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

JFH Music Review


The Rocket Summer
You Gotta Believe EP



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 3 tracks: 11 minutes, 7 seconds
Street Date: October 26, 2009


It's pretty safe to say that Bryce Avary is no longer a kid. The same spiky-haired teenager who belted out "Brat Pack" is now in his twenties and selling out entire tours in multiple continents. Highlighting his 2010 album is the You Gotta Believe EP, which contains three songs from the full-length as well as an added bonus track. As always, Avary played all instruments on the EP and calls the forthcoming release "the most substance-filled Rocket Summer album to date."

Right away, You Gotta Believe proves itself to be pop music with class. Avary's short stint with loud horn sections seems to be absent from the recording, and with good result-- guitar takes center stage on this group of songs. The title track is a fast-paced party of a song, featuring catchy lyrics and deft piano. The addictive-but-serious "Hills and Valleys" is up next, followed by a poignant "Light" ("Every day, there is a choice... and through the joy, through the pain, I will rejoice"). The iTunes bonus track titled "The Fight" concludes the EP on a relatively high note, putting an intense orchestral arrangement in latter half of the song.

In short, You Gotta Believe is rather brief. With the small selection of songs in the EP, it's not easy to see where Avary is going with his new record. However, it doesn't take an, um, rocket scientist to see that You Gotta Believe is a marker of growth in both age and musical confidence. And, of course, it's just a downright fun listen. While Avary still has the occasionally immaturity that made his music popular, he is light years away from the "Brat Pack" days. At this rate, he'll be a music legend by his thirtieth birthday.

- Review date: 2/8/10, written by Garrett DeRossett of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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

 

. Record Label: Island Records
. Album length: 3 tracks: 11 minutes, 7 seconds
. Street Date: October 26, 2009
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. You Gotta Believe (3:16)
  2. Hills And Valleys (3:49)
  3. Light (4:02)
  4. The Fight (iTunes Bonus Track) (3:14)

 

 

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