B. Reith - How The Story Ends Review

B.Reith just released his highly anticipated full-length album “How the Story Ends”, today (11-1-11). What a great day to release an album, I mean how can this album not hit number one on the charts! ;) On this album B. Reith teamed up with some very talented people including Lecrae, Lisa Gungor, Dave Barnes, and PJ Morton, an R&B star who is a touring member of Maroon 5.

The first song on the album is "Next Move". This song is fun sounding it makes you either want to clap along or dance.....or BOTH! I love the beat and groove of this song. In this song B. Reith is talking about not knowing his next move. The second song "Simple Days" slows things down a bit. This song is nice and simple. I know that isn't a good way to describe a song but this song is a song that you can easily sing along to. After hearing it twice I had the chorus stuck in my head. Saying that, this song is quite repetitive. The third song on the album is "Lonely Hearts Club". This song has a bit of a techno sound that is cool. I like the rapping parts of this song, but the chorus isn't really my style. This song also gets a little boring after awhile it doesn't change sound much.

The fourth song is "Two Steps Forward". This song is rap and techno. I must say I tend to favor rap more than pop, so I liked this song a whole lot more than the one before it (Lonely Hearts Club). This song is one of my favorites on the album I love the sound of B. Reith's voice when he raps and on this song  it is all rap. The fifth song "Made For More" features Lecrae and Lisa Gungor. This song is the most powerful song on the album in my opinion. It is a anthem and during the chorus you can tell. This song talks about not giving up and giving in but realizing that you were made for more than this world. It is very powerful. Lisa Gungor did a great job on singing the chorus and Lecrae rocked the rhyming with B. Reith. If they made a video for this song I could see people gearing up for battle against the enemy. Then they go marching into battle and win! That's just my idea!

The sixth song is "Moments Like This". This song has rapping and singing in just the right mixture. There is the chorus that is easily to sing along to and then the deeper parts that are rapping. In this B. Reith raps about how hard it is to be a musician, but he is not going to give up. The seventh song is "Drawing Board (Interlude)". This is just a short interlude about a minute long that talks about going back to the drawing board. It has a very nice sound with the piano and B. Reith's voice. The eighth song is "For Once In My Life" featuring PJ Morton. This is a slower song but yet is has a good groove. This is more of a pop song but I still liked it. It talks about not taking the easy way and looking for excuses. The ninth song is "New Found Love". This song has a really cool sound, it just grooves really well.

The tenth song is "I'll Get By". This song has an awesome sound with piano, rap and techno. That sounds like too much, right? Well it has the right blend were it just sounds really cool! It is a fun song that I love and I love singing along with the chorus. This song also has good and hopeful lyrics, this is probably my favorite song on the album. The eleventh song is "How The Story Ends". This song is a little slower and it is about knowing how the story ends. It is a hopeful song, and very encouraging. The last song is "Not Who I Am" featuring Dave Barnes. This song sounds pretty simple at first until you really start listening and then you hear all kinds of different stuff. It all comes together quite beautifully though. This is a great ending to the album, it is like when everything turns out good at the end of a movie, that is what this song portrays.

This album is really odd, in a good way. There are like two different albums in this one. There is a rap album (which is my favorite) and a pop album that is just sweet. I really enjoyed the diversity of the album although the songs didn't change sounds the album did. I would give this album a 4/5 stars.

Hawk Nelson Christmas EP Review

Hawk Nelson released their first Christmas EP today (November 1st). Now that it is November it is time to start getting into the holiday season, right? Well what better way to than listening to your favorite Christmas classics revamped.

