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

JFH Music Review


Joel Vaughn, Surrender EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Joel Vaughn
Surrender EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop / Worship / Electronic
Album length: 5 tracks: 16 minutes, 55 seconds
Street Date: January 27, 2017


READER RATING:   


The most profound statement of Joel Vaughn's Surrender EP is perhaps the one made by the cover art. It depicts a room divided in half. One half is trashed and dilapidated. The other half is pristine -- freshly painted and shining. It's a symbol of restoration more than surrender, but it's a nice concept nonetheless.

Two words to describe this album are 'bouncy' and 'upbeat.' The whole album carries a bit of an electronica vibe (think Owl City). The album opens with "As You Are," featuring a finger-snap percussion that is a point of interest. "One In A Million" is your typical 'you're beautiful just the way you are' song, today's answer to Steven Curtis Chapman's "Fingerprints Of God" or Jonny Diaz's "More Beautiful You." The lyrics are pretty Christianese ("You could fly higher than the heavens / Even the stars are never too far"), but if that doesn't bother you anywhere else, it won't bother you here.

"If I Trust" is perhaps the most original sounding track on the album. Although the lyrical approach is still fairly common, the lyrical content does acknowledge that Christians are not promised a perfect life and sometimes struggle with trusting God. The piano sound throughout is a nice touch (though this is perhaps negated by Vaughn's vocal gymnastics in the chorus, which get trying by the end of the song). "Every Alley Of My Heart" is the natural follow-up song--a declaration of surrender. The dance vibe, while fun, feels a bit out of place given the seriousness and sincerity of the lyrics. The EP closes with "All Things New," another electronic-dance song which fits the cover art of the EP. This song was clearly inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Overall, Surrender is very radio-friendly, clearly aimed at young teens. If that's your thing, you need to pick up this EP. But if that's not your thing, you will want to pass on this release. It's fun to dance around to a bit, and the lyrics throughout are positive and upbeat. However, it doesn't particularly stand out and there's really nothing on here that hasn't been done before in Christian music.

- Review date: 3/26/17, written by Sarah Issler of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: Dream Label Group
. Album length: 5 tracks: 16 minutes, 55 seconds
. Street Date: January 27, 2017
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. As You Are (3:24)
  2. One In a Million (feat. Matthew Parker) (3:27)
  3. If I Trust You (3:20)
  4. Every Alley of My Heart (3:07)
  5. All Things New (3:37)

 

 

 

 

 



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