Then & Now - Haste the Day

Haste the Day

Then ...

I owe a lot to this band, in a way. Haste the Day was the first Christian metal band which I started listening to consistently, and therefore I give them credit for introducing me to my now-favorite genre. When I first introduced this band to the readers of music.is.life, I shared with them the track Stitches, a lovely representation of what this band was made of. I found myself heartbroken by the truth in their lyrics, and at the same time empowered by the strength of their artistry and the passion in their words. This track showcased some of my favorite things about this band while also allowing me my first taste of a fascinating genre.

... & Now.

I didn't realize just how much more this band was capable of until I started exploring more of their work. Stitches was and is still a beautiful track - and is still one of my favorites by this band -, but it is but just a glimpse into Haste the Day's complex and impressive discography. Haste the Day flawlessly combine their worship with their art, wrapping their passionate lyrics in brutal vocals and emotionally charged instrumentals. They deliver a powerful message in each and every track, and offer through their albums a journey for listeners, a fast-paced adventure into our own emotions and experiences. Having the pleasure of having purchased both When Everything Falls (2005) and Pressure the Hinges (2007), I have discovered in Haste the Day traits I admire so much in a band; not only talent, but passion and purpose as well. At the same time, I have also discovered some of my favorite aspects in music, and in doing so allowed myself to form a passion for a genre I was previously unacquainted to.

Haste the Day's latest album, Dreamer, was released in 2008. The band spent most of 2009 on tour all across the world, and are finally slowing down their tour schedule as we begin the new year. The band is scheduled to play on the Van's Warped Tour in Summer 2010.

I'm going to share with you the music video for Man Man, a single off of the album Dreamer. This song definitely showcases the band's strengths; proving that, despite changes that have overcome the band in current years, this band is dedicated and committed to their work and their worship. In order to fully appreciate this track - as well as others by the band - I encourage you to look up their song lyrics; listening to these powerful songs, while gaining the full impact of their beautifully written lyrics, creates as a whole one breathtaking experience.

Hopefully, I'll have my hands on Dreamer in due time, and am looking forward to my chance to see Haste the Day perform in my area sometime soon. Until then, I'll keep my eye on any new releases from this band, as well as walking through the door this band has opened for me and exploring further the realm of Christian metal.

Haste the Day - Mad Man Official Music Video


Haste The Day - Mad Man

Haste The Day | MySpace Music Videos

Whispers In The Dark

Cowgirl4christ made a post on Skillet's album Comatose awhile back, but didn't really go into the individual songs and focused a bit more on Skillet as a band and on the album. Be sure to read that post!

I'm posting about one of the songs on that album, "whispers in the dark". I first listened to the song a few weeks ago after I downloaded a playlist on Rhapsody.
I immediately fell captive to the back beat and guitar. The song really has an epic feel.

The lead singers voice has this urgency, but a soft reassuring urgency, one of hope. The lyrics are also those of hope. He's telling someone he's there for them, he'll do anything to see them happy and safe.

You get a sense of comfort when hearing this song, not in the sense that it's a mild and quiet song, no it's far from it with the pounding bass and hard core rock sound, but just from the overall feel you can't help but relax.

This song has become one of my all-time favorites, so check it out!

Enjoy!


Skillet-Whispers In The Dark


Despite the lies that you're making
Your love is mine for the taking
My love is just waiting
To turn your tears to roses

Despite the lies that you're making
Your love is mine for the taking
My love is just waiting
To turn your tears to roses

I will be the one that's gonna hold you
I will be the one that you run to
My love is a burning, consuming fire

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
I'll light the night with stars
Hear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
You know I'm never far
Hear my whispers in the dark

Whispers in the dark

You feel so lonely and ragged
You lay here broken and naked
My love is just waiting
To clothe you in crimson roses

I will be the one that's gonna find you
I will be the one that's gonna guide you
My love is a burning, consuming fire

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
I'll light the night with stars
Hear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
You know I'm never far
Hear the whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
I'll light the night with stars
Hear my whispers in the dark

