Album Review: A Messenger by Colton Dixon

Colton Dixon is most known for placing 7th in Fox's 11th season  of American Idol. He's been doing music almost since he was three years old. Although he also plays guitar, he is most known for playing keyboard/piano. He is here with his debut album A Messenger. I'd call the album mostly Lifehouse-sounding with a couple of songs that sound like Muse or Evanescence. Worshipful ballads, such as "You Are" and rock anthems like "In and Out Of Time" make this album perfect for an indie rock fan.

The album starts off with a 48 second intro to the album's lead track "Noise." In the song, Dixon relates days to car alarms. The car alarms then represent all the temptation that the world has out there. It seems that sometimes they are so loud, that we can't hear God's voice. He asks God if he is there and to call his name. At the end, he knows that he will be okay because God is there with him through it all. "I'll Be The Light" is the album's third track. The song is saying that before God, everything was dark and we couldn't see. Once you finally come to and accept His love, God is like a flashlight that helps you see clearly, even in the darkest of nights. 

"You Are" is the album's current single. It is a beautiful worship song that's calling God everything. In the bridge of the song, Dixon is saying that if he didn't have a voice or tongue, he would worship God by dancing for him instead of singing. When his day is done, he will shout all the praises to the God who saved his life. The first original song Dixon ever shared with the world was "Never Gone" back in June. It's another Alternative Worship song that is God talking to us when we feel lost and have no sense of direction. He assures us that He "Never, ever left us" and will always be there when we need Him. 

The album's sixth track, "Love Has Come For Me," is one of my favorite songs on the album. It's an awesome Christian Rock radio-ready song. In the track, he feels like he is lost and can never get God's forgiveness because he keeps failing. He eventually realizes that Love (God) is there and has always been there and surrenders to It (Him). "Scars" is a Museish sounding song. Muse has those quiet piano ballads that always turns into an anthem rock song. In the song, he feels defeated by his addictions. In the chorus, he states that "Scars remind us of who we are," meaning Jesus' scars after he died on the cross for the world. He gave us His life, so we must eventually give our lives back to Him. 

In "Rise," the album's eighth track, is a song that talks about a young girl who abuses herself and has thoughts of suicide. In the song, God tells the girl to rise because He loves her and knows that she has a purpose in her life. "Where My Heart Goes" immediately follows "Rise." It's an awesome song where Dixon is praising God and proclaiming that God is where he wants his heart goes. It's another awesome worship song that he wrote just to praise God in all His awesomeness.

In an interview with Yahoo, Dixon said that "This Is Who I Am" is an anthem saying that everyone will see the world in their own unique and different ways. He said he won't change for anybody, cause everyone has their own little "quirks" or they are weird in their own way, which I find to be just amazing. My all time favorite song on the album is "In And Out Of Time." It is a legit, anthem-ready rock tune. Even though he said that the album is more of a Christian effort, I believe this song would have the most chance going to a Mainstream Rock station. It's a Muse rock sounding tune that explains that we have limited days left because we know Jesus will be coming soon. His past keeps haunting him in the song, so he feels like he's running in and out of time.

The final song on the album is actually a cover. "Let Them See You" was the only song on the record Dixon didn't write. Scotty Wilbanks, who plays keys for the band Third Day, sent him this song on the early stages of working on the album. The song is just his piano and his voice. He said in an interview with Yahoo that he loved putting it on the end of the record, because it describes how he ended Idol and he wanted to end his album in a similar way, with God at the center of it all.

Most of the songs cowritten by guys who penned some of Kelly Clarkson and Switchfoot's biggest hits, this album is sure to also be a hit! A perfect mix of rock and worship make this the perfect record for anyone who likes indie rock. Dixon had a lot to accomplish on this record with both mainstream and Christian fans, and he did it more perfect than ever! This is very likely gonna be among my top 5 records of 2013. 

