5 comments about End of Silence.

1. I like to think I'm pretty picky about my rock music and this cd rocks out. I use it to workout because its pretty epic. It was my favorite cd of 07 and Lost is one of my favorite songs ever. If you like Decyfer Down, you should check this out.



2. This is one of the best rock albums I have heard in years. They have awesome vocals and guitar rrriiiifffs that are out of this world. They can blend instruments in ways I've never heard in rock music. I thought I was listening to some of the members of Linkin Park when I first heard this album. I am so stoked to hear a new album out of this group.



3. I had only heard their radio released songs before seeing them in concert. After the concert, I couldn't wait to get this CD. There are very few CDs that I can listen to every song on the CD and not get bored. This CD has been in my car CD player for more than a week, and I haven't gotten tired of it yet. Great song writing, great music, and great message.
   
   Red is more than just a bang-it-out rock band. They incorporate strings, melody, and energy into their songs. The DVD is a great addition because it gives you an opportunity to see their live performance.
   
   If you are looking for a heavy, driving rock album you will definitely want to pick this one up.



4. This album is one of the best collaberations i have ever heard. The mixture of unique instrumentals with one of the most intense and unbelievable voices i have ever heard make this a truly breathtaking album. I cant even find the right words to describe it. The intense emotion of lyrics on songs like "pieces" and "lost" combined with the hair raising vocals on songs like "breathe into me" and "break me down" make this one of the most versatile records i have ever heard. The mixture of guitar and piano and strings is sonething i never thought would work in rock music but they without question proved me wrong, I think that is one of the best parts of there music is the mixture of instruments. If there sophmore album is half as good as End of Silence we are in for a big treat.



5. I cannot believe someone here has slated the lyrics to this album. Try playing "Lost", or "Pieces" (how many times have you found yourself putting tracks on auto-repeat for hours on end. Yes I did with these two tracks particularly) and tell me they are not automatically in your all time favourite weepies. This is Linkin Park without the awful Rapping. It's an album full of power, emotion, deep feelings and incredibly tight playing. If I took all of my favourite sounds from Linkin Park, they would be surpassed by these guys. They claim Chevelle is one of their main influences. Well, guys, Chevelle are shadows in the face of your light. Truly fantastic album. Ignore this and miss one of the milestones of modern Rock.

5 comments about End of Grey.

1. Decyfer Down's "End of Grey" is a solid debut rock album. The lead vocalist sings with passion, and the lyrics are good. While the lyrics may be Christian-themed, they are not so overtly Christian as to turn away most secular modern rock fans. Still, those who are Christian should find the lyrics meaningful. Instrumentally, the album could be a bit more creative. However, if you're considering this album after hearing some of its songs on the radio, you shouldn't be disappointed.



2. I saw this band last night and had to buy this CD awesome. Great musicians and great singer. If you get a chance go see them with Skillet. Thanks. James



3. This is one of my favorite Christian rock albums in recent years. (Ok so it doesn't quite rank with TFK, Seventh Day Slumber or Kutless) but it still rocks hard and has a great message. Many of the songs will have you wanting to bang your head while others will have you pondering the thoughtful messages relayed. Decyfer Down has found the balance that other bands (like Red) have forgotten... you can still write hard rock without making the lyrics so depressing!
   So bottom line, if you enjoy hard rock with the sound of "Red" (minus the screamo) +inspirational lyrics "Decyfer Down" if just what you're looking for.



4. This is a good solid rock album. It combines guitar rock with awesome lyrics, mostly Christian inspired. Solid sounding!!!



5. Upon listening to a few songs, I love it. Most Christian music, and no offence, makes me gag. However, this was great.

5 comments about Rock of Ages...Hymns & Faith.

1. This is an album of Christian music, primarily but not entirely focused on older hymns. The music is fairly mainstream country-rock. Grant's voice is very beautiful. All of the songs are very good. For me, the stand-outs are "Joyful, Joyful" a Christian hymn set to Beethoven's secular-pagan-messianic classic "Ode to Joy" from the 9th Symphony and "El Shaddai," an extremely simple and moving hymn to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.