No, you'll never be alone
When darkness comes
You know I'm never far
Hear the whispers in the dark

Whispers in the dark
Whispers in the dark
Whispers in the dark

Jesus Walks

Hip-hop and rap are some of the few musical genres that typically don't appeal to me. There's just something about the genre that just lacks a lot of depth, in my opinion. I like songs with a message, and that isn't often times found in hip-hop or rap tracks. A lot of artists in these genres aren't so much in it for the music as they are for these fame and fortune. Maybe that's a misconception; maybe that's just how they seem at first glance. But in all honesty, that's how they present themselves, and that representation doesn't make me desire to know any more about them - as people or musicians.
So far, I've found Kanye West to be an exception.
The stuff I've heard from Kanye West - which isn't a lot, granted - seems to have the depth and message that is often times missing from the type of music he sings. And this song of his, titled Jesus Walks, is a perfect example of that. The entire song is about how what he's rapping about - the Lord - isn't something that is typically "accepted" by followers of the genre ("They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus / That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes / But if I talk about God my record won't get played").
The message behind this song is very self explanatory; just take a listen. And really listen. Hear what Kanye's trying to say. The music video is beautiful and also helps get the point of the song across.
I commend Kanye for taking a chance with this song. It's great to see that rappers can sing about more than "guns, sex, lies" ... you know.
This is Jesus Walks by Kanye West.

Kanye West - Jesus Walks Official Music Video

Jesus Walks
Kanye West

Yo, we at war
We at war with terrorism, racism, and most of all we at war with ourselves
(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me) with me, with me, with me ...

You know what the Midwest is?
Young & Restless
Where restless - might snatch your necklace
And next these - might jack your Lexus
Somebody tell these - who Kanye West is
I walk through the valley of the Chi where death is
Top floor the view alone will leave you breathless
Try to catch it, it's kinda hard
Getting choked by the detectives yeah, now check the method
They be asking us questions, harass and arrest us
Saying "We eat pieces of s**t like you for breakfast"
Huh? Ya'll eat pieces of s**t? What's the basis?
We ain't going nowhere but got suits and cases
A trunk full of -, rental car from Avis
My momma used to say only Jesus can save us
Well momma I know I act a fool
But I'll be gone 'til November I got packs to move I hope

(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me)
The only thing that that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now
(Jesus Walks)
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus Walks with me)
I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long

To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers even the strippers
(Jesus walks with them)
To the victims of welfare for we living in hell here, hell yeah
(Jesus walks with them)
Now hear ye, hear ye, want to see Thee more clearly
I know He hears me when my feet get weary
Cause we're the almost nearly extinct
We rappers are role models, we rap, we don't think
I ain't here to argue about his facial features
Or here to convert atheists into believers
I'm just trying to say the way school need teachers
The way Kathie Lee needed Regis, that's the way I need Jesus
So here go my single, dog, radio needs this
They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus
That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes
But if I talk about God my record won't get played, huh?
Well let this take away from my spins
Which will probably take away from my ends
Then I hope this take away from my sins
And bring the day that I'm dreaming about
Next time I'm in the club everybody screaming out

(Jesus Walks)
God show me the way because the devil trying to break me down
(Jesus Walks)
The only thing that that I pray is that my feet don't fail me now
(Jesus Walks)
And I don't thing there's nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus walks with me ...)
I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long

To Bring You Back

I heard To Bring You Back for the first time on the radio a few days ago, and was instantly hooked by Paul Alan's remarkably smooth, clean voice. The song itself was borderline pop, but when the chorus picks up, it definitly has a rock essence. But what really blew me away about this song was the passion behind the beautiful vocals; Paul Alan put his heart and soul into this track, and you can feel it as you listen to this lovely song. All in all, this track is absolutely beautiful, and I can't stop listening.
Check it out for yourself; To Bring You Back, by Paul Alan.