Rating: 10 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: "Scars," "Love Has Come For Me," "In And Out Of Time"

For Fans Of: Evanescence, Muse, Lifehouse

Album Review: Between Here and Lost by Love and Death

Brian "Head" Welch, who is formerly of the band Korn, is at it once again, but this time, with a band. After he departed from the band in 2005, he wrote a book titled Save Me From Myself that released in July of 2007. During the writing of the book, Welch was also writing and recording his debut solo album. The album was also titled Save Me From Myself. It was basically his book, in music, and without explicit language. In 2010, Welch released a new single from his upcoming second solo project, titled Paralyzed. The full album never released and a year later, he announced that his band will now be branded under the name Love and Death. About a year and a half after the announcement, the band released their debut single and EP Chemicals. The EP included 5 tracks (2 original songs, a cover, and 2 remixes). The band then promised a new album by 2013. They are here with their debut album, which is set to release January 22nd.

"The Abandoning," the album's first single, starts out with Welch yelling "Wake up sleepy, Wide awake!" In the opening track, Welch talks about when he was in Korn and all the drugs he did. He felt like not only is he abandoning himself, so is everyone, including God. By the end of the song, he is wide awake for God and His commands. The second track, a cover of Devo's "Whip It," I really can't go into much detail about, because it is a cover of a 1980's pop song. Basically, there are less lyrics than the original version and it is metal.

"Watching The Bottom Fall" is one of the hardest tracks to review on the album. It's hard to interpret, but I think in the song, Welch is talking from two different people's point of view. Although they both commit the same crimes, he can't go through with it anymore and leaves the other. It's also one of my favorites on the album. "By The Way," the album's 4th track, I think, talks about his ex-wife. He loved her, but she was influencing their daughter in such a negative way, so he had to leave her, so him and his daughter could live safely. He says he misses her everyday, and hopes to see her in Heaven in the future.

"Meltdown" is my number one favorite song the album. I love the guitars it has in it. But, like most of the songs Welch writes, its about his addiction to drugs and alcohol. In the song, he has overdosed and feels like he is about to die, and cries out to God to save him and to not to keep. In "My Disaster," Welch feels like God is ignoring him and letting him suffer. He's crying out and asking how God can watch him suffer, when he is the leader of the universe. It's also the song on the album that sounds most like Welch's former band, Korn's, old material.

"I W8 4 U" is the 7th track on the album, and features screams from For Today's lead vocalist, Mattie Montgomery. It's a song that is actually from God's perspective on humans. He will wait for them till the end of the earth and always will. He loves us all and has a different relationship with each and everyone of His children. Christianity is becoming less and less popular in today's world and that's exactly what "Fading Away" talks about. The human race is fading away, so we need to repent to God, or be done. We are His children and need to come to that realization sooner better than later.

"Paralyzed" is included on the album and went to #1 on the iTunes rock chart when it was released back in 2010 and branded under his solo project. It's a song about being so overdosed in drugs that you feel like you can't get back. He cries out to God to save him and get him out. "Chemicals," the third previously recorded song to be featured on the April 2012 EP of the same name. It's a song that talks about being so buried in drugs or depression that it feels like chemicals are clouding your mind. He knows deep inside that he isn't a criminal and hates the chemicals and wants to get out. The final track on the album is "Bruises." Welch said in an interview with Billboard that is it partly inspired by Christians not believing in rock music being combined with Christianity.

I, for one, think this is an amazing album! Both hard rock and metal fans alike will love this album and it is a must buy. Welch has been making music for about 20 years, and ever since his debut solo album released back in 2008, he hasn't ceased to please! If you are a fan of rock music, I highly suggest picking this album up, because you WILL NOT be disappointed.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Purchase Links (not available until January 22nd): iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 songs: "Chemicals", "I W8 4 U", "Meltdown"

For fans of: R3D, Korn, Hollywood Undead

10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2013

Well, since its been a few hours since the Top 20 of 2012 post, I figured now would present the 100 albums I'm looking forward to next year. So here is goes y'all!

