Saint Lewis – Songs From the Hope Farm
Posted: August 7th, 2010 | Author: Mike Mahoney | Filed under: Saint Lewis | Tags: alastair vance, Cd review, klampert, lewis, mike mahoney, saint lewis, shannon, the joint review, Worship | 4 Comments »
Purchase Saint Lewis – Songs from the Hope Farm 
Artist official site
| SYNOPSIS | |
| KLAMPERT: I am a huge fan of shannon Lewis as a person, worship leader, dad, and husband. Because of that I was very excited to get this CD. It is hard to put your finger on what style he is and who to compare him to. I hear a bit of “the Kry”, “Gin Blossoms”, “5 for fighting”. It may not sound exactly like that, but I think if this CD was sitting in a CD shop thats the shelf it would be on.
Some of this CD brought me right in and other songs took a bit of time. I love the songwriting and the instrumentation. The chord patterns are refreshing as well because its not just simple 3 chord songs. I could totally hear “call me to live” on the radio. The chorus is really catchy. A brilliant hook. I really love “Quiet my Heart as well” Overall this is a great listen with some real standouts. Shannon and his wife make a great team on this CD and you can easily hear how amazing it would be to see them do this eclectic sound live. |
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| BYRD: - | |
| MAHONEY: I know well who Shannon Lewis is, and I have heard many things about his music. I was looking forward to this record so I could form my own opinions. There are a couple of songs I like a lot on here. It’s a very unique album, I will grant them. I’m not sure I’ve heard anything much like it recently.
It took me a couple of listens to really get into the record. I’ve had it for quite a while, actually, and after the first listen it went into the regular shuffle on my music player. The more songs came up, the more I liked them. I think there is some over-production in places, but overall the album has a good feel to it. |
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| VANCE: Saint Lewis has quite a unique sound going here. At least in my music collection I could not think of another artist to compare this with. The closest is probably Rich Mullins.
There are some great moments on this album – like when Shannon rocks out on “Call Me To Live”. There are other parts I don’t like so much, like some of the vocal effects which I felt were unnecessary. The songs themselves themselves are good. Only one song has stood out so far that I might be able to use in church. Shannon sings most of the songs on here, but is accompanied by his wife throughout most of the album. Give this album a go, if you enjoy good lyrics and something a little different. |
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| BOTTOM LINE | |
KLAMPERT: Great song writing, Good CD only issue I had was with production and vocal effects. Rating:   |
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| BYRD: - | |
| MAHONEY: I nice listen, with a couple of really great songs. Rating: |
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| VANCE: A good album that reminds me a little of singer-songwriters like Rich Mullins. Rating: |
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| MUST HAVE SONGS | |
| KLAMPERT:
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| BYRD: | |
| MAHONEY
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| VANCE:
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| SONGS FOR CHURCH | |
| KLAMPERT:
I”m pretty sure a few of these could be used in church. After careful review I don’t think there are any here I would personally use though. This may fall under more concert style worship and performance based songs in general. Some may make great special music though |
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| BYRD: | |
| MAHONEY:
I’m not sure I’d use any of these for my congregation. |
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| VANCE:
I thought the song best suited for congregational use was the last track, “Coming Kingdom”. |
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The Joint gives Saint Lewis: Songs From the Hope Farm Overall Rating:
Disclosure of Material Connection: We received this CD free from the publisher to listen and post a review on our site. We were not required to write a positive review. The opinions we have expressed are our own. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> > “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
It’s cool to read others’ perspectives on my friends’ music. They are awesome people and incredibly creative musicians.
But, would’ve loved to read more from Byrd…?
[...] Read the whole review on The Joint Review. [...]
[...] Read the whole review on The Joint Review. [...]
I’m surprised more people didn’t grab “Wandering Heart” – it’s my fave, by far!