The EP starts off with the popular song "Hark The Herald Angels Sing". This song is a perfect way to start off the album. I thought that Hawk Nelson did a great job of making the song upbeat and fun but yet they didn't mess with it too much because you can still sing along to the song. They keep the momentum up through the whole song and then towards the end of the song they slow it down to an original pace that is a very nice way to relate it to the original. The second song on the EP is "The Wassail Song". I had never heard this song before hearing Hawk Nelson's version, but I still loved it. It is fast paced and upbeat and all together a fun song. Not hearing the original version before I would have guessed that Hawk Nelson wrote it. I looked up the original after hearing Hawk Nelson's version and I must say Hawk Nelson totally rocked it! They made it WAY better in my opinion. The third song is "Up On The Housetop". This song just makes you want to get up and start dancing! It is so fun and fast! I Love it! The fourth song is "The Holly And The Ivy". This song isn't as fast as the others ones but it is very good. I hadn't heard this song either, but like the other one I looked it up and in my opinion Hawk Nelson made it better. The fifth song is "Joy To The World". This song is a classic and I already had in my mind what Hawk Nelson was going to do. I figured they would speed it up and drums just like the other songs. I was wrong and I admit I am glad I was wrong. Instead they went acapella! Surprised me but it is awesome sounding and maybe even my favorite song on the album! At the end of the song the singing turns into more of a yelling that is absolutely hilarious! The sixth song is "I Saw Three Ships". This song is another fast paced song that rocks out. I wasn't real familiar with this song but I had heard the original song. The last song which would be the seventh is "Silent Night". With this one they stayed pretty much original, it was still very good though. A good way to end the EP.

I don't know if I should call this a Christmas album or if I should just call it Hawk Nelson's newest album. Either way it is a very and enjoyable album that is a must have for fans of Hawk Nelson. On a Christmas album when bands cover music it can be either done just right where you can still appreciate the original but it is just upgraded, or it can be done way too much where you can't even tell what song it is because it makes no sense. I think Hawk Nelson nailed this one with a perfect mixture. Some songs on this album remind me of the movie Alvin and the Chimpmunks (the new ones). On the first movie when the chipmunks are in the recording studio and they drink some kind of frozen coffee. The chimpmunks go nuts and start bouncing off the walls. I can imagine that is what it was like recording this album with Hawk Nelson. There is just so much energy! For a Christmas album I would give this a 5/5 stars. Must have for Hawk Nelson fans. You can get your own copy for only $5 here.

            Track List

1. Hark The Herald Angels Sing

2. The Wassail Song

3. Up On The Housetop

4. The Holly And The Ivy

5. Joy To The World

6. I Saw Three Ships

7. Silent Night

Music Video Flame ft. V. Rose - Surrender

Someone recently suggested some bands for me to listen to and among those bands was FLAME and V. Rose. I loved the sound and lyrics of this song. I will let you check it out, the music speaks for itself.

If you liked that sound leave a comment and let me know. Also I am always open to band suggestions so if you know of a good Christian band or if you are in a band leave a comment and let me know or send me an email to thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com and I will check it out! :)

Stellar Kart Announces Changes In The Band

Last night the lead singer of Stellar Kart (Adam Agee) announced on his Tumblr that the drummer Jordan Messer and one of the guitarists Brian, are going to be leaving the band. Here is Adam's Tumblr post.

"Ch..Ch..Changes.

I know a lot of you have been asking about changes in SK over the last couple months. I will try to clear a few things up for you. :) The biggest news is that my bros Jordan and Brian have decided to leave the road and spend more time with their families. Brian, his wife Sarah, and baby girl Fiona have decided to move to Oklahoma City, go back to school and start a new chapter in their lives. Jordan, his wife Lauren, and their brand new baby girl Layla are back in sunny Phoenix where they can be close to family and friends. Lauren owns a hair salon and Jordan is still rocking Scarliet Clothing. We wish them all the best of luck and hope you all will too! Please continue to follow them on twitter and encourage them in their new ventures. :) Jo and Brian dedicated their lives to this band and that will never be forgotten.

I want you all to know that Stellar Kart has no plans of giving up, just moving forward. As many of you know, Nick Baumhardt has been playing guitar for us for over a year and produced the “A Whole New World EP.” Some of you also may recognize Jeremi Hough. He filled in on drums for us while Jordan was having his baby and is now taking over as our drummer. We are all getting into the studio next week to start working on the next Stellar Kart record! Please welcome these guys and show them love. :)
We’re excited about this new chapter in the life of Stellar Kart and hope that you guys love the new music that you’ll be hearing soon. :) Hope to see you soon out on the road!

adam"

Practicing Affirmation Book Review

Practicing Affirmation by Sam Crabtree is a great book to help you appreciate others and what they do. It also teaches you how to truly appreciate others.

