FEBRUARY 2013 NEW RELEASES (part 1)

This month is a BIG month for Christian music. There are several major new releases to celebrate. Here are my reviews of the first two: Sanctus Real and Daniel Bashta.

Sanctus Real--"Run"

GRADE:  B+

It feels like it has been forever since Sanctus Real has released a new CD. Because of this, many fans are very excited about their latest project entitled "Run". Overall, the album is excellent, but this new CD is a change of pace for the band. 

Sanctus Real is a remarkably talented band. They have a creative arrangement of sounds that set them apart from other bands in the CCM world. This CD demonstrates that very much in songs like "Pray", "One of those Things", and "You Are God". In addition, the song lyrics are strong and powerful. The band certainly has a grasp on how to express their honest passion toward their relationship with God in a way that everyone can relate to. 

What is different about this CD (and why I am giving it a B+ instead of an A) is the style. One of the things that I believe has always made Sanctus Real so great is their combination of raw, honest lyrics with music that has an edge to it. However, that edge is missing greatly in this new CD. In essence, the band has chosen to go with a more contemporary, mainstream style rather than their own unique rock sound. This, of course is disappointing for those hardcore fans.

Overall, the album is good and I predict it will do well--but Snactus Real has certainly chosen contemporary over rock and to fans like myself that is a shame. 

Daniel Bashta--"The Invisible"

GRADE: A+

I believe Daniel Bashta is one of the most powerful new worship leaders to emerge in recent years. He made his debut with his first CD, "The Sounds"--with his hit song "Like a Lion (God's Not Dead))". Now, he is back with his sophomore project and I believe there is a lot to be excited about on this new release.

Bashta's voice is unique and certainly sets him apart from other worship leaders. He has a raw, passionate sound that is very different than the mainstream, commercialized worship leaders. Because of this, his music seems to resonate in a powerful and honest way. 

The album begins with a bold song entitled, "I Want it All (Just Give Me Jesus)" which is about pushing our faith deeper than just religion and emotions. After this, the next few songs wrestle with the mystery of God and His power in the midst of our weakness. The album then moves into a powerful anthem of worship entitled, "Great is the Lord" which I believe could be his next major single. The rest of the album focuses on God's redemptive work and faithfulness. 

The song "In the Ruins" highlights our brokenness and invites God to save us from all of our failures as a church--the words declare: Come unlock the barricades, every temple we have falsely made, Come and save us from the wars we rage...Come and heal this sick disease, Come and break this apathy...Resurrect these whitewashed tombs...Save us from the idols we build in your name.

Finally, the album ends with a beautiful image of God's sacrifice for us in the song, "Behold the Lamb of God". This song summarizes the heart of the album with its final bridge declaring yours is the kingdom, yours is the power, yours is the glory, forever AMEN.

Overall, the CD is an amazing worship album that has unique sound completely different than anything else in worship music today. Furthermore, the songs on this CD are not as long as the tracks on Bashta's first CD making them much easier to utilize in a church setting. I can't wait to find out where Daniel Bashta's music will take his listeners next!!