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| ><> CMR Album Review <>< |
Southern Hospitality
[Release Date: October 21, 2008] (INO Records)
Track Listing
1. Southern Hospitality
2. Romance Me
3. 321
4. Whisper So Loud
5. Whatever Reason
6. Phoenix Rising
7. Liar
8. Falling Star
1. Southern Hospitality
2. Romance Me
3. 321
4. Whisper So Loud
5. Whatever Reason
6. Phoenix Rising
7. Liar
8. Falling Star
| ><> Review Written By: Liz Zelinski (liz.zelinski@christianmusicreview.org) <>< ><> Date Written: October 20, 2008 <>< |
| [ Main Review ] |
| [ Writer's Closing Thoughts ] |
| Coming Soon! |
Sounds like: old school POD, Incubus.
“Southern Hospitality,” also the name of the first track of the album, reminds me of POD’s “I
feel so Alive.” “Take my time, it doesn’t matter if the sky is gray I’m gonna *(Matthew 7:24-
25) / Take my time, and live like it’s my last day (Psalm 90:12) / Oh Yeah, feel the high /
Alright, I feel alive tonight / Oh yeah, rain or shine / It’s a great day to be alive
(Deuteronomy 30:19-20).” There is nothing dull about Disciple. The hard rock keeps your
head nodding and energy high throughout the whole album. The songs are full of meaning
and spiritual inspiration.
The band put it better than I could when they say in a note after the song “Liar,”
“Regarding our lyrics, we try to write songs that are passionate, genuine, and from the
heart. We like to write songs about real situations that people face in everyday life. We
also understand that we are role-models and we want our music to point to our faith in
Jesus. With that being said, I felt it would be good to add a note on the subject of
forgiveness. When I wrote this song [Liar] I was struggling with forgiveness and wrote the
line, “I will forgive you, but it’s gonna take some time.” This was an honest evaluation of
where my heart was at the time. But it is God’s will for us to forgive. Sometimes it is hard
to do that. As followers of Christ we are called to forgive at all costs. In light of Matthew 18:
21-35, it is very clear that God has forgiven all of us of a multitude of sins, and that He
expects us to forgive just as He has forgiven us.”
“Liar” is an awesome song about standing up for Christ, and not being ashamed of your
faith. It also speaks about how difficult forgiveness is when you’ve been hurt. It’s an honest
look at the process it takes to forgive. Forgiving is not something you can do without Christ
backing you up. “You tell me not to speak, but you don’t understand / That He’s ashamed
of me when I’m ashamed of Him (Mark 8:38) / What good is the next level if we gain the
world, but then we lose our soul (Mark 8:36)/ I’m not saying you’re a liar / It’s just that none
of us believe a word you say / They say the tongue is like a fire (James 3:6) / Nothing but
empty promises around your flame.”
“Whatever Reason” and “Lay my Burdens” both have a very “prodigal son” theme to the
lyrics. Christ will always welcome back anyone who has gone astray, no matter how far you’
ve gone or what lies in the past.
Here’s some interesting band news: according to a press release, one of the original band
members of Disciple, Brad Noah has decided to step down from touring because of a long-
term health issue. However, he is still involved in song writing and production, so his style
is still very much a part of “Southern Hospitality.” Disciple has also added three new
members: guitarist Andrew Welch, guitarist Micah Sannon, and Israel Beachy on bass.
As far as the album goes, a few of the songs sounded the same. It’s nice to have some
more diversity in the music. But over-all, the message is positive, the lyrics are creative,
and it is obvious these guys worked hard to put out a quality project. I say it’s definitely a
go for all Disciple fans. If you’ve never had a disciple CD before, this is a good one to start
with. It’s new and fresh, and really speaks to the heart.
* Please note that the scripture references in parenthesis are not actually in the lyrics.
Disciple chose to include them so listeners can see where they are drawing their material
from. This feature really enhances the musical experience on a spiritual level.
“Southern Hospitality,” also the name of the first track of the album, reminds me of POD’s “I
feel so Alive.” “Take my time, it doesn’t matter if the sky is gray I’m gonna *(Matthew 7:24-
25) / Take my time, and live like it’s my last day (Psalm 90:12) / Oh Yeah, feel the high /
Alright, I feel alive tonight / Oh yeah, rain or shine / It’s a great day to be alive
(Deuteronomy 30:19-20).” There is nothing dull about Disciple. The hard rock keeps your
head nodding and energy high throughout the whole album. The songs are full of meaning
and spiritual inspiration.
