Customer Reviews

Un-Fazed

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

From the opening chords of the first track, I could already tell that I would like this album much more than the first two from The Waiting. Their brand of acoustic-based pop rock became catchier with this release, with more memorable hooks and melodies invading each song. Brad Olsen's voice soars in the mid-tempo title song, (does the chorus remind anyone else of REO Speedwagon?), the more upbeat "Easy to See", and the addictive "Company You Keep". The ballad "I Am" is a wonderful ode to the need of God's guidance, and is in many ways as moving as the epic "Hands in the Air" from the second album. Radio hits like "Disappear" and the cool "Speak" are included with the unexplainably catchy "Let it Go". "Too Many Miles" is the highlight though, riding on the wings of a reflective theme, semi-driving rhythm and methodical arrangement, closing out an album that makes me anticipate what's next from this band.

I don't understand what propels some bands into the spotlight while others wade endlessly through the quagmire of anonymity. Christian band "The Waiting" is one of the latter. Although they have a pretty strong little fan base, The Waiting is pretty obscure even among the religious community, and I really can't figure out why.

The sophomore installment from The Waiting is titled "Unfazed," and is definitely their best album yet. It's not as overtly religious as their previous record, (although their songs that are overtly religious are some of the best in Christian music, listen to "Beautiful Blood" on their last album for an example), and the sound is more alternative. The first two songs on the album, "Unfazed," and "Easy To See," are catchy guitar driven songs that are a really promising start to the album. The rest of the recording doesn't keep up the pace unfortunately, but there is still some great music. I especially like the beautiful chaos of the chorus in "Make It Disappear," and the somewhat goofy but catchy "Let it Go."

If you're a fan of Christian alternative music, you should love this CD, and if you haven't heard of them before, listen to the song samples from their self-titled debut (available here at amazon.com). If you're not a fan of Christian music, this is still a great CD. Check it out!

This album is filled with catchy, melodic songs --each of them with a unique hook that will keep you coming back again and again. Best of all, though, each song gives praise to God and speaks from the heart. The lyrics are VERY heartfelt and most listeners can probably identify with the same struggles and victories as the band. This is an awesome album by an amazing group.

A little harder edge to this CD than their self titled one. If you don't like edger music don't let that scare you off. Great lyrics once again. Four great songs #1 Unfazed, #3 I Am, #5 I need you, and one of my all time favorites #10 Too Many Miles. Put this one on your wish list if you haven't purchased it yet. You won't be disappointed.

The Waiting was a great band; Brad Olsen has a unique voice and writing style. Unfazed, their 3rd CD (as far as I'm aware) constituted a decline in their powers after their stunning eponymous CD. There are still some gems to be found here, however, particularly the title track, I Am, and Speak.

Several years ago, as the buyer for a store, I got a sample of this album and just loved one song on it (there are others that are good, too) called "So Much of Me." I let someone else have the sample accidentally and never could remember who the album was by. I finally found it on Amazon and ordered it. It's a great song. Kind of alternative type music, I guess, and I think this group made some other albums. But it was worth it for the one song, as far as I am concerned.

While checking out some of my favorite albums online, I found that this one was sorely lacking in support. So here goes...

I absolutely love the style of this band. Totally original, as far as my experience goes. The lyrics actually focus as much on saying something profound as they do on rhyming, which is a rare find, indeed. Brad Olsen's vocals are crystal clear, every word articulated for perfect comprehension.

"UNFAZED" opens up the album with an awareness of how we (Christians) fail to live up to the standard God's placed before us, how life creeps up and tends to blur our view of God; however, the song always comes back to the fact that God IS there, which helps us to remain "unfazed" in our pursuit of God.

"EASY TO SEE" is the one song I might have scratched off the album. Not really BAD, just not up to par with the rest of the album.

The central theme of "I AM" seems to be remembering our roots, remembering what following Christ really means. The chorus leads with "I am because You are I AM," and the bridge ends with "Tear this church down to its Cornerstone and build it up again."

"COMPANY YOU KEEP" looks at the old axiom "You are who you associate with" and expresses gratitude over the fact that our lowdown dirty status doesn't scare Jesus away from associating with us. A great song to remind us that we're nothing without Christ.

"I NEED YOU" is possibly my favorite song on the album. I'll just paste some of the lyrics to demonstrate why:

"It's me, short of breath
My last one I'd gladly give You
If You will search until I'm found
The angels and nature will
Cry in disbelief to see that
The King is crawling on the ground

Face down, facing You
It's a bittersweet position
Craving mercy from Your hand
Stand up and walk again
Richer from Your wealth of kindness
And all the more I understand
That I need You"

"MAKE IT DISAPPEAR" is a simple song that asks God to remove selfish ambition to make us more useful workers for God's kingdom, rather than our own ("Inside of me I can hear a simple question: Just whose glory am I hoping for?").

"SO MUCH OF ME" marvels at the notion that God cares about each individual one of us, despite the fact that He created EVERYTHING ("You made the stars and every creature that breathes; why do You make so much of me?").

"GIVE IT UP" is a catchy, rhythmic reminder to "cast your cares upon Jesus" (1 Peter 5:7) rather than allow yourself to be bogged down by them ("Oh-oh, let it go-go, write it off, give it up to You").

"SPEAK" rivals "I NEED YOU" for the #1 spot on this album. Here's another sampling:

"From the whisper of the lover to the lion's roar
The command of the commander upon the field of war
The instruction of the father, the laughter of the friend
I've heard every utterance and I can't comprehend
Just why I can't decide, I can't make the choice
Is it Your word that I'm in love with
Or the sound of Your voice?
...
From the burning of the bush that refused to be consumed
To the Spirit on a shepherd boy that ran through every tune
The terror of the King who carries vengeance in His hand
The love of the Messiah dying quiet as a lamb."

"TOO MANY MILES" ends the album with remorse over having run away from God's will too many times, requesting that God do whatever is necessary to keep it from happening again.

I believe that I've clearly demonstrated my inability to adequately describe this album. You just can't put this music into words; you'll have to listen to it yourself. You won't regret the time OR the pennies spent on it.

The album is great, but my words of advice are simply "see these guys live." Drive 2 hours if you need to, it is worth it.
FRANCE

My wife and I are old time Christian "rockers." Been around since the early days of Maranatha Music and concerts in the "tent." We had the pleasure of experiencing The Waiting at Creation '99 West (in Washington State), and we quickly had a new, favorite band. Their stage presence was focused on the Lord (not on themselves). Their music was alive and fresh. Often very thought provoking. And Unfazed is a masterful recording. I know you've probably heard this before, but if you buy only one Christian CD this year, make it Unfazed. If you don't like it, email me and I'll take it off your hands. See these guys live if you can. You'll never forget it.

I would Consider this music as uplifting, catchy and devoted. These are the kind of songs that stick in your head. Which is a good thing- so they're there when you need them. The liricks have beautifully developed meaning and the music has an inner beauty of it's own. Ecspecially the songs Un-fazed, I AM, I Need You, So much Of Me, Speak, and Too Many Miles. The Waiting is a great group, if you go for them you'll never get sick of listening to their music. This album is toned down abit but that doesn't diminish it's value. It's still creative and enjoyable. Watch for these guys in the future. They got something special you don't see very often these days, ecspecially in the Christian music realm.