2007 Year in Review (What a year!)
Top 10 Albums
These were tough to choose, and nearly impossible to rank. But here goes:
1. Anberlin - “Cities” This has become my favorite rock album of all time. I listen to it more than any other. The disc is a heavy dose of urgent modern rock that has a grandeur not found too often. Aaron Sprinkle’s production is brilliant, Stephen Christian’s vocal abilities are off the charts, and the rest of the band is incredibly talented. The frenetic “Godspeed”, the killer chorus of “Dismantle. Repair.”, and the acoustic gem “The Unwinding Cable Car”, are just a few highlights. I recommend the deluxe edition, which features 2 great 80’s covers, and the pop tune “Uncanny.” It also comes with a DVD on the making of the album. 5 stars
2. Relient K - “Five Score And Seven Years Ago” Relient K seems to get better with every release, and this album continues that trend. The lyrics are strong and clever as usual, and all the songs rock. The harmonies are incredible, and the opening track “Plead the Fifth” features some Beach Boys style harmonizing. Overall, Relient K has once again proven they are reliably stellar. 4.5 stars
3. Falling Up - “Captiva” This album comes out firing with amazing melodies, retro keyboards, and blazing guitars. Even after losing a few members, Falling Up has released their best yet. Production maestro Aaron Sprinkle (Anberlin, Kutless) had something do with this, and delivers phenomenal work on the boards. The album features esoteric lyrics and song titles, which gives it a mysterious feel. I can listen to this album 2 or 3 times straight. 4.5 stars
4. After Edmund - “Hello” This album does not officially release until 2/26/08 but has been available online for a number of months. So, I might have to include it next year as well. But I have to include it this year because of how good it is and how long I’ve had it. This hardly sounds like a debut. It sounds more like a work of art that any band should be proud of regardless of how long they've been around. It features a nice combination of straight-ahead, pulsating rock songs, worshipful tunes, and a ballad or two. The vocals are superb and the instrumentation is high energy and creative. I can’t wait to see these guys live someday. 4.5 stars.
5. Switchfoot - “Oh! Gravity” This disc was released in late December‘06, so must be included for ‘07. The Footsmen return with a nice collection full of high energy rock tracks. I particularly like the raw, gritty “Dirty Second Hands.” The single “Awakening” is a rocking, melodic single, and one of the album’s best. The urgent chorus of “Faust, Midas, and Myself” is also a standout moment. The reflective “Yesterdays” deals with the loss of a friend, but gives hope for seeing them again in heaven. I lost a friend last year, so this resonates with me personally. With Jon Foreman releasing the first of 4 solo EP’s, and plans being made for the next Foot album, the guys show no signs of letting up. 4.5 stars
6. LA Symphony “Unleashed” This album is comprised of b-sides, rarities, and remixes spanning the 10 years of the band’s career. Thus, it features some since departed group members such as Pigeon John and bTwice. Before buying the album, I was slightly skeptical, thinking it was just a disc of random unreleased tracks thrown together to make a buck. This is not the case. I’m surprised by how the guys could have so much quality material still locked in the vault. The lyrics, rhymes, and beats are all on point. The sense of humor of the group always comes through, and more than once I paused songs to back up and hear certain lyrics again. There are maybe 3 songs I didn’t really dig. But the album is 22 tracks deep. Not bad. 4.5 stars
7. Robbie Seay Band “Give Yourself Away” I have not listened to this band's past albums, but picked this up because of the good review in CCM. Immediately, Robbie’s weathered, David Crowder/Bryan Adams-esque vocal style grabbed me. The production is great, thanks to producer Tedd T (Mute Math). The theme of the album is reaching out to others. Highlights include melodic tracks such as “Rise”, “Song of Hope”, and “Love Wins.” 4.5 stars
8. NEEDTOBREATHE - “The Heat” The Breathers are back with their sophomore album. No jinx here. Fueled by the high-powered worship anthem “Signature of Divine (Yahweh)”, this disc picks up where the band left off with their stellar debut. The band is incredibly talented in all departments: vocals, songwriting, and musicianship. Some standouts are “Restless”, “We Could Run Away”, and “Streets of Gold.” They also make creative videos. Check out their clips for “Signature“, and “Shine On” (from their debut). 4 stars
9. Mae - “Singularity” Mae is back to follow up their excellent album “The Everglow.” “Singularity” pretty much does the trick, with great rock anthems that feature swirling guitar riffs and catchy choruses. “Brink of Disaster”, “Crazy 8S”, “On Top”, and “Home” are just a few of the rocking tracks to be found here. 4 stars
10. Eisley - “Combinations” - Great sophomore album. The vocals of the Dupree sisters are superior, and lyrics are more mature this time around. The lead single “Invasion” features a hauntingly enticing chorus. Other great songs are the elegantly stark “Many Funerals”, and the catchy “Taking Control.” Is it just me, or do these songs sound like they should be performed in a castle or in a forest grove? 4 stars
Honorable Mention
There are a lot:
Deas Vail - “All the Houses Look the Same” One of the finest debuts of the year. The defining element of Deas Vail is the incredible falsetto of classically trained vocalist Wes Blaylock. The album is a great collection of pop rock tunes that are mainly piano driven, but the electric guitars do come out at times.
