Customer Reviews

Caedmon's Call (Mcup)

5 star:		(36)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this CD by the advice of a friend of mine who had been a fan since their days as an independant band, and from the first time I heard the song "Lead of Love", I was hooked. This is truly an outstanding band that I would recommend to anyone. From textured vocal and guitar harmonies to deep, poetic lyrics, this album has it all. Caedmon's Call is devoted mostly to reaching college students, and as a college student myself, I can affirm that this album really inspires and challenges the listener to think. It's not about in-your-face preaching or evangelizing or shoving religion down people's throats, but it's about sharing their faith openly and honestly, and presenting that message in a loving and understanding way. The songs are really easy to relate to; it's as if they're saying "We know what you're going through and how you feel." Although the music is creative and artistically crafted, it doesn't overpower the lyrics. These guys play with conviction and passion. But the main thing I like about this band is their image; they don't come across as rock stars or as preachers, but as regular people like you and me, struggling to live Christ-like lives in a world that seems so far away from God. Their humility and honesty is a true example of preaching the gospel by *living* it, and "using words when necessary" as St. Francis of Assisi once said. I'm eager to see this band in concert (Hey guys...PLEASE come to Louisiana!!!), and I'm eagerly awaiting the release of their next album in April.

One thing you can say about Caedmon's Call: they have never made a weak album. While I must admit I have not yet heard the latest CD, "Back Home," the four I have heard are outstanding. This self-titled album is an earlier one, but already it is marked by mature writing, a distinctive sound-world and excellent artistry.

There is not really a weak song on this disc. All the original material is great; the cover of Rich Mullins's "Hope to Carry On" is excellent. The lyrics on this album blow me away--some examples:

"Though I questioned the sky, now I see why--
Had to walk the rocks to see the mountain-view...
Looking back I see the lead of love." (Lead of Love)

"And the least of these
Look like criminals to me,
So I leave Christ on the street" (This World)

"Everyday when I get up, I see folks trading in their crowns
For all these paper-plastic lives...
Opiate for the masses' hounds..." (Standing up for Nothing)

"What crimes have you committed...?
Demanding such penance...
Couldn't wait for five more minutes...
And a cry for help?" (Center Aisle)

"You stripped the trees of Lebanon--
Now you're stripping me--
Of the bark of false morality
And the bite of selfish greed" (Coming Home)

There is a depth: musically, lyrically, and in Christian maturity, to this album that you would not naturally expect early on in a group's career. It has borne itself out over time in the work of this band. I recommend this disc and the rest of Caedmon's Call's music wholeheartedly.

This first album by Caedmon's Call is a new chronicle in Christian music, a milestone of acoustic rock in the world of Christian music. Not only is it a milestone, but it should be a breakthrough album in the secular music industry. The band is clever and the sharp lyric prowess as well as the intelligent songwriting is testament to this fact. Caedmon's can switch from hopeful beginnings ("lead of love") to hard rockers ("Not the land", "Not enough") to happy-go-lucky ("bus driver") to quirky modern rockers ("stupid kid") to poignant ballads ("center aisle", "I don't want coffee") without a hitch. I would like to write every song down here since I only dislike one ,yet, that would be the definition of redundancy. Tate and Webb share the lyrics and what results are clever, deep musings on Christ's love, their faith, and living as Christians in general. To all those who have not heard the band--begin with this cd and then progress to their latest offerings. Just immerse yourself in this acoustic musicianship which breathes new life into the Christian music industry.

I have to admit that I didn't like this album when I first heard it. But when a friend played "This World" for me, I was hooked. A wonderful debut for this folk-pop group, Caedmon's Call's eponymous record sticks remarkably close to the foundational musical territory, without wearing it out. The opener, "Lead of Love", is a delightfully simple tune of reflection of God's love. Similar themes pop up in songs like "This World" and "Standing up for Nothing", while more upbeat sounds come from "Coming Home" and "Bus Driver". The record also includes some harder edges, evidenced by the chorus of "Not the Land", which combines a musical outburst with Derek Webb's driven vocals. Despite clocking in at just under six minutes, my favorite track is the bittersweet "I Just Don't Want Coffee", with it's laid back shuffle, and yearning, relationship-based lyrics. Not much bad to say about the album, though I still don't care for the whimsical "Stupid Kid". Depending on what radio station is around, you can count approximately four singles that radio gobbled up, launching this group into the Contemporary Christian Music spotlight. A truly great record.