10.) TBA - Maroon 5
9.) TBA - Family Force 5
8.) TBA - Daughtry
7.) TBA - Carly Rae Jepsen
6.) Paramore - Paramore
5.) A Messenger - Colton Dixon
4.) Rise - Skillet
3.) To Be Loved - Michael Buble'
2.) Fading West - Switchfoot
1.) Release The Panic - RED

Top 20 Albums of 2012

Well yes! It has come the time where I reveal my 20 favorite albums of the year, along with the ones I'm looking most forward to in the coming year. This is just my opinion, you guys can of course form your own opinions about this year's music. So here it starts! (:

20.) Born And Raised - John Mayer
19.) Hello, My Name Is... - Bridgit Mendler
18.) Night Visions - Imagine Dragons
17.) Vital - Anberlin
16.) Eye On It - tobyMac
15.) O God Save Us All - Disciple
14.) Gravity - Lecrae
13.) The End Is Where We Begin - Thousand Foot Krutch
12.) Changed - Rascal Flatts
11.) Hard 2 Love - Lee Brice
10.) III.V (EP) - Family Force 5
9.) Overexposed - Maroon 5
8.) Live 2012 - Coldplay
7.) Red - Taylor Swift
6.) Kiss - Carly Rae Jepsen
5.) California 37 - Train
4.) Battle Born - The Killers
3.) The Midsummer Station - Owl City
2.) Life Will Write The Words - The Rocket Summer
1.) Scars & Stories - The Fray

Well, there you have it, my favorite albums of 2012! If you think I've missed anything, feel free to tweet me @A13XVANDERSPEK.

Until Next Time,
Alex

2012 in Review and 2013 Preview

Well, this has been a pretty awesome year for me. Got my first date to a dance (which turned out to be a disaster), saw Switchfoot (my favorite band) for the first time, and one of the best things was going to Disneyland with my family all year. I also turned 18. It’s crazy to think that I’m officially a “legal” adult now. But, I don’t have my licence, so I don’t exactly have the freedom I’m entitled to, but it gives me more time to hang with my family. I am going to try to get it soon, but until then, I don’t have it! Now to tell you about 2013, which I am really excited for!

Well, to start off, yesterday, I bought a Taylor Swift ticket for her concert on August 24th. That just happens to be the day before I turn 19! That is pretty much going to be the best birthday weekend ever. Well, not only am I going to see my 2nd favorite artist next year, I am also graduating High School! These 14 years of school have been just been awesome and I can’t believe these years have gone by so fast. I am also going to start my freshman year of college next year. 13 also happens to be my favorite number, so it is ironic that so many big things are happening next year. I really don’t have anything else to say, so I will keep everyone updated through my journey next year. And be sure to keep following cuz imma do my annual award “show”

Until Next Time, Alex

Album Review: O God Save Us All by Disciple

What to say about Disciple? Well, I have been a fan since I heard "After the World" and have bought almost all of their albums now. They have all had the perfect mix of ballads and then Metal. O God Save Us All is no exception to that. The newest 11-track effort from the Christian Rock quintet is probably one of their best albums yet. What I like most about it is that it has a lot more songs with amazing guitar riffs at the beginning. If you like Heavy Rock with the perfect amount of ballads, I suggest buying this album.

The album kicks off with the heavy, lead guitar led track, Outlaws. It's a song that's talking about how when the world tempts you, you feel like there is no other way but the world. They are suggesting being "Outlaws" to the world and following the path of Jesus and all he has for you. The title track perfectly follows Outlaws, with the theme of how we all need to be saved by God because we have been cursed by the sinful ways of this world. What to say about R.I.P.? Well for one thing it starts off  with yet another guitar riff, which I love. It's a song that's saying Jesus rested in peace for three days to save us from our sins. After that song, you take a break with a few ballads, which are also awesome.

The ballad streak starts off with Once and For All. It talks about the war between Jesus' perfect, but hard road to heaven, or Satan's sinful, easy way to hell. He wants to give everything that's of the world up once and for all. The next ballad, Someday, is another powerful song. In it, the band says, that someday all the hell of this world will go away and we will be all happy in Heaven and there won't be pain or any of the world to harm us. Draw The Line was the lead single off the album, and could easily be played in churches for worship. It says how we will draw the line on everything that is of the world. After the ballads, we go back to the heavy Disciple we have all gotten to know and love.

