Customer Reviews

Decemberadio

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

DecembeRadio released their self-titled debut album June 27, 2006 and with that release they brought solid, straight-ahead arena-style rock `n' roll back to the airwaves. Their style of rock is reminiscent of the seventies stadium rock groups like Kansas, Boston and Aerosmith and a pure southern-rock sound like The Black Crowes or Lynyrd Skynyrd. In fact, I was at a recent show where they covered Kansas' "Carry On My Wayward Son" and also covered the Lenny Kravitz tune "Are You Gonna Go My Way". If you are familiar with those songs and know that they "rock", then you will love DecembeRadio!

DecembeRadio is a foursome of guys (Josh Reedy, Brian Bunn, Eric Miker, Boone Daughdrill) who with their big label debut release give us hook-laden, guitar rock jams that carry spiritual messages. Although the music DecembeRadio cranks out is down to earth southern-style guitar rock, the Christian message is heavenly and obvious. Their music will appeal to both the saved and unsaved, and once it hooks you, which doesn't take long with songs like "Love Found Me", "Dangerous" and "Drifter", the newest single released to AC radio, a closer listen to the lyrics will draw you in to hear a wonderful message of hope and that fulfillment in this life comes through Christ.

From DecembeRadio's MySpace:

"We're not out to try to be rock stars, we're just a bunch of southern boys who want to hang out, have a good time and inspire others," sums up Bunn. "But were not trying to play it safe musically or spiritually. Were not interested in selling out to the industry to be famous and we're passionate about being technically on top of our game. We realize each day that without God were nothing, and its our mission to spread His message through music. Without that, wed be unhappy and lonely. You're never going to be happy, find peace or comfort without the fulfillment of Christ in your life."

The CD kick starts with the rocker "Can't Hide" and grabs the listener's attention with a bass driven hook and acoustic guitars that drive home the point that you "can't hide from your Creator, you can't run from your Maker, you'll need Him sooner or later." Next up is another rocker, "Dangerous", keeping the flare of southern rock but with a more modern alternative rock sound (think Audioslave), that encourages a believer to get out there in the world and be "Dangerous". Josh sings "I wanna be dangerous, unashamed to proclaim Your name...I can't hide or deny what's inside". "Dangerous" is the perfect follow-up tune to "Can't Hide".

The first single released from the disc is "Love Found Me (Loves Got a Hold)" which is a straight ahead rock tune that really takes me back to the FM rock of the 1970's. This song is complete with background horns that accent the chorus and grabs the listener with a hook that you can't help but sing a long to. This is a song about what it feels like to be changed by the love of Christ and the joy of your First Love. It's a fun, upbeat, energy-charged tune!

"Drifter" is the second single released to radio from the disc and fits well on adult contemporary secular stations. "Drifter" is a mellow tune, with a catchy pop-rock chorus, great melodic guitar rock, complete with organ which gives it that older rock sound appeal. The song is basically a mellow, southern-rock psalm as the singer comes to realize that he has been drifting away, found himself on a "dead-end road" and wants to "get back home" (to God). It is a journal entry that many believers have written or thought about themselves, and DecembeRadio has gathered all the emotion and thought involved, wrapped it neatly in song, and pours it out through meaningful lyrics and a melody that pines for the comfort and security of "home".

The 10-track CD is rounded out with a few more rockers; "Greed", "Live and Breathe" (a rockin' worship song!), "Razor" and "Table" as well as tunes that are more mellow "Alright My Friend" and "Least of These". It is a well-produced album of fun rock tunes and a few songs that slow the tempo down a bit and allow for some reflection.

DecembeRadio is highly recommended for fans of 70s and 80s stadium rock and the more mellow tunes on the disc will appeal to those who enjoy the music of the Eagles. While their music captures the heart of arena-style rock, it is updated to appeal to the modern ear as well. It is solid stuff through and through and every song has something to offer the listener. These guys were a ball of energy at Shoutfest 2006 (Jackson, TN) where I was recently privileged enough to see them live. If DecembeRadio comes to a town near you...GO!

I am a junior HS youth worker hanging out with students while pre-service music programmed into an ipod was playing through the sound system. The tunes coursing throughout the room were one mundane millenium christian rock or rap tune after another that today's kids listen to. I barely noticed it. Every song sounded the same one after another. Then suddenly, this guitar-driven rocker is rollin' and it's got my attention. I'm thinkin', this would sound awesome turned up loud. I went up to the sound board and checked the display on the ipod. I'd never heard of Decemberadio.

