Search - Downhere :: Ending Is Beginning

My Top Album of 2008!

Kevin R. Davis | Perkasie, PA | 10/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This has been an AMAZING year for new Christian music. My most anticipated album all-year has been this gem by my favorite band Downhere. Sometimes an album doesn't live up to the hype after an excellent album like Wide-Eyed And Mystified, but this album is amazing, every song. As a major fan of the Canadian band Downhere since their Dove Award winning debut in 2001 and Best New Artist 2001, this band has only managed to get better this decade putting them in the ranks of my other favorite bands Jars of Clay, MercyMe and Sanctus Real, with their Brit-Rock sound being a blend of all of those great CCM artists and also the driving alternative rock that has made Coldplay an international sensation.



Ending Is Beginning immediately grabs you with the opening track Bleed For This Love, written in the person of Jesus and is a moving portrayal of His sacrifice and Love. Next, the first single Here I Am, based on my favorite passage of the Bible, Isaiah 6:8 stirs me to answer my calling as a Christian to do God's will. The next 4 tracks Cathedral Made Of People, My Last Amen, Hope Is Rising, and Something Heavenly are among the best songs ever by this great band, both musically and lyrically and the harmonizing of Marc Martel and Jason Germain has never been better. The album doesn't have any filler songs and actually closes as strong as it starts with Live For You, The Beggar Who Gives Alms and the anthemic and moving How Many Kings as a bonus track, originally on last year's Christmas album "Bethlehem Skyline".



For me, this album is truly 5 stars (98% perfect) and is my top album of 2008!

"

Fantastic Music and Fresh Lyrics = Great Album

Qwerty | 09/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is another strong effort by Downhere with its trademark combination of melodic pop/rock and fresh lyrics. Musically, Downhere is not content with a cookie-cutter pop sound. The music on this album is a rewarding mix of pop styles with twists and turns and interesting layers of background instruments and vocals that are both original and authentic. Lyically, they sing about various aspects of the nature of our relationship with God in a way that is encouraging and helpful. Their lyrics are original and creative and never cliche. In short, with this album, Downhere proves that it not just a great Christian band but also the artistic and creative equal of the finest secular pop acts playing today.



If you are already a fan of Downhere, you will be very pleased with this album, which could be the group's best overall effort. If you are new to the group, this is a great place to start. If you don't normally buy Christian pop, don't let that stop you. You will be pleasantly surprised by this energetic and thoughtful (*not* preachy or corny) music.



(For other Christian-inspired acts whose music is of extremely high quality (regardless of your belief system) check out Delirious?, Tree63, and Switchfoot.)"

FANTASTIC album in every way!

D. Guimaraes | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 10/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to this album envoked a feeling I haven't experienced for quite a while, at least not with recorded music...a tremendous appreciation that there even is a such thing as music. May sound crazy or simple, but most of the time we listen, we either like or dislike, we are entertained or not, and we appreciate something or other of what we just heard. Downhere's "Ending Is Beginning" has defied my typical music listening experience. I'm an avid music fan, and a musician myself, and something about the CD drew me to a place of abundant appreciation for the gift we call music.



It's not often these days that you find a band with the talent to bring top-tier musical quality, along with a message that makes you think about what you just listened to. Downhere certainly qualifies...tremendous talent in vocals, guitar, piano, bass, drums, songwriting--what else could you ask for?!?! The songs vary in style (I'm so sick of CDs where every song sounds the same) and truly have something relevant to say. Beyond just enjoying the music, you'll find yourself actually mulling over the lyrics even after each song is over. Not a common thread in music these days.



If there were room for 10 stars, it'd be no contest for me with this album. I have to say it's one of the best in quite a while, well worth the listen! I can't even pick a favorite song, too many great ones! I could go on and on about this CD, but I'll simply urge you to buy and listen (and buy their previous album, "Wide Eyed And Mystified" too). If you don't know Downhere, you don't know what you're missing. Here's to praying this band sticks around and blesses us with music for years to come..."