these great Catholic artists. The big winner was Sean Clives, whose song “Amazed” has been talked about in this column and appears on the Gift of God compilation CD.
The Gift of God CD, which features youth-oriented Catholic artists, was a finalist in the Special Event Album of the Year at the Unity Awards and was nominated in the same category at the upcoming Canadian Gospel Music Association Awards. If you haven’t bought this album, you can pick it up at any Christian bookstore and, at the same time, you’ll be supporting the 2008 Eucharistic Congress in Quebec City. Finally, if you want to hear some of the artists on this CD, Righteous B and my band Critical Mass will be appearing together at Oakville’s Mary of God parish (call 905-337-2184) on Nov. 17.
Thousand Foot Krutch — The flame in all of us This Canadian group is our nation’s biggest Christian rock act. Surprisingly, the album starts slow and rarely burns above mid-tempo. The lyrics are more spiritual than previous efforts, which is a plus. My favourites are the songs that have the kick of previous efforts, such as “Falls Apart” and “My Own Enemy,” although “My Home” has a wonderful vocal performance that has huge hit potential. Overall, a strong recording. Fans of this band have given this album a debut at 58 on the Billboard Top 200, a remarkable achievement.
Foot Krutch — Blink Plumb, driven by singer and songwriter Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, has shifted over the years from modern rock to more accessible pop. On this album, this mother of two has put out an intensely personal collection of songs that are part lullaby, part children’s album and hauntingly reflective. The lyrics are beautiful and precious, written while she was pregnant with her second child. The interesting and intricate musical approach and vocals reminds me of Sarah McLachlan. An excellent album.
Joel Stein — Always Forward This is another project produced by David Smith, who is making it a habit of taking Catholic artists and pushing their project to the next level. This album is superb. With rock- and country-influenced pop songs and excellent arrangements and musicianship by Smith, this album is one of the better ones I have heard this year. Most impressive is the song “Satisfied” which has hit radio single written all over it. The Catholic music scene is indeed maturing and can compete at any level. Excellent.
Casting Crowns — The Altar and the Door This is currently one of the biggest Christian rock bands, with their previous Lifesong album firmly planting them in the upper echelon. This album has many of the same elements of their previous album. With a contemporary mid-tempo rock sound that is so popular on hit radio formats, this album is very accessible. Lyrically, it is very strong in its Christian message and doesn’t water itself down in the hopes of cross-over success. Although I would have hoped for a bit more variety, growth and innovation, this is a solid effort.
Point of Grace — How you live Point of Grace is one of the most popular female vocal groups in Christian music. This album is one of their best. With the recent success of the Dixie Chicks, this album will be one that feels right at home as many of the cuts have the same lush harmonies, intelligent lyrics and country pop feel as this secular group. The songwriting and lyrics are superb, with some of the top Christian songwriters being tapped for the song selection. The only caveat is a certain sameness to all the songs.
Steven Curtis Chapman — This Moment Truly one of the veterans of the Christian music industry, the 15th album from Chapman features a very familiar sound. For some artists, this would be a death knell. Somehow, this artist uses this as a strength. Every song seems somehow immediately recognizable. The country rock feel wrapped with his strong lyrics reminds me of getting together with an old friend who I haven’t seen in awhile but who always seems to have something cool to say to me. Sure to bring a smile to your face.
David Wang has been writing about music for the Catholic Register for over a decade. He is the lead singer for the award-winning Catholic rock band, Critical Mass , is a professor at the University of Waterloo and a father of nine.
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