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This is a sixteen track feast of rocked up versions of favorite
hymns and Primary songs. For the rock addict who can't live through
Sundays without rock, this might be an acceptable substitute. But
truthfully, this is an album for every other day of the week. And
it's a great introduction to some artists I've never heard of.
"You Can Make the Pathway Bright" is performed by Majestic,
who also created the rocked-up arrangement. The guitars are cool
on this song, done in some funky sound effect that's hard to describe.
"All Creatures of Our God and King" is performed by Nancy
Hamblin and Fusion. This is a nice pop-rock version that includes
some good harmonies.
"Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" is performed and arranged
by J. Marc Bailey. It's virtually unrecognizable in a completely
different rock setting.
"Abide with Me" is performed and arranged by Maren Ord,
the only performer I'd heard of. She turns this hymn into a soft
rock ballad.
"Did You Think to Pray?" is performed by The Loose, and
it also receives a soft rock ballad treatment. The melody was kept
the same so it was recognizable.
"Come, Follow Me" is performed and arranged by Diana Rose.
It gets an acoustic guitar and solo voice treatment that feels folksy.
The original melody can be discerned in this arrangement.
"Ye Elders of Israel" is performed by Vista 4 and it gets
a nasal pop-rock update that sounds like an 80's new wave band.
"A Child's Prayer" is performed by Sweethaven and Bethany
Buck. It is largely recognizable but it gets some rockin' guitar
licks that sound terrific.
"Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" is performed by Juice and
is also recognizable in this jazzy arrangement. My oldest (nearly
five years-old) was very excited to hear this song and immediately
started dancing.
"Rock of Ages" is performed and arranged by The Arrogants
and it gets a new wave type sound.
"You're Not Alone" is recognizable as Michael McLean's
longtime hit and is performed by Dante.
"Now Let Us Rejoice" is performed by Tiffany Fronk and
gets a folk update with acoustic guitars and solo voice.
"Nearer, My God, to Thee" is performed by The Rockamatics
and get this, it's a surfer style song. I certainly would never
have thought up such a brave arrangement of this, my favorite hymn.
"Teacher, Do You Love Me?" is performed by Love Digit,
whose band name is so vulgar-sounding I just want to vomit. That
unpleasant effect aside, they give a soft rock ballad treatment
to this Primary favorite.
"The Iron Rod" is performed by Dodging Phips, and it's
an out and out rock song.
"The Road is Long" is an original performed by Mighty
Mahogany. It's another soft rock ballad, and makes a nice finish
for this cool album.
I'm not sure where the HaleStorm guys found all these recording
artists, but I tell you they found some great musicians. And not
only did they pick some intriguing artists, they were brave enough
to let them go hog-wild with the sacred. Like I said before I delved
into this review, this is NOT an album for Sunday. However, it has
great appeal for the rest of the week and is just plain interesting
to listen to. I rate it 3.5 stars.
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Dacia
A. Blodgett-Williams
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1.
"You Can Make A Pathway Bright" - Majestic
2. "All Creatures Of Our God & King" - Nancy Hamblin
with Fusion
3. "Put Your Shoulder To The Wheel" - J. Marc Bailey
4. "Abide With Me!" - Maren Ord
5. "Did You Think To Pray?" - The Loose
6. "Come, Follow Me" - Diana Rose
7. "Ye Elders Of Israel" - Vista 4
8. "A Child's Prayer" - SweetHaven featuring Bethany
Buck
9. "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam" - Juice
10. "Rock Of Ages" - The Arrogants
11. "You're Not Alone" - Dante
12. "Now Let Us Rejoice" - Tiffany Fronk
13. "Nearer, My God, To Thee" - The Rockamatics
14. "Teacher, Do You Love Me?" - Love Digit
15. "The Iron Rod" - Dodging Phips
16. "The Road Is Long" - Mighty Mahogany
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