Press Play - World Anthem

Artist - Press Play

Album - World Anthem
Record Label: DREAM / Universal Music Christian
Release Date: Street Date: September 27, 2011

Album length: 12 tracks: 43 minutes, 33 seconds
iPod Pick - Walking On Air ( Feat. Manwell Reyes)



After two albums out that didn't seem to satisfy the creativity of music critics, the group formed from the former worship band of the impactful Los Angeles Dream Center is back with some fresh music. Let's see how this one unfolds.
The album starts off with the title track which starts off with a drum roll and intro which so reminiscent of Plumb's 'Great Planet Earth'. The anthem is a call to start a revolution. Group 1 Crew member Manwell appears on the dance floor ready 'F-I-R-E'. 'Let it Out' would make you double check if someone hasn't switched the CD for party hard Jamaican mix or Rihanna fast track. It an out of the box track for Press Play, really different from what you are used to from them.

'Just Like Lightning' sounds like something snatched from one those Hannah Montanna Shows with a little bit of the 80's ( say Cher or Madonna) thrown in. It's a dance floor disco light tune about surrendering. Walking on Air is a personal favorite. It a beautiful beaty and unique tune. You would simply love it.

Things suddenly take a slow and soulful turn on the tenth track 'Save My Life'. The worshipful 'Give it All' follows in the same vein show casing the fine vocals of the male member of the group. 'Angel Sings' which appeared on their debut 'Life is Beautiful' (but this time sounds way better and it's worth recording again) showcases also the fine talent of the male members once again.

Known not only on the christian music scene, my personal opinion: Press Play has come to stay and this album seals that fact. Bold, encouraging and worshipful, this is more consistent in tune compared to their former efforts. 'World Anthem' is sure a good place to start if you've never heard of this amazing band before. Check it out!

P.S. - Happy December and Merry Christmas (in advance) to all my readers. So happy to make it to the festive seasons. I love christmas. I recently gave some free music away on my other blog and also talked about a site where you can get lots of free music [Legally of course]. What are you waiting for? Click here and dive in. See it as a christmas gift . . . from me to you :)

PLUMB - BEAUTIFUL HISTORY

Artist – Plumb

Album – Beautiful History: A Hits Collection

Label – Curb

Street Date – November 3, 2009.

Album Length – 20 Tracks. 1 Hour, 32 Minutes, 33 Seconds.

Genre – Pop/Electronica /Rock

IPod Pick – Stranded (2010)

Achievements - The first single off Beautiful History, "Hang On" reached number one in US Billboard Hot Dance Cub Play in 2009 and additionally became the first single of 2010 to reach the top spot in Billboard's Hot Dance Airplay chart.


Maybe what catches me about Plumb is her life journey that everyone can relate to. In early 2000's, Plumb almost gave up recording and doing music when she got a note from a young female fan before her supposed last concert saying that Plumb’s music had really influenced her life and really helped her through a very hard time. That in itself was a miracle. It made Tiffany Arkbuckle lee (a.k.a. Plumb) to embrace her career once again and start over again.
Plumb has a way of writing lyrics that reflects that we live in a world of people not just a ‘me, myself and I’ world. Her lyrics would start you thinking in a new direction. ‘Real’ a song inspired by the controversy caused by Jennifer Lopez’s low Versace gown which she wore to the 2000 Grammys, would help you see the lifestyle of the Rich and the famous in a new perspective. ‘Stranded’ is that Love song that sings silently in the heart of every lovebird in love but not wanting to make the first approach. The harmonies and guitars of the Plumb’s 2010 recording of this hit would make you fall in love with it in a new way. ‘God Shaped Hole ’, famous for its appearance on the soundtrack list of blockbuster movie ‘Bruce Almighty’ also has a new recording on this hit collection. ‘There’s a God shaped hole in all of us and the restless soul is searching’, Plumb sings anew on this recording. Two brand new song appear on this project (‘Hang on’ and ‘Beautiful History’). Trust me, its vintage Plumb style.
The other half of this album is filled with new remixes. You would love them and if you are the dancing type, it’s all the way. Plumb who is known for ambient sounds of the likes of Enya,Amy lee of Evanessence, Lara Landon, Dido and generation next diva, Leona Lewis is back with freshly recorded old tunes with some brand new stuff alongside. The thing about hit collections are that they could be monotonous and give you the ‘headache’ of having multiple tracks of the same title in your library but Plumb breaks that jinx beautifully with a ‘beautiful history’. For new fans of Plumb, ‘Beautiful History’ is a must have. For old fans it’s indeed a beautiful history and you don’t want to miss out on this.