2. You know, I have to give the Glory to GOD in Jesus' name for HIS servant Amy - - I have been healed and inspired for twenty years because of her willingness to share the gifts and talents GOD gave her to impart HIS unconditional, unfailing, and never-ending love for each and every one of us. Her albums have kept me from losing faith altogether..many, many times. I praise GOD in Jesus' name for the beautiful music, flowing right through me....and for the knowledge that "anywhere with Jesus, I am not alone, anywhere with Jesus, I can safely go. Sweet WILL of GOD..Let me say once more..that I love YOU.



3. This album touchs all the spiritial feelings of ones soul. As I listen to this album, I can almost feel each song shift my emotions into a different gear. This is a great album to melt away the stresses of the day, while at the same time bringing an inner peace at the promise of tomorrow, by way of ones redemption in our renewal of faith. It is a beautifully produced album, and I am glad I have it in my collection. Re: the comments by "Christian Mom" It sounded kind of familiar. Almost like what a blacksmith would say when she would have an ax or two, too grind.



4. What a wonderful album. Simple inspirational songs by a great singer. The execution is very professional...a hallmark of Vince Gill albums.
   
   This album gives Ms. Grant another chance to showcase her beautiful voice w/songs on traditional church hymns. We all know that she's great at singing pop...but some of us don't like pop that much! I've grown up w/many of these songs in church, it's so happy to hear Ms. Grant sing them. Thank you, Amy & Vince.



5. How can anyone say this is a terrible cd? It's great. I love it. I am an Amy fan and have been for quite some time and I think they are all great and this latest one is one of the best.

3 comments about X 2008: 17 Christian Rock Hits.

1. This is a great compilation. I only wish is were as long as X2007.



2. The "X" series of Christian rock has been hit and miss. This time around, there are more hits than misses. Reliable rockers such as Thousand Foot Krutch and Underoath are on the heavier end of the spectrum that is balanced by lighter rock fare from the likes of Switchfoot and Leeland. TobyMac brings hip-hop to the table with "Boomin" from his "Portable Sounds" disc and Family Force 5 offers up "I Love You To Death," an almost Cure-like rocker.
   
   Highlights include "Falls Apart," "You're Ever So Inviting," the wonderful "Fully Alive" from Flyleaf, and "Hotel Aquarium" from Falling Up. Barlowgirl, MxPx, Skillet and Anberlin also have some decent tunes on this album.
   
   With a mix of heavy hitters and light rockers, "X 2008" is a sufficient sampler to take on a road trip or to introduce potential listeners to bands they may not be that familiar with.



3. I was worried about the "X" projects after last year. This one is the best in a while, and the flavor is heavy on the guitar, powerful lyrics, and fast moving tempo- just like it should be!

5 comments about Pages.

1. For a long time fan or a newcomer this is a must have! Their sincerity and humility truly evokes a sense of worship on this album. And as always their lyrics are top notch. The song EMBRACING ACCUSATION is the most powerful song I have ever heard....ever! And that is saying a lot b/c they have written so many powerful songs. Also, Burn Us Up, Vision of You, We Love you Jesus, and Before the Throne are also all excellent songs. Although they have changed their sound a lot, it is a change in the right direction. Instead of a usual stripped down acoustic sound they have moved toward a more layered and textual sound(piano/synthesizer/strings). I have all their albums back to Carry Away and this one is probably my favorite of all.



2. Shane and Shane are awesomely used by God to write and record His music. This is a wonderful album, embracing accusation is phenomenal. This as all their others that I own are WONDERFUL!!



3. Shane and Shane are very refreshing. They combine simple, yet poetic lyrics with stripped down instruments and very catchy tunes. They rarely disappoint. "Pages" is no exception. I love the songs: Vision Of You, We Love You Jesus, Burn Us Up, Wounded, Beg, and Psalm 62. Very passionate as always, so if you enjoyed the other Shane and Shane CD's, get this CD as well!