Paul Alan - To Bring You Back Slideshow

To Bring You Back
Paul Alan

Are you thirsty, standing in the rain?
Not sure where you are or how you lost your way
Are you drowning
Some bar outside of town?
Searching for something given not found
A crowd of people totally alone
At the front door
Worlds away from home

And light up the night's last regret
Burn your only safety net
Step to the edge it's such a long way down

And I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles in this desert sun
Only to bring you back

Are you tired of chasing the wind?
Under water, do you aspire to breathe again?
Are you dying?
Is that the best that you can do?
'Cause you can't find your place in a world that wasn't meant for you

I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles in this desert sun
Only to bring you back

Hello, it's me, I couldn't sleep
I was just counting sheep
I'm missing you.
Hello, it's me, I couldn't sleep
I was just counting sheep

I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles in this desert sun
Only to bring you back

I left the ninety-nine to find the one
And you're the one
I walked a thousand miles in this desert sun
Only to bring you back

Flyleaf - "Flyleaf"

I purchased Flyleaf's debut, self-titled album yesterday and heard it for the first time just a few hours ago.
... I'm still speechless.
This album was above and beyond what I had expected. I had set out to purchase the album after falling in love with the group's single I'm So Sick, and after hearing that hardcore track, I expected an album with a lot of screaming and not a lot of depth. Boy, was I mistaken! I knew Flyleaf was a Christian crossover band, but the blatant references the lyrics made to Christ surprised and impressed me at the same time. The group's lyrics are not only written extremely well, but they speak a message of hope and courage that one can relate to, no matter their beliefs.
The talent the lead singer of this group has is apparent in every song Flyleaf has recorded. Lacey Mosley heads this band, and this chic can scream! But not only is Lacey powerful in the heavy metal songs, she can come down and sing a beautiful ballad, hitting high notes that give you chills. Lacey's impressive vocal range paired with the band's tasteful combination of complicated guitar riffs and hard-hitting drum lines make for an album full of instant favorites.
So, here's a review for Flyleaf's debut album.

Flyleaf - Flyleaf (2005)

1. I'm So Sick - The song that made me determined to purchase this album in the first place. Lacey had me sold from her blood-curdling scream at the very beginning of the track; from there, the track calms down a bit, becoming more melodic, until the end of the track, when Lacey achieves a truly desperate tone to her voice, hitting high notes that die off as her band mates scream in the background. An angst-filled track that's sure to please.
2. Fully Alive - Sure to get stuck in your head. With lyrics that speak a powerful message, this track moves along at a steady pace, with in-your-face verses and a chorus that immediately catches your attention. A great single, full of impressive vocals as well as instrumentals.
3. Perfect - A very hard-rock track, with crashing symbols and impressive guitar parts. The lyrics - the first on the album which speak an obvious religious message; "I tried to kill you / You tried to save me // You save me...") - are delivered in a punch-y, punk-rock fashion which suits the song while staying within Flyleaf's style.
4. Cassie - Without a doubt Flyleaf's most controversial track to date, it may also be one of their harshest on the album. Often misunderstood as a song about teenage suicide, Cassie's lyrics actually refer to a young woman who was killed because she wasn't afraid to admit that she believed in God ("The question asked in order / To save her life or to take it ..."). This song's deep and painful lyrics are paired with intense guitar parts, crashing drums and plenty of screaming to round off a great track.
5. Sorrow - This track starts out harsher and then softens into an extremely melodic track. Lacey expresses the emotion of this song perfectly, alternating between soft high notes and harsher lower notes in the chorus. This song ends in screaming and impressive guitar parts that wrap up this song of "sorrow" perfectly. A heart wrenching track; simply lovely.
6. I'm Sorry - The album picks up with another fast-paced track with a hard-rock essence. This song starts off strong and doesn't let up, with plenty of high notes on Lacey's part and the fair share of guitar riffs from the band. Not a stand-out track in my opinion, but not a disappointment.
7. All Around Me - This song starts out strong and delivers the whole way through. Another single which is sure to get stuck in your head; the lyrics are powerful, speaking an important message to someone of any belief. A strong drum beat carries the verses and the guitars pick up in the chorus. The emotions in this track are real to the band members, and it makes all the difference in this song.
8. Red Sam - With lyrics that speak of finding comfort in a situation of unbearable pain, this song is emotional and the band delivers it perfectly. Another song with several obvious references to their beliefs; however, on a non-religious aspect, this song's lyrics give hope and courage to the suffering. A beautiful track with such a powerful message, Red Sam is impossible to ignore.
9. There For You - The group really tones down for this soft rock track without compromising any of their talent or passion in their work. Another song packed full of heartbreaking lyrics, the emotion in this track is presented beautifully. This is a fairly simple track - both melodically and lyrically - compare to their others, but it is this song's simplicity that makes it, without a doubt, one of my favorites on the album.
10. Breathe Today - This track opens with more punchy, in-your-face lyrics that lead to a chorus you can't help but headbang to. While you may be too busy rockin' out to this song to notice the lyrics at first, they are for sure not to be ignored. More screaming and a few killer guitar solos keep up the intensity throughout this awesome song.
11. So I Thought - An unbearably powerful final track. The group slows it down again for this one, and it's as if all of the emotion, the passion and the meaning from all the tracks previous are packed into one to make this track what it is. Remorseful, reminiscent lyrics have a painful sting while still radiating hope and courage. Lacey delivers these words beautifully, and when the drums and guitars pick up in the chorus, it nearly breaks your heart. Another of my favorites; I can't imagine a better end to the album.

