Looking for a fun worship album? The Insyderz deliver in spades with their first worship project, Skalleluia. Released during the heyday of ska's mid-90s revival, Skalleluia offers a fun and horn-infused take on several worship standards, such as "Oh, Lord, You're Beautiful," "He Has Made Me Glad" and "You Are My All In All." Most of the songs are sped up and ska-ified through the addition of distorted guitars and horns, and are enthusiastically sung through Joe Yerke's distinct, raspy lisp.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about each song's respective makeover is that no matter what the Insyderz try to pull off, it works! Whether they're remaking "Oh, Lord, You're Beautiful" into a bona-fide ska anthem (complete with a scatted, distortion-heavy breakdown) or transforming Amy Grant's "Joy" into a quasi-metallic speed-fest (including the tongue-in-cheek intro "Christian metal never dies, baby!"), The Insyderz present their unique take on each song without sacrificing the composition's original character. Even when they go as far as to re-write Rich Mullin's trademark verses on "Awesome God," nothing sounds forced. Everything on this album is simply fun, filled with energy, and most importantly, intently worshipful.
Worship music has never sounded this exciting and, in its current state of mediocrity, it probably never will. Sure, this album is lightweight to a fault and will never be mistaken for a classic, but if you crave worshipful lyrics and miss the heady days of ska, then do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of The Insyderz's Skalleluia!
- Review date: 10/7/06, written by Sherwin Frias
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