Forever Jones - Musical Revival [Music Review]

Artist: Forever Jones

Album: Musical Revival

Album Length: 11 Tracks, 38 minutes, 21 seconds

Street Date: April 10, 2012

Label: EMI Gospel

iPod Pick: Being With You

If you thought ‘He Wants All’ was the best thing that could ever happen come from the Grammy nominated family band Forever Jones, you are most definitely wrong. In a world were artists are always termed not to really outdo their first work (since it more like it took them the most time to prepare for that one) Forever Jones offers an even more powerful and vibrant sophomore project. And honestly this one is on a whole new level leaving the gospel-negro spiritual style they are known for and edging out into a unique sound which is pop/hip-hop/Urban/RnB with a bit of edginess which some might term rock.

‘Hallelujah’ starts off the album with an intro that might get you (if you are a lady) doing the independent-lady salute (and if you are a guy) doing the dougie. It’s a very groovy tune but not has groovy has the party ready and power pumped ‘Musical Revival’ that might have you throwing a party at first listen. It sounds musically something mainstream artist Rihanna might record on an album. ‘Being With You’ is beautiful in its entirety, never heard anything like it before. The vocals are slurred and sung in ad-lib Adele (or say Musiq Soulchild) style. It would break through a dusty window in your heart like sunlight with causing any damage. It’s really that beautiful and it’s got a rap too somewhere in the middle. It’s embedded in a tune that kind of allows the throwback/snapback dance. ‘Hold Me Still’, ‘Every Moment’ (my personal favorite), ‘Just The Way’, ‘Rescue’ and ‘I See You’ are very intimate songs written in the first person God format ( like God is singing) and conversational prayer form. And they are all musically beautiful. And less I forget the wailing/chant vocal form on ‘Every Moment’ is hauntingly beautiful. I paused at the window on my first listen gazing beyond through the whole song as it played over my dock station in my living room.

‘You’re Welcome’ takes us back to church (in the usual Forever Jones’ style) and it’s excellently done, lyrically and musically too. ‘Most of All’ is a bold song on the very sensitive but yet culturally relevant issue of life purpose, funny enough it might just remind you of Natalie Grant singing one of her very ‘anthemic’ songs. The vocals on ‘I know Who I’m Living For’ would bring Mali Music to mind. What would it be like if Florida made music and Mali Music did vocals? Whatever answer you come up with is what this song might sound like to you.

This album is such a complete package that this review focuses more on the musical side of it. Lyrically this album is also packed and for a Gospel album it is far from the clichéd standard most have set. I must say this is the best record yet I have listened to this year. There’s something about this record that goes way beyond its mainstream sound. I believe it’s heavily anointed. This isn’t the Forever Jones you came to know on the debut ‘Get Ready’. ‘Musical Revival’ is a whole experience you do not want to not be a part of.

Steve Chalke - Change Agents: 25 Hard-Learned Lessons in The Art of Getting Things Done [Book Review]

One thing about business/leadership books is the tendency to catch the feeling you are not normal and you need to get frozen or more robotic in your living. Sometimes, they pass the general and untrue idea that a leader isn't an human being. In 'Change Agents: 25 hard-learned lessons in the art of getting things done', Steve Chalke breaks the mould by re-defining what a book on leadership should read like. Honestly, this is one is honest and true to the bone as Steve shares his victories and also failings. He shows us he isn't 'there yet' and he is doing great things (at his church.co.uk, waterloo), reminding us we don't have to have it all together before we lead and cause the change we long to see in our community.

Each chapter is apt and straight to the point, written in a memoir format as Steve shares real lessons learnt over time as a leader out there in the field.

- under promise and over deliver
- others only see your mountaintop experiences
- the journey with others is slower than the journey alone but worth it

These and many more are packed within the 120 page print book from Zondervan. Tired of the old? Want something real and relatable? Want the next level in your innovative and leadership skills? You've got to get Steve Chalke's small book 'Change Agents' , it's a great work on the art of leadership.

Pete Wilson - Empty Promises [Book Review]

I don’t think I have made markings and highlighted as much in any book recently as I did with Pete Wilson (Pastor at Cross point church Nashville)’s new book ‘Empty Promises’. At the beginning I was first shocked at him laying all his cards on the table and just putting it out there what the book was all about [which he also admitted in the opening pages of the book]. I was ready to admit this book was either a sham or was going to break new revelation grounds I had never witnessed. The later was true and I'm deeply thankful for Pete’s honesty with this book. 