If you purchase the special addition of this album, as I did, you get all of the above tracks on a CD, plus acoustic recordings of Fully Alive, Red Sam, Cassie, I'm So Sick and All Around Me. All of the acoustic covers are beautiful and worth spending the extra money on the special addition album. The special addition also comes with a DVD with footage of all the acoustic covers, plus the music videos for I'm So Sick, Fully Alive and All Around Me.

I know Flyleaf stands out for me; what about you? Interested in learning more about this group?

Check out Flyleaf's website to learn more about the band.

The lyrics for all the songs on the debut album as well as Flyleaf's newly released Much Like Falling (2007) and more can be found on this website.

It was hard choosing which music video to post here, because I have fallen in love with all of Flyleaf's videos. In the end I decided to post the video I first fell in love with; the video which essentially made me a Flyleaf fan.
Here's I'm So Sick by Flyleaf.

Flyleaf - I'm So Sick Music Video

Stitches

It's times likes these when I wish I hadn't blown my entire iTunes giftcard.
I've heard of Haste The Day and recently took it upon myself to look up some lyrics and take a listen to some songs off of their latest album, Pressure The Hinges (2007).
I immediately fell in love to the lyrics of songs like White Collar and Akeldema, and was hugely impressed with their hardcore sound on all their tracks. From a different standpoint, Haste The Day is often considered "Christian metalcore", and that means a lot to me on a personal level. But that's beyond the point of this review.
I'll choose to make the focus of this post about Haste The Day's Stitches for several reasons.
One, the lyrics. Just one example of this group's literary genius, Stitches speaks a powerful message about having the courage to speak up and reach out to someone when it matters most.
Two, the sound of the song. This song is not as hard core as some of Haste The Day's other tracks, but the transitions between the harsher and softer moments of the track are executed flawlessly. The instrumentals are outstanding and the vocals are to be commended.
And, finally, the music video. This video is so incredibly powerful, and speaks the message of the song so well ... I just had to share.

So, here are the music video and lyrics to Haste The Day's Stitches. And you better believe that, as soon as I have more money to spend, I will be purchasing this song, and many others, by what may be a new favorite group of mine.

