The Top 10 Albums Of 2012

2012 has been a phenomenal year for new albums, we got new music by Tenth Avenue North, Tobymac, Lecrae, Thousand Foot Krutch & a bunch more. Narrowing it down to the top 10 was very difficult but I eventually was able to do it. Before I list my top 10 albums, I wanted share some of the honorable mentions that didn't quite make the top 10. They are: Dangerous by KJ-52, Now by Fireflight & The Upside Of Down by Chris August.

Now without further ado the top 10 albums of 2012:

K. Sparks - Read Between The Lines Album Review

Below is my review of Read Between The Lines by K. Sparks.

I had never heard of K. Sparks prior to reviewing this album, so I had no clue what I was in for. What I discovered is that Read Between The Lines is indeed a great rap album. At first hearing the album I was blown away by the vocals, but the music was a little disappointing, because it was slower and more laid back. However both the music and the vocals grew on me over time.

Julie Gurel - Your Amazing Heart Album Review

Julie Gurel released a brand new album called "Your Amazing Heart", on November 14th. I recently was introduced to Julie's music, and I was pleasantly surprised.

Independent Artist Of The Week: Dearest Brother

This weeks Independent Artist Of The Week is Dearest Brother. I just recently found their music and I was quite impressed by it! There wasn't much about them on their Facebook Page but the info I have is below, along with a video for you to watch.

Help Thicker Than Water Support Toys For Tots

Thicker Than Water is doing something special this Christmas

 season, and YOU can help them out. The band has recently 

released a Christmas album called With These Gifts to iTunes

 and the proceeds from the album help to support 

Toys For Tots. So check out the album, and help support it.

 Also if you live around the Flint, MI area you can go to the

 Rock N' For Tots concert where Thicker Than Water is 

performing. The concert is in Burton on December 1st. 

Admission is free if you bring a toy donation. You can find

 more info on the concert here.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Here is a little Thanksgiving video for you guys to watch after you spend some time with the people you love!

The Rock & Worship Roadshow Announces Line Up

The Rock & Worship Roadshow recently announced the 2013 line up and tour dates. This tour is one of my favorite annual tours, so I was excited to see who the bands were going to be. Although the line up isn't quite perfect it is still really awesome, and I am SO excited for February! 

Family Force 5's Lead Singer Hosts Weekly Radio Show

Lead singer of Family Force 5, Solomon Olds is hosting a weekly radio show for NGEN Radio. The show is called 
Phenomenon, and it is every Friday night at 10pm. Below is the official announcement.

Independent Artist Of The Week: The Sound Of Sunsets

This weeks Independent Artist Of The Week is The Sound Of Sunsets. Below is a little bit about them from their Facebook Page.

Independent Artist Of The Week: Racing Gravity

This weeks Independent Artist Of The Week is Racing Gravity. Rather than having to read everything about them, they have a video for you! This just makes it easier for you guys. After you watch the video, if you still want more info on them go to their website or Facebook Page.

What did you think of this band? Leave your feedback in a comment below. Do you know of a band I should feature? Leave the suggestions in a comment as well!

The Struggle Tour Review

Tenth Avenue North is currently on tour with Audrey Assad and The Rend Collective Experiment, for The Struggle Tour. I was able to attend this tour a few weeks ago in Holland, MI.

Winter Jam Announces 2013 Line Up

Winter Jam just recently announced the line up and tour dates for the 2013 tour.

Hyland - Beauty In The Broken Music Video

Hyland recently released a new music video for their song "Beauty In The Broken". This song is off their new album "Finding A Way", which was released on October, 22nd.

Pillar Reunites!

I was very excited to hear the news that Pillar is reuniting with plans of a new album. The members are all the originals, which are: Rob Beckley, Noah Henson, Michael Kalel Wittig and Lester Estelle. Below is the official press release from Rex PR and idefimusic. 

Independent Artist Of The Week: Made Avail

This weeks Independent Artist Of The Week is a band called Made Avail. I recently discovered these guys and I am a fan of what they do, so I am passing the music along! Below is some info about them from their Facebook page.

The Royal Royal - The Royalty Review

The Royal Royal released their new album "The Royalty" on  October 16th. Below is my review of the album.