I think the beauty of a book is when it serves it intended purpose. I see books as conversations,  an opportunity to communicate or converse something on your heart in its entirety with someone you might never meet or might never have all the time to do that with. And can I say without sounding too goody that Pastor Pete does just that in ‘Empty Promises’ with so much honesty and hope. He doesn’t have all the answers, so he gives us the answers God has been showing him.

Empty Promises is a book about us, about how we try to fill the God shaped hole in us with a lot of things that don’t fit just too well.  It’s about looking for the things only God can give in other places. It’s about how the good things such as Beauty, Achievement, Love, Power and Money can be our sabotage to the best things in life.  And what I love most about it is how it stands out from other books that might have picked up this topic in the past in that, it’s no guilt trip, its grace trip . . . all the way.

This book is packed with so much insights that would help you see things in a whole new light after you finish. I must say this book moved and impacted me in very deep ways, helping me see a whole new level in my walk with God, and knowing the essence of my relationship with Him and making necessary changes in moving from a task towards the communion it is designed to be . 'Empty Promises' is practically honest and relevant. And I must say, it is a must read and I for one have placed this on my ‘re-read’ shelf. 

Book Synopsis

 We all long for more of something in our lives. In our endless pursuit to feel worth and acceptance we find ourselves sacrificing everything for the promise to be a little more beautiful, a little richer, a little more powerful and successful, a little more loved.
How do we break free from these empty pursuits and start chasing the only Promise that will ever satisfy? How do we uncover the hidden idols that are driving us and turn our devotion toward the one true God?
Join Pastor and best-selling author Pete Wilson in discovering the joy and freedom that comes with seeking after God with your whole life. Learn how to replace, and not just relinquish, life's empty promises by turning your focus and worship toward Him. It is the only thing that will set you absolutely free from the endless pursuit of everything else.

Ian Morgan Cron - Jesus, My Father, The CIA and Me [Book Review]

I was drawn first to ‘famous’ episcopal priest, Ian Morgan Cron’s book by the buzz about it. If it was intended, generated or genuine, I really can’t tell. So on starting the book, I had high hopes, very high ones. ‘Jesus, My Father, The CIA and me’ is a memoir and the thing about memoirs is that they are hard to critic. I mean it’s someone’s life story and telling someone one’s memoir is boring or bad is like saying ‘would you go get a more interesting life story please?’ But we can sure rest the boring case cause Ian’s got a very interesting one delivered in his memoir which reads like something Charles Dickens might have penned. Yes, truth be told, it reads like fiction, ‘Jesus, My Father, The CIA and me’ is unbelievable, Unbelievably good and true.

The book unfolds around Ian’s life story which includes his alcoholic father who worked for the CIA. The major theme is redemption and how God is faithful to father the fatherless. It’s artistic, very and well written. It’s gutsy. It’s honest. Reading ‘Jesus, My Father, The CIA and me’ is journey, you would laugh so hard at some lines, some would just make you keep nodding in agreement, others would make you close the book and go for a long walk to think about what you just read, and some would make you give up tears. Yes it’s that good and real. It reads like the life story of a person and may I add, unedited.

Apart from metaphors, unnecessary comparisons that would make you roll your eyes, clumsy and uncalled for use of the name of God in various parts while the author is trying to make a point or describe various scenarios, I think ‘Jesus, My Father, The CIA and me’ could just be one of the best memoirs ever written and a great work of reflection that would be remembered in times to come.

Book Synopsis

An entertaining, touching memoir of life with an alcoholic father who secretly works with the CIA, a dark pilgrimage through the valley of depression and addiction, and finding a faith to redeem and a strength to forgive.

At the age of sixteen, Ian Morgan Cron was told that his stockbroker father actually worked with the CIA. The story of this world-rocking discovery is the stepping-off point into a fascinating exploration of one man's alternately heartbreaking and humorous journey to faith and spiritual growth.
Born into a family of privilege and power, Ian's life is populated with colorful people and stories, including the account of an alcoholic father who takes his family on a wild roller-coaster ride through wealth and poverty and back again. Includes tales of a nearly blind English nanny who teaches him what love means, a famous New York radio personality who saves his life, a simple carpenter who leads him to faith in Jesus, and his own personal journey from addiction to twenty-three years of sobriety.

Believers and seekers alike will be moved by how Ian uncovers and honors what is sacred in his story, how he discovers God in the struggle to find redemption, and how the mysterious movement and presence of God is woven throughout the adventure of his life.

