David Crowder* Band: Church Music

Mike Mahoney — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:56:12 +0000

Purchase David Crowder* Band: Church Music
David Crowder* Band official site

SYNOPSIS
Joel: Let me start with this; I am a huge Crowder fan. Not only do I have every one of their CD’s (including the rare Pour Over Me) but my favorite CD’s from them are not even the popular ones. When I first listened to this CD I didn’t know what to make of it. It was like taking Sunsets and Sushi and throwing it in a blender with Remedy. I am not quite certain it works at times, but what you are left with is a very cool sound. I do a ton of Crowder’s stuff in church so when I heard title of the CD I was really excited. Sadly though I walked away with disappointment on that front because unlike its title, there is not much on here that could be done in a service. There are some AMAZING tracks on this CD that are a real departure from typical Crowder, and they will floor you.
Conner: What Crowder has given us this time around is another masterpiece that shows what happens when you take a concept and create a CD around it. Sure there are songs on here that are incredible but to me, this is a CD that must be soaked in from start to finish. I haven’t had a CD speak to me like this has, there is a rhythm to Church Music that took a few listens to appreciate. We begin with this tension of the proximity of God theme that sort of climaxes at The Veil and then very un-Crowderesque sits with 2 covers that if you didn’t know any better could be original tunes! What follows is a response in celebration calling out to dance and rejoice and Bubba Crowder knows how to celebrate! Stylistically, this project pushes forward as well. There’s a ton of loops, triggers, and ambient sounds. The acoustic has been traded in for the synth. There’s even a bit of autotone thrown in! And it all flows! I don’t believe there is another CD in the same ballpark as this out right now!
Mike: The first time through listening to this CD, I knew it was a game-changer. Disclosure: I am a DCB junkie of sorts. But this is not your father’s DCB CD. The title seems a little tongue-in-cheek at first. This isn’t “Sunday Morning” music, at least not much of it. And the band’s tendency for electronica, loops and plugins make it not so “church-friendly.” But Crowder has a unique sense of irony, and there’s no doubt that some of these tunes will bring you to a personal point of contact with the Almighty. And isn’t that what “church” should be about?
Al: I’m relatively new to Crowder’s music. My favourite Crowder Band tracks prior to the release Church Music are Here Is Our King (A Collision), O Praise Him (Illuminate), Come Thou Fount (All I Can Say) and Never Let Go (Remedy).There are some great songs on this album, and the song transitions are fantastic and take the listener on a journey. A lot of churches that have used Crowder’s music in the past will probably have used loops. This won’t change. In fact, I think it’s got a little more insane. For those unfamiliar with Crowder, the his music has heavy electronic and dance influences. It’s also not a record that tries to fit in with other CCM offerings. It seems they push the boundaries of modern worship to the limit that current technology allows.For an album that’s called Church Music, probably a joke on Crowder’s part, there’s not many songs here you’ll be able to pull out, play and have your congregation sing along to. For most it would sound a little like this old folk’s choir singing hip-hop songs. The album is growing on me with each listen. I imagine The David Crowder Band fan base will absolutely probably love it. You know, I can’t help thinking what a good replacement he’d make for that guy on Yo Gabba Gabba. I see him now with Orange hair, dancing around singing Oh Happiness! Oh, what have they changed the “sloppy wet kiss” lyric to in How He Loves? I can’t work it out – “unforseen kiss”? Everyone is recording this song right now. Do they all change the lyric?

BOTTOM LINE
Joel: On first few listens I was actually dissatisfied with the CD, but after pouring into I am enjoying it more and more. One of the songs I’m still debating on is “How He loves”. Seems like this song is becoming the new “Mighty to Save” or “Revelation Song.” Everybody is doing it, but nobody is bringing anything new to the table with it. Overall a great CD that is well worth multiple listens. Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Conner: THE MOST PROGRESSIVE THOUGHTFUL WORSHIP PROJECT. period. I said it. Easily since say…2005 Seriously, those who have whined and complained after A Collision can shush all your jibba jabba. Again, pushing the envelope without losing their identity, I believe we’re getting another lane changing CD as Illuminate was back in 03. I think the only drawback here is that the mainstream church isn’t ready for this music. It’s clear that the CDs title is a very statement to that fact, a tongue-in-cheek statement to what is truly defined as “church” music. Nonetheless this CD is sheer greatness. Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Mike: A very listenable album to be sure. There are some songs that put a bounce in your step (God Almighty, Dance) and others that are more pensive (Eastern Hymn.) I love the cover of “How He Loves.” As I said, this is a game-changer. The only similarity to previous DC*B offerings is that it keeps pushing back boundaries. I can’t wait to hear some of these songs live.Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Al: The album is growing on me, but the songs have yet to grow to same status as my older Crowder favourites. I don’t know if they ever will. This is probably the longest review I’ve written in a while but there is just so much to say about it. Conner will be proud of me. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

MUST HAVE SONGS

Joel:

Light & Shadows
Eastern Hymn
All Around Me
God Almighty (This song is AMAZING.. the guitar work is way different than typical Crowder.)
Alleluia Sing

Conner:

Alleluia Sing – easiest transferred to a typical church setting
Light and Shadows -> Eastern Hymn -> Shine = WOW
All Around Me
How He Loves – don’t let the Radio Edit release fool you!
What a Miracle!
Oh Happiness
GOD ALMIGHTY
In the End

Mike:

Dance
God Almighty
How He Loves
Eastern Hymn

Al:

Light & Shadows
Eastern Hymn
All Around Me
God Almighty
How He Loves

SONGS FOR CHURCH

Joel:

Light & Shadows
God Almighty (I’d love to try to pull this one off!)
How He loves (A very simple song to do in church no matter which version you choose to emulate)

Conner: I’m convinced that while these songs in all their glory are spectacular that pulling them off stripped down is possible and will get right on it!

How He Loves – actually did this one already
Alleluia Sing – seems easiest for church’s already doing Here is Our King and such
Oh Happiness – actually really simple
Shine
All Around Me

Mike: This is a little harder to nail. Pulling off Crowder tunes takes some effort, and these are no different. To do most of these songs effectively will take a band familiar with loops. Most of these are not going to be easily stripped down. That said:

God Almighty
How He Loves
We Are Loved – especially for a youth-oriented service

Al:

How He Loves
Light & Shadows

The Joint gives Church Music by David Crowder Band Overall Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars

the joint review » David Crowder Band

David Crowder* Band: Church Music