Independent Artist Of The Week: Emittsal

This weeks Independent Artist Of The Week actually found me. They are a band called Emittsal. Below is a little info about them.

Help Support TV One Life

I am sure most of you guys are familiar with fundraising sites like Kickstarter. Well one of my favorite TV shows, TV One Life is doing a fundraisier for their show on a site called indiegogo.com. I have posted videos by TV One Life before, but in case you haven't heard of the show I will give you the low down.

Independent Artist Of The Week: The Protest

This weeks Independent Artist Of The Week is "The Protest". They were suggested for me to check out and I really liked there sound so I thought I would share them withe you guys as well. Below is a little bit about them from their Facebook page.

Interview With Luke Dowler

Luke Dowler is an up and coming rock alternative artist signed to EMI/Dream Records. He released his brand new album "Polarized" on September 18th.

Tenth Avenue North - The Struggle Album Review

Tenth Avenue North released there newest album "The Struggle" on August 21st, 2012.

KJ-52 - Do The Bill Cosby Music Video

I wanted to post a music video, but I also wanted to post a comedy video. So to combine them both into one, I thought I would share KJ-52's video for "Do The Bill Cosby". This video is really funny and the song is quite catchy! Enjoy!

Lecrae - Gravity Album Review

Lecrae released his newest album titled "Gravity" on September 4th, 2012 through Reach Records.

New Music Video "Cray Button" - Family Force 5

Family Force 5 released a brand new music video for their song "Cray Button". Family Force 5 has had quite a few good and creative videos but man this one really, really good! Plus there are some guest appearances by Meekakitty and yes even LECRAE!!!! I really enjoyed it and I hope you do as well.

If you like this video comment and let me know! =)

New Music Video "Proof Of Your Love" - For King & Country

For King & Country released a brand new music video for their song "Proof Of Your Love". You can watch the video below!

*GIVEAWAY* Learn And Master Drum Curriculum

I have the pleasure of giving away a brand new copy of "Learn And Master Drums With Dann Sherrill". This is a fantastic drum teaching course, which I really enjoyed (you can read my review here). This giveaway is very easy to enter so make sure you enter and tell your friends! 

Learn And Master Drums Curriculum Review

I am very excited to have the opportunity to try out and review a drum curriculum called "Learn And Master Drums with Dann Sherrill". Weather you are an aspiring drummer, or even if you just like to mess around with the drums this review is for you!

RED Announces New Album Release Date

Red posted a teaser video September 17th which revealed that their new album is set to release on February 5th, 2013. They still haven't announced the name, but at least we have a date to go by! The teaser video is below.

Independent Artist Of The Week: Will Retherford

This weeks Independent Artist Of The Week is Will Retherford. I recently found his music, and I really enjoyed listening to it. His music is described as "Christina/Gospel, Indie, Folk Rock, Acoustic", I would say that fans of The Rend Collective Experiment would really enjoy his music, because that is what his music first reminded me of. Although Will is an independent artist his music certainly doesn't lack because of that, which I greatly appreciate. Below is a little bit more about Will Retherford from his Facebook page. 

New Music Video By The Rend Collective Experiment

I have had the opportunity to see The Rend Collective experiment in concert once and I instantly fell in love with their music! However another thing that I really love about them is all of their energy!

Steven Welch - Color Of Love Review

Steven Welch released his brand new album under Dream Records September 18th, the album is called "Color Of Love".

Independent Artist Of The Week: The Trust Project

This weeks "Independent Artist Of The Week" is.......... "The Trust Project". Below is a little bit about them from their Facebook page.

"The Trust Project was founded in 2005 by Tim Parady, former member of national recording artist Seventh Day Slumber.

The band began as a Christian rock band and released two EP's: Breaking the Silence and Hope. They released four songs to radio, which achieved airtime in 72 markets across the US, Canada, South America and the UK. They have shared the stage with Fireflight, Day of Fire, Nevert

heless, Run Kid Run, Inhabited, Remedy Drive, Manafest and Seventh Day Slumber. 

New Disciple Album Set To Release In November

I was looking at album release dates today on Jesus Freak Hideout, and I seen that Disciple is planning on releasing their new album "O God Save Us All" on November 13th.