4. This is by far the most polished, radio friendly shane and shane album yet. ALL of the albums are so stinkin' creative, but this one takes the cake. Shane B (writer) said this one album was recorded on their time (3 months off) in their own studio and you can tell they had time, you can tell they had rest.
   It's beautiful, seriously.
   Pick it up.
   
   Heather Daniel



5. To be honest, the first time I listened to this album it didn't really grab my attention...the second and fiftieth times that I listened, have been AMAZING! I took the time to really listen to what the songs were saying and even went onto Shane and Shane's website to understand the lyrics better. My eyes were opened! Now I belt out their passionate worship/contemporary songs with so much conviction! For people needing good soul food...this CD is the place!

5 comments about Sea of Faces.

1. Sea of Faces is the first Kutless CD I purchased, and now, years later, it remains the best album they've ever released, a balanced and natural-feeling project that stands firmly on its own two feet.
   I attribute the unique sound of this album to a variety of factors, chief of which is the feeling of unrushed passion they project. The band is confident in their slower songs, willing to use thick guitar riffs with lots of harmonic vocal background and bass; their unpretentious rhythms and minimalist screaming make this a great musical experience, occasionally akin to a redeemed and mellow Linkin Park sound.
   The message the guys broadcast here is a heartfelt tribute to the grace of God in adversity. Their lyrics are empathetic and wise without being didactic or simpering; these masculine laments are actually very hopeful pieces, with plenty of attitude. The songs are diverse, from pumping rock tracks like Not What You See and Let You In to more melodic tunes like Sea of Faces and All of the Words. I enjoy every song on this excellent and unforced album.



2. I own all four of Kutless' albums, and this is my favorite one. It has just the right mix of loud and soft songs. I would recommend this album to anyone who is curious about Kutless and wants to get one of their CDs, or to anyone who likes Christian rock.
   
   Favorite songs:
   Not What You See
   All Alone
   Sea Of Faces
   Perspectives
   All The Words



3. This cd is one of my all time favorite rock cds. The lyrics are powerful, and I love the style as well. The song "Sea of Faces" is one of my all time favorite songs. the lyrics to this song are a powerful reminder of what Christ did for us on the cross. This is a definite keeper.



4. Awesome. That's the only way to describe this CD. I was starting to get into Christian rock and decided to buy a CD. This was the first Christian rock CD I've ever bought. It's great. Their lyrics are very true and meaningful and they still manage to keep that rock sound that everyone loves. It's something that I would suggest to anyone of almost any age group. Jon Micah has a very strong voice and delivers every song very well. When I bought this CD, I knew nothing of Christian rock or even Christian music for that matter. Now, I know every word to every song on all of their CDs. Trust me, you will fall in love with Kutless and with this CD.



5. Kutless is easily my favorite band and this CD is a big reason for me. Anybody that says Christian bands have no talent has obviously never heard Kutless.
   
   I can honestly say there isn't a single song on this CD that I don't like. The CD starts with "Not What You See", a very profound song about how we as Christians are nothing more than servants to God and the world around us.
   
   Next is "All Alone", an marvelously produced song about Jesus being our only hope. "Better For You" is another very profound song about how the right thing always seems hard, but in the end it is better for us.
   
   "Sea of Faces" is one of the songs that made Kutless, and you can see why. It has a great melody, great words, and great over all sound. "Let You In" is probably the hardest song on the album, and it features singing by Demon Hunter's lead singer.
   
   "Passion" captures the pain and anguish of Jesus' death in a very powerful way. It mentions how Jesus' death, although it was terrible, is comforting to all of us.
   
   "Perspectives" would make a great mainstream song. It simply states that we need to view the world around us in a way that realizes we are not the only ones with problems. After "Perspectives" is "Treason", another remarkably deep song about how we don't act like we're really Christians, and commit treason against God.
   
