Better Days: A Belated Christmas and New Year's Reflection, Rock-n-Roll Style

Better Days-The Goo Goo Dolls

And you ask me what I want this year
And I try to make this kind and clear
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

Cuz I don't need boxes wrapped in strings
And desire and love and empty things
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

And it's someplace simple where we could live
And something only you can give
And thats faith and trust and peace while we're alive
And the one poor Child that saved this world
And there's 10 million more who probably could
If we all just stopped and said a prayer for them

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

I wish everyone was loved tonight
And somehow stop this endless fight
Just a chance that maybe we'll find better days

So take these words
And sing out loud
Cuz everyone is forgiven now
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again
Cuz tonight's the night the world begins again

This song came up on my Pandora station months ago, and has been a favorite of mine ever since.  Let us hold on to this hope as we enter the new year, the hope which Christ desires to plant in our hearts this Christmas season, the hope that better days are surely on the way, and that-despite all the tragedy that has occurred, and the seemingly endless flow of violence, tears, and pain that has dominated the last few months of 2012- the days of peace, hope, love, forgiveness, and joy are not far off. Even in the midst of the darkest times, the Sun still manages to shine, for "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it" (John 1:5).

A very Merry Christmas to everyone, and wishes for a New Year full of "better days".

(The video's a bit odd, but it's clean- and the song has such a cool sound, I wanted you all to be able to hear it)

Closer

Closer- Josh Groban
Classical/Vocal/ Pop
2003

Josh Groban's CD "Closer" is unique: along with having the typical vocal pieces in the romance languages, it also has some very beautiful, pop-like English songs and the occasional religious number, all adding up to a very enjoyable CD.  "My Confession" is a compelling song about someone who has been running from God for too long, and is now "on [his] knees, confessing".  His version of "You Raise Me Up" is my favorite take on this song so far, being grand and very dramatic.  "Remember When it Rained" might be my favorite on the disc, being a reflection on turning to God in desperation, when all seems lost.  The "exotic" pieces are lovely, "When You Say You Love Me" is romantic, and "Never Let Go" is inspirational.  Josh Groban's voice is incredible, and this CD is perfect for when one finds himself tired of the junk on the radio or simply wants to listen to something different.

Possible Concerns:

Overall, the CD is fine. No bad language, sensual imagery, or negative messages.  The song "Broken Vow" is about a woman leaving her husband for another man, and him asking himself why he let it happen.  Near the end of the song, Josh Groban sings: "I'd give away my soul to hold you once again, and never let this promise end."  In context, this statement is obviously a culmination of this poor man's despair over having lost the love of his life, but still, this line is not the best. 

I asked for this CD after seeing Josh Groban in the Ignatius catalog, and have been thoroughly enjoying it since receiving it.  I recommend this to everyone, as I think the majority of people, no matter what their normal musical preferences are, could enjoy this CD.

Have a CD, song, or artist you want me to review?  Leave me a comment and maybe the next "Music Monday" will be the review you were hoping for!

Cover image from Wikipedia

Vice Verses

Switchfoot-Vice Verses
Alternative Rock
2011
This is Switchfoot's latest album, and the song I've been analyzing, "Selling the News," is from this new CD.  As always, this new album is full of awesome sounds and insightful lyrics.  Jon Foreman, the main singer, has an incredible voice and cries for a world-wide change, starting with one's soul and working up to saving this "nation that eats our youth" (from the song "Blinding Light,").

Switchfoot is not afraid to address topics that are not considered politically correct.  They begin their album with a song called "Afterlife" which is about living life out loud, choosing to live to the fullest with the end in mind.  Another highlight on the album are "Restless" which is based off of St. Augustine's famous quote "Our hearts are restless until they rest in You."  This song is truly beautiful, and inspires the listener to seek to do God's will in his life, starting with finding and accepting God within him.  One of my favorites is "Thrive" which is about wanting to "thrive, not just survive" in body and soul. "Dark Horses" is probably their biggest mainstream hit from this album, and is about continuing to run against the crowd and pain without giving in, and many have called the last song "Where I Belong" their best yet.  This song is about the end of one's life, and about finally arriving "in a world where I belong," and living so as to achieve this end.