I can't wait until November, because I am very excited for this album! Jesus Freak Hideout also posted the track listing, so I thought I would share that with you guys as well.

1. The One
2. Draw The Line
3. Someday
4. Once And For All
5. Empty Grave
6. RIP
7. Outlaws
8. O God Save Us All
9. Killer Instinct
10. Unstoppable
11. Kings
12. Trade A Moment

Toby Mac - Eye On It Album Review

I have been a huge fan of Toby Mac from the beginning with him first album "Momentum". I fell in love with his fun hip hop/rock music on his first 3 albums. Toby's 4th album "Tonight" was a bit of a let down for me because to me it wasn't quite as good as his 2 previous albums. So when I heard he was releasing a new album this fall called "Eye On It" I was excited, yet nervous. So for starters I will say that this album is not like Toby's old stuff, but I decided to take a non-biased approach to reviewing this album.

The album starts off with the song "Me Without You". This song is a very fun song, perfect for cruising with your windows down! This song has a great beat as well! The lyrics talk basically about how rescues us from ourselves and so where would we be without him. The next song on the album is "Steal My Show". This song is a little slow but still has a good groove. The lyrics of this song are really good, talking about how Toby wants God to come in and steal the show. This song helps to put things into perspective, at least for me.

Next is the self titled track "Eye On It". This song has a very current sound with the electronic effects and an infectious beat! I can't wait to see what Toby will do with this song in concert!!! The next song "Forgiveness" is the song I was most excited to hear on this album, because Lecrae guest stars. This song isn't exactly what I expected for the combination, but I still really like it. I think Toby and Lecrae need to team up a lot more.....maybe even tour together sometime!!! The next song on the album is called "Speak Life". In this song the chorus gets repeated a lot, which I don't always like....but it is very catchy and enjoyable to listen to. Plus once again this song has a great groove/beat as well.

Bringing the rock is the next song "Unstoppable". This song also features guest star Blanca from Group 1 Crew. This has more of the electronic sound mixed with rock and even some pretty cool rap by Mr. Toby Mac himself. Toby and Blanca sound really good together as well. The next song on the album is "Lose Myself". As the title suggests this song talks about losing yourself to find God. A challenging message mixed with a fun and energy packed sound, would be the best way to describe this song.

Taking things down a notch with a slower sound and piano, is the next song "Family". This reminds me a lot of "City On Our Knees" from Toby's previous album. However this song talks about fighting for your family. The next song "Thankful For You" is one of my favorites on the album. This song has an old school vibe that I just love, plus it is just super fun! Plus the lyrics are really good, and humbling. This song is one of the top Toby Mac song's ever for me. "Made For Me" is the next song and it talks about Toby's wife Amanda. This song has a Jamaican feel which I love! This song is really sweet, talking about how Toby's wife was made for him.

The next song "Mac Daddy" was another song I was excited to hear, and boy was I surprised. I have followed Tru-dog from the beginning when he was just little, then listening to this song my first thought was who is that!? This song is SO much better than a lot of his previous songs. You can tell Truett has learned a lot from his dad. I was also shocked at how well he can rap! I can't wait to see where he goes in life! The album finishes out on a softer note with "Favorite Song". This song has such a fun and yet relaxing sound, it is one of my favorites ever! You can even hear the Jamaican influence!

This album was even better than i thought, and i had high expectations! This album is one of my favorites now! I would have liked it to be a little longer....but other than that it was great! A lot of cool beats, some great vocals and guest stars and all together a polished up to date sound. You can tell that Toby knows what he is doing. The one thing that I really appreciate is that even though these songs have more of a mainstream sound the lyrics aren't lacking at all! Although this isn't the good old Toby Mac (which trust me I would love to hear again!) I would still highly recommend this album. I give it 4.5 stars, so almost a perfect score!

Reader Participation

Summer is over and things are going back to be scheduled with school and practices. So I though I would jump on board with this blog! I took a little break during the summer and thanks for putting up with that, but now its time to get posting! ;) So as part of that I wanted to ask you guys what posts you like the most on TCMJ. There is a poll over to the RIGHT ----> of this page so if you would vote for what posts you enjoy the most that would be awesome! If you have any suggestions feel free to leave a comment on any post or email me thechristianmusicjunkie(at)gmail.com. The poll ends in one week so make sure you put your vote in! Thanks again for being patient with me through out the summer!

