This Beautiful Republic Even Heroes Need A Parachute
Artist Info:Discography Album length: 11 tracks: 38 minutes, 33 seconds Street Date: April 3, 2007
In 2002, a small band from Toledo, Ohio called Sanctus Real exploded onto the scene, and rapidly became as staple in Christian rock music.
Five years later, another band hailing from Toledo has emerged, and appears poised for similar success with their release
Even Heroes Need a Parachute. This Beautiful Republic may not have quite the same catchiness on their debut as
did Sanctus Real, but they still display serious talent.
The band is careful to craft an album that will appeal to many different audiences; "Going Under" is turning heads on rock radio,
while "Jesus to the World," despite its somewhat trite title and lyrics, is doing fairly well on Top 40 stations thanks to a likeable
sound comparable to some of Starfield's work. Singer Ben Olin's powerful vocals sound edgy on heavier songs, yet polished on the softer
ones. Another album highlight, "Black Box" has an eclectic mix of sounds that come together to create a fun rock song that should sound
great live.
There are very few weak points musically on the album; every song can hold its own and I never found myself reaching for the skip
button. Yet, perhaps only half of the songs stand out as truly excellent. The rest are all done well, but some feel slightly
overproduced, and after a few listens, can grow redundant. The album starts out so well with "Casting Off" and the standout track
"Going Under" that it sets a very high standard that isn't quite met by some of the other songs. Nevertheless, it's all great music
that's a cut above the standard.
Lyrically, the album is a cry for help, as its title might suggest. Olin's words are creative at times, a bit cliché at others,
but always honest, and the band's message is clear throughout, as in "Fears & Failures" ("Questions are not easy / when nothing can
satisfy / and life is more than these fears and failures / fame is just a lie"). They offer the hope of Christ to everyone in need,
from hobos to heathens to heroes.
Only a few years ago, ForeFront Records was home to many of the giants in Christian music including DC Talk, Audio Adrenaline, and
Bleach. ForeFront's decision to sign a band as skilled as This Beautiful Republic may be the first step toward recapturing their status
as one of Christian music's top record labels. The band will be a top contender for New Artist of the Year, and deservedly so - they show
signs of becoming a premier band in the very near future. Even Heroes Need a Parachute may develop a few small holes on the way
down, but still manages to pull off an impressive landing.
- PReview date: 3/15/07; Review date: 3/31/07, written by Spencer Priest
(JFH Sponsor Spot)
Record Label: Forefront Records
Album length: 11 tracks: 38 minutes, 33 seconds
Street Date: April 3, 2007
Buy It:Amazon.com
This Tuesday, October 29, 2024
SINGLES Pipe Bomb Hate Club - Single [The Charon Collective]
This Thursday, October 31, 2024
ALBUMS Neon Horse Habit of Creature - EP [Velvet Blue Music]
This Friday, November 1, 2024
ALBUMS AWZY Sinners and Saints - EP [DREAM] Forrest Frank Child of God (Deluxe) [river house] Future of Forestry Symphonic Christmas (Live) (independent) Influence Music It's All About You (independent) The Kingdom Heirs No Better Time [Sonlite] Limoblaze Young & Chosen (Power Pack) - EP [Reach] Paul & Hannah McClure Christmas Morning (Re-Release) [Bethel] Planetshakers Winning Team: Songs For Church (Live) [Venture3Media] Skillet Revolution [Atlantic] Sam's the Hero Charlie Cox - EP [Small Step] Jim "Soni" Sonefeld Light of Joy - EP [Vere] Ivan Theva Waiting Here for You - EP [Descendent/Provident] John Van Deusen Anthem Sprinter [Tooth & Nail] Phil Wickham Hallelujah! It's Christmas! [Fair Trade] YWAM Kona Music Missionary Anthem - EP [Integrity]
SINGLES Ayo Shamir, YP aka Young Paul Aaron Judge - Single (independent) Gabby Barrett O Come, O Come Emmanuel (feat. The Piano Guys) - Single [Warner Music Nashville] Brennley Brown Mary, Did You Know? - Single [Provident] Lauren Daigle Then I Will - Single [Centricity] Dreamers The Reason - Multi-Single [DREAM] EJ Swavv I Hate Lucy - Single [Syntax] Jess Ford This is My Jesus - Single (independent) FYR FYTR So Simple - Single (independent) Michael Monroe Pour It Out - Single [Provident] Seph Schlueter We Sing (Joy To The World) [feat. Leanna Crawford] - Single [Provident] Skye Peterson, Ben Shive Keep the Feast - Single [Getty] SNT. VINCENT Confession - Single [Syntax] Cyndi Thompson Silent Night - Single [County Line] Thrive Worship Hark - Single [Integrity] Tauren Wells Making Room - Single [Capitol CMG]
VINYL Skillet Revolution Vinyl [Atlantic]
Next Friday, November 8, 2024
ALBUMS Gabby Barrett Carols and Candlelight [Warner Music Nashville] CXMMXNS CXMMXNS Chapter 1 - EP [Essential Worship] New Hope Oahu There Is One - EP [DREAM] Neal Morse & The Resonance No Hill For A Climber [InsideOut] TAKE Time Bomb [Resuscitation Records] Lauren Talley A Lauren Talley Christmas [Horizon]
SINGLES Cory Asbury I Hope You Dance - Single [BEC] Jordan Kauflin, Laura Story Approach, My Soul - Single [Getty] Sam Bowman & GLADDEN Misfit Toys - Single [DREAM] Wavorly Enemies - Single (independent)
VINYL Michael W. Smith Every Christmas Vinyl [Rocketown] Stryper To Hell with the Amps Vinyl [Frontiers] TAKE Time Bomb Vinyl [Resuscitation Records]
DVD Stryper To Hell with the Amps Blu-Ray [Frontiers]
Record Label: Forefront Records
Daywind Records Announces Signing of LeFevre Quartet
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Pipe Bomb Hate Club - Single [The Charon Collective]