Everyone likes to hear that they did something right or praise worthy. In Practicing Affirmation Sam approaches praising someone from a Christian perspective. He talks about praising the Christ-like qualities
in people, so that God gets the credit for creating the person. Sam also covers issues like, the right way to affirm people, the difference between affirmation and encouragement, and affirming people who don't return the kind words. This book is a good book for everyone. We can all use a little help with affirming the good qualities in our family, friends and even strangers. Sometimes we tend to take people for granted without even realizing it. This book is a great way to get you on the right track to a loving and affirming relationship with others.

All in all I thought this book was good. It had a lot of good and useful information. The first chapter was a little harder for me to get into, but the rest of the book is great. I would recommend it to people who want to have a good relationship with others, and people who want to be a blessing to others. I would give this book a 3.5/5 stars.

Winter Jam 2012 Line Up and Tour Dates

Winter Jam has announced the line up and tour dates for the 2012 tour!!!!

 I must say it is a good line up this year and for $10 you can't beat it. Ready............................................. *drum roll please* ...............................................................

Awesome line up, right? I am very excited about this tour, I can't wait to go! Here is the list of the tour dates.

For more info and updates "like" the Winter Jam Facebook Page. Also don't forget Winter Jam is heading out to the west coast this fall with Newsboys, Kutless, RED, Fireflight, Matthew West, and many more. For more info on that you can go here.

Thicker Than Water

This spring I went to a concert and saw this band, Thicker Than Water. They put on a really great and energetic show (You can read the concert review here). Plus they are from Michigan!!!!! (If you couldn't tell I am from Michigan as well.) Anyway they released a brand new album titled "Proclaim" in September.

 The album is ten tracks filled with great music and an even greater message. Now get this.....you can get their album for only $5.00. That is insane right? Ten songs for five bucks!!! Still not convinced, Eh? (That is my Canadian accent by the way). Well check out this song and then see if your convinced!

Well.....what did I say....good right? If you liked it then make sure you pick up their new album you can order the real deal "Physical" CD here, or you can buy the album on iTunes. The choice is yours! Also make sure you "Like" these guys on Facebook!

P.S. This would make a great Christmas gift! Oh......is that too soon, sorry! It is coming! :D

Tim Hawkins - Cletus Take The Reel

I found this video on YouTube the other day and I thought it was hilarious. I figured everyone could use a good laugh, so here you go. This is "Cletus Take The Reel" by Tim Hawkins.

I told you it was funny! Leave a comment and let me know what you thought.

The Music With A Mission Tour Review

I was able to attend the Music With A Mission Tour a few days ago. I was very excited about the line up which featured Hawk Nelson, Fireflight, Superchick, MIKESCHAIR, Manafest, Hyland, Kiros and Samestate.

The first band that played was Samestate. I thought that they were definitely the perfect band to get the show started. They had a very good sound and they did good as far as performing on stage. In alot of ways the first band that plays sets the tone for the rest of the show and I thought that Samestate set an excellent tone. The second band in the line up was a Canadian band called Kiros. They had more of a energetic sound that would appeal to a younger crowd. They had a pretty good show I liked the sound of their music, but the stage presence wasn't as good. They were energetic and dancing around and that is awesome the only thing is that they seemed to all be trying to out do each other. There was just a little too much going on. Kiros also said that the tour had been changed from "Music With A Mission Tour" to "Music With A Mustache Tour". It was funny and there were alot of bands sporting mustaches.

