Article One is a new pop/rock outfit, hailing from Canada, and recently signed to Inpop Records. They are poised to release their debut self-titled record, chock-full of catchy melodies and soft rock that is sure to garner much Christian market success. However, the lyrics and melodies sometimes seem too simple, and the choruses, strained. Out of the album's eleven tracks, only a few make it to an even innovative status. The style that Article One is striving for has been done many times before, by the likes of MercyMe and even others before them.

The only thing that could elevate Article One above its many Christian counterparts is their use of violins and piano on many songs. Songs like the radio single "In No Time At All," the catchy (but possesses an overused chorus) "Say It Again," and "Heaven Let Me Know," feature member Matt Piche on the violin adding a distinct, almost country flavor to the album. On the other hand, songs like "Still At A Green" have so much going on sonically during the chorus that listeners can get lost trying to pick out the vocals among the violin, guitar, cymbals and drums. Some of the lyrics are somewhat cryptic as well and take a dive into the band's history, such as in "So Many Ways To Say Goodbye," where lead vocalist Nathan Piche sings "Honest to God, when I was younger/ I asked my parents who drove us to heaven?/ Was there a map to double check, directions to get us home?"

Growing up in a family that teaches music for a living isn't easy, it seems. Both parents of the brothers in the band were music teachers, and their father was a solo Christian artist. We'll have to see where these new singer/songwriters go next, after a less-than-impressive debut like this one.

- Review date: 2/27/07, written by Justin Mabee