My only thought was that I need to find this album. What I was hearing was so intelligently good that I was sure the whole album would be solid, if not great. Decemberadio is the best thing to hit the gospel music scene in a decade. Sample these tunes for yourself and support this band by purchasing their CD. Too many talented Christian artists put out an album or two and then you never hear from them again. I want to hear from this band again and again. Buy their music.

When I first heard the songs on this album, I thought...eh, it's a pretty good album, but it didn't seem to stand out greatly from anything else. I heard it before the release date while on a fishing trip with one of the guitarists. When I bought this album after it released, I thought I should at least sit down and try to listen as objectively as possible. I quickly realized I didn't give it a fair chance right off the bat. At first, I was let down lyrically, mainly because I didn't feel the message was clear. After sitting down and taking a good listen, I discovered just the opposite. The lyrics attack some serious issues in people's lives, worldly and spiritually. At the same time, throughout the album, they make it clear of a message of hope. They are creative, yet not too forced or pretentious. Musically, I think the album is amazing. I have to admit, I don't like their first release, "Drifter." It is a little too poppy for me, but I understand how it is nowadays, unfortunately. These guys have influences derived from a variety of genres, mainly good ol' southern rock. (regardless of what BBtoe may say, I don't know what Zep albums he listens to) They blend a nice mix of southern rock riffs, with some heavier at times, and deep melodic tones. Their vocal harmonies are impressive, as well. I also really love the bass lines on this album. Josh is still one of the best bass players I have seen. Eric and Brian are no slouches on guitar either, with Eric hammering home some mean riffs and Brian's crisp solos. Boone, the latest addition to the band, meshes just right on the drums. For guys in their mid-twenties, I think they have the potential to be one of the frontrunners of today's Christian music scene if they just stick to their roots and remember why it is that they play. (which I know they will) Rock on guys!

Even the slower songs are pretty good, but the hard crunching rockers are where it's at on this album... I'm very impressed.

I had never heard of Decemberadio until I heard the single, 'Drifter', which is very good. It was good enough that I decided to check out their album.

They have a great rock sound. This album features powerful guitars, quality vocals, and a very good overall sound. Another plus is that they have meaningful lyrics from a Christian perspective.

If you have not heard any of their songs before, but you like 70s style rock and roll only with positive lyrics, this would be a good CD to buy.

I am the last person to be judging someones heart with regards to what they write or sing or whatever. I'd just like to say that this release simply sounds awesome.It's just great.. Check out the clips and buy the disc...
Nuff said

DecembeRadio is unlike any band out there; secular or Christian. Their ability to tie in multiple styles is incredible. Keep up the good work guys!! You gotta buy this album!

If there one thing that you can say about these guys its that they know how rock hard. However, they still work in melody and harmonies very well, which is nice. And there are plenty of guitar solos here to digest as well. The classic feel is hard to miss to with a definite southern touch to it. The producer, Scotty Willbanks, puts just the right amount of additons like piano, B-3 organ, horns, and so forth into the mix to make it intersting, but never allows this to take too much focus away from the band, and these guys can definitely play well together. The fact that these also right good lyrics is an added bonus, and that they are not afraid to take the direct approach in their faith in age where many bands are choosing the indirect approach. This doesn't mean that their lyrics are cheesy either, I personally feel that they write good songs. If you enjoy good melodic hard rock with a classic touch then you should definitely check these guys out. They are really good

Okay, let me say upfront that I grew up listening to Christian rock. I was one of those first kids, like an odd experiment, raised on the milk-bones of Sweet Comfort Band, Petra, Servant, and Rez. Along the way, I found new excitement in bands that had the ability to touch audiences on a broader scale, bands such as U2, Jars of Clay, and later, Switchfoot.

Forgive me, but...I've often soured on Christian artists who seemed to soften their music and/or lyrical depth to please the stained-glass industry gatekeepers. It works for some. Not for me. For a long time, Jars of Clay fit into that mold. Later, Third Day and Jeremy Camp seemed to follow suit. Just my opinion, based on my own musical taste.

DecemberRadio caught my attention, when I stumbled into the tail-end of a live show. I got the album and enjoyed a first listen-through. After second, third, and fourth spins, the music kept growing on me until I could say I was hooked. Not only is there texture here on the musical end, there's also depth in the words and themes. It's nothing earth-shattering, nothing as--for lack of a better word--pompous as U2 (one of my all-time favorites, so don't get me wrong). But this is music that I think Third Day could do, if they would let go for an entire album. This is music I hope DecemberRadio keeps doing for an entire career.

Please forgive me, but...Don't change a thing!

Awesome disk. Originally bought it because of Drifter - - fell in love with rest of disk - - amazing mix of styles. "Table" jams to the max. Can hear Black Crowes and Metallica style influences.