   "All the Words" is simply a beautiful praise-and-worship song. "Troubled Heart" is probably my least favorite on the album, but even it is a good song. The final song, "It's Like Me", talks about the difficult of witnessing, and has one of the best lines in all of music - "Would my care increase if I truly believe that a life could be saved?"
   
   To sum it up, if you want great rock music with a great message, don't pass up Kutless's Sea of Faces.

No comments about Not Without Love.

5 comments about Much Afraid.

1. My belief is that Jars of Clay fans probably know less about this CD than any other - a definite problem! The guys came through with another thought-provoking high quality CD, with the usual interesting music and variety unlike most other groups. Definitely highly recommended!



2. This was my first Jars Of Clay CD. I consider it to be one of the best albums I have or will have, and a good incentive to buy more from the artist. This is just one of those classic CDs for me. It takes a few listens to like, but becomes very dear once you do. The album's production is superbly multi-layered, and the songs in it are soft enough to be relaxing, but have lyrics that are thoughtful enough to engage you in active thought- for quite a while. Definitely a defining release in the Christian pop/rock market, even today. Listen to the previews and see what I mean.



3. I had heard of Jars of Clay in 1995-1996 and even had their debut album, but it wasn't until I saw Jars of Clay live in 1997 that I realized what a truly great band they were. They were promoting their new album, "Much Afraid", when I saw them in concert. I didn't own "Much Afraid" at the time so I wasn't familiar with the newer material, but a song that Jars of Clay sang that night stuck with me. I bought "Much Afraid" after the concert and when track #3 started playing, I quickly realized this was the song that struck a chord with me that night - Tea and Sympathy. It quickly became my favorite Jars of Clay song, and it remains my favorite to this day.
   
   I have seen Jars of Clay two more times since then and have bought all of their records, including their newest masterpiece, "Good Monsters." Jars of Clay's music has always been new, exciting, and relevant. They know how to reinvent themselves musically yet be true and fresh lyrically with each album that they put out.
   
   "Much Afraid" will always hold a special place in my heart because this album is truly what made me a fan of the band. I don't regard this album as their personal best overall, but I do think that Tea and Sympathy is one of the best songs they have ever put on any album. That song makes this album shine. Other favorites of mine from this album are Fade To Grey, Crazy Times, and Portrait of an Apology.



4. Most of these reviews are written by Christians. First of all, I hate the song Flood. I hear a song on the muzak at work and it really catches me. One day, I'm flipping channels and I come across the song and video. Until the end, I didn't realize it was Jars of Clay. About this time, I signed up for a CD club and put this album down (this was really pre-pirate downloads) so that I could get this song. I had also heard that this was more of a non-Christian album. So I gave it a try. No, I didn't convert. I found this album had a lot of catchy songs, that were well written and musically complex (Portrait of an Apology has duple rhythms against triples in compound time). If you are a Christian you will find Christian meaning in this album. If you are not a Christian, you will find music where the writer has a lot of questions, a lot of doubts and vulnerabilities. The lyrics tend to be vague enough to allow the listener their own interpretation of the lyrics (except for the last track Hymn).



5. Much Afraid has to be one of Jars of Clay's best albums to date. Each song has so much expression. Much Afraid is timeless, In 2007, the album will be ten years old and the songs will never become outdated. Jars of Clay are a genius group, I know each track had to be ahead of Its time. I think It may have been overwhelming for some, but Much Afraid is a very deep album. From the start when I first heard Crazy times, Fade to Gray, Frail and Truce, I was hooked. These are the songs that become timeless. I think Jars of Clay has broken the barriers of conventional music and ingenious composition.

5 comments about The Art of Breaking.

1. THE BAND: Trevor McNevan (vocals, guitars), Joel Bruyere (bass), Steve Augustine (drums & percussion). Origin - Ontario, Canada.
   
   THE DISC: (2005) 11 songs clocking in at approximately 40 minutes. Included with the disc is a 14-page booklet containing song titles/credits, song lyrics, one band photo, and thank you's. Label - Tooth & Nail Records.
   
