Customer Reviews

God Candy

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4 star:		(1)
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"God Candy" is a wonderful album filled with songs that compel me to sing along at the top of my lungs one moment and send me deep into silent contemplation the next. It has a diverse mix of accessible, often beautiful music combined with intelligent, passionate, thought-provoking lyrics. In fact, the entire album seems to be telling a story, each song flowing so easily and meaningfully into the next. Even though each songs stands confidently on it's own, put together as they are, they are truly part of a greater whole.

"Shannon's Dance" is the opening song and the first of three instrumental pieces. It has an infectious beat and the guitars seem to be having fun in a way that I can only describe as a jam session. Very cool.

"If I" and "Bubble Town": The next two songs' lyrics were written by Richard and he is prominently featured vocally as well. That is my favorite aspect of these two songs. I love the harmony and phrasing. I think Jonathan and Richard's voices blend beautifully.

"Kelly Lane": It's all about physical attraction. The tension, the excitement, the incredible overwhelming rush of sensations are all convincingly expressed throughout.

"Trip If You Have To": Here we move a step beyond the initial physical attraction. "Just forget about the sexual overtone/Let's just cut right down to the bone." He asks her to take a risk when he says, "Trip if you have to...fall for me." This song has a sensual feel with its slow rock tempo.

"Only When the Rain Slips In": If in the last song he's asking her to fall for him, in this one he asks her if she has. "Do you ever think of me when you picture all you'll hold?" All she will ever say is "Only when the rain slips in. " What does that mean? The song is wonderful as it combines the often painful uncertainty of love as well as the hope of "maybe" building into a desperate plea as he begs her over and over to "Tell me, tell me..." Musically speaking, I love the harmony of the second verse and the way the guitar sounds like falling rain, combining very effectively with the sound of rain and thunder itself in the background. The string accompaniment adds more depth and the late addition of the harmonica adds yet another layer. This is a fantastic song and my absolute favorite...at least today.

"Away": A soulful ballad with a simple accomanpaniment that showcases a beautiful, almost wistful melody filled with longing. For me it speaks of knowing that something is just not meant to be but being unable to let go.

"Crane's Roost": If this is truly a story, we have finally reached the end of Act I...the end of the love story. It's over and he's left broken and bruised, deeply hurt. A lovely, understated sad song.

"Empty Aisles": The very pleasant second instrumental piece.

The next four songs definitely have an edge, both musically and lyrically. The music is "heavier" rock, if you will, featuring some exciting guitar work. These songs deal both indirectly and very specifically with straying from God. In "High School in Disguise" it's about bitterness. In "Denied" it's the retelling of the biblical account of Peter denying Jesus. "Coffee and Tea", a fun and funky, at times downright bizarre song seems to speak of the unsuccessful attempt to obtain self-esteem and some sort of "pick me up" from a woman. Finally the fourth in the series (and my favorite of these) is "Show and Tell", the darkest song yet, lyrically speaking at least. It's told from the point of view of a tortured soul whose "salvation was sold long ago." Various crimes seem to have been committed as he descends into hell. All hope seems to be lost but he does turn back and in utter desperation and asks, "Where's Jesus? Lord, come down. I need love." The question is whether or not he can be saved as he admits, "My hands, I've tied them."

"The Angels Grin": Following the darkest song on the album we have arguably the most undeniably joyful and uplifting one in the third instrumental piece. It begins with a soft humming and 3 single notes creating a sense of peace and joy. As guitars, piano, percussion all join in the feeling of joy slowly escalates giving way to an outburst of blissful ecstasy.

"Wounded Guide": This song has an intimate feel both musically and lyrically, as the singer speaks directly to God. Having found his way back after straying, he deals with the pain he caused, the realization that he doesn't want to lose Him, and the peace and comfort that he finds in the knowledge that he never will.

"God Candy": The final song, beautifully featuring only Jonathan and his guitar, has an even more intimate feel than the last. In a way it sums up the theme of the entire album. Women possess a beauty, both physically and from within, meant to be treasured and adored but always with the realization that she is not and cannot be everything. She is not salvation. Yes, she is a gift from God, but not THE gift.