 The next band that played (which surprised me a little) was Manafest. Manafest was the only rapper on the tour so in a way he was the odd one out, but he did a great job. He had a very energetic show, filled with songs that I love like "Fire In The Kitchen", "Avalanche" and then a little bit slower song but one of my favorites, "Everytime You Run". The only thing that I didn't like as much about Manafest show was that in certain songs like "Everytime You Run" for example, he would have back singing playing even though there were no back up singers. It is understandable but still that is one thing that I noticed. Also Jonathan from Hawk Nelson, was playing guitar for Manafest which I thought was very cool. The next band to play (which surprised me even more) was Superchick. I was most excited to see Superchick, and they didn't disappoint as far as the show. They put on a great show that was energetic and plus I knew all the songs! Superchick was also sporting the coolest outfits. The only sad part was that Matt (one of the guitar players/singers) wasn't at the show. Since this was the second to the last show on the tour, they bands started pranking each other. So during one of Superchick's songs a bunch of the other bands came running out and dancing, it was hilarious. 

Towards the end of Superchick's set they played two of Tricia's (the lead singer) songs off of her new worship album. It was very cool to see Superchick go from dancing and singing "Rock What You Got" to playing amazing worship. The next band that played was Hyland. I was also looking forward to watching them play, since I like their music. I would say that Hyland had the best sound of the night. Alot of times when you go to concerts the bands don't sound like the CD, but Hyland did. They put on a very good show, probably even my favorite of the night. They were energetic at times and worshiping at times and it just seemed to be a perfect balance. The next band that played was MIKESCHAIR. I was really surprised by how many of their songs I knew. I had heard almost all of their songs on the radio. MIKESCHAIR had a very good worship sound that I enjoyed. They played their hit songs "Someone Worth Dying For" and "Keep Changing The World".

The next band to play was Fireflight. Now don't get mad at me but I am not a big fan of Fireflight. But they did put on a very good show and  actually enjoyed it. They are making a fan out of me. Fireflight was more energetic and they definitely had alot of fans in the crowd. I thought that all in all they put on a good show. Then last but certainly not least Hawk Nelson took the stage playing "Your Love Is A Mystery". They had huge letters behind them that lit up spelling "Hawk".

You could tell by the crowds reaction that Hawk Nelson was the favorite and it wasn't hard to tell why. They put on a very fun and energetic show. They were all jumping around and having the fans clap and jump. Jason (the lead singer) also came through the crowd singing and the fans went nuts. It took Jason a while to make it back up on the stage. Then after a couple of songs I noticed that people behind me and beside me were starting to sit down. So I looked over and read the screen and it said for everyone to sit down because we were going to prank Hawk Nelson. It didn't take long for everyone to catch on. When everyone was sitting the band started laughing and Jason (the lead singer) said "I get it we suck!". It was hilarious! Later Jason admitted that he had also read the screen so he knew what was going on but he said it was a good try. Either way it was a blast. After Hawk Nelson finished their set and said goodbye fans started yelling "One More Song". So after a few minutes of persuading Hawk Nelson came back on stage wearing hilarious wigs and playing "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.

All in all it was a great show and a great tour, it was very organized and there wasn't much time between bands which was appreciated. I would definitely recommend this tour, the lead singer of Hawk Nelson said it was a pleasure to be part of the first annual music with a mission tour so there will be more to come. For more info check out the Music With A Mission Facebook page.

The Rock And Worship Roadshow Fall Tour

I have some great news! The Rock and Worship Roadshow is coming east this fall! Wait there is even more great news, it is only $10 per person or $20 for 2 people or $30 for 3 people.....you get the idea! ;)

The Rock & Worship Roadshow will be featuring Mercy Me --->





           <---   Jars Of Clay



                                                                       Matt Maher  --->

                  

 <---Hawk Nelson

                                                                                                 

 Also featuring: Group 1 Crew, Disciple and Trip Lee



Look at that line up...something for everyone. The best part is that it is only $10 at the door, no tickets required. If you want early entry, prime seating, a VIP tour laminate, and a RWRS tour shirt then I would advise you to get some VIP tickets here. When you buy the VIP tickets it helps to support the tour so that they can keep having awesome bands come and yet still keep the price down, so make sure you check that out. For a full list of tour dates and times check out the official Rock and Worship Roadshow website.

