Customer Reviews

Illuminate

5 star:		(48)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

David Crowder Band's new CD "Illuminate" hits the highest highs and never lets go of the excellence it portrayed in its original small release album. Those unfamiliar with DCB should know that its hallmark is creating modern worship music that rocks the house at the same time. Fused with techno-beats and returning heavy guitar sounds, the album is an excellent collection of songs that is worth getting. Sure-fire hits are: "O Praise Him", "Revolutionary Love", and "No One Like You." In addition, David Crowder's lyrics and one-of-a-kind voice never fail to inspire awe.

Even more comprehensive and diverse in sound than their second album "Can You Hear Us?", "Iluminate" has plenty of songs to keep you on the ledge between sheer worship and modern rock, enjoying every moment along the way.

To be completely honest, there really isn't a lot of great praise music being written today. Christian music, including most of those who write praise and worship songs, copy the culture or even worse yet, remake previously culturally-imitated "praise" songs. There isn't a whole lot of Christian music being created that's worth listening too, let alone praise God with. There are only a handful of artists who, like the great hymn writers of old, are writing music and lyrics that isn't addicted to mediocrity and is actually intelligent, passionate, and spiritually meaningful. David Crowder is one of those few.

I was introduced to Crowder's music for the first time this past summer. I was amazed. Here was an artist who was creating music full of passion that didn't copy the culture, yet was full of intelligence and purpose. In short, praise music that someone outside of the Church might actually become interested in as well. It's a rare feat in today's post-modern "Christian" culture.

I purchased ILLUMINATE because it includes the song "O Praise Him (All This For a King)". I find that song to be the most powerful piece of music on the album and it has yet to not bring me to tears. However, there are lots of other tunes that are just as powerful. I especially like "Deliver Me" and "Stars".

If you're looking for some praise music that's better than most of the contemporary stuff out there, check out the David Crowder Band and get illuminated.

That'll be one of the questions you'll be asking after a listening of David Crowder's CD. "Illuminate" combines penetrating words with draw dropping music in all respects. Effects, Mixing, Style, Meter; DCB's ability to come together under such unique yet familiar music is inspiring. "O Praise Him" mounts worship lyrics over a fast almost techno beat. "Skies Interlude" will make you wonder how they got away with turntables without sounding "wanna be- something". No, DCB is for real- they aren't a variation, or a watered down sound from a washed out band. "No one like you" shows they can do punk too. Its important to note that they do punk, but it doesn't come off like some inaudible mess of muffled words under guitars and a fast beat. You can hear what they're saying! And the words are good! And it doesn't sound stupid! "Illuminate"'s strong satisfaction of all the criteria make the songs available for worship or for just listening. I finally don't have to listen to Christian Music that sounds like everything else. And if anyone knows the time meter on "Heaven Come Down", tell me. Just when I think I know it something happens to prove my suspicions wrong. If you like worship, buy this CD. If you like a variety of music styles, buy this CD. If you are an estute listener of music, buy this CD. If you are any of these I promise you will ask wonder how the David Crowder Band did "Illuminate."

I bought this CD when it came out, after DCB was the worship band at our church camp in Colorado Summer '03. They're awesome. Their music is very unique and powerful. I love being able to worship with them.

Crowder continues to be among the preeminent worship leaders, breaking the stylistic boundaries we as Christians are in the habit of making. Illuminate reinforces his groundbreaking work, utilizing dance, r+b, pop-punk(!), and acoustic elements in a nicely synthesized package. It's smart and youthful and aesthetic. Save for the pleasantly progressive, "O Praise Him (All This for a King)," however, worship leaders will have a difficult time inserting Illuminate's songs into a service. Even the more user-friendly songs prove difficult to emulate in live worship.

Crowder also continues in a deep subjectivist vein. His songs bask in the presence of God, and pursue intimacy, but are notably minimal in content. While I have little doubt that the songs are informed by scripture, there is a need for the biblical themes to be readily present. Seeing Crowder live was a different experience for me; his songs in the context of his flesh-and-bones leadership took on real biblical life. (As Don Saliers would say, divine ethos met human pathos.)

Illuminate shines best not in its utility, but in its ability to be listened to as a soundtrack for daily life. Those who seek to fit in the fuzzy middle-genre between worship and "Christian living" songwriting would do well to follow the path Crowder is charting.

I had never listened to David Crowder until I saw him perform at Creation East this summer. I was blown away by his music. The lyrics are simply awesome. Since then I have purchased three of his cd's including illumination. This is a fantastic cd. I especially like Revolutionary Love, and O praise Him. Buy this Cd. It is awesome. His book Praise Habit is also really good.

David Crowder Band steps it up another notch on this new CD. The music is absolutely amazing. The originality in the lyrics and arrangements of the songs is inspiring, making this CD an incredible one to listen to over and over. This is definitely the best worship CD of the year and one of the best ever in my opinion. From the rockin guitars on "Open Skies" and "No One Like You" to the intimate ballad "Only You" to the musical tidal wave of "Coming Towards" this CD has it all! If you don't have it, get it today and spread the word! And if you haven't let David Crowder lead you in worship, then you've missed out. His worship leading is exciting and led by the Holy Spirit. I appreciate his heart. Oh yeah, buy Illuminate now!

I bought the David Crowder Band's latest release while in line at the Passion Sacred Revolution concert. I had not heard a single track, but it came highly recommended. When Dave and his band took the stage for the second half of the show (Chris Tomlin performed during the first half), I was immediately affected by their paradoxically cerebral and simplistic approach. Deeply layered guitar, keyboard, and violin arrangements contrasted with straight-forward, thoughtful lyrics that cut to the heart. Just as I began to digest the artistic qualities of this unique musical offering, a completly new dimension came into focus: I was getting a glimpse of heaven.
After the show, Dave patiently signed CD's, T-shirts, and candy wrappers for a throng of enthusiastic fans (myself included). Squashed nearly into a pulp by concertgoers half my age, I pondered what I might say in the ten seconds I would speak with this man, who was greeting each stranger like dear a friend. As we shook hands and briefly conversed I realized there was only one legitimate connection we could share: the sweet, infinite, divine love of God. That love is reflected ever so wonderfully on this recording.

David Crowder, and co have done it again. This time, they've changed it up a little. when i first listened to it, i was somewhat dissapointed, but after a while it grew on me and i like it more than the first 2 cd's combined. the songs on this album are not your standard basic worship songs, but are songs that can be listened to over and over without being too repetitive. if you thought "Our Love Is Loud" was good, wait until you hear "No One Like You"!

I got in contact with David Crowder through the praise & worship channel from launchcasr radio.
Everytime i connected the started with O praise Him.
after a few times hearing it, I started to like the song, and started to search for more music of him.
after listening a few numbers from this album i knew i had to have this album. Even though this is not primairly my style of music, there is something that touches my heart.
My favourite numbers are There's no one like you, Revolutionairy love and O praise Him.
Al the others song are also great. I think this is actually the first album where i like all the numbers.