Customer Reviews

I Wish We All Could Win

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a CD that I have to admit I initially checked out because of who was in it. You see, the lead singer goes to the same church that my wife and I do. So when he came out with this CD, I had to check it out. And surprisingly, I liked it a lot. At first, I didn't think I would, since it was going to be somewhat poppish, and I generally listen to things like Black Sabbath. However, I really enjoyed this. The songs were catchy, and fit my listening tastes well. It's not perfect, mind you, but it's terribly enjoyable. I particularly loved the songs Beautiful Love, Until the World, Love Lead Me On, and Way You Are.

They're a Christian band, but they're not being marketed that way. They don't try and really "hide" their message - it's all over their lyrics, and if you talk to them, you'll know it. But in terms of marketing, it's not being pushed to the forefront. That probably allows them to get into places that they normally wouldn't, as a "Christian" bands tend to get pigeonholed into corners and not allowed access to the mainstream of public music awareness.

I'm friends with the singer, and I hope the band does well from a personal aspect, and as musicians - as I liked the album and want to see what they'll do for a followup.

One note, this band existed for awhile in the Dallas area (where they're from) with the band name of Blisse. Some of the songs on this album did appear on an idie release of theirs called "When the World was Wonderful".

Finally, if you visit the customer images section for this album on Amazon, you'll see a picture of the band I submitted from their record release party on Feb 22, 2005 - the day this album came out.

I bought this CD on a whim. I had never heard of the band and never heard a single song on the disc. Definitely one of the greatest surprise CD purchases of my life. The AFTERS have been playing nonstop in my car for weeks. I'm to the point of referring to each song as my favorite. I'd give you a money back guarantee if I could. You will not be disappointed.

I bought this because I thought Beautiful Love was a sweet, catchy song and hoped the rest of the songs would be similar. I have only listened to this CD twice, but I was immediately amazed at how quickly these songs grow on you. No warming-up process to go through here, at least not for me.

Don't get put off by the Christian rock connotations. I didn't and I'm glad. Sure, their songs are God oriented, but you don't need to have those beliefs to enjoy the pleasing chords, sweeping strings, and the clear and emotional vocals.

If you're looking for something that is easy to rock out to or blast in your car, I think this is the album.

If this debut is just a glimpse of what's to come, I know The Afters will be around for the long-haul. Their songs are beautiful both musically and lyrically; I don't know the lead singer's name, but his voice is pure and sincere. I can feel the devotion in these songs deep in my bones. In it's entirety, this album is simply incredible and for the prices being offered for the used cds, you definitely need to pick this up. Trust me, you will NOT be disappointed. The Afters is a fresh and blessed addition to the Christian Music scene and I'm so thrilled I found out about them in Relevant Magazine's Spring 2005 edition. This is definitely one of my favorite bands Christian or otherwise (even if you aren't Christian, you will love this album).

Recommended tracks: Beautiful Love, Someday, All That I Am and Wait.

I heard this band when they were the warmup for a warmup act...and they put on a pretty good show so I thought I'd check out the disc. Overall this is typical of what you'd find in a better release. Not every song is going to be a hit or necessarily my favorite but there are several catchy tunes. I wouldn't worry too much about the "Christian" aspect of the band as they fall into the same category of Switchfoot and some others. They don't shove it down your throat and put out a pretty good package. Of course it's always nice to have a positive message in the lyrics.

The Afters give a thundering full frontal musical assault on their debut disc "I Wish We All Could Win." "Love Will Make You Beautiful" has Joshua Havens' expansive vocals bring some of U2's ballads to mind for me; it's a slow track but the guitars chime like a waterfall of sound. "Wait" starts off with a soft acoustic guitar before the string chorus comes to lift the pretty melody in a song anticipating the joy one will feel to meet their Maker. One of my favorites is "You" which perhaps has a somewhat formulaic melody; but what I love is that it is a very direct love song to God without being coy or apologetic, "You're in my heart, you're in my soul, you are my heaven, you're my home, you're my best friend, you're my true love, you're my treasure, you're my God." Musically, my favorite track is "Until the World" with the different guitar parts building until the song breaks into chorus, "Until the world won't turn, 'til the planets burn, until the sun dies I'll be there." "I Wish We All Could Win" in a joyous and loving rock explosion. Enjoy!

This new band falls roughly into the same style as mainstream pop-punk bands like Collective Soul and Jimmy Eat World. With the Afters, the emphasis is on the pop side more than punk. They do rock out on occasion. I bought this on a whim and was glad I did. I was a little dismayed when I found out this was a Christian group (not being too big a fan of Christian music), but the Afters will now be part of a small, select bunch of Christian artists whose music I like. Singer Josh Havens has a great vocal style that is smooth but with an edge, plus they've got the crunchy guitars, good songwriting, etc. My 4-star rating is a bit generous (I was originally thinking 3 & 1/2 stars), but this was a CD I pretty much enjoyed all the way through, so what the heck.

This is the most amazing cd that I have ever heard! It has everything that you want from a cd! I was complety took by it! Where have these guys been hiding? If you dont believe me check out the cd for yourself.. and you will be a believer.. I promise you that!

My sister's boyfriend gave me this CD, and they are now my FAVORITE BAND EVER!!! My fave songs are: Until the World, Beautiful Love, Way You Are, and Love Lead Me On. Definetely a MUST-BUY!!!

I saw them live at a concert in Vegas a few days ago and during intermission we ran to the foyer at UNLV and their CD then and there. We're hooked for life, no doubt! We LOVE it!