Also Disciple and Trip Lee won't be able to make it to a few of the shows but don't worry the RWRS has you covered, they are going to have other bands fill in! To get more info on that check out the RWRS Facebook page.



Rapture Ruckus - Open Your Eyes Album Giveaway!

Time for another giveaway! This time it is a copy of the brand new album by Rapture Ruckus titled "Open Your Eyes". I recently reviewed this album and gave it 4/5 stars, you can read my review here.

To Enter the giveaway: All you have to do to enter the giveaway is leave a comment here telling me what your favorite Rapture Ruckus song is. If you haven't heard their music then you can go to their Facebook page and listen to it.

Bonus Entries:

1. "Like" Rapture Ruckus on Facebook.
2. "Like" this blog (The Christian Music Junkie) on Facebook.
3. Post about this giveaway on facebook. (You may do this daily but please leave a comment on this page each time you do. Also please leave a link to your facebook post on this blog post).
4. Follow @RaptureRuckus on Twitter.
5. Follow me on twitter @Drummin_4_Jesus.
6. Tweet about this giveaway. (You may do this daily but please leave a comment on this page each time you do). Here is a sample tweet:

GIVEAWAY!!! U can win a new CD by Rapture Ruckus from The Christian Music Junkie (@Drummin_4_Jesus)  http://goo.gl/n3YqK Hurry Ends 10/21


Please make sure that you leave a separate comment for each of these things that you do. This giveaway ends Friday October 21st at 3pm EST. The winners will be randomly selected and will have 48 hours to reply. If they don't respond a new winner will be drawn. This giveaway is only open to the U.S. and Canada, sorry. If you have any questions feel free to email me at thechristianmusicjunkie@gmail.com or hit me up on Twitter.

7eventh Time Down

I was on New Release Tuesday today and came across this band called "7eventh Time Down". NRT compared them to Thousand Foot Krutch so I figured I would check them out. All I have to say is WOW. Amazing voice & amazing sound. These guys are really talented, you need to check out this video!

What did you think? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Rapture Ruckus - Open Your Eyes Album Review

"Open Your Eyes" by Rapture Ruckus has a mainstream sound without the lyrics. Instead they put encouraging and challenging lyrics that glorify God.

The first song "This Little Light" is a very energetic song. It has a very fun rap/techno/hip hop sound that I absolutely love. This song talks about letting your light shine out into this world. The second song "Going Home" is one of my favorites. I love the hip hop/rap/techno sound. You can't sit still while listening to this song, now you may disguise your movement in just tapping your foot but it still counts as movement! ;) I also really like the lyrics in this song they talk about going home to heaven and how great it is going to be when we get there. The third song is "Air That I Breathe". This song is a little slower but it is a worship song. Now that might sound weird a hip hop/rap/techno worship song, but worship comes in many styles of music. Here is an example of some of the lyrics "What's going on in the world today, It's like we're falling apart, Got to rewind it back sometimes and right back to the start, Got to remind ourselves we're living for so much more,Than what this world has to offer, It's you that I'm living for, And I know that you're here, And I know that you are aware, That I need you more than yesterday, Cause my heart is aching, The whole world is shaking, I can't make it without you". The fourth song "Tonight" was actually on the EP that Rapture Ruckus released before this album. You can read my review of the EP Here. "Tonight" has a fun sound that reminds me of a video game. The fifth song is "Open Your Eyes". This song is amazing! The lyrics help you appreciate what you have. The lyrics tell you two different stories, one of a teenage girl and one of a nine year old boy.

