I realized that you guys seemed to like my "Music!" post, and that was by far the most fun to write, so I decided to add album reviews into my crazy mix on here. Since this is my first full review, I will be brief but as adequate as possible.
Colton Dixon's new album "Anchor" stays consistent with his freshman album "A Messenger" in the sense of guitar-laden choruses and general rock genre; yet has some additions such as the tribal vocals in the 24 second "-35.8438,-86.4518".
1:"S.O.S."
The vocals in S.O.S. give me the impression of traveling a long journey, compacted in a time-span of 1:02 minutes. I felt the slight shock of hopelessness, hence the name "S.O.S.". The multi-vocals towards the end made the time seem to come faster, as if a multitude was traveling towards me, then rushing over and passing me; the voices fading into the pause before the next track.
2:"Our Time is Now"
The steady bass a few seconds in is great, but when it's the change at the chorus that really gets me. The beat makes me feel like I need to either hit the ground running or execute some pretty serious electric-guitar riffs to accompany that sweet drumming! Drawing out the "now" on the second chorus and then chopping it up, so to speak, gives you an even jumpier feeling. Not the best to listen to before you go to bed; but great before kicking off a mission trip or needing a boost.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"Let's put our stake in the ground
All the pain, all the shame
Have you had enough of it?
Are you ready for the change?..."
3:"Walk on the Waves"
This time, the electric guitar seems to lead the intro, but Colton's vocals really take it to the next level. The length of the notes in the chorus and the excessive* drumming makes me very anxious to hear "WOTW" in concert! The soft waves in both the beginning and end of the song really tie the track together, in my opinion.
*:that's a good thing, by the way. my dad and grandfather were both drummers, so I can definitely appreciate a good smashing on the drums.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"Open your eyes
Lift up your face
He's got your hands
Your heart, your life
So don't be afraid
To walk on the waves..."
4:"Anchor"
The soft-spoken lyrics and light piano right off the bat gives you a welcomed change; a calm break just before the rock comes in. Also, the drums, and to a lesser extent, guitar, are secondary. The track slowly builds, so you're somewhat accustomed to it by the time you're reach the chorus. Also, the "I need an anchor" at the ending of the chorus is in a much lower key, distinguishing the song from track three and two.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"See lightning tearing up the sky
My darkest fears are on the rise
But so is my undying faith..."
5:"Echo"
This is a slight change from the normal rock-vibe of Colton's songs, and in my opinion, it's welcomed. I absolutely love rock myself, but this may give the album a wider audience. Even though this song is definitely pop, Colton still manages to stay true to his sound and have just enough normality without making the album monotonous.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"Beyond our imperfections
Trying to cut through the noise
I stand a broken man
Who longs to be Your voice..."
6:"-35.8438,-86.4518"
This mini-track has a very tribal sound. I've got to say though, its placement on the album is a little strange. "More of You" is next, and the transfer from one song to the other is slightly confusing, in my opinion.
7:"More of You"
Ok, this is definitely my favorite song on the album. The beginning is amazing, the echoing drum beats really starts it off. The lighter mood seeps though the end of the second chorus. It gives the song a very worshipful feel. Also, the music video for the song is perfect(and I must say, Colton's rocking that guy-liner. will we be seeing more of that in the future...?)
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"All to You
I surrender
All to You my blessed savior
I surrender all..."
8:"Loud and Clear"
This is a very loud song; laying heavy on electric guitars and vocals. The lyrics remind me of "Ain't it Fun" by Paramore in the sense of calling someone out, so to speak. Apparently after the second chorus is the sweet spot for the songs on this album, and this track does not disappoint. The guitar solo's are phenomenal, as well as the vocals.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"Truth hurts but it heals too
No comfort is comfortable to you..."
9:"Fool's Gold"
The piano and light-yet-steady bass drum is very mysterious, and even when the faster, louder chorus comes up, the piano is still going steady in the background. The lyrics "take off your blindfold" and "smoke and mirrors" add to the mystery and magical theme of this track. The ending of simple vocals and light piano finish the song off perfectly.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"There's positively definitely gotta be more
Than a life filled with greed behind locked doors
Cause even our most coveted treasures
Are really only temporary pleasures..."
10:"Dare to Believe"
The beginning is filled with clapping and electronics, giving it a very Adam Young feel. It's the lyrics, however, that I'm loving the most. It makes me realize that our God is so amazing and powerful, and I feel so joy-filled at His works (God's). Even simply reading the lyrics brings on this effect, and I think that's the best accomplishment of any Christian artist.
FAVORITE LYIRC:
"I will dare to believe
That You are the Savior
Living in me
And I know You always will be..."
11:"Through All of It"
This song is a very real and personal story from the artist; and I think it's so admirable how Colton put himself out there like that. The song is a story of trial, hope, and the consistency of God's love. As for the musical aspect, I'm partial to violins, and I think it sets the mood brilliantly.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"All these years of our lives
I, I look back and I see You
Right now I still do
And I'm always going to..."
12:"Limitless"
I think this is the anthem of every true Believer. This track is perfect for when you need spiritual encouragement. I could really see Colton's heart towards God in this track. Yet again, the end of the second chorus is my favorite part! The general beat is so different yet so relevant to the original pace of the song. Keeping a good rhythm throughout the section, another chorus, then going back to the rhythm was genius.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"Limitless, limitless
The power of love
Alive in us
Is limitless, limitless
Unstoppable and nothing less..."
13:"Back to Life"
This song has constantly on repeat on my iPod, mainly because I see nothing greater in the music genre than going from a harsh beat, then to soft piano and vocals. The chorus plays a very jumpy tempo, then slightly slower, giving a fabulous head-banging/fist pumping rhythm that I saw at Colton's performance during Winter Jam. Also, the constant high-energy drumming would be great to see live!
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"I'm down to zero
With a God-shaped hole
I need a hero, I need a hero..."
14:"This Isn't the End"
The beginning piano and electronics mesh nicely with the drum beats following. The chorus is similar to previous tracks, but the high note on the last "end" really gives you a lighter feeling; making it something you haven't heard before. Actually, throught the track, the nicely-distributed high-notes refresh the song on the whole. The ending note is in my opinion, genius. The abrupt ending leaves your mind is still left in the song, so you're still thinking of it a few seconds after.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
"There's a pain that makes you stronger
There's a faith that holds you close
Don't be afraid to let your weakness show
(You're not made of stone)..."
I take my hat off to Colton Dixon and his band(Jared Martin,Rhett Noland,Devin Dexter, and David Ditrich) for their phemonenal work on this album! I totally recommend buying Anchor :)
Love,
Ashton Leigh Xx
PS: follow on insta! @greenteaandvogue
