Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Music Review




Jimmy Needham
Speak



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 12 tracks: 43 minutes, 37 seconds
Street Date: August 15, 2006


Jimmy Needham is a relatively new addition to the Christian music world, recently being signed to Inpop Records after releasing a project independently last year. Needham has the perfect style Inpop has become known for, which includes that mellow yet solid pop/rock sound. He demonstrates this on his label debut, Speak.

Jimmy Needham has been compared to the secular icon Jason Mraz, who is known for his quick, witty lyricism and toe-tapping melodies. Needham mimics Mraz in a huge way, sometimes sounding exactly like his secular counterpart. He even has the thought provoking yet strikingly truthful lyrics at times: "Can I sing about my maker, and not have you roll your eyes?" from the light rocker "Fence Riders." Another rocker is the title track, "Speak," in which Needham talks of us as believers needing to open our mouths and talk about the Lord, instead of just trusting our walks to do all the talking. Other highlights on Speak include the catchy "Lost At Sea," the delightful rock-laced "Make Me Sing," and the beautiful ballad "Dearly Loved."

The only problem I see with Needham's debut may be some of his vocals. He strains some of the high notes sometimes, particularly in "Wake Up," and his signing hit "For Freedom." On the majority of the album, Jimmy keeps this high pitch at bay, but when it comes out, it just doesn't seem to work. Another problem is found within certain aspects of "We Cry Holy" and "Stand on Grace," where the heavy rock sounds just about drown out his voice, making for an almost unpleasant worship experience. He pulls it off, but not without risking the loss of his vocals amidst the noise.

After all is said and done, Jimmy Needham's debut from Inpop Records will likely attract Christian and secular market fans, particularly those from the top 40 crowd. Anyone looking for a Jason Mraz alternative need to look no further than Jimmy Needham. People looking for a little more substance than that probably won't find it in Speak.

- Review date: 10/16/06, written by Justin Mabee



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 


. Record Label: Inpop Records
. Album length: 12 tracks, 43 minutes and 37 seconds
. Street Date: August 15, 2006
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. I Am New
  2. Lost At Sea
  3. Fence Riders
  4. Dearly Loved
  5. For Freedom
  6. Speak
  7. Make Me Sing
  8. Wake Up
  9. We Cry Holy
  10. Stand On Grace
  11. The Gospel
  12. Benediction
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

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

Search JFH



This Tuesday, July 29, 2025
ALBUMS
Magdalene Rose The Heart That Bloomed After Death [Rockfest]

SINGLES
Josiah Queen Cloud and Fire - Single [Capitol CMG]
Stryper Still The Light - Single [Frontiers]

This Friday, August 1, 2025
ALBUMS
Crash Rickshaw Big Sir - EP [Velvet Blue]
McKamey Legacy Holding to Truth [Horizon]
Ordained Thunder Roar [Girder]
V1 Worship Archives [DREAM Worship]

SINGLES
Dan Bremnes Human - Single [Curb]
Lauren Daigle Let It Be A Hallelujah - Single [Centricity]
Sleeping At Last Believe - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Swing Wide - Single [Vineyard UK]

VINYL
Disciple Attack! (Limited Run Vinyl) Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, August 8, 2025
ALBUMS
CXMMXNS All The Praise Belongs [Provident]
Blessing Offor Real [Capitol CMG]
Zane Walls Think About Me - EP [DREAM]

SINGLES
Coqui LIVING 2 DIE - Single [DREAM]
We Are Messengers Losing You - Single [Curb]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images