Chris August - The Upside Of Down Review

Released August 21st 2012 is Chris August's newest album "The Upside Of Down".

Kicking off the album is the song "Center Of It". This song is a good opener, with an upbeat and pleasant sound. The lyrics in this song talk about how even when things don't work out God is there to help you out. After hearing the next song "The Upside Of Down" only once I fell in love with it. The sound is so fun and happy plus its easy to sing along with! The message is so true and yet something that we don't always think of. The song talks about how when you go through tough times you depend more on God so you are closer to Him, but when everything is going good you tend to just focus more on yourself.


Slowing things down a bit is the song "Amen". This song definitely has more of a worship/gospel sound, which is very powerful mixed with the lyrics of this song. The next song on the album is "This Side of Heaven". This song is kind of simple...but nice, although it is kind of short. The chorus of the song gets repeated quite a bit, so it is one of those songs that you will get stuck in your head. The next song "Restore" is one of my favorite songs on the album. Musically it doesn't stand out that much from the other songs, but the lyrics are incredible! I won't quote them all because it is like a story, so here is a link You tube it!


The next song on the album is "Let There Be Light". This song is also very catchy with an encouraging message. Yet another great worship song on this album is the next song "I Believe". This song is a little slower but I love it! The vocals shine which also means that the lyrics shine and it is great. Next with an interesting title is the song "1989". This song reminds me of a Country song mixed with some gospel sounds. In this song Chris reminisces about life as a 7 year old back in 1989.


Bringing a little funk is the next song "Unashamed Of You". With a fun and upbeat sound I think this song would be awesome in concert! The next song on the album is "A Little More Jesus". This song is a little slower than the previous song, but yet it is one of my favorites. It is quite repetitive but it is easy to sing along with and the end is just great! Now really bringing the gospel funk is the song "Let The Music Play". Man I love this song! It is so easy to sway and groove along with! I am not sure why I like this song so much but it has become one of my all time favorite songs!!!!


Slowing things back down to more of an acoustic and intimate worship feel is the next song "Water Into Wine". This song doesn't stand out to me as much as the previous, but it is still a good song. The next song on the album is called "Meant To Be". This song has some more lovey dovey lyrics, which I'm not as big of a fan of. Closing out the album on a more mellow note is the song "Truth Is Still True". This song lyrically is a good way to end the album, but musically the album doesn't end with a "BANG!"


I really enjoyed listening to this album. Although musically some songs sound quite similar it is still all really good. Lyrically I was really surprised at how much I connected with the songs, and how much they spoke to me and I am sure they will speak to other listeners as well. This is a great worship album and I would highly recommend it. Some parts I liked more than others, but I know I am definitely a big fan of Chris August now! I would give this album 4/5 stars.

1. Center Of It
2. The Upside Of Down
3. Amen
4. This Side of Heaven
5. Restore
6. Let There Be Light
7. I Believe
8. 1989
9. Unashamed Of You
10. A Little More Jesus
11. Let The Music Play
12. Water Into Wine
13. Meant To Be
14. Truth Is Still True

Tenth Avenue North New Music Video - Losing

Tenth Avenue North is going to be releasing their highly anticipated album "The Struggle" on August 21st. I am a big fan of Tenth Avenue North so I am also very excited about the new album! As somewhat of a teaser they released a brand new music video for their song "Losing". I hope you enjoy it and feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think.

David Zach Of Remedy Drive Interview

Remedy Drive has been working hard on a new album called "Resuscitate". In this interview I talk to the lead singer David Zach, about this new album and also a few bonus questions. I hope you enjoy the interview and feel free to leave as many comments as you would like! 

TCMJ: For you personally when did you feel God call you to be a musician?

David: I can't say that I've ever heard a call.  I just know that I've always been very attracted to music and to the ability of art to remind my soul of sights yet unseen.  I've always been fascinated with melody and the way it makes me feel like I belong somewhere else.  I want to keep on putting one note in front of another to find melodies that invite us in to breath the strange and special air of a distant land.  