The sixth song "All Things New" was also on the EP. This song talks about how great God is. This song could also be considered a Worship song depending on how you look at it. Any way it is a very good song. The seventh song "Break The Line" talks about breaking the line of fear. There are two really great lines from this song that I love the first one is "Transform and optimus prime it". If your a fan of "Transformers" the movie you will understand that line. The second line is "The voice inside your heart is stronger than the voice inside your head". I just love that line! The eighth song is "Back To Earth". This has more of techno sound that I think is cool. The ninth song "Hold On" is another one that is also on the EP. This song is very encouraging. Saying that God is bigger than your problems so hold on because help is coming. The final song is "Still Climbing". This song talks about trying to be good and having a good relationship with God, but then you mess up and slip but God is right there to catch you.  Some of my favorite lyrics are "I got to push past and emerge the winner, But I'm a dirty sinner, I'm back on my knees, God can you forgive me please, It seems every time I get back up on my feet, Something is trying to pull me down and put me back in my seat, Man I deny defeat in the fire furnace of heat, I know your by my side and you're guiding my feet back home".

I would give this album a 4/5 stars. I love the sound, although alot of the songs sound alike. But the lyrics on the album are really, really good. I would recommend it to fans of Group 1 Crew. So make sure you guys check it out! Also check out the Rapture Ruckus Facebook page and give it a "Like".

Nate Marialke - Your Kingdom Come Review

If you like worship music I think you will definitely like Nate Marialke. This album is full of amazing lyrics, great vocals and really good acoustic guitars.

The first song on the album is "Your Name Is Higher" and it is a great way to start off.  It is a great worship song, it is upbeat and just plain good! The second song "Sovereign God" would definitely be a song you would worship with in church. I love the mix of the piano and guitar. The third song "Rest" is one of my favorites on the album. I just love the sound of the music with the vocals. It is also upbeat with good sounding drums, I'm a sucker for the drums! The fourth song "Your Word" has a good sound like the other songs on this album. The fifth song is "To You Be The Glory" I like the somewhat simple beat in this song, not quite sure why, I just do. The sixth song is a live version of the first track "Your Name Is Higher". I really liked how they added a live song to the album, it gives it a little something extra. The seventh song is "Jesus Emmanuel" is another one of my favorites. The guitar sounds a little different than the other songs and I like the lyrics. The eighth song "Intimacy" sounds a little different but wow it sounds amazing! I absolutely love the piano with the vocals! The ninth song "He Lives" is an amazing song! Really a great worship song with great lyrics!

I would give "Your Kingdom Come" a 5/5 for a worship album. So if you like worship music this is a must own album!!!  I enjoy listening to worship music sometimes but to me the songs always seem to need something else. With this album I don't feel that because Nate Marialke has a very good yet unique voice that I really enjoy listening to. I love the mix of the guitars with Nate's voice and the gentle drums. The only thing is, the songs all have the same kind of sound to me as far as music, but with a worship album that is what you can expect, it isn't bad I just like a diverse range of music. This album doesn't necessarily sound like Tenth Avenue North but I would say that if you like Tenth Avenue North you would like this album. To find out more about Nate Marialke and to listen to some of his music check out his Facebook Page and give it a "Like". You can also check out his website for even more info and you can go pick up your own copy of "Your Kingdom Come". http://www.natemarialke.com/

Music With A Mission Tour

Have you heard of the Music With A Mission Tour? What!?!? You haven't? The Music With A Mission Tour is the fall tour sweeping the nation bringing Christian music to people everywhere. Ok so that might sound a little cheesy. Seriously here is the deal, MWAM is a Christian music tour featuring Hawk Nelson, Superchick, Fireflight, MIKESCHAIR, Manafest, Hyland and more. Sounds cool, right? Just wait it gets better....the tickets start at $15....did you catch that? I will say it again $15. That is a pretty good deal for all the bands that will be there.

If you aren't familiar with the bands that will be on the MWAM tour, I would highly recommend them. Superchick, Hawk Nelson and Hyland are three of my favorite bands. To me this is probably going to be the tour of the year, the only way it could be better is if KJ-52 and Thousand Foot Krutch were going to be on the tour as well. So what are you waiting for? To check out the tour dates and to get your tickets you can go Here. You can also "Like" MWAM on Facebook and Follow them on Twitter @MWAMtour for the latest info. Don't forget to tell your friends!

Also here is another video I thought you might enjoy, it is behind Music With A Mission with Hawk Nelson.