"She's just a little taste of God Candy."

This is truly a wonderful album and it honestly amazes me that music this thoughtful, complex, and stirring was written and performed by a 16 year old. In my opinion, Jonathan Jackson possesses a talent, maturity, and wisdome far beyond his years. The entire band has created a superb album that I know I'll enjoy for years to come.

God Candy is one of the BEST CD's I'v heard. Jonathan Jackson does a FANTASTIC job writing, singing, and playing the 16 songs on the CD. Richard Lee asl does a good job singing and wiriting "If I" and "Bubble Town" "Bubble Town" is one of my favorites on the CD. It reiminds me so much of the Beatles. My next favorite has to be "Kelly Lane" This song is like a sweet ballad sung by Jonathan. It's obviousley about a girl named Kelly. Next I like "Only Rain When the Rain Slips in" Then "Trip if you Have to" "Away" "Cranes Roost" "Empty Aisles" Is my favoirte instrumental song of the three. My has favorite song has to be "God Candy." Its just Jonathan and his guiter. I think its the best song on the whole CD. The CD is really worth the money, if you don't have "Clash" or the CD single "The Deep End of the Ocean" pick it up when you order this one. Jonathan Jackson does a FAB job on all 3 CD's

|_| Forever! Lucky12345 JJfan12345 AOL IM

I definitely like this album better than Clash. Not that Clash was bad, but God Candy has more of a diverse mixture of songs. I can't compare them to one certain artist or group, because there is a little of everything mixed in. My favorite songs on the album are "If I", which was written by Richard and features both Jonathan and Richard on vocals, "Bubble Town", which is also written by Richard, who does the lead vocals with Jonathan doing background, "Trip If You Have To", "Only When the Rain Slips In", "Denied", and "God Candy". I prefer the slower tracks, though the upbeat ones are really good too. "Coffee and Tea" is not my "cup of tea", so to say, and neither is "Show and Tell", but if you enjoy hard rock and strange lyrics, you will enjoy these. I have to agree that if Jonathan ever gets tired of acting, he definitely could fall back on singing. Richard, too. This is all-in-all one great album!

I love this CD!! I am a christian and have always struggled with the want to serve God and the pressure to push him aside for a boyfriend. This Cd mainly deals with that but also with the pain and misery that comes with sin.I recommend that everyone who's ever been torn about these two subjects to buy this CD

Any fan of good music will love this CD. The first song, 'Shannon's Dance'(one of my favorites) has a the feel of an Aerosmith-like instrumental. 'Bubble Town', another favorite, is so simple but a beautifully performed song, I could listen to it all day. All of the other songs are equally as good and I would definitely recommend this CD for anyone.

I have to say how incredibly impressed I am with this CD!! Jonathan has improved so much!! There are really some excellent songs, especially "God Candy", "Only When the Rain Slips In", "Trip if you have to", and "Crane's Roost". The Instrumentals are excellent too!! and the guitar work is amazing!!!! I would highly recommend this!!

I think this is one of the best cd's out there for Christians and the struggle with dating and also keeping your relationship with God. I would recommend this to anyone. The music is awesome and I love listening to it whenever I need encouragement or a reminder of WHO is really important in my life.

This is a great cd. Jonathan has improved so much in vocals and the guitar playing is mezmorizing to listen to. Trip if you have to, God Candy, Coffee and Tea, and Shannon's Dance are great songs. I am in awe of thier loyalty to women and their belief in God. Wonderful CD! Buy it and you won't regret it! |_ _|Forever in our memories! I look foward to future albums. Scarlet Road is a great inspiration.

If you're offended by references to Jesus, this might not be the CD for you, BUT you'd be missing out on some pretty cool music. It's a great blend of sounds. The guitar work is awesome!!! In a word -- COOL!!! Try it, you'll probably like it!

If "Clash" was Jonathan Jackson's homage to U2 [which I think it was] "God Candy" pays tribute to just about every form of rock and roll out there. Not only does JJ deliver on this album, bro Richard hands in a great performance. His drumming is stellar [more on the boys musical abilities later] but he's obviously a gifted writer with a darn good voice.