TCMJ: What is one thing you wish you would have known before starting a band?

David: I wish I would have known how to play guitar before I started this band.  

TCMJ: So you guys are working on a new album to follow up your first official studio album "Daylight Is Coming". How does this new album differ from the previous?

David: I think our new album Resuscitate is much more of a guitar rock album.  There is still a ton of piano on the album but the guitar takes center stage.  It's more raw.  It's more honest.  It's more sad and yet hopeful.  

TCMJ: What was the recording process like, and are you still working on recording?

David: It was a lot of fun in the studio with producer Pete Kipley.  I learned a lot from him.  We spent a lot of time finding the right sounds that the song needed.  If the song is a sad song it's bleeding on the album.  If it's a celebratory song it sounds like a party.  If it's a rock n’ roll song it's punchy and mean.  

TCMJ: What is your favorite song off the new album? 

David: I think ‘Crystal Sea' is my current favorite to play live.  The crowd really seems to like that one and people sing it loud.  

TCMJ: So you guys tour quite a bit, where would you say is your favorite place to play?

David: I like playing at festivals.  Festivals are like family reunions because people from all over the place come out to sing and sweat together.  

TCMJ: Also with playing many different shows I am sure there are some interesting stories....what is your favorite tour story?

David: Just talked to someone this weekend about a guy and a girl that met at a festival a few years back during a Remedy Drive concert.  They have now been married for a year.  

TCMJ: What is something that God has been trying to show or teach you recently? 

David: I'm learning that what there is to know is past finding out - that there is a mystery in love - there is a mystery in redemption that is bigger than I'll ever even imagine in 65 or 70 years.  I've grown tired of trying to fit the news of a distant kingdom into constructs built by theologians or boxes built by philosophers.  I want to be enamored again, to stand amazed under the stars with the realization that the universe is so big and yet those stars shine for me.  I want to consider the heavens, the works of the fingertips of the Creator, and wonder who I am. The idea of being amazed and bewildered, being astonished and being in wonderment, I think that's an important part of this journey that sometimes gets pushed into the peripheral.  I think basking in the mystery is the biggest part of adoration and I want to spend more time not knowing and less time thinking I know anything.  

5 Random bonus questions:

1. When you were little did you have a toy or blanket that you took everywhere, if so what was it?

I never had this.  

2. If you had one day to do anything, anywhere what would you do?

I'd take a tour through history; watch the red sea part, hear the sermon on the mount, hang out with Lewis and Tolkien at a pub in England, revisit my wedding day and the birth of my kids, and a few other select moments.  

3. This may sound odd, but what is your favorite scar and how did you get it?

A perfect circle on my belly.  From a wheelie gone bad and the rusty handlebar ended up gouging me.  

4. What is your favorite movie?

Matrix 1.  

5. What is the scariest thing you have ever done?

Being a father.  

Switchfoot - We Are One Tonight Music Video

If you haven't seen this video by Switchfoot, you need to check it out! The song is "We Are One Tonight" and the video is brilliant! Check it out......

Matthew West - The Story Of Your Life Album Review

Today I am reviewing "The Story Of Your Life" by Matthew West.

The album starts off with the self titled track "The Story Of Your Life". This song has a great upbeat sound, with some fun drum beats and a catchy chorus. The lyrics talk about how living your life is like telling your own story. So what do you want your story to be? I really love the next song "My Own Little World". What I love so much about this song is how bold and inspiring it is, by challenging listeners to reach out beyond their own little world.

The next song on the album is "Strong Enough". This is a very popular song and I can see why! With an amazing worship sound this song talks about admitting that you can't do everything, you aren't always strong enough. That is okay though because God is there helping you through those hard times. The next song "Family Tree" talks about exactly that. The lyrics of the song are hopeful telling listeners that their past and even their families past doesn't define who they are, and who they can be.

I have been focusing quite a bit on the lyrics, so for the next song "To Me" I will try to focus mainly on the sound. Okay, so this song has a very relaxing and what I would describe as pleasant sound. With beautiful acoustic guitars and amazing vocals, this song is a great pick me up. The next song on the album is "One Less". This song continues with the encouragement in the lyrics. Plus there is a very neat choir part toward the end that I just love!

