For Pillar fans nationwide, For The Love Of The Game, is a much anticipated release that was not at all disappointing. The talent of Pillar’s four musicians makes them worthy of the massive success they have experienced. For me this album brings something fresh to the genre that they’ve conquered, which has been somewhat hindered in their past efforts from truly surpassing their Christian rock counterpart. The introduction of a larger measure of originality in their latest musical venture will undeniably make it another strong step forward in Pillar’s musical advancement.

This album’s theme is based around the idea of fighting for the prize and living hard for Jesus. It challenges believer’s in every walk of life to live for God. The spiritual precision and candor behind the lyrics are incredible! The album’s title track dares us to “Fight through the hurt, fight through the pain, without the ache there is no gain, we live our lives for the love of the game.” This opening is a reference to the “race” spoken by Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25. This album is so encouraging and let’s the listener know that God is daily remembering us and loving us through our good and bad days.

This album is one of the more artistic Pillar compilations, from the opening with the call for Christians to do their best to live for God and show His love, until the end when the challenge is issued to non-Christians to meet God. After seven years, Pillar has discovered an amazing sound and continues to improve their performance!

For the Love of the Game has great vocals and wonderful rhythm, which should be expected! Although this was a great listen, there is not as much diversity in the beats as in past albums. Although the music sometimes tends to lean toward more of a generic rock, it is a must for any rock fan. 

One in a while, a band comes along and through its musicality, lyrics, and emotions truly draws you into its music. Newcomers Secret and Whisper definitely fit this bill. Out of Kelowna, British Columbia, S&W come rocketing through your speakers with their debut release, Great White Whale. Formerly known as Shutterfly, Secret and Whisper signed with Tooth and Nail in ’07 and subsequently began working on their debut release with new lead singer, Charles Furney. The result is a mix of driving rock and thoughtful ballads. There is no denying their musical talents.

    The opening “track”,”Blonde Monster”, serves as a primer for the rest of the album. The first full song on the album, “You Are Familiar”, immediately slams you in the face with some seriously powerful guitars. And it only gets better from there. On a slightly less than positive note, several of the songs feel very repetitive, even down to similar riffs and chords. But overall, this is a solid debut release. Other notable tracks on the album include “Vanishings”,”XOXOXO”,”Spider Besider”,and the title track “Great White Whale”.  

    Secret and Whisper may not have hit a home run with this release, but they have at least a solid triple. Definitely look for them to go places with future releases.