Customer Reviews

Redemption

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

 

 

Many of us could feel it coming. It was just too quiet in the Whiteheart camp for too long. When "Redemption" finally came out and it was not supported with a concert tour, our fears were realized. Whiteheart disbanded in the months following the release of this CD. However, the introspective lyrics combined with the artistry of instrumentation make Whiteheart's "Redemption" one of the strongest Whiteheart albums ever.

The years leading to the release of this project were not kind to Whiteheart. At the time of the recording of "Redemption", only co-founders Billy Smiley and Mark Gersmehl along with long-time lead vocalist Rick Florian remained. The remainder of the fellows in the studio were new to the band (not such a bad thing), and they were brought in soley for the making of the record. It worked because the sound coming off the finished product demonstrates an excellance in detail and quality.

As you read the interviews following the release of "Redemptin", you understand better where the band (now trio) was coming from at the time of recording. Each man had been battling with some type of struggle that rocked him and his faith pretty hard. What came from these personal battles are honest, heartfelt, and certainly painful lyrics that parallel our own lives as well.

The songs flow together in a theme even though each track is individually sequenced. The listener travels from despair to revelation to repentance to redemption (hence the title) by the time he/she finishes the final track. Despite the dark and melancholy feel to this CD, it actually provides a great deal of hope. Listen attentively to each lyric. In fact, take out the CD insert, sit down comfortably, and read along while you play through "Redemption" nonstop.

While not as edgy as "Inside", you can still feel the rock. The majority of the songs are slower (slow to mid-tempo), but the production quality is outstanding. This CD will make you think.

I'm not yet a fan of this album, though I've been a huge fan of Whiteheart since "Don't Wait For The Movie". This album showcases very little of what I associate all things Whiteheart to be. There aren't anthemic hard rockin' songs ("Beat of a Different Drum", "No Taboo", "Bye-Bye Babylon", "Independence Day", etc...), nor are there poetic ballads ("How Many Times", "Montana Sky", "I'll Meet You There", "Desert Rose", etc...). What you do get are songs that are surprisingly brooding, even melancholy. A brief search of the band's website gives some insight: there was some major life-shakin' going on, which we all can appreciate. I really hope the best for the group, as they've ministered to me countless times in countless ways throughout the past decade and a half.

Though the group has gone through many generations and personel changes, there always seemed to be a certain consistency about their music. This album was such a departure from their previous projects, if I hadn't read the name on the cover, I wouldn't have known who it was... I wouldn't go so far as to say you should pass on this album, just be prepared: it's not the same old Whiteheart.

If I could only listen to one band it would be Whiteheart. If I could only have one album this would be it. I have all of Whitehart's studio albums (11). This by far is the best.

Funny, people have criticized the album for being too "soft" and not the same "soothing" sounds the band supposedly used to play... "Redemption" is the first Whiteheart album I've been exposed to, and I think its an impressive endeavor. It shows some real musical talent -- everyone I've played "Steel and Stone" for has been floored by it... I think the main reason why others were so disappointed is because they already had their expectations going into it that it should sound like what Whiteheart has done before... and I think that's really unrealistic. I played the CD for a teenage friend of mine who doesn't listen to much Christian music and he liked it so much I let him keep it! No one can argue that the lyrics to "The Vine", "Fall On Me", "Steel and Stone", and "Love is Everything" are "formulaic CCM" lyrics... They are powerful, touching, and nostalgic. The music has a timeless feel to it, adding to its brilliance... whoever says the band has "lost their heart" obviously know nothing about the album or the band. The album came out of the exact opposite fact, actually! :-)

Frankly, I was rather disappointed with "Redemption". I've been a Whiteheart fan for about ten years and I thought that the edgier "Inside" was a very welcome change of pace for the band. With "Redemption", they seem to have stylistically returned to earlier days with a relatively softer, more melodic sound (with the exception of Steel and Stone perhaps). Lyrically, I thought too much of it was the typical formulaic CCM verse (e.g. "Jesus"). I would definitely disagree with the assessment that the album as a whole sounds harsh. Many of the songs seem more like light feel good sounds to me. Bright points include "Looking Glass", "Steel & Stone", and "Love is Everything", but if you're looking for the intensity of "Inside", an album that was HIGHLY underrated by many fans, look elsewhere.

I was exposed to this band after doing some research on Dan Huff.Although Dan is no longer a member, I found this release most interesting (it opened my eyes to christian rock).
Starting off with Looking Glass, it is obvious to that the production is superior to anything I`ve ever heard before.I can honestly say it`s even better than "Talk" by Yes.
Man overboard surprised me a little by being the heaviest song on the album.It is a downright rocker.The songs that follow are being well kept as melancholic masterpieces.
After buying previous albums by the band it is no doubt that this will stand out as the definitive WhiteHeart-album.

This album is a great album. Just like each of the previous albums by WhiteHeart, it is different than the one before it. Other singers and bands release albums that sound exactly the same. Whiteheart has always change their sound just enough on the next album to keep you listening. Petra, for instance, sounds the same on each CD. The thing I've enjoyed the most about Whiteheart, is that their sound changes. As an avid listener, everytime I bought the new cd that just came out, it took a couple of weeks for it to wear on me. I'd buy it and not really know what to think. Then after a little time, I'd realize, it just took a while to get used to the new sound that they produced.
This album fits right in with all of the others. Right at the top of my list.
From the 1st song til the last, this is a great cd. Jesus is one of my favorite songs. I keep hitting repeat when this one plays.

This album was a dissipointment for me. With the musical talent that this band has, I am wondering if the heart is gone out of this band. The songs on this album have a very harsh sound, not showcasing the talents of this group. Perhaps it plays better to a younger crowd. A couple of the better songs on this album are "The Vine" and "Jesus". You better have some tranquilizers standing by for "Steel & Stone". Wow! This album is a definite departure from their old style, trying to mimic the '90s grunge sound. Sometimes you should stick with what you do best.

Order processed and item received in a timely manner, as described, in good packaging and condition. Item ordered to add to and enhance music library of Whiteheart.

Redemption is a wonderful and artistic album (CD). As I listened, I understood what the lyrics were saying. I felt the message they were conveying was well put. It is the stuggles within ourselves that we have to deal with when Christ is present in our heart. This is not just a one time listen. To really feel it, it deems repeating. And excellent praise album.