The next song "Two Houses" talks about a family that has been split up by divorce. The song deals with the difficulties of having two houses but no home, but yet it also reminds us that God is right there helping us through the hard times. Picking up the pace a little musically is the song "Survivors". This song has a fun beat with some catchy "Oh's" which help to make this song one of my favorites on the album.

The next song on the album is called "Broken Girl". This song is incredibly powerful, with a hopeful message accompanied by some intense piano and guitar. As the title suggests, the next song "The Reason For The World" gives you some examples of why stuff happens & also the reason for the world. This song seems to me like something every adult 5yr old needs to hear. This song is for those who have all the questions, like why would a loving God let all this bad happen, etc. Finishing out the album is song "Healing Has Begun". This song reminds us of God's grace and mercy, also how it pertains to everyone even you! So let go of all your baggage!

I had heard of Matthew West many times before reviewing this album. I had even heard some of his music but I didn't know it was him. Boy, was I missing out! Matthew West is a truly talented artist and from what I can tell by his lyrics, he also has a great heart. I absolutely loved this album and I highly recommend it. I would give "The Story Of Your Life" 4.5 stars!

Rock The Island: Free Music Festival

There is an amazing event and opportunity coming up in July called Rock The Island. This event is in Saginaw, MI and it features some amazing bands including Thousand Foot Krutch!!! However the best part of Rock The Island is that is FREE!!!! That is right, an entire night of rocking music for free! This is a great outreach opportunity, so invite your friends, family and even random people you meet.

The bands that are going to be there include: Thousand Foot Krutch, Grits, Press Play, Scarlet White, The Michael Maher Band plus even more! Rock The Island is on July 21st from 11am to 8pm. For even more info you can check out rocktheisland.net. Also they still need a lot of volunteers for Rock The Island, so if you are interested in helping make this even a sucess by giving up your time to help set things up or to sell artist merchandise you can contact me at thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com or you can check out this page.

Now enjoy this Rock The Island teaser, and I hope to see you and your friends at the concert!

Independent Artist Of The Week: Rekoncyle + Interview

This week I thought I would change things up a bit. So instead of giving you an over-view of the band, I thought I would interview them instead! This interview is with the lead singer of the band Matt Lefait, and my questions are in Grey and Matt's answers are in Blue.

How did Rekoncyle start?

 Rekoncyle started back in 2009 as a crazy dream I always had, I always wanted to be in a Band but didn't really know how to go about it, we started with mostly different members jamming around and playing the occasional gig, then we decided to see how far God could take this and went in the studio and recorded our first album.


What is the story behind the band name?

We take our name from the Bible verse found in 2 Corinthians 5:20, Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.  of course I had to mess around with the spelling and change Reconcile to Rekoncyle for fun :)


How would you describe Rekoncyle's sound?

We're pretty hard hitting with an undertone of softness tied together with some pretty sweet guitar solos!

 
Will you introduce us to the members of the band, and tell us what they do? 

I'm Matt LeFait - Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar.
Kevin Munn - Lead Guitar/BGV.
Amy Munn - Keys/BGV.
Andrew Bradley - Drums.
Andrew Fowler - Bass.
If You noticed Kevin and Amy have the same last name ....their married, Amy is also my Sister which makes Kevin my brother in law:P


What is the main message that you are trying to convey through your music?

We see a lot of bands that make music just for the sake of making music, our objective through all of this(besides rockin your faces off) is to bring hope to a dying world, show them there is a better way to live your life. Our songs range from topics from Not giving up(in our song Interest to live), Bullying, even Suicide(in our sing Turn away), that all point to the love of God.


Where is your favorite venue that you have played a show at? 

We had a CD release party back in April and the Church we had it at was pretty sweet, huge stage , awesome lights, the whole works!
 

Where is one place that you would love to play?

I'd have to say Staples Center.


Will you give us a couple of examples of how God has shown up in your life, when times were maybe dark or you were discouraged?

