South Africa music reviews

I'm really getting tired of the rock 'n worship craze that seems to have hit Christian rock over the past several years. Petra did something unique back in the late 80s and early 90s when they released their praise and worship albums because NO ONE ELSE WAS DOING IT. These days, though, everyone is doing it and with mixed results.

This Tree63 release is patterened after the two (excellent) praise and worship albums from Third Day. It contains a mix of older tunes done live with some new studio cuts, all focused around the praise and worship theme. Most of the live cuts are really good and full of energy -- especially "Joy." Some of the studio cuts are okay, but nothing really exciting.

Unfortunately, however, several songs on this one are just not that inspiring. The new version of "I Stand for You" is a little more invigorating than the first, but it also loses some of the sincere intimacy that made the original so good. "Nothing But the Blood" is a repetitive wash that sounds like it belongs in the playlist of a mediocre, Sunday morning church band. "Have Your Way" and "Great Kindness" make good background tunes, but they have no stamina.

The real highlights of this album are the live versions of tried and true Tree63 classics like "Treasure," "Joy," and "Look What You've Done for Me" -- as well as a fabulous take on "Amazing Grace." Overall, this is not up to Tree63's usual standards. They would have done better putting out a live, best-of album. Or they should have put all their energy into writing really creative praise and worship tunes instead of these so-so ones that sound more like they belong in a tired church service.

My 12 year old son and I went with one of his friends to the Baltimore "Rock the City" event 02 April 06 (3 days ago) not knowing what to expect; we'd been given tickets by our pastor.

I'm 49, learning to play drums as yet another midlife crisis, a born-again christian for 2 years now, getting a little fed up with the namby-pamby elevator rock played at my church and on christian radio, trying to find something in praise and worship music that sounds more like U2 (but not as secular/socialist), Linkin Park, Audioslave, Beck, Cake, The Cult, Filter, SOMEthing with some guts, some punch, some faith crying out in the wilderness of the general satanic chaotic noise coming out of the FM music industry. Get it?

This is it.

From the opening notes of I don't remember which song they started with, I was hooked. At one point I had tears in my eyes as I prayed and praised the same God that they were worshipping in their music and stage show.

We went out to the tables after the show (right after the Katinas started - by comparison it was like listening to Lawrence Welk), bought a couple of CDs (this one and The Answer to The Question), some guitar picks for my son, and when we came back to our seats the Katinas didn't suck so bad and we really got into them, but not like this band. They rock. I want to play drums like Darryl Swart. Dedicated to Jesus I know I will. My son (also a drummer, but learning guitar) wants to play like John Ellis. Now if we can just get his sister to take up bass. Oh, and his friend accepted Christ as Lord and Savior that night; what better testimony can I give.

I can't thank this band enough for their faith in action; if you're looking for a fresh, new, christian faith-based praise and worship sound, this is it.

"It's not a question of what you can do for me, what can I do for you, my Lord"

I've got drumming practice to do.

-Norm
socialist occupied Maryland

I cannot wait for the next CD. The way this album laces together the live versions with the new material is remarkable! I have seen the band twice and this cd brings their energy to you. I am always amazed three individuals can produce this sound. My girls sing along to "Joy" all the time. "No Other" should be in the bands rotation for their tour, in my opinion. Tree63's music is so faith-driven and inspirational,bring on Vol.2!

1. This Day
2. Further Up (Aslan's Call)
3. Safe In Your Hands
4. Wonderful Mercy (Psalm 139)
5. Moving With The Lamb
6. Mmoloki Warona (Our Redeemer)
7. This Is Your Song
8. Bring Me Back
9. Something Happens
10. Teach Me To Love
11. Show Your Power
12. Nkosi Sikelel' Afrika (God Bless Africa