The band put it better than I could when they say in a note after the song “Liar,”
“Regarding our lyrics, we try to write songs that are passionate, genuine, and from the
heart. We like to write songs about real situations that people face in everyday life. We
also understand that we are role-models and we want our music to point to our faith in
Jesus. With that being said, I felt it would be good to add a note on the subject of
forgiveness. When I wrote this song [Liar] I was struggling with forgiveness and wrote the
line, “I will forgive you, but it’s gonna take some time.” This was an honest evaluation of
where my heart was at the time. But it is God’s will for us to forgive. Sometimes it is hard
to do that. As followers of Christ we are called to forgive at all costs. In light of Matthew 18:
21-35, it is very clear that God has forgiven all of us of a multitude of sins, and that He
expects us to forgive just as He has forgiven us.”
“Liar” is an awesome song about standing up for Christ, and not being ashamed of your
faith. It also speaks about how difficult forgiveness is when you’ve been hurt. It’s an honest
look at the process it takes to forgive. Forgiving is not something you can do without Christ
backing you up. “You tell me not to speak, but you don’t understand / That He’s ashamed
of me when I’m ashamed of Him (Mark 8:38) / What good is the next level if we gain the
world, but then we lose our soul (Mark 8:36)/ I’m not saying you’re a liar / It’s just that none
of us believe a word you say / They say the tongue is like a fire (James 3:6) / Nothing but
empty promises around your flame.”
“Whatever Reason” and “Lay my Burdens” both have a very “prodigal son” theme to the
lyrics. Christ will always welcome back anyone who has gone astray, no matter how far you’
ve gone or what lies in the past.
Here’s some interesting band news: according to a press release, one of the original band
members of Disciple, Brad Noah has decided to step down from touring because of a long-
term health issue. However, he is still involved in song writing and production, so his style
is still very much a part of “Southern Hospitality.” Disciple has also added three new
members: guitarist Andrew Welch, guitarist Micah Sannon, and Israel Beachy on bass.
As far as the album goes, a few of the songs sounded the same. It’s nice to have some
more diversity in the music. But over-all, the message is positive, the lyrics are creative,
and it is obvious these guys worked hard to put out a quality project. I say it’s definitely a
go for all Disciple fans. If you’ve never had a disciple CD before, this is a good one to start
with. It’s new and fresh, and really speaks to the heart.
* Please note that the scripture references in parenthesis are not actually in the lyrics.
Disciple chose to include them so listeners can see where they are drawing their material
from. This feature really enhances the musical experience on a spiritual level.
9. Right There
10. On My Way Down
11. Lay My Burdens
12. Savior
| 4.0 |
| 2.4 |
| 1.7 |
| 0.9 |
| 8.3 |
| 83% B- |
| [Additional Review by: Jay Heilman] I have been a fan of Disciple ever since seeing them live for the first time back in the spring of 2005. I remember getting a pre-release copy of their self-titled CD, which was originally called Rise Up. I was new to the Christian rock scene and what I had seen up to that point was somewhat disappointing. Most of the harder groups were full of the catchy and energetic rock sound that I had grown to love over the years, but there wasn't much of a message to hear. It was a brutal assault of guitars, but nothing that ministered. That is until I saw these guys for the first time. I remember listening to the track "The Wait Is Over" and thinking, wow. This band has that great rock sound I love, but accompanied by a meaningful message. Fast forward three years to the release of their newest, Southern Hospitality. I agree with much of what Liz mentions in her review. Many of the tracks sound similar and can even be comparable to some of their earlier material. One thing I can say that I would disagree with is the music itself. I thought musically this album was a step up from Scars Remain. The disappointing thing is, the original guitarist, Brad Noah has left the touring side of the band. This comes at a time when Noah seemed to really let it all loose when it came to his guitar tracks. This album is awesome when it comes to the guitar tracks. I hear alot of complex riffs throughout which is what impressed me most musically with this album. I haven't seen Disciple recently in concert, but I find it tough to believe that the new guitarists carry the raw talent that Noah brought to the table for the band. Unfortunately Noah left the band for personal health issues, which we respect. Does this slow down the momentum that Southern Hospitality brings? By no means, no. One of my favorite tracks on the album, also probably one of the catchiest songs of my recent memory would be the rock anthem, "321". I love this song and it can now be found comfortably and permanently implanted in my MP3 player! |
| Disciple has truly demonstrated a deep desire to point their fans in the direction of God. Almost all the lines in their songs are followed by a Biblical reference so the audience can see where they are getting their meaning from. When a group works not only to make good music, but to bring glory to God through what they do, God will certainly bless them, and He has blessed Disciple. This group has been together for more than 15 years has now released 10 projects. I’m sure more hit albums will be on the way in the future. |