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Release Date: 5/4/2010

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One can not venture far into contemporary Christian music without bumping into something written and performed by MercyMe. The Generous Mr. Lovewell is the latest effort from the super group and they have received much of the same resounding success. Momentum is a funny thing and with a big mover like MercyMe it’s nice to see them championing a cause as noble as this one.

“The Generous Mr. Lovewell,” revolves around a fictional character we created who reminds us that we simply need to love others well,” explains MercyMe frontman Bart Millard. “For some of us, it means that we need to put hands and feet on our ideology and rhetoric. For others, it means that we need to continue in doing well, but to not stop there.” (taken from the band’s blog on 2-10-2010)

So there’s the mission, now what of the music? MercyMe seems to have a knack for creating songs that radio stations are unable to shelve. So I guess the real question might be, is Mr. Lovewell like his predecessors; in my opinion no. All tracks have a different feel than what I have heard before; all tracks except for “All of Creation” their Christian chart-topping single.

The album begins with a quirky sounding tune in “This Life.” The song is blatantly made to get you to do the bunny hop. “The Generous Mr. Lovewell” follows this tune with the theme of the album. The band carries this theme on the back of an acoustic pop sunny day style anthem. Think Christian Beach Boys. Mr. Lovewell is not with out its surprises. “Move,” the third track on the work, pleasantly shattered my preconceptions. MercyMe got it right with this one.

Now I can’t say that there is a poorly made track on this CD, however; like many, MercyMe tends to lack something that others like Downhere, or NeedtoBreathe have to spare. It must be hard to be in their position. They have to create something new without deviating much from what they know everyone loves.With that said, did they accomplish this; yes, they did. The theme of the album is right for our time and the music is ideal for the larger audience. They even wrap it up with the most important of statements. “But if all that we do / is absent of Jesus then this so called love…is completely… in vein.”

7.0 Out of 10
Reviewed by Greg Rutledge of RockTheCross.net

Release Date: 3/9/2010

Twitter:@sanctus_real

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Sanctus Real has had definitely paid their CCM dues and enjoy plenty of success with almost every album they make. It doesn’t come as a surprise that their first single from this album was making the radio rounds well in advance of the album’s release. While they are not in the do-no-wrong group of Christian music, they are certainly on their way to becoming the favorites of many. Pieces of a Real Heart is a more accurate album title than most. Who doesn’t appreciate a healthy dose of honesty in the slick music mainstream? However, sometimes honesty is simply unremarkable. Our lives can move by without event and not every moment is filled with turbulence. Therein is the conflict with Pieces of a Real Heart. The band’s heart comes right through; but the music content borders on bland.

“Forgiven” is probably the most musically engaging track on this album. Vocal layers and a natural song progression add distinction, which is something that tends to lack further into the album. “Take Over Me” begins with some nice guitar tones, but when compared to other artists within their genre’, fail to stand out.

Where Pieces of a Real Heart grabbed my attention is its profound lyrics. “I look around and see my wonderful life / almost perfect from the outside / In picture frames I see my beautiful wife / always smiling / but on the inside oh I can hear her say.”

This song beautifully illustrates, without reservation, a struggle that is felt in every marriage. “Lead me with strong hands / stand up when I can’t / don’t leave me hungry for love chasing dreams / but what about us.”

The author, and by extension his wife, let the listener into their struggle. They took a sensitive subject and brought it out in the open for the listener. “Show me your willing to fight / that I’m still / the love of your life / I know we call this our home but I still feel alone.”

This is probably not an issue they will ever escape, “Lead me cause I can’t do this alone / Father lead me / cause I can’t do this alone,” but one they will know how to fight. (lyrics from “Lead Me”)

Pieces of a Real Heart, while beautifully honest, fails to come out of its musical shell.

6.5/10

Review by Greg Rutledge of RocktheCross.net

Release Date: 4/27/2010

Follow Carlos on twitter:@loswhit

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RagamuffinSoul.com

Carlos Whittaker; have you heard of him? If not, maybe www.ragamuffinsoul.com should be on your daily blog read. Most know him from his blog & twitter account, @loswhit, but his main love is being a worship leader. Recently, he was the worship leader at Buckhead Church, one of Andy Stanley’s branches of Northpoint Community Church in Atlanta GA. His blog site averages 20,000 daily readers and you might have seen him recently on network morning shows from ABC to CBS. The reason for his sudden exposure is due to his hit YouTube video featuring his family and Beyonce’s “Single Ladies.” Whittaker’s calling and purpose can be summed up in his mission statement. “To ignite a movement of authenticity among all generations of Christians that morphs the face of the evangelical church in to a place of being real with yourself, others, & God.”

The man determined to make Christians “real” joined Integrity Records last fall to release a worship album. He never intended to release an album, but when the opportunity arose, Carlos took it and ran. People might wonder, what can Carlos bring to the worship genre that’s any different from the overwhelming flood of artists that fail to challenge us? Well, this album is filled with songs that will inspire, challenge, knock you down and make you want to live a life for the kingdom through all your actions, not only when there is a dire need. In reality, with only a single run through of this album, the audience will have a good hold on the lyrics and a clear understanding of Whittaker’s intent.

Ragamuffin Soul, which is named after his successful blog and love for reggae, is his debut album. It’s a well rounded collection of worship music from the beginning track “Rain it Down” to the end “We Will Dance.” Well-known producer/songwriter Jason Ingram, whose past projects include work with Bebo Norman, Point of Grace, Brandon Heath & others, produced this project. He co-wrote the 2009 hit “Give Me Your Eyes” with Heath. Carlos says that working with Ingram was enjoyable and he made the process very smooth.

As a debut album, you might expect a few hit and misses, but honestly, there isn’t a track that falls below the line here. Each song has a distinct background, in fact Carlos wrote 11 of the 12 songs on Ragamuffin Soul. Here is a breakdown of a few songs on the album:

• “God of Second Chances”: This is a beautiful song that illustrates God’s love for us. No matter how many times we screw up, and we will, He will give the repented heart “Second Chances.” Carlos wrote this song with his adopted son Losiah in mind, and how God not only gave Losiah a second chance, but also the Whittaker’s. “Righteous Savior / by your wounds we are healed / Your compassion draws us here / how amazing / is the mercy of the Cross / that You would reach out for us / so let the praises rise / You rescue with unfailing love / Hallelujah to our God.”
• “No Words”: is a song that ironically enough—has words. It speaks about how now there is are an overuse of words in regards to worship songs. That there is really “no words” that people can place on what the Lord has done for us.
• “Can’t Start This Fight”: is a wonderful song that will motivate the audience to get up and stop malingering on what to do and find a place they can stand for Jesus.
• “Shine On”: is my personal favorite from this album. This song reminds me of Matthew 5:14-16, when Jesus tells us “You are the Light of the World.” “Shine on our city / Shine in our homes Lord / Shine for the needy / Shine for the low / Shine for the broken / Shine for the poor / Shine for searching / ‘cause we’re like Saul on this road.”

Mr. Whittaker has delivered a nice addition to the genre’ that has been needed for sometime. His songwriting is exceptional. He knows from being a full-time Worship leader what types of songs will relate best to people, and how to inspire Christians to live a life for Jesus. Some might say it is just another worship album, but that is not the case. I challenge you to take a listen, hear the lyrics and you will not be disappointed.

9/10

Review by Ben Dempsey of RocktheCross.net