Haste The Day - Stitches Music Video

Stitches
Haste The Day

Five words, five words is all it would take.
Five words to change your heart and mind.
In the heat of the sun I know you’re the only one.
You still cant’ hold yourself together.
Alone… Alone… All alone you have this conversation to satisfy your most intimate inner thoughts.
Then you bite your lip when it matters most.
A shade of red in sight.
Can you taste the blood?
Taste it on your lips.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In your silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
Your growing imagination preparing you for what your heart requires to say.
Then you bit your lip when it matters most.
A shade of red in sight.
Can you taste the blood? Taste it on your lips.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In your silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
Five words, repeating over in your head.
That’s all you ever have to do.
Five words, repeating over in your head.
That’s all you ever have to do.
Five words.
Is it really that hard to say you’re worth more that this?
1) You’re
2) worth
3) more
4) than
5) this.
Rip the seam.
Then I’ll show you how the strings become the stitches in your mouth.
In you silence we are louder.
When the strings become the stitches in your mouth.

Issakar - "The Times"

I have not heard much about Issakar recently. They are a local band (for me, anyway; got their start in Portland, Oregon, USA), and honestly, I probably would have never heard of them if they hadn't played live at my church camp three years ago. That's when my sister won an autographed copy of their album The Times (2005) and I first heard their music.
I think these guys have a lot of potential. The lead singer, Josiah Warneking, has a voice that easily makes the transition from a soft ballad to an edgy rock track. He is also the talent behind the keyboard, which is present throughout the album. The rest of the band is very talented as well; Dustin Erhardt is on lead guitar and backing vocals, Josh Miller plays acoustic guitar and sings accompanyment, Justin Fish plays bass, and Robbie Tice is on drums. Together, these guys create a sound that unique and promising. I always thought with time, Issakar would be great.
I hadn't looked them up in a while, not until I decided today that I wanted to write an album review for The Times on music.is.life. That's when I decided to Google the band, see where they were these days.
Looks like Issakar has only become better. They released a new album, Every Time It Rains, in October of 2007 and I look forward to listening to the tracks on their latest album. As quoted from the band's website, their sophomore album is "a cross between Rascal Flatts and The Fray, but influenced by The Beatles ;-)". Yeah, the smily was on their webiste.
Issakar also has tour dates booked across Oregon and Washinton State, and are traveling to Scottsdale, Arizona in April. Their music is now being featured on radio stations in Spokane, Washington and they hope to expand to other stations soon.
I'm extremelly pleased to hear that this band has come so far; I always thought they had such good potential. Now knowing that they have a new album out, writing a review for their debut seems kind of silly, but it is the only music of theirs I know. As much as I liked The Times, I know Every Time It Rains will not be dissapointing, and I look extremelly forward to listening to it as soon as possible; I may even review it on this site ;)
For now, here's a review for Issakar's The Times (2005).

