Customer Reviews

Lift

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

They change. I'm tempted to say drastically, but it's actually not that drastic. When I first heard cuts from Lift, I was excited. I was hearing "Beautiful" and "Rejoice." It was more "poppy" than normal for them, but it sounded good to me. Two days after it came out, I went out and bought it. I popped it in, and I heard some good sounds. Not as amazing as Some Kind of Zombie or as uplifting as Underdog, but good noise. It was vaguely reminiscent of bloOm, which was a good album, but didn't have any sense of continuation to it. After track five, though, something happened: it slowed down. This was not the Audio Adrenaline I know. It's audio, but there's not much adrenaline! I was redeemed by "Summertime," though, and "Lonely Man" (the second bonus track) is reminiscent of Zombie. I loved "Lonely Man."

Overall, the CD is a pop-rock CD. It's a slow version of Audio Adrenaline. There's hope for it yet, with the track "Lonely Man," and the uplifting songs "Rejoice" and "Beautiful." It's a great CD, nonetheless, but unexpected from AudioA. Bob Herdman's presence in the band is missed (he left to be with his family, although they quote he's still a force).

I wrote off Audio Adrenaline's Lift after the first listen back when it was released back in November. Recently, I decided to give it another chance. My conclusion? The album is pretty good for what it is- a pop rock album that doesn't attempt breaking any ground. The lyrics are straightforward, the musicianship is clear-cut yet professional, and the overall tone of the album remains profusely upbeat and optimistic. Nothing is wrong with any of those things. In fact, the album is extremely reminiscent of the group's last effort, Underdog, perhaps due to the fact that both albums were produced by the band. Audio A has proved to be a mainstay on the Christian music since their self-titled release in 1992. Since the release of Bloom in 1996, Audio A has catapulted into the limelight of Christian music through a combination of classic rock, modern rock, and a touch of funk.

Lift by no means pushes any lyrical boundaries, and seldom makes the attempt. The lyrics are often cliché and sappy. However, at the same time, they are extremely honest and open, which almost counterbalances the actual words. While there is not a sense of depth to the lyrics, they remain extremely emotional and even thought provoking at times. Overall, the lyrical tone only detracts minimally from the album as a whole.

When Audio Adrenaline wants to rock you, they do so accordingly. When they want to convey an emotion, they let it be known. No hidden surprises in this category either. Just undemanding, easy listening pop rock songs put on disc for your listening pleasure.

I guess the 3-star rating is just in comparison to other Audio A. albums I prefer. Take that into consideration, because this album has some great songs on it! "Ocean Floor" and "Beautiful" are 2 of my favorite Audio A. songs ever, but I don't feel that the rest of the album is nearly as good.

This album is good, the only reason I gave it 4 starts is because it has some filler in it. So, here I go, rating each song from 1-5 with my little comments.

1. You Still Amaze Me (4/5): This song is one that is strangely good. It's kind of got a haunting aspect to it, but I still like it. Mark has some great vocals on the chorus.

2. I'm Alive (4/5): This song has great verses but the chorus is kind of weak. It also has a cool robot voice thing going on in the pre-chorus.

3. Beautiful (1/5): Let me tell you the truth--this song is just plain filler. I can't stand it because it sounds so sappy. The only good part is the guitar solo thing at the end. You have to wonder why they put this song on the album TWICE!

4. Ocean Floor (5/5): This song features Mark singing the verses and Tyler on the chorus. Tyler has a great voice, and it augments this great song. I heard that Ben wrote the chorus--all I have to say is 'Good work, Ben!' This song is great. It's kind of slow but the descending chords in the chorus make up for it.

5. Rejoice (5/5): I sometimes like to call this song the 'sister song' to 'I'm Alive' except for the fact that this song is better. It has a great chorus and great verses. While it is a good song, it's not as good as Ocean Floor in my ears.

6. Speak To Me (5/5): This song is probably like one of the best songs ever made by Audio Adrenaline. It's slow but it's great. Tyler has some great vocals at the end.

7. Glory (5/5): The album gets better now, with a semi-fast song. The lyrics get me the most. Great vocals by Mark too. Wonderful guitar solo by Tyler with an irregular beat.

8. Summertime (5/5): This is like the only heavy/fast song on this album, and it's wonderful. The lyrics are kind of funny, too. Mark has alot of power in the vocals (like when doesn't he?)

9. This Is Everything (2/5): The other bit of filler in the album. It's not as bad as 'Beautiful' but it's close to it, except that it's slower.

10. Lift (5/5): This song is great. As it progresses it gets more intense, and you'll be surprised how such a soft starting song can get intense.

11. Tremble (4/5): This is an extremely slow and soft song. I kind of liken it to 'Long Long Long' by the Beatles. The song itself is only about 3 minutes but it goes on for four more minutes with surreal sounding tape loops of flutes (it sounds like they're reversed but I'm not sure). The song would be great if cut shorter, but it's not so oh well.

12. Beautiful (Radio Remix) (1/5): See above review for 'Beautiful'. The only difference is that this song is more acoustic.