When you are feeling down or are in need of some motivation to continue to fight the world's lies, I suggest this CD to you.  It will inspire you and fill you with the fire you need to get out there and continue the battle.

As always, there are no curse words or inappropriate topics.  Switchfoot has once again succeeded, creating an album that wakes everyone up with fresh, fast beats, awesome notes, and fearless words.

May God bless this band as they continue to use their popularity to spread His message!

This is the last post in the series "We're Selling the News."  I hope this series has been both educational and inspiring; may the problems and solutions outlined here fill you anew with a desire to fight God's battle with all your heart.  And may God bless all of you!

The Summons

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?

Will you go where you don't know and never be the same?

Will you let my love be shown? Will you let my name be known,

will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?

Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?

Will you risk the hostile stare, should your life attract or scare?

Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?

Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?

Will you kiss the leper clean, and do such as this unseen,

and admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the "you" you hide if I but call your name?

Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?

Will you use the faith you've found, to reshape the world around,

through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Lord your summons echoes true if I but call your name,

Let me turn and follow you and never be the same,

In Your company I'll go where your love and footsteps show.

Thus I'll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

Pictures courtesy of http://spiritlessons.com/Documents/Jesus_Pictures/Jesus_Christ_Pictures.htm.



Who We Are!!!

I'm Ocean Blue...

Cerulean- The Ocean Blue

Rock
1991

"This I call my sailboat, and these are all my friends," is the opening line of Breezing Up, the first song on this gentle CD full of upbeat tunes, smooth music, and light-hearted voices. This album is innocent and lovely, and its songs range from speaking of sailing, sunny days, and blue skies to being in love, confused, or sad. Yet, even when lamenting good times lost, The Ocean Blue still makes one feel care-free. The music is nothing complex, hard, or fast. It has the feeling of someone wandering through their day, in no hurry-without any stress. I love listening to this CD when I'm by the pool, on the way to the beach, or even just relaxing at home with the windows open. It will cure you of a bad mood or heavy heart in a flash, and will have you singing it's happy little rhythms the rest of the day. Once again, I can't help but recommend the whole album! It's something everyone can enjoy. David (the lead singer's) voice is clear and always on perfect key, and the instruments create the perfect aquatic melodies.

Possible Concerns:
None, once again! I hope you enjoy this beautiful CD!


Picture and lyrics from: http://www.theoceanblue.com/lyrics/cerulean.html#breezing

"What Do I Know of Holy?" by Addison Road

Pay close attention to the lyrics, they teach a beautiful lesson...

Music Monday: Article One!!!

Colors and Sounds-Article One
Pop/Rock
2008

This CD is totally awesome and uniquely beautiful! I actually saw these guys in concert two years ago at the Rock for Life Concert the night before the March for Life in DC. They are amazing! The best part? The violinist!!!! He dominates all of the songs and is freakishly good (he played a fast solo with the violin on top of his head without messing up)! Outside of the gorgeous sound, these guys have a genuine, godly messages in their lyrics. The hit song on the album, "Without You (I'm Not Alright)" talks about the need for God to keep you on the right track in life. Another one of my favorites, "If the World Gives Up," is all about God sticking with you through everything- he will not abandon you. Every single song has this kind of a message- relying on God for everything and through everything. I highly recommend buying this album, then going on http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/ and looking up the lyrics to the songs. Under every song, one of the band members explains the religious message they were trying to convey through their music. It's truly a one-of-a-kind group!

Possible Concerns:
None, unless you're allergic to out-of-this-world-awesome violin music!!!! :)

A Couple CDs for Lent

I hope everyone is doing well today!

I've got a couple suggestions for all of you if you are looking for some nice, quiet or reflective music to listen to during Lent.

First, if you want something without words,

The Mystical Chants of Carmel-Carmelite Monks of Wyoming

Chant

2005

This CD is very beautiful. The monks all have such melodious voices and sing in perfect harmony. The songs include different Mass hymns, such as the offertory, communion, and response songs, along with antiphons and prayers. The CD comes with the translations of all of the music. Please take the time to read these, for they are absolutely lovely prayers. There is also a video called "First Novice Clothing" on the CD. Put this on while you're reading the Bible, praying your rosary, or doing a Lenten Reflection. You could even use the prayers as your reflection. Track 9, the Stabat Mater, is a very good choice for Lent, because it dwells on the Seven Sorrows of Mary, beginning with

The sorrowful Mother stood

Beside the Cross in tears while her Son

hung.