   COMMENTS: The local hard rock radio station was playing "Move" and "Hit The Floor". The songs were catchy and I decided to make the purchase. More times than not, the melodies grab me first, and then I listen to the words. Those new to Thousand Foot Crutch (TFC) might not notice the "Christian Rock" moniker attached to the band. I certainly didn't on my first few listens. But then I noticed the lyrics touched on spirituality, truth, redemption, and that general theme of looking to the sky for answers - but in a low key way - none of the songs come off sermonic. I do not have any of TFC's earlier release(s), but from what I've read, this "Art Of Breaking" is a departure of sorts... less nu-metal/rap/screamo, and more mainstream rock (I'd have to hear more of the earlier material to pass judgment). With that being said, I like this album a ton. If it's a new direction for the band... it works for me. You've heard the sound before - the formula is familiar (Switchfoot, Hoobastank, Breaking Benjamin, Pillar, Stereomud, etc) - but it works because the melodies are hard, crunchy and most importantly catchy. The lyrics have a message, but they're never preachy. "The Art Of Breaking" reached #67 on Billboard's Top 200 albums for 2005 (with the song "Move" reaching mainstream rock's #16). Other singles released are the opener "Absolute", "Stranger", the rocker "Hit The Floor", and the album closer - the uplifting ballad "Breathe You In". Six of the eleven tracks made it to the Top 15 on the Christian Rock chart. TFC and "The Art Of Breaking" also won best rock album, best group, best artist at the 2005 CGMA Covenant (Canadian Gospel Music Awards)... though there's nothing "Gospel" about the album. Maybe in lyric, but certainly not in music - this is a ROCK album. Highlights for me are the harder tracks - "Hurt", "Move", "Hit The Floor" and "Hand Grenade" (though the lyrics are a question mark on this last track). You hear McNevan really cut loose with a ripping guitar solo on "Hand Grenade" - I truly wish there was more of this creativity. The final cut, "Breathe You In", is the lone ballad and it's a great way to close the album. I typically gravitate away from Christian bands (because some are excessively moralizing... and I believe religion is a very personal thing)... but this album doesn't come off that way. Nothing terribly original here from Thousand Foot Crutch, but overall the songs rock and the band definitely has something to say (4 stars).



2. Wonderful album. If you like music, you have to get it. It's just that good.



3. I bought this CD a few years ago and I still LOVE it. None of my friends had heard of TFK but once they heard this CD they loved the band too. It's edgy and dynamic and it makes you want to get up and move. Hurt is one of my favorite songs and it ads that slow song element to the mix. All of the songs are catchy and well done. I highly recommend buying this one!



4. What i was missing waiting to get this cd. I should've bought it earlier wasnt sure about it. But after listening to Art of Breaking i like the way it turned out and yes it has a different feel than TFKs previous efforts. Its not a bad thing by any means though. Each track jumps into after the next still have the sound, singing and lyrics that have given TFK a firm fanbase and will continue to do that with this release. I enjoyed:
   
   Stranger
   Hurt
   Hit The Floor
   Go
   Move
   
   It has a different flow than what they've done in the past but it still keeps their original feel and gets you amped all the same. The Art of Breaking by TFK is a step above some of the others out there.



5. Ok. QUALITY. TFK has dished out a very high quality record with a great variety of songs, the guitar and drums and vocals are all crisp and clean, and the music has a very high energy to it. MESSAGE. A little interesting actually. Upon reading the lyrics one would be certain that TFK is pleading for release from themselves on nearly every song.
   Absolute is about needing truth because we as a race have nothing left to lose... true, but interestingly put.
   
   Slow Bleed is about returning to Christ after mentally returning to human thinking, definately a good song for someone needing to straighten things out, although it would have been a little more meaningful with a bit more positive thinking. Oh well.
   
   The Art of Breaking tends to sound a bit like a lament. Almost like the band has lost a good friend to poor perspective... although this song can also be interpreted as God crying out to his creation.
   