Issakar - The Times

1. Guilty - A very powerful first track. Issakar sets a tone for their album right off the bat, establishing a religous message in Guilty's lyrics. Even besides the message, this track is very enjoyable, with strong vocals and a good melody to back it up.
2. Come Away - A wonderful example of the vocal diversity of this group. While the first time they sing the chorus is softer, the repeated chorus is sung much deeper, more rock, with excellent backing vocals. A slightly repetitive track, but not so much to bore the listener.
3. Hero - Another good example of vocal diversity. This song has a more original sound, with powerful electric guitar chords making a big impression in the verses. This song has a great melody as well as beautiful, meaningful lyrics.
4. How Great - The keyboard makes its first big influence in what will be a reoccuring theme throughout The Times. Starting off softer and growing into a deep, passionate chorus, this song is great to listen to. Not an overly original track, nor is it one that really stands out on the album, but it can certainly stand on its own.
5. Beach - This track picks up the pace with a catchy melody, backed by a hi-hat on the drums that keeps the tempo going along at a steady pace. The rap bridge is presented well, considering rap is not this group's main style of music. A very fun track to listen to.
6. Dry Bones - Definantly one of my favorites. The lyrics alone were enough to sell me on the song, but the instrumentation and the execution of the vocals are phenominal as well. Again, the keyboard plays a major role in the melody. I just think there's a lot of passion in this song, as well as a great message.
7. One Voice - Not an overly exciting track, but I really do like the message behind the lyrics, which speak of reaching for your goals no matter now tough the circumstances (don't let the sun / set on your dreams / if your voice is a whisper / make it louder than screams ... know that one voice can change the world ). A slower track with a lot of soul.
8. True Identity - Issakar must have brought in a different lead singer for this one; there's no way this is the same person who sang the lead for the other tracks. If I'm correct in my assumption, the guys made a good move; the man who sings this track's lead has an almost operatic voice which suits the song well. Not a stellar track, but I do like the lyrics a lot, and the melody of the chorus.
9. Still - Another track with a big, beautiful keyboard melody. This song has phenomenal lyrics that can be understood in a religious way or otherwise. A lot of passion behind this track; lyrically, it may be one of my favorites, and the melody isn't bad either.
10. Gesthemane - Starts off a little shaky, with lyrics that, in my opinion, are hard to understand. The song gets better as it goes and has a quite appealing chorus, but overall, just not one of my favorites.
11. A Child's Cry - More keyboard melodies and acoustic guitars strum to accompany tragically sad lyrics. A beautiful song about hope in the face of disaster, with a touching religious message if you chose to interprit the lyrics in that way. A lot of passion and soul behind these lyrics, especially right before the chorus. A terribly sad song, but still beautiful.
12. One Million Songs - A plain and simple love song. A keyboard & acoustic melody once again, which suits perfectly. A great vocal rangs for Josiah. The lyrics are sweet and this song is just overall pleasant to hear.
13. Obsession - A very soft, quiet track to wrap up the album. Once again, the keyboard and acoustic come together to create a beautiful background for fantastic lyrics. Another love song, the lyrics for the final track are a bit more passionate than One Million Songs'. Just a beautiful track to listen to, and a great close to the album.

I encourage you to check out this group for yourself, even if you're not big on religious music. They have a very good sound that is appealing to someone of any belief. Issakar may not be big yet, but they can be ... and they're slowly getting there.

Issakar's band website is a great place to learn more about this group and what they're about, as well as tour dates and other information, if you are interested.

Sadly, I could not find any videos on the Internet of Issakar :( So instead of a video, I will post the lyrics to Dry Bones, one of my favorites. I cannot find official lyrics for this on the internet, either (might show how little know Issakar is at the moement...) so I am typing them up on my own. Please bear with me, there are sure to be typos and some of the lyrics may be wrong as well. Hopefully it will give you a feel for the song, and if you know I've written something wrong don't hesitate to leave a comment and correct me!

And if anyone has listened to any or all of Every Time It Rains, please, leave a comment and let me and other music.is.life readers know what you thought of Issakar's latest! It would be very much appreciated!

Dry Bones
Issakar

Her mirror contains no mercy
In what it shows
A broken shattered image
Is all she knows
A bed of wilted roses
Is all she sees
Her satin heart is tearing
She cannot breathe

Her faith has all but faded
Her hope a dream
Her world, it falls around her
It hides her screams

Rejected, tormented
Her mind is ever captive
Darkness is bent on stealing
Her will to live

Breathe life, breathe life
Into these dry and empty bones
Yeah, breathe life
Breathe life
Into these dry and empty bones

Her strength is slowly waiving
From the years of pain
Her visions dark and shaded
From clouds of shame

So jaded, frusterated
She feels she's more than far away
Her soul is reaching out for
The light of day

Breathe life, breathe life
Into these dry and empty bones
Yeah, breathe life
Breathe life
Into these dry and empty bones...

Ode to our Heros

Hey guys I would like to post some lyrics of some of the best "Hero" songs that I've heard. I know there's tons of others with incredible lyrics, but these songs you HAVE to have, or at least hear, so please enjoy some very moving lyrics and take a minute to remember the heros in your life...

Hero - Enrique Iglesias

Would you dance if I asked you to dance?
Would you run and never look back
Would you cry if you saw me crying
Would you save my soul tonight?
Would you tremble if I touched your lips?
Would you laugh oh please tell me these
Now would you die for the one you love?
Hold me in your arms tonight?