"Bubble Town" written and sung by RLJ, with JJ throwing the harmonies, is very reminiscent of mid to late 60's pop. JJ's harmony vocals under RLJ's lead vocals help to add to the dream-like quality of the song. RLJ and JJ also do some real nice harmonizing on "If I" also written by RLJ.

"Kelly Lane" and "Trip If You Have To" are very nice examples of JJ's ability to weave a slow tempo rock song with a passionate vocal. Let me just say, his voice has only gotten better since "Clash." At the end of "Trip . . ." JJ has a very eloquent guitar solo that many guitarists would be fortunate to emulate. It's slow and peaceful--very nice.

"Only When The Rain Slips In" is my favorite song on the album. Say someone through the Goo Goo Dolls and Paul McCartney into a blender--you'd get this song. JJ has picked up his acustic along with his electric guitar and lays down a nice slow burn of a melody. But the lyrics are the most striking. Somebody has come darn close to breaking his heart, or else he has a case of unrequited love. "Do you ever hold me tight/ When your kissing him goodnight" and "Are you toying with me/ Or Do you really feel/ It's not accidental/ It ain't surreal" are just two examples of his lyricism. Also at the end a harmonica is introduced which gives the song a slightly bluesy feel.

"Away" starts out as an acustic number backed by RLJ's percussion with a low, building string backing. "Crane's Roost" is also an acustic number--but with slightly more biting lyrics--again someone must have broken the boy's heart [you'll have to hear him sing the lyrics to see what I mean:)]

"High School in Disguise" is another song that isn't really up-tempo yet has a hard, strong beat for the middle section and JJ's voice is incredible on it. JJ's quite the philosopher, and his songwriting ability has improved immensly. Listening to this CD versuses "Clash" you get the feeling that he's grasped the idea that it doesn't have to rhyme to be poetic.

"Denied" and "Wounded Guide" are the two most religous of the songs--though both are amazing combinations of vocals and instrumentals.

"Coffee and Tea" is a fun, upbeat song that has some real bite with some fun little percussion intrusments used in the begining. "Show and Tell" isn't quite as fast, but it is pure rock and roll from the opening guitar to last chords of that same guitar phrase.

"Shannon's Dance", "Empty Aisles" and "The Angel's Grin" are three instrumentas that highlight the brothers's ability on thier given instruments. RLJ is quite an accomplished drummer. His fills come in all the right spots and his drumming never seems forced. JJ, for how young he is, has a real knack at making the guitar sing what he wants it to. Not quite Clapton or Henderix, but if JJ ever got bored of this acting thing he'd have a definate career ahead of him playing the "axe"--and that isn't even commenting on his lyrical ability.

"God Candy" is the final number on the disc and is simply awesome. Strictly an acustic song, with no percussion, it is a slow, soft ballad. It's just JJ and his guitar, much like "Elizabeth" [which sadly isn't a ghost track like "Je T'aime" was on Clash]. JJ's voice is at it's most vulnerable and yet most beautiful. I did say earlier that "When The Rain Slips In" is my favorite, and I'm not going back on it, but "God Candy" is a very moving and beautiful song. You don't get the full experince until repeated listenings. Also of note is JJ's guitar work. It's one thing to excel with eletric guitar solos [which he does] but to play the acustic as deftly as he does here is remarkable.

There is no one way to categorize the album on a whole. Some songs are definate tributes to the music of the past and the artists who've paved the way [McCartney and James Taylor on any of the more acustic, lyrical numbers; any of the guitar heros on JJ's solos; The Beatles, Stones, any of the 60's pychedelic bands on "Bubble Town"] and then on some songs JJ and RLJ have the feel of modern bands [Goo Goo Dolls on "Only When the Rain Slips In"] but mostly the album is a creation of it's own. To me "Clash" was like a jr U2 record. On "God Candy" JJ's songwriting, singing, and playing are all his own--he picks and chooses from the best but obviously has found his own nitch in music. If he wanted I'm sure JJ could make a career of music, he's got the gift.