Main Review
Press Play broke through the charts with their Dream Records debut This Life is Beautiful, but things really took off for the
band with their chart-topping single “NY2LA” from their sophomore project by the same name. Perhaps that is why their
third album World Anthem follows both the message and the music from NY2LA, bringing the listeners a ridiculously
catchy dance/pop album, full of simple yet powerful messages – most importantly, loving others (“Three Little Words”).
After pounding drums and a bit of adrenaline opening the project comes the title track full of techno effects, encouraging
the listener to start a revolution: “raise your voice and make it loud/ join the fight and shout it out/ show the world what love’
s about/ start a revolution.” More on the upbeat dance/pop side of things comes “F-I-R-E,” a total favorite from World
Anthem. Not only a treat because of its totally upbeat and contagious pop plus the inspiring lyrics to change the world right
where you are, this track also features guest appearance from Manwell Reyes of Group1Crew. His appearance was
awesome, and definitely added a ton to this track.
“Let It Out” is the kind of track you hope to hear played over the radio at Six Flags – pounding techno drums that make it so
you can’t help but dance along. A song like this could even be directly from mainstream radio, had it not been for the
message of not holding in what you have to share with the world. Equally as fun and upbeat, “Like Lightening” has superb
lyrics, and is a prayer that God would shock us to the core like lightening.
Very worshipful, but with strong techno drums, “Walking on Air,” more on the hip-hop side of things speaks of having a
very close relationship with Jesus and experiencing life with Him during all we go through. This track again features
Group 1 Crew’s Manwell, only making this wonderful track all the better. Following is the lead single off World Anthem,
“Three Little Words,” speaking of the three little words the world needs to hear more often – “I love you.” The harmonies of
the more mild bridge, plus the totally catchy pop chorus make this a wonderful single. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it
reach far and wide!
“Raise It Up” and “Truth Be Told,” both very full, fun, and energetic have a wonderful message about speaking out loud
and not being ashamed of your faith in Christ. “Truth Be Told” also powerfully reminds us to “speak the truth in love.” The
vocal sharing of the three singers of Press Play make these songs especially enjoyable! “Change the World” follows,
obviously speaking of how we need to get out and make a difference in this world we live in.
After the fair share of dance/pop tracks comes a worshipful set, beginning with “Save My Life,” a gorgeous track about how
Christ has saved us, and we are nothing apart from Him. The vocal and string arrangement proved to be the highlight of
this wonderful track, after which comes “Give It All,” a strong contemporary track about surrendering all we have to God.
Also appearing in this track is a rendition of “Nothing But the Blood,” a surprise that made the track all the more powerful.
Finally, “Angels Sing” speaks of the love we have for God, and how wonderful He is.
Closing Thoughts
Press Play’s third Dream Records release World Anthem is certainly a fantastic one! The album, fronted by the totally
catchy and enjoyable dance/pop, also features a wonderful share of powerful worship songs. This combination, plus the
wonderful vocals, encouraging lyrics, and extra surprises make Press Play’s World Anthem definitely one of the best
releases of 2011! Do yourself a favor and check it out!
Review Written By: Jay Wright [jay.wright@christianmusicreview.org] on 8/29/2011
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