Customer Reviews

Sixteen Cities

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

 

 

As a household that listens to lots of music, my family is always looking for good Christian music. We recently received the self-titled debut album from a band called Sixteen Cities. Since they're fairly new on the music scene, we were curious to hear their sound. As we do with all cds, we quickly converted the songs to mp3, so we could listen to the songs on the go. (Songs are available in mp3 download format in addition to cd format on Amazon.)

We listened to Sixteen Cities as we were driving around. We all liked the relevant, upbeat music that we were hearing. The strong vocals were great combined with electric guitars and drums. The songs on this album have a rock/pop feel to them. I believe the songs will reach out to a wide audience. I'm sure many people will find themselves quickly learning the songs and singing along just like my daughter.

One of my daughter's favorite songs on the album is Come As You Are. It's a catchy song with great lyrics that my daughter quickly learned. One of my favorite songs is Winter. I believe many people will find great meaning in this song as it talks about difficult times in life.

I was impressed that these guys have been together since high school where they had a ministry. Their coming together as a band stemmed from those high school ministry days. I appreciated the fact that they went looking in the Bible to come up with a name for the band. The members Sixteen Cities appear to have a real heart for the Lord. I look forward to seeing how they grow as a band while they seek to serve the Lord through music.

I received a copy of the cd from Centricity in exchange for an honest review.

For a while, I've been looking for new christian bands to listen to. And then I stumbled upon this band, and I fell in love immediately. This is their first release and I'm really glad because it's just a great first album I think "Only After You," and "Someone's Work of Art" are my two favorite songs. The lyrics are also very nicely done. The melodies are really unique in my opinion. Most of the worship music I try to get into usually sound similar to one another, not that it's a bad thing. But from my experience, I've just heard too much of the same thing. This band gives me a new twist in christian music. Anyway I hope these guys continue to increase in popularity because if they tour near me, I'm totally going to their concert! Hope you guys buy this album, it's a good one!

I was given the opportunity to listen to the new album by Sixteen Cities this past week. They are an up and coming group out of Portland. The music was excellently produced. All of the songs posses a driving beat and gifted musicians. Winter is one song in particular ministered to me. The song is deeply thought provoking and a humble cry to God.

The opening "Just Wanna Dance" to Sixteen Cities self-titled debut has a wistfulness that reminds me of Owl City, best known for the song "Fireflies." Even though the two artists are different, I see some likeable parallels: simplicity of thought, an earnest voice, electronic enhancement (though here it just adds a little style rather than being predominant), and a sunny optimism that some might dismiss for its sweetness, but which I welcome in a world that has no shortage of heaviness.

One example of the bright outlook is "Sing Along," where vocalist Josiah Warneking declares, "I love the way the stars shine for you, and every single mountain bows down. I love the way the universe is singing your song, so I try to sing along." This chorus is carried by soaring pop/rock led by Dustin Erhardt's shimmering guitar.

In a time when many are discouraged, I applaud songs like "Someone's Work of Art" and "Bleeding for You" that emphasize the worth of a person. Teens and twenty-somethings, which have been the band's primary audience, will find this affirming, as will all who are in need of encouragement. Like Owl City, Sixteen Cities, who get their name from a passage in Joshua 19 that deals with dividing the land, conveys hope.

They share it in places that might seem the least welcoming, but where it is truly needed, the public schools. It seems fitting since these songs are radio-friendly and God-pointing, without being preachy or too heavy. They have the subtle persuasion that is appropriate for this environment. The lyrics are not always explicit in speaking of God; and the name of Jesus is not used, but it's not hard to figure out what they are referencing. They have the potential to reach a broad audience with the message of God's love and grace.

The songs are not all sunny and light. Some plead for being saved from oneself. One standout ballad, "Pray You Through," is about being there for someone when words are inadequate. The CD ends on a plaintive note with a piano ballad called "Winter." It's about a prodigal who wonders if he can find his way home.

This debut takes the chill out of winter and points us home.