13. Lonely Man (4/5): This song is pretty fast and heavy, and we even get to hear Mark rap! It's an okay song.

I hope this helps you in your choice to buy Lift

For many years I was heavily enmeshed in Satanism, Naziism, and the occult. I became a very violent, callous, darkhearted & evil person. I have since had a conversion experience & am working towards becoming a new person in Jesus Christ through the help of my friends, family, parish church, prayer, Holy Scripture, & the Holy Spirit. My listening tastes have not changed, although now I listen to Christian/apologetic death, black & hc metal that is God-praising, spirit-filled & life-affirming. My only exception is Audio Adrenaline & one song in particular: Ocean Floor.It is the one and only song in my life that has made me cry.

I got this cd a long time ago, but didn't write a review for a long long time. Mainly because I have been busy. But here it goes. Lift is an excellent album. I never owned any Auio A's cds other than Hit Parade now. So I can't say that this cd is any slower than Audio A's cds. I do like this album a lot, and it's better than their greatest hits.
The song "Ocean Floor" is my favorite Audio A song. It's a beautiful song. I also enjoy "You Still Amaze Me", "I'm Alive", "Summertime", "Glory", "Lift", "Tremble", and "Lonely Man". The cd is packed with a lot of great songs. Pick up this cd today you won't be disappointed.

I was very pleased with Audio A's new soundtrack, Lift. Along with other reviewers, I also agree that some tracks are slow, but AA still keeps loyal to their name. Their mix of today's modern rock and roll with the greatness of God combines to make a wonderful sound, one that enlightens me every time I listen to them. My all time favorites of this album are Lift, Ocean Floor, and Speak to Me [in fact I'm listening to Lift right now]. Although these songs are slower and more serious then others such as DC-10 and Some kind of Zombie, they still give you that good feeling inside.

Overall, these are some of the greatest songs I've ever heard from a christian band. I'll be sure to keep my eyes open for their next album, hopefully, this year.

I would suggest this album for people who are more serious about rock and not silly pop songs...

Overall, I'd give this this a four stars if not for the slow songs incorporated into their new album.

Audio Adrenaline is back with a much anticipated follow up to the great album that was Underdog. During their hiatus, the group released a greatest hits record with a couple of new tunes to suffice the eager fan waiting for a new album. Now, Audio Adrenaline is back with a huge force. Continuing in the tradition of making great pop/rock anthems destined to be youth group favorites, Audio Adrenaline made an album with a few spots of growth as well. Lyrically, the album tends to stay on the same level as previous efforts, in other words, encouraging lingo that only the Christian would enjoy. That's not a bad thing, as a matter of fact, it's what Audio Adrenaline does well. However, tunes like "Ocean Floor" and "Lonely Man" (featuring T-Bone) show the growth that was previously mentioned. They show that they aren't afraid to dig a little deeper on these tunes and show some human frailty. Musically, the album stays pretty up. "You Still Amaze Me", "Lonely Man" and "I'm Alive" are all out rockers that Audio Adrenaline are known for. "Rejoice", "Beautiful" and "Glory" are nice pop tunes destined for radio success. I don't have any complaints with a band that knows their place industry and doesn't try to be something they're not. Audio Adrenaline has made and will make great pop/rock albums for the rest of their career. And as long as they are as enjoyable as Lift, I don't have a problem with it.

Though I'm a fairly new Audio A fan, this album has made me one of their biggest. While it has a slightly softer edge to it than Underdog, the message of praising God and "Lift"ing Him up shines through stronger than ever. If you like U2's timeless classic sound, you will like this CD. It rocks while glorifying God; how much better can you get?!

I was recently introduced to Audio Adrenaline by a freind on a mission trip to Colorado and New Mexico. I had never heard of the band and the first few times their CD was played in the van we traveled in I didn't pay attention. To me it just sounded like any other rock band with a christian twist. It was when i really began to listen to the words and not just the music that i got in thouch with the music. It was the song "Ocean Floor" that blew me away with its powerful lyrics and it became my anthem for the 2-week trip. I was quick to buy Lift when i got home and it has been all i have listened to for the past weeks. I liked it so much that i have recently purchased Worldwide, their newest disc. Now for a rundown on the songs:

You Still Amaze Me (3/5)-This song is not their best work but is an excellent beginning to Lift.

I'm Alive (4/5)- I'm Alive starts to get a little bit faster and is a great song if your looking for an uplift.

Beautiful (5-5)- Definently one of my favorite songs and what i would consider a wonderful ballad to the Lord.

Ocean Floor (6/5)- Nuff' said.

Rejoice (4/5)- A good fast song with a chorus that is fast and pleasing to the ear, though you might miss the bet part if you don't listen intently.

Speak to Me (5/5)- Another of my favorites. One of the slowest songs on the CD but the honesty of the words and the harmonies are incredible.

Glory (3/5)- I hate saying any song is a filler but i didn't like this song a whole lot. It's fast but it doesn't have any big meaning.

Summertime (3.5/5)- A very fun song with surprisingly childlike lyrics for such a hard song.

This is everything (5-5)- This song is alot like Speak to Me but with a little faster pace and it addresses a different issue, giving yourself to God.

Lift (4/5)- Not quite the quality i would expect from the title track but all and all a very good song.

Tremble (3/5)- Not a very good song. It's way too long and the words probably have more of an inside meaning from the band than what could be interpreted by a normal listener.

Beautiful (Radio Remix) (5/5)- Basically the same as its counterpart but with more of an acoustic sound.

Lonely Man (2/5)- The hardest and worst song on the CD. Don't get me wrong, I like hard music but the chorus is way to short and choppy and this isn't the best Christian song.

I hope you found this review helpful and happy shopping!