Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Jimmy Needham, Vice & Virtue
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Jimmy Needham
Vice & Virtue



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop / Soul
Album length: 11 tracks: 40 minutes, 7 seconds
Street Date: May 4, 2015


READER RATING:   


"The irreligious don't repent at all, and the religious only repent of sins. But Christians also repent of their righteousness."

This quote from Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Church in NY, resonated with Jimmy Needham so much that he started asking himself honest questions like "do I rely on my nice behavior to gain favor with God?" and "is it possible that my reliance on my righteousness is the opposite of what Christ wants for me?" Needham crafted these vulnerable and thought-provoking reflections and put them to a soundtrack that might prove to be his best work to date, Vice & Virtue.

The title track immediately opens the album with a profound sense of depth, bringing up specific good works and spiritual acts suggesting that each of these can become sinful if we allow our own pride to corrupt our motivation. What does Needham offer as the solution to our prideful attitudes and self-righteousness? The Gospel. This answer is woven throughout the album but nowhere is this clearer than "The Story," where Needham creatively tells the story of the Gospel over spoken word poetry. Needham throws in a couple love songs as well, with "Only You" and "Forever and Ever Amen" being dedicated to his wife Kelly, and "Better Man" speaking about how she helps him to be a more Godly man.

The quality of the album's lyrics and themes is backed to an equally impressive musical backdrop. Groovy baselines, funky beats, and catchy choruses dominate what is arguably Needham's most upbeat record yet. But this album is more than toe-tapping melodies and fluffy pop. The songs are layered with skillful instrumentation, dynamic with tempo changes, and dabble in various genres like soul, jazz, blues, and disco. If the songs weren't distinct enough, small details such as the burst of quickly delivered lyrics on "Sirens" and the choir on album highlight "All We Need Is Need" give each tune even more personality.

If you want creative music with convicting lyrics stuck in your head all day, Vice & Virtue delivers it in spades. But don't just let it stay in your head. Allow it to sharpen your thinking and help bring your heart in humility before God.

- Review date: 5/3/15, written by Christopher Smith of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Platinum Pop
. Album length: 11 tracks: 40 minutes, 7 seconds
. Street Date: May 4, 2015
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Vice & Virtue (3:19)
  2. Thank You (3:01)
  3. Mamma Didn't Raise No Fool (3:13)
  4. All We Need Is Need (3:12)
  5. Sirens (feat. The Quebe Sisters) (3:59)
  6. Only You (3:27)
  7. Forever and Ever Amen (3:55)
  8. Mr. Nice Guy (feat. Kb) (3:29)
  9. Better Man (3:29)
  10. Jekyll & Hyde (3:17)
  11. The Story (A Spoken Word) (5:46)
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

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images