Customer Reviews

Live Like We're Alive

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

 

 

As soon as I heard the chours for "The Real" I wanted to get into this album. It's a catchy tune, and you can tell the band has a spark. The band generally lives up to that standard throughout the disc, but a couple of missteps drag down the effort and make it something short of amazing.

First of all, this album is very short. It's just over 35 minutes. By way of comparison, Relient K's most recent album clocks in at around 50 minutes. Even Stellar Kart managed to eek out 40 minutes, and their songs are rarely three minutes long. Live Like We're Alive also has some weaker moments where the band seems to be languishing in the material. "Perfect Chemistry" just seems to drag on too long; even the vocals seem overly exhausted. "Lover" is overdone and would have received a better showing if it were done fully acoustic.

That said, the rest of the disc is strong. The title track and "Let It Fall" are upbeat rock songs in the vein of Run Kid Run or The Fold. The band's message remains consistent and strong throughout. Nevertheless does not hide their faith in layers, nor do they stray far from the topics of God and love on this album. If you aren't a fan of Christian Rock, you should defintiely listen to this album but you probably won't want to. Fans of the scene will find it inspiring.

Plus, there are some amazing moments on this album. The last two tracks, "It's Me" and "O' Child", combine to create one of the best endings to disc I've heard in a while. Both songs deal with the concept of God's undying love for the prodigal and lost. "It's Me" opens with a light sound but quickly builds into an uptempo track. "O' Child" plays off of the same note progression, slowing the listener down again and evoking the passion of the Savior with a beautiful, multi-layered score. The combination of the two delivers a real emotional exclamation point on the whole 35 mintues and leaves the listener with points to contemplate and act on.

This album is worth the buy for the first and last tracks alone. It's a great addition to any contemporary rock collection, especially if you love Christian music. The clips are pretty revealing; if you like what you are hearing its a safe buy.

I have been a fan of Relient K for a a while now, and when I saw this CD in the store I decided I'd try it out. Now I'm hooked! I love their music, and the positive message is few and far between nowadays (even in Christian music). Can't wait for another album from this great group!

I must say, this album is one of the best cds I own. I listen to a lot of Christian rock, and this is one of the softest bands I listen to. Think Relient K's newer stuff, but slightly softer. This album is very well written, and they are great musicians. I can listen to this whole cd and love every second of it. My favorites would have to be "The Real" (of course. I love the "woah" in the chorus. It is a song that has some great guitar melodies, and a reassuring message that God IS there.) My other favorites are "Time" and "Perfect Chemistry" All in all, this album is VERY well done and you should most definately check it out. You will not be sorry. (Matt Theissen himself said it makes him a happy camper, that has to give it some credibility, right?) Of course it does!!!

Jesus loves you!

I didn't expect to much when I previewed this cd in my local christian bookstore. Yeah, the songs were catchy and the lead singer's voice sounded good, but I still wasn't sold. Until I returned a few weeks later because I couldn't get the beat of "the real" out of my head. I purchased the cd and was amazed at the band's sound and emotion.

To rate the album a 4 out of 5 was just, because I believe only to the fact that nevertheless has some great room to grow and build. Now I can't wait till their next release.

This cd is great for those who like:

Sanctus Real, Relient K, Jimmy Eat World, and Mainstay

Give them a listen!

WOW! If you don't buy this CD, it will be the mistake of the year. For anyone who likes good rock music--this CD is for you. The great plus on this CD is that these guys have great hearts, and you can hear their hearts in every lyric on this album. The message is great, the guys are great, and it's packaged in one of this years seemingly perfect CDs. Buy it fast!