Nicole Croteau - Anchors and Silhouettes [Music Review]

Artist: Nicole Croteau

Album: Anchors and Silhouettes

Label: DREAM Records
Album length: 12 tracks: 45 minutes, 1 second
Street Date: March 13, 2012

Genre: Pop/Acoustic

IPod Pick: Amazing

For me, there two types of artistes. One, those who tell you from the radio ‘come, come to where we are. It’s so good here’ and there are the others who somehow cross the electromagnetic line between you and the radio, take your hands and say ‘come with me, let me show you where I have been’. Nicole Croteau who just got recently got signed to DREAM records is one of the latter. Nicole Croteau on first listen is one artist (even though you have never met before or seen her face) you would be longing for a conversation with over a cup of tea. Even on the ‘jivy’ pop/country/ Americana/ soft rock tune (yes her sound is hard to describe, more on that latter) her debut presents; you would hear her heart on every sound. The harmonies and ad-lib on her debut are just heavenly with occasional claps, ouhs, whistles and playfully said words. It’s one you drink deep. It becomes yours on first listen cause Nicole does what great artists do: The story she has to tell on this album transcends herself and time. On listening you will find her singing your story to you. She puts to words finely with beautifully crafted music what your heart has been longing to say which you couldn’t find the exact words for; that’s the summary of ‘Anchors and Silhouettes’.

On ‘Storyteller’ she encourages like a dear friend “Don’t doubt in the dark what you knew in the light”. On ‘Push Down’ she sings confidently ‘Cause I’m dodging bullets now . . . they say we’ve finally found the cure for living out loud”. ‘Amazing’ would sure get you off your seat dancing. ‘Devon’ is meant to be a sad song but something about how it’s delivered and crafted offers nothing less of hope.

Critics have compared Nicole sounds to that of Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus but I’m sure these two superstars would be awed if they listened to Nicole’s sound. And another thing about this album that might get listeners wondering is who Nicole is actually referring to on some songs. On Falling she sings ‘In your presence is where I need to be cause that’s where I’m complete ,baby, I can’t never let you go’. I’m sure Jesus hasn’t earned a new name called ‘baby’ but I love how she reminds us with these lyrics that the very idea of love is sacred.

All in all, this is a straight 5 star album. And note, this album wasn’t just produced, it was crafted. ‘Anchors and Silhouettes’ is Nicole Croteau’s invitation to listen to your own story cause in singing hers she sang yours not even knowing you. Want a live concert where you can meet the artist and not just her jives right where you are? Go get ‘Anchors and Silhouettes’.

You can Connect with Nicole Croteau  on Twitter : @NicoleLCroteau and on Facebook

Dr. Henry Cloud - The Secret Things of God [Book Review]

When Howard Publishing house seeks to present a Judeo-Christian view point of the raving popular book 'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne the result is 'The Secret Things of God' by professional psychologist Dr. Henry Cloud. Before I continue with this review, I must say that 'The Secret Things of God' is one of the most practical books I have read in a while. I first heard about this book while watching the 'Enjoying Everyday Life' show by Joyce Meyer some years back, since then I already had my eyes open for this book, so when I came across it I couldn't resist it and I also had expectations.

First, Henry Cloud does a very good job in balancing various world views from a Christian perspective. He brings our attention to how the bible has a lot to say about living and living well. He also draws our attention to the very subtle undertones we tend to look over in the bible. Another thing that he does in this book that I love is how he balances out what he agrees with in Rhonda's 'The Secret' and what he doesn't agree with. He also gently outlines the misconceptions of the said book and a better way to handle the 'half-truths' shared in it. The parts on relationships and sovereignty aren't something to be missed by no one. Dr. Henry shares some great insights that would open your eyes to what you've already been staring at for a while.

'The Secret' by Rhonda Byrne has made so much sales and book success and has been termed by a lot of people (Christian and people with secular world views) as a life saver but any true Christian would know that there's something missing somewhere in those glossy pages. What Dr. Henry Cloud has done in 'The Secret Things of God' is to write the book how it was meant to be, offering the greatest secrets of all with no gaps or blank pages. Are you a Christian wanting something more and fresh insights on your faith or are you a non- Christian in search of what really makes life work? Dr. Henry Cloud's book 'The Secret Things of God' is one you don't want to miss. Put aside your ego and buy two copies cause once you are done you would be mailing one to a friend or relative and starting over again. Yes it's that good and I believe in a world in desperate search for answers for what exactly makes life work, we need more books written like this.

