Get Your Music on Amazon!
Get Your Music - and everything else - on Amazon! All purchases made on Amazon through this link earn a commission for Jesusfreakhideout.com!

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

Gerard Powell

Gerard Powell
Island Style Christian Music

Street Date: May 24, 2017
Style: Island Music / Reggae
Official Site: Official Website
Buy It: iTunes



The classic sounds of Summer are in full swing with beach tunes like "Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer" by Nat King Cole and any Jimmy Buffet fanfare. Hoping to add his interpretation to those warm summer nights is Gerard Powell with his double-album, Island Style Christian Music. As the title of Powell's album implies, this is a collection of island-style covers of contemporary worship songs and hymns of old. Some tracks are absolutely recognizable, while get a bit lost in translation. A few major highlights that may be familiar to listeners are songs such as "The Old Rugged Cross," "Amazing Grace," "Oh Happy Day" and "Lord I Lift Your Name on High." In addition, listeners may notice a few childhood Sunday school songs they may have grown up with like, "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" and "Yes, Jesus Loves Me." Sadly, I can't say many are given proper treatment or are improvements on the originals. Powell's limited instrumentation, overly auto-tuned vocals, and lacking production quality make this an album that is a lot to digest. Additionally, lasting at a staggering 26 tracks, the album starts to feel like late night karaoke at a Christian luau. Overall, Gerard Powell's music is not something I'd honestly recommend to anyone outside the target audience; this album is extremely specific in nature and would benefit greatly from a higher quality production. However, that is not to say that there is no fan base for Powell's music; it just might be much smaller than comparable musicians. Nevertheless, loyalty to an art can transcend loyalty to an artist. Furthermore, while Powell's music might not be appealing to a wide audience, he clearly displays his passion for making music to the Lord, and in that regard, no one can judge or find fault.

- Review date: 6/8/17, written by Ryan Barbee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Try Pop Culture Coffee!


 

. Record Label: None
. Album length: 26 tracks
. Street Date: May 24, 2017
. Buy It: iTunes

  1. Blessed Be the Name of the Lord (3:19)
  2. He's Got the Whole World (1:49)
  3. Praying Away (3:30)
  4. Jesus Loves Me (2:36)
  5. Come To Me (4:30)
  6. Were You There? (3:17)
  7. Precious Pearl (4:37)
  8. Steps of the Righteous (3:25)
  9. The Lord Is My Light (4:17)
  10. The Old Rugged Cross (3:23)
  11. Rather Be a Doorkeeper (4:34)
  12. Show Me Your Way (4:15)
  13. Iesu No Ke Ala (2:54)
  14. You're My Everything (3:56)
  15. I Ke Alo O Iesu (3:09)
  16. Serve You With Love (3:54)
  17. Holy One (4:11)
  18. The Lord Is My Shepherd (3:01)
  19. Everlasting (4:02)
  20. Just a Closer Walk With Thee (5:20)
  21. Blessed Assurance (3:18)
  22. Amazing Grace (3:14)
  23. Oh Happy Day (1:50)
  24. My Wayward Heart (4:49)
  25. I Praise Your Name (2:52)
  26. Lord I Lift Your Name On High (2:03)

 


 



  • Jesus Freak Hideout (Ryan Barbee): What is the inspiration behind the album "Island Style Christian Music"?

    Gerard Powell: God's Word first and foremost…I wanted to do the songs exactly as I hear it in my head…

  • JFH (Ryan): What is your favorite song on the album? Why?

    Gerard: I don't have a favorite…All the songs I write are like babies to me…I share my babies with the world, to spread God's Word…

  • JFH (Ryan): What are the future plans for your music?

    Gerard: The future of my music is in God's hands…I asked Him to bless it, and use it as a tool to spread His word…

  • JFH (Ryan): If we were to look at your recently played music, what artists and bands would we find?

    Gerard: Honestly, Island Style Christian Music by Gerard Powell…I know that this is Bible based, if you listen to the lyrics, you would agree…

  • JFH (Ryan): What do you hope to accomplish with your music?

    Gerard: My Goal, and my mission statement is to "Spread God's Word Through Music And Song…Island Style"…

  • JFH (Ryan): What has God been teaching you lately?

    Gerard: Love thy neighbor, as yourself…We are all sinners, none are right... we all need a savior…That Savior is Jesus Christ…I could go on, but I think you understand…

     

     

    go to main Indie review page
    go to Indie Review Index

     

  •                  
    Try Pop Culture Coffee!

    Search JFH



    This Tuesday, June 3, 2025
    SINGLES
    Sixpence None The Richer The Needle and the Damage Done - Single [Flatiron]

    This Friday, June 6, 2025
    ALBUMS
    CCV Hollow (Deluxe) (independent)
    Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire [Provident]
    Hopeful. The Wild One - EP (independent)
    Christy Nockels King Who Never Sleeps; Anthems for Rest [The Fuel]

    SINGLES
    7eventh Time Down My Will - Single [BEC]
    Bill B. & Cyrus Sonata Kevlar - Single [Syntax]
    Elan Brio I'm Satisfied (ft. Henry Israel) - Single (independent)
    Aaron Cole NOBODY BUT GOD - Single [Provident]
    Equippers Worship Living in Freedom (Live) - Single [DREAM]
    Good Weather Forecast Pray - Single [DREAM]
    Ic3rd & EJ Swavv Woke Up (ft. CJ Emulous & George.Rose) - Single [Syntax]
    King David tha Vessel Consistant - Single (independent)
    Brandon Lake Daddy's DNA [Provident]
    Myles Maestro Flood (ft. Ace Savage & Shruumi) - Single [Syntax]
    Mell Omii Wave - Single [Syntax]
    Kevi Morse Mr. Pilot - Single [Syntax]
    River Valley Worship Time For Revival - Single [BEC]
    Roy Tosh Everything's Gonna Be Alright (feat. PEABOD) - Single [RMG Amplify]
    Solachi Voz All I Need - Single [Syntax]
    Emilie Weiss Genesis (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]
    Ayiesha Woods I Have Hope - Single [Backsider]

    VINYL
    Ironwrath Master Storyteller Vinyl [Girder]

    Next Friday, June 13, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Coqui Death to Your Ego [DREAM]
    King's Hammer To Speak In Tongues - EP [Rottweiler]
    Brandon Lake King Of Hearts [Provident]
    Joel Vaughn Feel It - EP [DREAM]
    War of Ages Eternal (15th Anniversary Edition) [Facedown]

    SINGLES
    CalledOut Music Worthy of It All - Single [Integrity]
    Equippers Worship Garment of Praise - Single [DREAM]
    Mainstream Worship Near - Single [DREAM Worship]



    For all release dates, click here!
     

    Check out depositphotos for royalty free images