Album Review: Diamonds by Hawk Nelson

Christian Pop/Rock band Hawk Nelson is back with their second effort following the surprising departure of their beloved lead singer Jason Dunn. After Dunn left, the band was very close to calling it quits. At that point, Bart Millard (lead vocalist for Christian Pop outfit MercyMe) convinced then lead guitarist for the band Jonathan Steingard to take over the lead singer position. He did and surprised the whole HN fan base with their 6th record "Made," which was far from their original Pop Punk roots and was more a worship record. They toured the country for the record until they started writing for the new record titled "Diamonds." Although I did like "Made," Diamonds is an improvement. When Dunn left, they almost had to become a new band. Daniel Biro, the bassist is the only remaining member of the original band. They did that in many ways and maybe for the better. They could easily have several songs sung in church services all over the country. Diamonds is less a Worship effort and has more of a Pop sound to the record. In my opinion, it is their best record since "Smile, It's The End Of The World."

The record kicks off with the title track "Diamonds." Diamonds are the world's most precious stones. That's what the band refers to what God is making us into in the song. God is making everyone into diamonds because we are His most precious creation. Track number 2 is the albums lead single "Drops In The Ocean." God loves us so much. Like the band says, God's love is more than the drops the ocean. He gave us His Son to die. Isn't that pretty loving?

"Just Getting Started" is the third song on the album. The song deals with never stopping for God. We are always just getting started because we will never be done serving Him until the whole world knows His name. "Live Like You're Loved" is dealing with self-worth. God loves you, isn't that enough? I deal with the fact that I have been single all my life, but I don't need a girlfriend to feel loved because I have God.

"Sold Out" is a great song. Its about being God's forever and you will serve for no one else but Him. Song 6 on the album is one of my favorites on the album. "Thank God For Something" is telling people to thank God no matter what happens. You could just as much money as Bill Gates or poverty, isn't there always a reason to thank God? I mean, you are alive aren't you?

Have you ever made plans with someone just to have them fall through? God will never ever do that to you. "Count On You" is about being able to count on God. Whether you need someone to talk to or chat, He will be the only one that is ALWAYS there. "Made To Live" almost reminds me of "She Looks So Perfect by 5 Seconds of Summer. We were made to live. Not kill ourselves, but live for God. We sent His Son to die for us, can' we give a little bit of our time to Him?

"Straight Line" is probably my favorite on the album. The song has a nice indie sound to it, as most of the album is. With God, we never are walking curved, its always straight. As most albums these days, the album ends with the acoustic track "Only You." Its talking about how God is always there for us and the only one that is like that.

Diamonds is great for a second effort away from their original singer. Most of the album has an indie pop sound to it. HN has always been known to keep it fresh and new and its true because no two of their albums sound alike. I suggest picking up this album to anyone who likes the indie pop scene.

Rating: 9.8 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "Sold Out," "Straight Line," "Thank God For Something"

For Fans Of: Echosmith, 5 Seconds of Summer, One Direction