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

JFH Music Review


We Are Messengers, Power
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

We Are Messengers
Power



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop / Pop Rock
Album length: 12 tracks: 42 minutes, 53 seconds
Street Date: January 31, 2020


READER RATING:   


We Are Messengers exploded on the scene a few years back with left-of-center hit songs ("Everything Comes Alive," "Point To You," "Magnify") that both fit in the current Christian music radio world while still offering something fresh with their offbeat rhythms and melodies. Lead "messenger" Darren Mulligan's distinct baritone Irish brogue is a powerful force in its own right, and the band's new full-length follow up to their eponymous debut album (with a fine set of EPs in between), Power, is aptly named.

Leading off with a title track that is an encouraging mix of a swinging sports anthem (which would sound great played before a basketball game) and personal exhortation to the believer, the album shows that upbeat doesn't have to mean shallow. The following song, the unfortunately-pedestrian-titled "Love," moves to a handclapped beat and jaunty electric piano line and grooves just right. Third number "Never Change Your Mind" is a celebratory hymn to God's unfailing love that makes good use of choir-like backing vocals and echoing atmospherics that conjure up a cathedral setting.

Hit single "Maybe It's Ok" has been around for a bit now (it's a holdover from the band's last EP) and is perhaps one of the best songs in regular rotation on Christian radio, featuring a slow-burn melody that sneaks up on the listener. With a dash of Coldplay, and a bit of Mumford & Sons, "Maybe It's Ok" is an honest song of both worship and personal defeat, "If I didn't know what it looks like to be dirty / Then I wouldn't know what it feels like to be clean / And if all of my shame hadn't drove me to hide in the shadows / Then I wouldn't know the beauty of being free / Maybe it's ok if I'm not ok / Cause the One who holds the world is holding onto me." A song of lament on Christian radio is a rare beast, and should be celebrated.

"Home" (another slightly-boring title) features a nice bit of haunting traditional Irish instrumentation (violins, uilleann pipes) and shows a direction that the band should explore a bit more. "I Need To Feel It" and "Knock Me Down" rock out nicely, while quiet closers "Always You" and "Come See (Glory Hallelujah)" end the album on a mellow, contemplative note.

We Are Messengers has a unique perspective lyrically on faith, and mix it up convincingly on a musical level with Power. Only a few tacked-on remixes at the end, and a short overall running length keep this album from a higher rating.

- Review date: 2/18/20, written by Alex Caldwell of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: Curb Records / Word Entertainment
. Album length: 12 tracks: 42 minutes, 53 seconds
. Street Date: January 31, 2020
. Buy It: Apple Music
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Power (3:28)
  2. Love (2:57)
  3. Never Change Your Mind (3:31)
  4. Maybe It's Ok (3:31)
  5. Never Stop Singing (3:46)
  6. Home (3:45)
  7. I Need To Feel It (3:36)
  8. Knock Me Down (3:02)
  9. Always You (3:47)
  10. Come See (Glory Hallelujah) (3:54)
  11. Power (Acoustic Mix) (3:46)
  12. Maybe It's Ok (Neon Feather Remix) (featuring Steven Malcolm) (3:50)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



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