I can be you hero baby
I can kiss away the pain
I will stand by you forever
You can take my breath away


Hero - Mariah Carey ( I would love to post this whole song cuz the lyrics are just too good, but here's a link to the video instead - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWlS8Oerx8o )

And then a hero comes along
With the strength to carry on
And you cast your fears aside
And you know you can survive
So when you feel like hope is gone
Look inside you and be strong
And you'll finally see the truth
That a hero lies in you


Hero - Superchick

You could be a hero,
Heroes do what’s right,
You could be a hero,
You might save a life,
You could be a hero,
you could join the fight,
For what’s right, for what’s right, for what’s right...

Sadie Hawkins Dance

I'm a Relient K fan, and with my own high school's Sadies dance coming up (December 1st) I find this song extremelly amusing. I've never actually heard it, but I found it on iTunes and looked up the lyrics...oh my, so funny.
So ya. This one goes out to all my buds; lets all get siked for Sadies!

Sadie Hawkins Dance
Relient K

All the girls in the bathroom talking
Who they gonna take to the Sadie Hawkins
My ears are burning but I kept on walking
Smile on my face and an air guitar rocking

The Sadie Hawkins Dance
In my khaki pants
There's nothing better
oh oh oh
The girls ask the guys
It's always a surprise
There's nothing better
Baby do you like my sweater?

Sitting in the back of my next class napping
Got up, gave a speech, then bowed to the clapping
Told a funny joke got the whole class laughing
Think I got a tan from the light which I was basking

The Sadie Hawkins Dance
In my khaki pants
There's nothing better
oh oh oh
The girls ask the guys
It's always a surprise
There's nothing better
Baby do you like my sweater?

Scan the cafeteria for some good seating
I found a good spot by the cheerleaders eating
The quarterback asked me if I'd like a beating
I said that's one thing I won't be needing
And since I'm rather smart and cunning
I took off down the next hall running
Only to get stopped by a girl so stunning

She said, "You're smooth, and good with talking.
You're going with me to the Sadie Hawkins"

The Sadie Hawkins Dance
In my khaki pants
There's nothing better
oh oh oh
The girls ask the guys
It's always a surprise
There's nothing better
Baby do you like my sweater?

TobyMac - Dare To Be Different

What's the best way to describe Toby McKeehan?? This artist, better known as TobyMac, and his music are anything but ordinary, and I think Tonya Parker Morrison summed them up best in her article she wrote about TobyMac in the American Chronicle (August 22, 2005; read the entire article here):

If Christian pop, hip hop and rap had a child, the offspring would most certainly be Toby McKeehan, better known as tobyMac.

You said it, girl. TobyMac has "wow"-ed listeners of all musical preferences with his inspiring and always fun songs. But what's so appealing about this artist??
I believe TobyMac's greatest strength is the diversity of his music, as Morrison pointed out. TobyMac's songs are one of a kind, mixing hip-hop beats with rap vocals. These are definantly songs you can listen to over and over again, without them ever getting old.

I am a new TobyMac fan; Reno made me a mixed CD of songs from albums Diverse City and Portable Sounds, and those songs have been rockin' on my iPod ever since. Before Reno's enlightenment, I was a fan of some of TobyMac's old tracks; Atmosphere (Remix) and Gone were my favorites, and I still enjoy them. Also a fan of the Christian group Superchic[k], I loved the rap accompaniment TobyMac recorded in Superchic[k]'s song, Stories (Down To The Bottom).
Some of my current TobyMac favs include Diverse City, Boomin', I'm For You, No Ordinary Love, Feelin' So Fly, Ignition, Catchafire (Whoopsi-Daisie), and Made To Love.

But as much good as I can say about this artist, the best way to appreciate TobyMac is by hearing one of his songs yourself. So, here it is, the music video for TobyMac's Boomin' - one of my favorite songs.

TobyMac - Boomin' Music Video



Like whatcha hear?? I encourage you to check out some more of TobyMac's music; this group really is one in a million.
And if you didn't like this song? Don't worry. No two TobyMac songs are the same...do some research, and check out some other Toby tracks. I can guarantee that this artist's diversity will not leave you disappointed.

