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

JFH Indie Review

JFH Indie Inspection Review

The Whole Spirit: Redemption Songs

Todd Hoover
The Whole Spirit: Redemption Songs

Street Date: May 8, 2012
Style: Folk / Indie
Website: Todd's Bandcamp
Buy It: Amazon.com

Phoenix, Arizona-based singer/songwriter and theological seminary student Todd Hoover has been hard at work lately both earning his degree and writing songs for his new album, The Whole Spirit: Redemption Songs. The style of music that Hoover best fits into is something like what you might call "gypsy music." It's very folksy and a little hard to get into unless you're in the absolute right mood. The first three tracks follow this pattern, singing about God's continued faithfulness over the years and His promise to help us last through difficult times, but then the fourth track, "Weaklings," changes pretty dramatically, mellowing out a lot into just Hoover's voice over a softly-played piano. This leads into an eleven-minute-long instrumental interlude called "Death" designed for reflection and worship. It's composed of mostly piano, with some subtle Celtic sounds for added effect, and the tempo varies from almost dirge-like slow (appropriate for the title), to just a little bit faster than that. It's a beautiful piece though, and can be a good addition to the listener's personal moments of worship. "Death" flows seamlessly into the appropriately-following "Resurrection," which starts with the same sort of piano sound but then goes back into the style that Hoover and band brought us in the first three tracks: very indie/folk, with acoustic guitar, bongo-style drums, fiddle, and several singers singing at the same time. Hoover himself sounds like he would've made a fine "Jesus Music" singer in the 70s, and he has pretty much tailored the music to fit that sound. What I found interesting, and pretty cool really, was the end of "Working/Waiting," which brought in the lyrics and melody of the final moments of "Jubilant Noise." I wasn't too attracted to that portion of the song, but their recalling of it was a good move. Todd Hoover's The Whole Spirit: Redemption Song is an interesting one; it's not very accessible as far as music goes, but to the right ears, it can be golden. If you're a fan of groups like The Psalters, you may want to head over to Hoover's Bandcamp and procure yourself a copy.

- Review date: 6/28/12, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

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





 

 

go to main Indie review page
go to Indie Review Index

 

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

Search JFH



This Friday, September 19, 2025
ALBUMS
Sho Baraka Midnight of a Good Culture [Syntax]
Dave Barnes The Songs That Got Away (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)
Jackie Hill Perry Blameless [Reach]
Zane Walls Dry Bones - EP [DREAM]
Zach Williams Jesus Loves [Provident]
Paul Wright GOD SONGS (independent)

SINGLES
1K Phew MOVE IT! (feat. Forrest Frank and 1K Pson) - Single [Reach]
Anike That's God (feat. Porsha Love) - Single [Reach]
Elan Brio From Sin to Grace - Single (independent)
GZeal No Time - Single [Syntax]
I.A.N. & Cas Yahweh - Single [Syntax]
Vic Lucas Call On Me ft. Domi Grace - Single [Syntax]
No Vain Glory GRAH - Single [Syntax]
Frankie Orella Like This - Single (independent)
Nate Parrish That's Just Life - Single (independent)
Poor Old Lu A Forest - Single (independent)
Razzie, g!ng, Ally Minju NOSEBLEEDS - Single [Syntax]
Rhymes in Harmony Make Room - Single [Syntax]
Rosemont Dust - Single (independent)
Saved By Skarlet Memory Relapse - Single (independent)
Tds Cam Never Really Cared - Single [Syntax]
John Waller & WallerCo & Eric Lee Brumley Surprise Me - Single [DREAM]

Next Friday, September 26, 2025
ALBUMS
Glae Black Cloud - EP [Broken Curfew Records]
Michael Gabriel Monroe Some Things I've Been Learning About God [Provident]
Kevin Schlereth Settle In (independent)
Chris Tomlin The King Is Still The King [Capitol CMG]
Voluntary Mortification Mortem Cultus - EP (independent)

SINGLES
The Rogers Family He's Still God - Single [Horizon]
Terrian Testimony - Single [Gotee]


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