Whose sighing, sorrowful and lamenting

soul, a sword pierced through.

O how sad and afflicted was that

Blessed Mother of the Only-begotten!

Possible Concerns:

Of course, there are none. Enjoy the calming effect this CD will have on you at any time of day.

Second, for something with words,

 

 The House You're Building-Audrey Assad

 Religious

 2010

This CD is very nice. The lyrics all have heartfelt messages and meanings, and even sound like prayers. These are a perfect for listening to while you get ready in the morning or drive to school. Or you could use them as a kind of morning devotional starter. Listen to a song before your morning prayer to get your mind in a quiet, prayerful state. The songs range from lively to soothing, but all have an underlying peaceful pace. I know you will enjoy this CD, and hopefully the songs will help you to really look within yourself and seek to perfect your spiritual life.

Possible Concerns:

Once again, none to be found! Enjoy Audrey's touching words, and the religious insight in every song.

I hope you enjoy these! And continue to stick to those Lenten resolutions! :)

God Bless!

                                                                                                                                                              

Fight the Good Fight...

So, this afternoon I've come home from school in a terrible mood. Let me tell you why.

I am (obviously) a Catholic- and I love apologetics. Since eighth grade I've had many people question my beliefs and put me down for being devout. Now, this has had quite a positive effect on me. Not only did it make me really look into the Church's teachings and better educate myself, but it also helped me develop a real love for the Catholic Church.

Today, I had a run-in with a friend of mine. Our discussion upset me quite a bit. But, as I was sitting here thinking about it and trying to come up with something to post, it occurred to me that this tussle makes the perfect subject.

I know that when you feel belittled or judged by others for your faith, it is hard to persevere and continue to fight. But I encourage you not to give up, never back down!!! We have something that no other church can claim. We have the fullness of truth! We have a Pope who can trace his "lineage" right back to Peter- who was appointed by Jesus himself! We have the presence of Christ in the Eucharist! We have the same universal beliefs worldwide! And, we have over 2000 years of tradition!

So take up your cross, brothers and sisters, and follow Christ! There is a song by Breaking Benjamin with a really awesome chorus. It goes:

All is lost again,

but I'm not giving in.

I will not bow,

I will not break,

I will shove the world away.

I will not fall,

I will not fade,

I will take your breath away.

This is my battle hymn, and my encouragement to all of you. It may seem like "all is lost" but do not give in! Shove the world and all of its deceit away and hold to what you know is true! Do not fall or fade, because some of the most courageous stories in history are those of the saints who fought to the death, like Joan of Arc. And these stories truly take my breath away!

Reflect on this during Lent, and may you all use this time to fall in love with Christ and his Church in a whole new way!

The First Music Album is... Until We Have Faces!!!!

Until We Have Faces-Red
Hard Rock
2011

Don't judge this album by its cover. Despite the screaming face, the songs on this album are relatively beautiful and deep as opposed to Red's normal intense and loud style. Yet, this Christian band has not disappointed, but surprised me. I had about three songs of theirs before this album was released; I'm not a big fan of frequent screaming. But, after listening to the song clips, I found that I really enjoyed listening to all but the first one. This album is named after a C.S. Lewis book (no, I haven't read this one yet either, but wait and I'll review it also) and is full of motivating messages, cries to God for help, and the desire for spiritual growth. These guys are not content to sit and let their lives fall into ruin, instead they sing songs, begging God to help them come back to Him- or encouraging others to do the same. I definitely recommend this album to all of you, just give it a chance, I think you'll be surprised!

If you want to read the lyrics to all the songs on this album, go to ttp://jesusfreakhideout.com/lyrics/new/title.asp?title_id=1308. This is a Christian website that posts lyrics from all sorts of Christian bands. All of the lyrics on this album are good, wholesome, and clean.

Possible Concerns:
None! Enjoy!