Skillet rocks my socks!

I totally agree, Skillet is amzing. I don't like Looking for Angels though, and Rebirthing is ok sometimes but other times I don't like it, other than that my opinions are almost exactly the same as yours. My faves are The Last Night, Yours to Hold, and Whispers in the Dark....if I had to choose, no, Don't Say Goodbye has to be on there too....ugh, I love them all....

So we know Skillet totally is a fave and anyone who disagrees is out of wack, so what are some other awesome groups? Evanescence of course, TobyMac's pretty sweet, Kutless is alright, I used to really love them but now all the songs are starting to kinda meld together...hmmmm, I love Stellar Kart when I'm in a really happy mood, but when I'm not I can't stand them lol, but very nice vocals. I have a feeling I'm missing something very big....dunno what though....help me out here....

Skillet - "Comatose"

I recentlly purchased Skillet's new album, Comatose, and I must say I am very pleased. I first heard Skillet off of a mix CD of different Christian artists (X: 17 Christian Rock Hits! 2007) and after falling in love with "Rebirthing" I decided to buy the group's newest CD when I saw it at the mall.
There isn't a song on the album that I don't like. Although there are some that I like more than others, as a whole, the CD is definantly worth every penny - the mix of great vocals and intense instrumentals in one you don't find very often.
Here's a list of the songs, and why I love them.

Skillet - Comatose

1. Rebirthing - the song that first got me hooked on Skillet. I think the female vocals in the chorus (breathe for the first time now / i have come alive somehow) add an extra element to this rock song.
2. The Last Night - one of my absolute favorites. The deep lyrics are matched with a beautiful keyboard part. Again, the female vocals - this time a solo - add a softer, almost painful element to a beautiful song.
3. Yours To Hold - absolutelly beautiful. Although written with a Christian message and a male point of view, any broken-hearted teenage girl can relate to these lyrics, myself included. The acoustic in this song is a good break from the screaming guitars in the previous tracks.
4. Better Than Drugs - not my favorite. Although the message is good, something about comparing the Lord and drugs just didn't appeal to me. Other than that, a good rock song with exceptional vocals, as always.
5. Comatose - the title track does not dissapoint. Again, a keyboard accompaniment gives an edge to the electric guitars, and the lyrics are to die for. Wonderful song in all.
6. The Older I Get - another one that is lower on my list of favorites. Softer than this album's other tracks, I think it lacks some of the essence of Skillet's other songs. I do enjoy the vocals and lyrics, though.
7. Those Nights - a song anyone used to denying life's hardships is sure to relate to. The lyrics of this song celebrate the memory of two friends who bonded to fight their battles together. A catchy beat ties this song together.
8. Falling Into Black - slightly softer, but still similar in essence to the album's other rock tracks, the lyrics to this song are a cry for help from life's darkness. A great song, but not top on my list of favorites.
9. Say Goodbye - the slowest song on the track, this song speaks of a relationship on the brink of disaster, and one person who doesn't want to let go. The lyrics reminisce on times long gone, while the vocals and instrumentals grow both in volume and intensity as the song goes on. Definantly one of my favorites.
10. Whispers In The Dark - probably one of the most hard-core rock tracks on the album, the lyrics of this song declare that we are never alone, and reminds us of the Lord's everlasting love. I love the electric guitar solo after the second verse.
11. Looking For Angels - Skillet wraps up their album with a truly unique song, in which the verses are simply spoken in an almost rap fashion, and the chorus evolves into an more melodic feel with an up-beat rock temp. The lyrics describe the modern world, and how we can all do our part to ease the pain and suffering that is ever present.

Interested in this new album? Here are some things that may interest you...

The lyrics to all the songs on the "Comatose" album, as well as Skillet's other albums, can be found here.

And here is the music video for "Looking For Angels", curtosy of YouTube.



Feel free to comment if you have your own opinion on Skillet, any of their songs, or anything else. Thank you!

~cowgirl4christ