Actually this ones kinda funny (not at the time though :P ) . The day of our CD Release party I lost most of my voice about 2hrs before the show (I had been sick and thought I was over it...) , I was sooooo discouraged, I went home to get ready after sound check and did some vocal exercises, it was terrible sounding, I couldn't even hit half my range hahaha. anyways after our opening acts finished and the crowd was cheering for us my nerves of not being able to sing just vanished, we went out and Rocked the house !! It was incredible and I really believe God got me through that!


If you had to pick one Bible verse to be the band motto, what would it be?

Gonna have to go with 2 Corinthians 5:20 :)


What is one thing that you wish you would have known before starting a band?

Don't stress the little stuff, it'll all work out in the end.


If you had one day to do anything, anywhere what would you do?

Eat at every steakhouse I possibly could....I Love Steak!!! hehehe



5 Random Bonus Questions:

#1. What is your favorite cartoon character?

Goofy.


#2 If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

hmmmm, not sure actually hahaha


#3 What time is "bed time"?

11:30


#4 What is something that most people don't know about you?

I'm pretty hyper (especially if i have cream soda or coffee) tho I'm sure if any ones been around me for any amount of time they know that... , I like to build stuff too :)


#5 What is the last thing you downloaded onto your computer?

 A song a friend of mine sent me , not sure the name of it..hahaha


Thanks for doing this interview, is there anything you would like to add?

 One more thing I wanted to add would be that I'm married to a beautiful woman named Kayla, have an awesome son named Kayden, and are expecting a little girl due in august! They are a big inspiration and are very supportive!

Now below is a great song by Rekoncyle called "Running Out Of Air".

If you enjoyed the interview and or the music slide show make sure you support Rekoncyle by liking them on Facebook and you can check out their website rekoncyle.com. Also you can get their full length album "Resolution" on iTunes and Amazon. :)

Reform The Resistance Prize Package Giveaway

I just reviewed "The Truth Is Dangerous" by Reform The Resistance (you can read the review here), now I get to give the album away along with some other goodies! I am giving away a RTR prize package which come with: Their new album "The Truth Is Dangerous", a black RTR t-shirt (size small), a black and red RTR wristband and a RTR sticker!

To Enter: All you have to do to enter, is send me an email at thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com with your full name and address (that way I can get the CD mailed right out to you if you win). Please put "RTR giveaway" in the subject.

Extra Entries: To get some extra entries you can:

Like The Christian Music Junkie on Facebook
Follow me on Twitter @Drummin_4_Jesus
Like Reform The Resistance on Facebook
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For each of the extra entries you do, you will get 1 extra entry. If you do any extra entries please include how many in your email. These extra entries are on the honor system, so don't say you did something that you didn't. :)

This giveaway ends June 30th at 8pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email, then the package will be sent out. This giveaway is only open to residents of the United States and Canada, sorry. If you have any questions you can leave a comment below or send me an email at thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com.

*Giveaway has ended*

Reform The Resistance - The Truth Is Dangerous Album Review

Today I am reviewing "The Truth Is Dangerous" by Reform The Resistance.

The album starts with the hard rock song "Kill Lies". Starting off a little mysterious, this song introduces you to the sound of RTR. There are some classic rocking guitars, great and unique vocals, along with a killer drum beat. The chorus is also very catchy, which I liked. The next song on the album is "Tonight We Ride". Although this song still has an edgy sound, it is more laid back and and mellow than the previous song. I like listening to this song, it has grown on me quite a bit since first hearing it.

Then there is an instrumental called "Depressed But Alive". Although the sound of this instrumental was interesting and cool to listen to, I didn't really see the need for this right here. With a calm start which is kind of sad sounding is the song "Starlight". This song wasn't my favorite on the album because it seemed quite repetitive and slow. However after hearing it a few times it grew on me and I enjoy it even more now.

Next is a song with one of the longest names I have seen, "Are You One Of Us Or Are You One Of Them". From the start of the song it had a great sound, that sort of drew me in. With some techno/futuristic sound effects the beginning of the song is great! Then half way through it slows down, which is a little odd at first but then it gives the music a chance to build back up again which I love!

The next song on the album is "Mercy In Blood". This song has a hard core rock sound which is awesome! However being this far into the album and not really hearing that many amazing lyrics is a little disappointing. Starting off slow with a little bit of rap, is the song "The Present Darkness". Okay now I may have spoke too soon about the lyrics....because this song improves lyrically quite a bit! The lyrics talk about fight for your rights, and not bowing down to anyone but God.