The next heavy song is called Kings. It is a song about how we are poisoned by the world, but we are kings of ourselves, and can make our own choices. "We are kings with a King" is my favorite line in the song. Unstoppable is a song about the end times and how we are gonna have to fight against Satan in the end, but with God on our side, we will be unstoppable and will be in eternity with Him when we win. The One is actually one of my favorite songs on the entire album. The lyrics are talking about how no matter what we do, God (The One) is always and will always be watching what we do, whether it is good or bad. The last two songs are also really emotional with lyrics.

Beautiful Scars is at the borderline of metal and a ballad. Jesus, still 2013 years later, has the beautiful scars that save our lives everyday. He will forever have them to remind us of that day He died on the cross to save us all. The last song, Trade a Moment, is a ballad. But it is a ballad, I'm guessing, about the singer and main songwriter, Kevin Young's wife. It's saying that even though I'm on tour for most of the year, when I come home, let's trade a moment and dance across the sky.

O God Save Us All has no flaws throughout the whole album. The quintet has never ever ceased to please their fans and with every album, they just keep getting better and better. I really hope we don't see a tweet next year that suggests they are going their separate ways, because I really love these guys and hope they stick around a little while longer. Great job once again guys!

Rating: 15 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3 (Only $5 on Amazon)

Top 3 Songs: Draw The Line, Beautiful Scars, and O God Save Us All

For Fans Of: Metallica, KoRn, R3D

Album Review: The Midsummer Station by Owl City

Adam Young, better known as electronic pop superstar Owl City, first became famous when Fireflies was released as his first single in early 2009. After that single debuted at number one on Billboard, you could see that Young was already started on what is now the biggest Electronic Pop artist in music. If you listen to the new album The Midsummer Station. You hear more than just the electronic he is known for. There are hints of rock (Dementia and Embers), Dubstep (Bombshell Blonde), and even soft rock (Silhouette). Young has always been a musical inspiration to me, and makes no excuses or exceptions on the new record.

Young begins the album with Dreams and Disasters, a track that, in my opinion, sounds a little bit like David Guetta/Usher's hit song Without You. It's a song that's basically saying, if you have a dream, don't quit and make it a disaster. The second track, Shooting Star, was the albums lead single. What the song is suggesting is that even though the world will try to bring you down, don't let them, it's your life!

If you've listened to any of the album, you will realize that the theme is basically dreams. Almost every song has something to do with dreams. Gold falls nothing short of that. It is saying that even though you don't believe in your dreams, everyone else does. The 4th track on the cd is Dementia and features guest vocal's from blink-182's Mark Hoppus. This happens to be my favorite song on the album. It's a nice electronic rock tune that suggest, once again, that even though you feel like giving up, "keep the pace just in case all the magic dies."

I'm Coming After You is a sweet love song that has the singer telling his love to stay cause he misses her. Speed of Love is a song that portrays everyone trying to find love. Even though love is a very hard race to win, keep it going, cause in the end, you will win.

One of the best songs on the album and probably my favorite, Good Time is a Summer anthem that will remain on your playlist well into winter. It features guest vocals from Call Me Maybe artist Carly Rae Jepsen. It's basically a fun song that says you can have fun and a good time no matter what. Embers is another one of my favorite songs on the album. It's another song about chasing your dreams, so there is not much more to say about it.

That one soft rock sounding song is Silhouette. It's probably, in my opinion, the most beautifully written song on the album. Young says in the song that he wants to put his fears and failures to bed and that's pretty much the theme throughout the whole song. Track 10 on the album, Metropolis, was written by Young's very good friend, Matt Theissen of Relient K. He says in the song that he left his heart in Metropolis, basically saying he found love there. The final track on the physical and Amazon MP3 version of the album is Take it All Away. It's a sad breakup song where the singer, although doesn't relationship to end, it's for the best.

As I mentioned before, the theme throughout The Midsummer Station is dreams. This is also the first album Young collaborated with others for writing the tracks for the album. Even though it was released at the end of Summer, this is a very Summery album, but will remain on your playlist well into December. Great job once again Adam!

Rating: 10 out of 10

Purchase Links: iTunes, Amazon MP3

Top 3 Songs: Embers, Good Time, and, Dementia

For Fans of: David Guetta, Carly Rae Jepsen, blink-182

Until Next Time, Alex