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

JFH Music Review


Jeff Anderson, A Thousand Tongues EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Jeff Anderson
A Thousand Tongues EP



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 4 tracks: 19 minutes, 29 seconds
Street Date: July 5, 2011


After a modest introduction into Christian music with his debut album, Seamless, through Gotee Records in 2005, Jeff Anderson laid low for a few years but is getting ready to release his sophomore full-length record this year. In preparation for it, Anderson has given listeners a four-song taste of what's to come. Titled A Thousand Tongues, the EP may not quite be the grand reintroduction to listeners that it's intended to be.

The EP opens with the Coldplay-ish "Glory to God." Nothing against Coldplay, it's just been done many times before. The music is excellent but once the vocals come in, the song loses its punch as the vocals aren't very strong and the harmonies feel weak. However, "There is a Light (His Name is Jesus)" is much more effective. Anderson's low and soft vocals sound terrific paired with the ambient music. Unfortunately, near the halfway poin, his voice seems to struggle as he tries to belt it out. Oftentimes, raw vocals get pushed to the side when they should be embraced; while they can be very appealing, sometimes a singer should stick to what they do best and stay put.

The title track, "A Thousand Tongues," is indeed the worship song written so long ago by Charles Wesley and covered more recently by David Crowder*Band. While the music is very calming and great to listen to, it suffers from the same problem that the previous songs did: weak vocals. In addition, the melody is simply not easy to follow. Instead of paying homage to the original, Anderson deconstructs the song and rebuilds it as his own. Some people might think this is a great idea, but I would disagree. It is good to interpret differently but to deter so far from the original seems to remove the heart of the song. On a happy note, in the final track, "Your Love Never Fails Me," Anderson finds his sweet spot and sticks with it for most of the track. The passion is so strong as Anderson sings, "Though the world around me crumbles and the voices in my head say, 'I can't do it,' I will go with you." The simplicity of the song is beautiful. His falsetto shines here and the music complements his voice perfectly.

Jeff Anderson's release might not be a complete hit, but it is definitely not a complete miss either. A Thousand Tongues features some great music with a flair for melodic piano-rock. If you are into that style and extremely raw vocals with Christ-centered lyrics, you'll find what you're looking for. Sadly, it won't be anything you haven't already heard.

- Review date: 7/7/11, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: United Republic Records
. Album length: 4 tracks: 19 minutes, 29 seconds
. Street Date: July 5, 2011
. Buy It: BreezeFire.com

  1. Glory To God (5:31)
  2. There Is A Light (his name is Jesus) (4:30)
  3. A Thousand Tongues (3:42)
  4. Your Love Never Fails Me (5:47)

 

 

 

 

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]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

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]
Elan Brio Sun Rays - 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]
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
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