The Brothers Martin - self titled. Brothers Jason (Starflyer 59) and Ronnie Martin (Joy Electric) collaborate for a fabulous album of retro/new wave/synth pop.
Tobymac “Portable Sounds” Toby returns with more funk and catchy pop tunes.
Group 1 Crew - self titled. Fantastic hip-hop debut. All three members have solid rhyme skills, and Blanca Reyes’ vocals are phenomenal. The single “Forgive Me” and its video are great.
Bethany Dillon - “Waking Up” On her third album, melodies abound from this precocious singer/songwriter. This record is a little more pop-oriented than her sophomore effort
Neon Horse - self titled. These 3 guys, who don’t want you to know their identities, bring a creative, intriguing, and at times incredible rock sound. Two members are Jason Martin from Starflyer 59, and Mark Salamon of Stavesacre. The tracks “Cuckoo” and “Crazy Daisy” are priceless. The video for “Cuckoo” is entertaining.
Ruth - “Secondhand Dreaming” Sweet rock debut, sounds a bit Switchfoot-ish.
Ken Andrews - “Secrets of the Lost Satellite” Very cool and spacey alternative rock.
Rush of Fools - self titled. Solid debut that showcases great vocals and worshipful tunes.
Future of Forestry - “Twilight” Formerly known as Something Like Silas, this band has crafted an ear-pleasing rock album with multi-layered soundscapes.
Best Concerts
I saw a lot this year. Again, tough to choose. I’ll pick 5.
1. Appetite for Construction Tour with Switchfoot, Relient K, and Ruth. This was an awesome show. I missed a lot of Ruth because of traffic, but what I saw was great. Relient K rocked, and I loved their set. Same with Switchfoot, they were awesome. To top it off, Jon Foreman climbed into the stands right into my section and right between me and the guy next to me! (See my blog) I had also seen Switchfoot in Philly earlier in the year, they were great then too.
2. Skillet. They were my favorite band that I saw at Revelation Generation. High energy, just downright rocked. I hope to see them again.
3. Anberlin in Lancaster, PA. They were the headliner, and they were awesome. My only complaint was the sound being too loud for such a small venue, so the vocals were drowned out at times. Very entertaining show though! (I saw them on their current MTVu Tour in Philly in November, but their set was too short, and they opened?! Motion City Soundtrack was the headliner, but I couldn’t believe they played under Mae, and Metro Station?!)
4. Jars of Clay, NEEDTOBREATHE, and Burlap to Cashmere. Saw them in Philly, Jars rocked and I had been looking forward to hearing the songs from “Good Monsters.” They also played a nice mix of their previous material. NEEDTOBREATHE was great, and I was surprised to have the chance to see them and Jars at the same show. Stephen and Johnny from Burlap played a short but enjoyable set of Burlap’s material from "Anybody Out There."
5. Mute Math. Saw them in Philly in March, they were tremendous. I had seen them last year in November as well, and was blown away. This time it was also in Philly, and equally good, but it was basically the same show so the wow factor wasn’t quite as high, but I’d go again! You have to see them! I’ve never seen a band put so much physical effort and creative energy into a performance! It’s more like an epic adventure, and less like your typical concert!
On the horizon for 2008:
Albums:
Ivoryline “There Came a Lion”, releasing 2/5/08. Progressive rock band on Tooth and Nail is ready to release their debut album. With Aaron Sprinkle doing production duties, this should be worth the wait. Also, Ivoryline’s EP is excellent, available now on iTunes.
The Afters - “Never Going Back to OK” Set for a 2/26/08 release after multiple “pushbacks”, this one is eagerly anticipated. The lead single, and title track, rocks. Get the song now on iTunes if you can't wait for the cd to come out.
After Edmund “Hello” Releases on 2/26/08, though it’s available now to order from their website. See review above.
Hawk Nelson is slated to release a new album in April, and the first single “Friend Like That” hits iTunes on 12/24/07.
Tidbits
Watch out for goth-rock band The Becoming. Signed on with Tooth and Nail, they are currently beginning work on their debut album. Check out their myspace page which has 4 songs for your listening pleasure. For a few bucks you can order a 2 song demo.
Touring:
Skillet has plans to headline a tour with Thousand Foot Krutch.
Falling Up plans two national tours in early ‘08, one with Family Force 5, and another with the Afters.
