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After releasing perhaps the best album of their young career, Starfield has returned with another collection of thoughtful, worshipful, and most of all, solid songs. At first listen, it may seem that these songs are just a rehash of previous themes, but after listening, you will find that this isn’t true at all. In fact, where their previous album, I Will Go, was primarily centered around the theme of going into the world and making a difference, The Saving One is a more an album of personal reflection. Many of the lyrics are written from a first person perspective, including those in Rediscover You and Declaration of Dependence.

Opening with the title track, The Saving One, you are immediately transported into the mindset of worship. This song will certainly be quickly adopted by worship leaders around the world. Lyrically, this song lays down the basics of the gospel, that Christ came, lived, and died for our sins, that He is our Saving One. Uplifting from start to finish, the most important theme that comes across in this song is in the bridge, where Tim Neufeld proclaims:

And anyone who calls upon His name, They will be saved.

What a simple and beautiful description of the gospel. Following the title track is a plea for renewal. Rediscover You is written from a place that many christians may have found themselves in, burnt out on church and on religion. However, they realize that Christ isn’t interested in religion, he wants a relationship, and thats what this song is primarily about, focusing on a personal relationship with Him. Perhaps the song that hits closest to home for me is Something To Say, which is another of the “personal” songs on the album. Its all about feeling like you are falling away from Christ, and that its hard to believe that He is there. As you continue progressing through the album, you will come upon Overwhelm, another “worship-ready” song that drives along with the signature sound that Starfield has created. In short, it ROCKS. As the album begins to close, Top Of My Lungs shoves the album in a different direction with its intense, electronic beat.

The progression of maturity that is shown in this album is quite evident. As the brothers Neufeld have grown, so has their message and ministry. The Saving One is another step in the right direction for them. Look for big things from Starfield to continue in the future.

7/10

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In perhaps the most unique release in the past several years, sister-duo group Tal and Acacia has released their debut album, Wake Me, on Provident. After growing in a Christian home in Maine and spending a year in Russia, they have developed a unique view of the world that many people never get to experience. That view translates into their music as their own unique style of pop/indie rock. Each song is an entity unto its self, but also serves as a piece in the puzzle of the view of the album as a whole. The messages that are conveyed in this album are basic and essential to every christian and Tal and Acacia find a fun and unique way to present them.

Opening with Top Priority, the theme of this song is taken directly from scripture, that our “top priority” is to seek first the kingdom of God. Garbage In is another song that is simple in its message. We have to be careful what we put into our lives, because one day it will come back out. Merry Go Round is all about being stuck in the same life and wanting to change, but being complacent with what you see everyday.

Typically, this style of pop isn’t something that I find myself listening to very much. However, I kept finding myself singing along with the songs, even hours after listening to them. Tal and Acacia are a breath of fresh air in the christian music industry. This album has become a favorite in our house, as it should yours.

7/10

Review by Wes Brawner of RockTheCross.net

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Portland, Oregon’s own Above The Golden State is back with their follow up to their self titled album released in 2008.  A 6 song set, 7 if you include the bonus track “Bent” when purchased on i-tunes, ATGS hopes to continue the moderate success they experienced with their debut. The band is led by frontman Michael Watson, who states in a interview “I feel like we got a fresh, clean, unbiased start to following Christ and understanding God through his Word, and that’s why we draw from who we are and share that message musically.”

One thing that really stands out to me as the theme of the album is the word “Love.” The lyrics and arrangements definitely help the listener understand what their goal for us is ; to have love as He intended for us and to display that love throughout our lives in all tasks and relationships.  It is meant help us place our mindset beyond just words, but to start taking action and putting His Word to work in your life so that the Love of Christ might be on display through you.  He must be the image people see, not your reflection.

In conclusion, this album is a nice addition to Above The Golden State’s previous work.  One drawback to me is that I believe that as new fan and avid music listener the band could have delayed this release until they had enough material for full album release. Usually an EP has 3 or 4 songs.  But, 6 is more teasing than anything else.  One of the most notable songs is “Teach Us.”  This song breaks down us for us that no matter what, in times of need He is there to show us the way, the only thing that stands in the way of Him teaching us is asking Him for help.  I recommend you pick up the album and giving it a listen for your self. You can see Above The Golden State this spring on tour with Sanctus Real.

6.5/10

Review by Ben Dempsey of RockTheCross.net