Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review




Michael Olson
Where Fear & Faith Collide



Artist Info: Discography
Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 10 seconds
Street Date: February 13, 2007


While Michael Olson's debut Long Arm of Love might not have blown listeners away with its originality, it was the first glance at an artist who has many things going for him. Olson's clean, crisp voice and solid songwriting stirred up comparisons to the better-known Michael of Christian music and a younger Steven Curtis Chapman. With his sophomore release Where Fear & Faith Collide, Olson proves himself worthy of such parallels. But he also shows he's not merely a younger version of the two singers, playing a variety of styles and establishing his own sound.

Olson does his best work when he's not worried about how a song will sound on the airwaves (like he is with "On The Third Day"). "If You Can Stop The World" is catchy, and should also find success if released for radio, but doesn't display Olson's full capabilities. They are revealed most in the heart of the album where, after a rough start, it really takes off.

Olson does a little bit of everything; "Unchanged" sounds like a mixture of MercyMe and Starfield, while "Our First Love" is reminiscent of Five for Fighting - heartfelt and beautifully sung, it's the standout track of the album. It truly showcases Olson's talents and his ability to branch out beyond sappy pop songs like "On The Third Day." "God Is With Us" picks up the tempo and delivers a catchy, bold song of praise. "Tell Me Again" follows, slowing things down with soft violins and spot-on harmony. "Fear and Faith" is next, and though its chorus sounds unmistakably like some of Chapman's work, it's done so well that it's closer to a remastery than a rip-off.

Olson does hit a few potholes near the end of Fear & Faith. "Helpless" and "Everywhere" don't fare quite as well as the previous several songs, presenting little that hasn't been heard before. "Drawing Near" is better, but not quite the stellar finale one might anticipate after hearing "Our First Love."

Where Fear & Faith Collide is at times exactly what listeners might expect to hear, but often may surprise them by how mature and diverse it can be. It's a step up from Olson's debut, and while still leaving room for growth in the future, is one of the year's best albums of its kind.

- Review date: 2/11/07, written by Spencer Priest



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 


. Artist Info: Discography
. Record Label: Rocketown Records
. Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 10 seconds
. Street Date: February 13, 2007
. Buy It: Amazon.com

  1. On The Third Day
  2. If You Can Stop The World
  3. Unchanged
  4. Our First Love
  5. God Is With Us
  6. Tell Me Again
  7. Fear and Faith
  8. Helpless
  9. Everywhere
  10. Drawing Near
spacer Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics
Click For Audio Sample   Click For Song Lyrics

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Tuesday, September 9, 2025
DC3 Bake Off - A COLORS SHOW - Single (independent)
Former Ruins In Your Field - Single (independent)
John Van Deusen Hallelujah Story - Single [Anotherland]

This Friday, September 12, 2025
ALBUMS
Jervis Campbell Good Grief! (independent)
Demon Hunter There Was A Light Here [Weapons MFG]
Roxanne Grace Try Again [DREAM]
Ellie Holcomb Far Country [Capitol CMG]
Sower Contemporary Christian Machine - EP (independent)
twenty one pilots Breach [Fueled By Ramen]
Phil Wickham Song of the Saints [Fair Trade]

SINGLES
BASECAMP Under the Blood (feat. Knaladeus) - Single [Polished Arrow Music]
Dan Bremnes Find Yourself - Single [Curb]
Matt Hammitt Days God Gave - Single (independent)
Amy Jay Margins - Single (independent)
The Undertaking! Forever Remember - Single (independent)

Next Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture (independent)
Influence Music One True God (independent)
LO Worship Songs For the Anxious Heart [Integrity]
Mainstream Worship Dwelling Place [DREAM Worship]
Lauren Mann Heaven - EP (independent)
Mat & Savanna Just How Strong You Are (independent)
Joel Vaughn TBA [DREAM]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Join honey and save on online purchases!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images