   Stranger is yet another cry for something more out of life than human ways and thinking (this also could have benefited from another hint of positive spiritual meaning... but once again is a good rock song.)
   
   Hurt. Excellent! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful song. Best song on the album.
   
   Hand Gernade... um, don't get it. Sounds like they wrote it because the name sounded cool, and it really really does, this is a pretty slick sounding rock song.
   
   Move. Now here is a song that has awesome meaning and a really good sound. Basically this song is the modern rock version of REDEEM THE TIME! "Let's make that noise and move!" (P.S. Yet another you have too read into a bit, but it's worth the extra mile.)
   
   Hit The Floor. A bit weird, still sounds cool though.
   
   Go. Good message, good sound.
   
   Make Me A Believer. Once again, good sound good message.
   
   Breathe You In. Explicity and whole heartedly Christian. Just listen to it.
   
   OVERALL
   TFK has released a great rock album with several songs that pull it above the mainstream. (Although I would love it if their next record had more spiritual meaning and a bit less poetic lamenting. At least it's only downside is it's over poeticism and not it's depressing subject matter. So in the words of Move "let's make that noise!"

5 comments about To Hell with the Devil.

1. Another great cd by stryper. What else coud I say. The cd is as great as the cassette. A must for anyone collecting christian metal music. Just like I remember when they first came out. They know how to get the message accross. They really rock.



2. "To Hell With the Devil" and "Soldiers Under Command" are both classic Christian rock album but which one is better? At least from "To Hell With the Devil" Stryper often plays more songs than "Soldiers...". The Devil's 'nightmare song' "To Hell With the Devil", "Calling on You", "Free", "The Way", and their greatest hit, the ballad, "Honestly" are played probably in every gig they have had in 00's. Also "More Than a Man" and "Sing-Along Song" are very often in the set lists. This album reprents everything that Stryper has to offer: heaviness, tenderness, a great message, and great songs with great playing and singing. Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Timothy Gaines, and Oz Fox are truly God's soldiers. However, there's more great songs that just those seven I mentioned at first; "All of Me" is a great beautiful ballad, "Rocking the World" really rocks, and "Holding on" is also a good song, although quite basic stuff for Stryper. "More than a Man" could be called "To Heaven With Jesus" also because if you sing it and mean what you sing, you're soul will be saved. Great album, I recommend this together with the album "Soldiers Under Commandment" because they both are Christian metal classics.
   Stars: Honestly, To Hell With the Devil, The Way, More Than a Man



3. I had heard of Stryper in the 80s, then in the 90s they were about as 80s as totally 80s gets. Then they made a comeback this decade. This is their best aklbum, featuring the huge hit Honestly with a woman on vocals. The rest of the album is more straight forward metal, not really Christian lyrics all the time but condemning Satan. I picked up the Roxx Regime which contains Yellow and Black Attack and Honestly, and the only track better than hOnestly on there is From Wrong to Right. Abyss the opener gets things going, a joke their not. With this album they have gotten rid of most of the 50s influences into a much more EMO Poison meets Slayer tongue in cheek Christian metal band with a "we're the Christian metal kings" humor. Don't miss it!



4. Come on, admit it.... you remember the old days when MTV actually played music, watching the Stryper videos playing and rocking out to the music.
   
   I got the urge to hear some of their classic hits again, so I picked up the first four CDs via Amazon. I fully expected to listen to them now and think, "Huh, I remember them being so much better than this...."
   
   I was wrong. Their original songs still rock as hard today as any other band out there in their sound genre. They didn't go for half the gimicky sound that some of the bands had, they just stuck to a standard rock & roll formula that worked, and it sounds just as great today as it did back then.
   
   Well worth the meager price paid for the CDs. ;-)



5. If you want to hear Styper hungry, but polished: driven, but uncompromising lyrically...then this is your album. Listen to the song More than a Man. These guys were big in the secular market in 1986, but this song gives praise and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ himself. It's a wonderful album!