Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review


Jonathan Thulin, Science Fiction
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Jonathan Thulin
Science Fiction



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop
Album length: 12 tracks: 41 minutes, 9 seconds
Street Date: March 17, 2015


READER RATING:   


Rather than further exploring the theatrical stylings of The White Room, Jonathan Thulin opted for a more energetic and accessible approach with Science Fiction. Loaded with creative synthesizers, catchy beats, and impressive vocal prowess, Science Fiction is brimming with modern pop goodness. Lyrically, each song is based on a single prominent metaphor (often deriving from folklore and fantasy) creating a subtle thematic cohesion. To make things even more interesting, Thulin brings on seven guest vocalists--most of which enhance the character of the album.

"Time Traveler" sets the lively tone for the album with its dance-oriented beat and addictive chorus. This lighthearted tune presents a gospel message cloaked in a sci-fi metaphor: "You wipe the past just like I'm a time traveler." Cranking up the bass, "Jekyll and Hyde" boasts a reverb heavy kick drum and a dynamic mixture of strings and synthesizers. Though it covers the serious topic of hypocrisy, it comes across more entertaining than convicting. Skipping ahead, "Hat Trick" stands out in the middle of the pack with its sharp Egyptian-styled synthesizers and slick rap from Derek Minor. Thulin dazzles and deceives us as a magician in this satirical piece about pretending to be someone you are not. One thing to note here is the phrase "hat trick" is used way too many times (36 to be exact). The vulnerable "Six Feet Under" offers hope for those who are trapped beneath the weight of addiction. The electronic background and steady drums are eloquently accented with strings for this lightly theatrical tune.

Two of the strongest tracks, "Mockingbird" and "The Ruins," are found towards the end of the album. Fans of The White Room will find "Mockingbird" particularly outstanding with its theatrical musical environment and stellar vocal performances by Thulin, Kevin Max and Shine Bright Baby's Emily Fertig. The album's sole balled, "The Ruins," is a beautiful duet between Thulin and Moriah Peters over a slow piano. Gracefully penned by Thulin and Charmaine, this song is based on Matthew 7:24-27 where Jesus tells the parable of the man who built his house on the rock. Closing track "The Theory" is a black sheep with its random AC sound and lack of a distinct metaphor. It's a decent song on its own, but in the context of this project, it ends a superb album on an uneven note.

Jonathan Thulin has been emerging as one of Christian pop's most promising artists, and it's easy to see why. His music bleeds innovation, his vocal range is amazing, and his songwriting is solid. Not everyone will love the shift away from Thulin's "epic pop" sound, but nonetheless, Science Fiction is a worthy follow up to The White Room. With no skippable songs and a handful of standouts, Science Fiction is a fun and well-rounded album.

- Preview Review date: 2/20/15, Review date: 3/6/15, written by Christopher Smith of Jesusfreakhideout.com




(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

JFH Staff's Second Opinion



After a steady build-up to his first major release with 2012's The White Room, Jonathan Thulin offers up his fifth full-length album. While his previous venture was more focused on a soulful form of worship, Thulin deviates from this on Science Fiction. A much larger palette of guest artists enter the fold this time around, including Kevin Max, Derek Minor, and Rapture Ruckus.

The general vibe of Science Fiction is somewhat disjointed, with no particular genre coming forth. For example, the album's lead single, "Compass," (probably the best track on the album) feels heavily influenced by Maroon 5, whilst the title track seems to take its cues from Jason Mraz. "Hat Trick" is also a fun song to crank up the volume on. "Mockingbird" is a beautiful and alluring piece, and one of Science Fiction's few tracks worthy of defining Thulin's career. "The Ruins" is the one song on the album reminiscent of his previous works, and it is very much needed by the time the album proceeds to wrap up.

Unfortunately, the lyrical prowess Thulin previously wielded on The White Room has considerably abated. Musically, Science Fiction is a strong project, but the sincerity that once permeated Thulin's music seems to be missing. Nothing here is particularly exceptional or original. Overall, Science Fiction is a good album, but I had hoped for a more cohesive and thought-out project. - Review date: 2/25/15, David Craft

 

. Record Label: DREAM Records
. Album length: 12 tracks: 41 minutes, 9 seconds
. Street Date: March 17, 2015
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. Prelude (1:04)
  2. Time Traveler (3:22)
  3. Jekyll And Hyde feat. Rapture Ruckus (3:06)
  4. Compass feat. Manwell Reyes (3:44)
  5. Science Fiction (3:16)
  6. Hat Trick feat. Derek Minor (3:23)
  7. Cry Wolf (3:40)
  8. Fountain feat. Tauren Wells (3:43)
  9. 6 Feet Under (4:00)
  10. Mockingbird feat. Kevin Max & Shine Bright Baby (3:56)
  11. The Ruins feat. Moriah Peters (4:03)
  12. The Theory (3:58)
spacer     Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics
    Click For Song Lyrics

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, October 8, 2025
SINGLES
Amy Jay Back to What's Natural - Single (independent)

This Friday, October 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire: Songs From The Smoke [Provident]
Grace Graber Everything You Ever Wanted - EP [Wings]
Faith Worship Arts Fill This House (Deluxe) [DREAM]
Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
The Kingdom Heirs Fortieth Anniversary [Sonlite]
Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]
Myles Maestro Dead End Road - EP [Syntax]
Make Sure Starry May Morning (independent)
Wintley Phipps A Symphonic Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither [Gaither]
SNT. VINCENT Final Greetings [Syntax]
Razzie Digital Psalms - EP [Syntax]
Matthew West Come Home For Christmas [Provident/Story House]
Josh Wright LEAD (Deluxe) (independent)

SINGLES
Holly Brand One Thing He Wouldn't Do - Single [Integrity]
Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
Drakeford Writing on the Wall - Single (independent)
EJ Swavv & Jeff Knox Deja Vu - Single [Syntax]
gio. DANCE LIKE DAVID (feat. Swaizy) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Benjamin William Hastings At the heart of it (from Worship Together) - Single [Capitol CMG]
JSP No More (feat. Kevin Young) - Single (independent)
Kelo Memory Lane - Single [Syntax]
MATTHEWS Broken Forever - Single [Curb]
Patrick Mayberry + Katie Torwalt God Is Faithful - Single [Provident]
MAYIA Pass Me Not - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Like You - Single [Syntax]
Jeannie Ortega Decipher - Single [Syntax]
Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
Lee Vasi A Pesar De Todo - Single [Capitol CMG]
Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible Praise You For Eternity - Single [Vineyard]
Jovan Whyte Never Give Up (feat. Dweeno) - Single (independent)

Next Friday, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)

DVD
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images