"This is one of the most important secrets God teaches us: One of the best things you can do for yourself is to work on who you are as a person. Until you do this, you will find ways to sabotage the best jobs, the best relationships, the best opportunities, and just about everything else that comes your way. Not intentional sabotage, but the kind that comes when someone is not ready or able to do something " - Dr. Henry Cloud (From 'The Secret Things of God')

Courageous [Movie Review]

I think the beauty of any work of art is its ability to be a compelling mirror of life that we can take a break from life itself and sit back look into. With no ifs or buts, I would say Courageous is one of the best movies I have seen in the last one year (yes, I have seen Warrior, Tourist, Inception, Sorcerer's apprentice and other very great ones.), and the story telling is superb. For every good story, the hallmarks are character development, the hero finding identity or finding his way plus humor, romance and suspense on the journey. New movie by the Sheerwood Church drama team lacks none of these; in fact it offers it in a seamless form one can't resist.

The first scene is worth the price of the film and more. One thing I love most about this movie is that though it's by a church's drama team, it really can't be termed a 'Christian' movie cause it tackles a lot of social issues. A quick overview: the story's central theme is fatherhood and the ripple effects fathers abandoning their roles have in a society in need of it.

I remember watching 'Charlie St. Cloud' which starred Zac Efron and how the subject of grief was dealt with seemed so dark to me. Now please don't get me wrong, losing someone itself could be a very dark experience. But I love Courageous take on the subject of grief. I also remember watching 'Stomp the Yard' starring popular Chris Brown and almost weeping how his character's life was taken in the movie. Courageous also tackles the street gang issue in a way we see a cause and also a solution. In letting you into a bit of the story, I don't know where to start from not to spoil the fun and enjoyment for you, it's that seamless. The movie hinges on this very true statistics

"When a father is absent, kids are five times more likely to commit suicide and abuse drugs, 20 times more likely to wind up in prison. "

Courageous is bold and relevant. It isn't just another 'Christian' movie, to term it that is to deny a society of ready answers to a breaking point problem. Please take a break at least for some two hours from the many movies out there that keep painting up a make believe world which end up like broken or distorted mirrors in our view after a long hard look and watch Courageous. You would laugh, cry, smile, scream, get to the edge of your seat and do all those things a good movie does to you and long after the disc stops, a call to be part of the solution to the state we have found ourselves in, you would keep hearing. It's as real as life it's self but brighter as it should be. Next stop at the cinemas or the iTunes HD area? let it be courageous. You wouldn't regret it. No hype!

Fireflight - Now

Artist: Fireflight

Album: Now

Album Length: 10 tracks; 36 minutes 6 seconds

Genre: Rock
Label: Essential Records

Street Date: March 6, 2012

IPod Pick: Escape

10 new tracks from Grammy nominated female front band whose music can sure shake up a sleeping child isn’t something fans of Evanescence, Paramore, Flyleaf, Kelly Clarkson and Gretchen would want to miss. 

The album starts off with ‘Ignite’, which is very anthemic and reminiscent of Paramore and a bit of the playfulness of Avril Lavigne’s music. ‘Escape’ follows suit as Dawn Michele (lead vocalist of the band) ems the chorus with soaring and haunting vocals and less I forget, who did the keys for this song?, they are awesome. The album slows down on ‘He weeps’ which is hopeful and sometimes uses cliché lyrics but is sure enough to evoke emotion. Dawn’s voice morphs into the Taylor Swift- sweet kind on ‘Keeping Me Alive’ which paves way for a beautiful and worshipful easy listening track.

The album picks up it pace again on ‘stronger than You Think’. The innovative and confident ‘Prove Me Wrong’ kind of breaks new ground musically on the album. You would hear nothing really new musically on ‘Dying For Your Love’, using riffs similar to that on former Fireflight and Skillet albums. ‘Rise Above’ is beautiful in that the musical style used amplifies it story-like and hopeful lyrics. The album ends with the title track ‘Now’ which I personally think is a loud way to end a rock album. Ending one like this might just throw the listener out of the reflective mood rock music is generally known for.

I have always known Fireflight as that band that has a collection of songs to ‘wake you up’ in the mornings ( ‘Brand New Day’,’For Those Who Wait’, ‘Unbreakable’) and they don’t fail to bring the same vein of hope-driven songs on this new project but musically this one doesn’t break any new grounds. Fans wouldn’t sure want to miss this. And this one is more interesting to listen to than the Grammy nominated ‘For Those Who Wait’ album. If you liked their first two albums, this is for you and if you are a new listener, you would not regret getting this as long as front-female rock bands and hope aren’t one of the things you detest.