Then there is another instrumental called "Midnight Session" that features a great beat, but once again it is short and slightly out of place. The nest song "If I Can Survive" is probably my favorite song on the album. This song has energy, a little bit of screaming, but most important a hopeful message. The next song on the album is "You". This song is more laid back but has a great message. I actually really the more mellow sound with the vocals, they can really shine.

Keeping with the calm and slower sound is "We Belong Together". This song is another one of my favorites! It has a nice and professional dramatic sound....I know that is a weird way to describe it! The song simply sounds like it needs to be in a movie! Either way it was a great way to end the album.

The album started off a little rough for me, it almost was like the first half of the album was by a different band than the second half. However by the end of the album I was hooked! This album could have a little better arranging, but I still enjoyed it. I would give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

What I Have Been Listening To

Lately I have been re-listening to quite a bit of music. I thought I would share a few of the songs with you in case you haven't heard them. Which one is your favorite?

First and most played is "Prisoner" by NEEDTOBREATHE. I love the sound this has! Best part is after the first chorus! It is so cowboy western tough guy! haha

Second is "Never Be Enough" by Sent By Ravens. I have been listening to the entire album a lot but "Never Be Enough" is always stuck in my head! Amazing vocals on the entire album!

Third is "Fine Fine Life" by For King & Country. This song is annoyingly catchy! I am always singing it! I love it though!

Fourth is "Adrenaline" by Nine Lashes! Nine Lashes is one of my new favorite bands! Amazingly talented group of guys!



Last but not least is "All I Need To Know" by Thousand Foot Krutch! This song is incerdible! It makes me want to learn how to play acoustic guitar!



What have you been listening to lately?

Building 429 - Listen To The Sound Album Review

As I had mentioned in my review of Crave by For King & Country, I am going to be reviewing a few CD's by bands that are going to be at Lifest this year. This gives me a chance to do some reviews I missed when the albums came out. So today I am reviewing "Listen To The Sound" by Building 429.

The album starts off with the electrifying and anthem sounding "Made For You". I know that I say I love the beat of a lot of songs , but this song seriously does have an awesome beat! This track would probably be my favorite on the album. The next song "Right Beside You" is a very encouraging song, featuring Dawn of Fireflight. Okay so I will admit I'm not a huge Fireflight fan, but Dawn's vocals along with Jason's are amazing.

Sticking with the uplifting message comes the next song "One Foot". This song talks about how you may not always know where something is going to take you, and you may be scared, just take it one step at a time. Next is the self-titled song "Listen To The Sound". Since this song is the title track, it is quite popular. Although this song is not my favorite song on the album, it is in no way bad. I have just heard it a lot and I tend to get a little bored of it. The next song on the album is "War Zone". This song is a little slower and mellow, which helps to convey the message of surrendering yourself to God.

Another one of my favorites on the album is next, it is called "Where I Belong". This song has a great sound but mostly an amazing message, that talks about how this world is not where we belong. This a truly a very powerful song. The next song on the album is "You Save Me". This song,like every other song on the album is fun and uplifting. I really can appreciate the vocals on this song, they are very unique and for some reason I enjoy the vocals the most on this song.The next song "Walls Are Coming Down" is a bit slower musically, however lyrically it is bold talking about not letting your fear collide with your faith. This song reminds me of Romans 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?".

I am not trying to discredit the music on this album because it is all very good, I just love the lyrics so I talk about them a lot. Like the next song "Love Has Spoken" has great lyrics, particularly in part of the chorus which says "Fearfully and wonderfully made / Don't you know that / You and I were not a mistake / Oh, if only you could see / His arms are wide open". Finishing out the album is the song "Awaken Us", This song is good, but compared to some of the others on the album, this one doesn't stand out a lot, at least not to me.

This album had a ton of great lyrics and I love when an album is challenging and encouraging, and that is exactly what this album was. My only real complaint is that listening to the entire album front to back, the songs tend to blur together quite a bit. However I still loved the album and I would recommend it! I give this album 4 stars out of 5.