From the opening chords of Lead of Love to the upbeat closing song Coming Home this album captures the attention and interest of the listener. The album starts w/ Lead of Love, an upbeat classic in which the writer (Aaron Tate) looks back on his life and see's what he didn't before- God's work on his life. The album then continues w/ the soft, but wonderful songs Close of Autumn and This World. CC inserts the explosive Not The Land w/ its hard-edged vocals between the latter two, keeping the album from slowing down too much. We then hit the creative heart of the album (5-end). The album continues w/ cleaver, fun songs like Bus Driver and Stupid Kid. The former, a look at the value of people, no matter how menial they may seem. CC self-titled shows a wide ranged show of emotion as shown in the powerful and reflective songs Standing Up For Nothing and I Just Don't Want Coffee. Not forgetting perhaps the most heart-jerking of all CC songs: Center Aisle. A song about the suicide of his best friend's sister. In all of this though the album keeps the upbeat, hopeful feel w/ Not Enough, Coming Home, and the cover of Rich Mullin's classic: Hope To Carry On. Caedmon's Call's self-titled is a well-written masterpiece showing the creative genius of one of today's best artist.

This is (i think) Caedmon's best album. The lyrics are incredible and there's really no missing what the point of the band is: to glorify Christ in an honest, simple manner. Best songs: "Bus Driver" (especially for singing in the car--haha), "This World," and "Hope to Carry On." WARNING: If you listen to "Center Aisle" in an extremely emotionally vulnerable moment be prepared to burst into tears. It's beautiful but very sad.

Although I love their latest release, 40 Acres, my favorite Caedmon's release is this album. If you want to hear the true roots of this band, listen to tracks like Coming Home, Lead of Love, and This World. Aaron Tate and Derek Webb are among the finest songwriters in Christian music today. Good Christian music that is not too sappy and doesn't try too hard to be Godly is hard to find. Here it is. Perhaps my all-time favorite CD.

From the gentle acoustic intro of "Lead of Love" we're clearly in folk-rock territory here, and there's a strong undertone of melancholy throughout the album that's rarely heard in popular Christian music. Most obvious examples are the baroque acoustics and harmonies of "Close of Autumn" (which always makes me picture the disc's face image of bare trees), the lament for a dead-end friendship "I Just Don't Want Coffee," and Derek Webb's song for a friend's suicidal sibling "Center Aisle."

And yet, there's a lot of joy and fun to be had here, too - "Bus Driver" begins as a character study, and becomes a sing-along in grand "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da" fashion; "Stupid Kid" explores a 60's garage-rock sound, and the album closer "Coming Home" is full of energy.

The band's only weakness is their obvious nods to their influences. "This World" sounds like something Emily Saliers would have brought to an early Indigo Girls album, and many tracks betray a strong Rich Mullins influence. Still, it's hard to fault them for wanting to emulate such notable artists.

Overall, this is a gem. Caedmon's Call has created the perfect balance of light and dark, peaceful and intense in this album.

I am not really into Christian music at all, but my friend had this cd, so I decided to listen to it. I immediately fell in love with it. Their lyrics are simple, but you can relate to them. Somehow you can feel the passion they have for Christ.

My favorite song would be "this world." listening to it a hundred times, it still affects me. That was the first song that caught my attention. The music is easy listening too, but try to take some time out to enjoy this cd. Try to listen to each song attentively and it will soon just hit this spot in your heart. I also enjoyed 40 acres, but this one still remains my favorite. They opened my eyes to the christian music and leaves me feeling positive and contemplative.

Caedmon's Call

It's funny to be reviewing an album that I have had for several years. What is sad is that it sat in my CD shelf still shrink wrapped up until 2 weeks ago. Caedmon's Call debut album is a warmly crafted, soul touching, life evaluating CD. Each track brings new thoughts that cause introspection. Their music captivates a true feeling of spirituality and closeness with God.

Don't be a fool like I was, grab this wonderful debut album. It will be money well spent!