Sovereign Grace Music recently released a new CD focusing on the Psalms. Here are my thoughts.

Musically

Assuming that SGM is targeting a “pop worship” genre, they have successfully created interesting, creative melodies. If you liked U2, especially in the 80′s (which I did) you will be pleased.

From an arrangement standpoint, I was a little disappointed. The songs have all started to sound the same to me. A friend suggested that mixing up the vocalists more frequently might help that problem. I think could definitely help. Truthfully, I am bored with the Guitar, basic rhythm section and an occasional string arrangement. The guitar solos also sound very similar to me, could possibly from using the same type of effects on the guitar. I am not sure why SGM is not using a broader variety of instrumentation; they certainly have both the arrangement and performance talent in-house. From a completely personal preference perspective, I wonder how many times they will reference trumpets in their songs and not bother to actually use one.

What I do like musically is the use of more “space”, meaning more instrumental interludes.

Album Art

Not crazy about the album art at all. I guess I am too old.

Lyrically

It almost goes without saying that the lyrics are clear in their meaning and sound doctrinally. However, there often seems to be a lack of poetry in the lyrics. Poetry helps the listener remember the lyrics. One well crafted line is from the song. “Out of the Depths”. It is as follows: “…like a watchman for the morning, I will wait for you, oh, Lord…” It is a solid analogy with excellent musical prosody.

Favorites

My three favorites on the album are:

1. Glorious and Mighty
2. I Want to be Where You Are
3. Out of the Depths

Honorable Mention:

1. Taste and See

Many will remember Chris Sligh‘s unique style from American Idol season six. Sligh has released a CCM album, “Running Back to You” and has really lived up to expectations with his first solo album.

The album definitely has more of a “pop” feel than Idol viewers would have expected, but it really works for Chris. I , for one, am glad he went the pop route. He demonstrates some strong song writing skills and the pop genre lends itself to actually being able to understand what he sings. Note: this is CCM music, not a worship album. Overall, I really have enjoyed the album and look forward to his future productions.

The album is available at the Zune Marketplace (although I do not agree with the review), Amazon, or at Music Christian for only $5 this week.

Tracks include:

1. Arise

2. Cry Tonight

3. I’m Clean

4. Empty Me

5. Something Beautiful

6. Let You Know

7. In a Moment

8. Are You Pleased

9. Potential

10. Loaded Gun

11. Waiting for You

12. Love Is Raining Down

13. Vessel

This week American Idol contestants were mentored by Neil Diamond and Diamond wrapped up the show with a single from his upcoming release, After Dark. 

The contestants opened the show with a horrible medley of Diamond songs.  The medley was poorly arranged with way too much unison singing, seemed to be out of the contestants’ ranges, and was riddled with intonation problems as a result.

Predictably, the 11 year old girl favorite, David Archuleta sand “Caroline” and “America”.  Archuleta’s performance were very strong and will probably be what fans remember most from the show.  Syesha Mercado continues to improve each week and with a powerful, yet controlled voice, she ha managed to survive being in the bottom 2 or 3 in votes each week.

“Paulagate”
Paula Abdul was at the center of controversy as the judges were told, only live on the air, that they would be giving their comments after each performer’s second song. Under direction from the show’s executive producer, Seacrest was ordered to get each judge’s comments after the first round of singing. This confusion. plus other circumstances as described here, led to Paula Abdul errantly giving a review of a song contestant Jason Castro had not yet performed, but Abdul had heard during rehearsal.

Diamond’s song, “Pretty Amazing Grace” wrapped up the show.

 You have until Saturday night to take advantage of this offer:

1.   Join Facebook.
2. Access the SG Music Fan page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sovereign-Grace-Music/24067464304)
3. Hit the “add to cart” button
   2. Click on “Checkout”
   3. If you’re a former customer, you know what to do. If your first time to our store you’ll need to fill out a few fields of information then click “Create Account.”
   4. Enter your address then click “Continue.”
   5. Enter the following code in the “Add a Promotional Code” field: SGMFAN
   6. Press the gray button to the right of the code field.
   7. Press the “Place Order” button.
   8. Then press the “download” button and then again, and DONE.

Downloading has been a bit difficult due to high volumes of traffic.  As long as you check out, you can download later.

I honestly can’t remember the last time I had to actually pay for a SG CD.  Word has it the album art will be better than the image above.  Speaking of graphics, isn’t Providence supposed to have a new logo? 

*updated with new artwork

There is something fundamentally wrong with a robot playing musical instruments.  Toyota has robots that play the trumpet and violin now.  I think half of the wonder of music is thinking that a person can create a sound.

• Silent Night
• Little Drummer Boy – (with Andy Mickee)
• I`ll Be Home For Christmas
• Ave Maria
• Angels We Have Heard On High – (with Brian McKnight)
• Thankful
• Christmas Song, The
• What Child Is This?
• First Noel, The – (with Faith Hill)
• Petit Papa Noel
• It Came Upon A Midnight Clear
• Panis Angelicus
• Come A Ye Faithfull – (with Mormon Tabernacle Choir)

It is so refreshing to listen to a Christmas album performed by a contemporary artist where the traditional carols and songs of Christmas as we know them are not completely butchered. Some people prefer to only listen to Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney at Christmas. But Josh Groban lofts a light, understated Christmas album and leaves the traditional tunes as we know them.

My favorite on this album is “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” I am not sure if it is the sleigh bells gently keeping rhythm or the simplicity of the arrangement, but the arrangement recaptures the beauty of the song.

Listen to samples of the album here at the the Zune Marketplace.

I have this strange feeling that I have blogged about this before, if I have forgive me.

A few years ago, chuck wrote this Christmas song.  I like it.

Lyrics