GRAMMY-nominated, 5-piece rock band Leeland, from Baytown, Texas, goes the 'opposite way' on February 26, 2008, with its second in-studio release, Opposite Way. Produced by Matt Bronleewe (Jars of Clay) and engineered by B... more »en Grosse (Ben Folds, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Opposite Way is passionate and progressive music that provides an unforgettable, emotional experience for all who listen.« less
GRAMMY-nominated, 5-piece rock band Leeland, from Baytown, Texas, goes the 'opposite way' on February 26, 2008, with its second in-studio release, Opposite Way. Produced by Matt Bronleewe (Jars of Clay) and engineered by Ben Grosse (Ben Folds, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Opposite Way is passionate and progressive music that provides an unforgettable, emotional experience for all who listen.
James B. (wandersoul73) from LINDALE, TX Reviewed on 12/30/2009...
Highly Enjoy outing from Leeland, although this cd doesn't contain their best singles.
CD Reviews
Good but not Great
T. Koschmann | 03/23/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When I bought this cd, I was hoping for those stand out tracks like their previous effort "Sound of Melodies" provided. Sadly, at least to me, this cd didn't have those. I'm not saying that this is a bad cd, but I can't say that it is great either. Leeland is definitely gifted in writing lyrics and the music is more sonic this time around. But I don't know, it just felt like it was missing something. Some of the music even seemed like imitations of their last cd. I could just hear same guitar chord transitions and stylings that didn't separate itself from their first cd. There is growth on this cd, that is true, but not as much as what I hoping for or expecting from this gifted group. I hope that they continue to grow lyrically and musically as they develop their sound more. Plus I hope they don't get stuck in the "playing-it-safe" sound that so many bands get stuck in.
Here's hoping for an even fresher sound the 3rd time around whenever that comes."
Solid 2nd album, top 10 of 2008!
Kevin R. Davis | Perkasie, PA | 05/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I waited to review this album until I savored it awhile because at first it didn't measure up to "Sound of Melodies", but not much does in my opinion. So, I spent more time getting into the music and lyrics of "Opposite Way" and I am now convinced it is a top 10 album of 2008. "Count Me In" gives a great way of thinking about our calling as Christians: "I didn't choose You, You chose me first" and is classic Leeland emotional alternative rock, and the other highlights are "Let It Out Now", "Enter This Temple", "Brighter Days" and my favorite song is "Opposite Way" which is an amazing worship anthem encouraging believers to follow Christ's example of being in the world, but not of the world.
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Much of the same
Kirkeby | Norway | 04/27/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This new album from Leeland is much like their last album. They follow the same track with songs in the same genre and style. I think the album was great as an album, but I would liked it if they did something new. Maybe it's too much to expect from the second album, so I hope we see some changes in the third."
Leeland strikes again!
Michael Davis | 03/01/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"WOW! Leeland has outdone themselves again. Leeland Mooring's vocals continue to impress me as well as the style. I like again how it has some songs that are more pop and others that are slower. I didnt come across a song on this cd that i didn't like. This is a geat cd especially if you like Britsh bands such as Coldplay and Keane. I like Leeland so much because they are so different from most Christian bands out there. Keep up the great work Leeland!"
Very Good
Joshua Harper | 05/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well the last CD was brimming with great songs, but this cd didn't live up to the first i must say. Well I think what Leeland is doing is going through themes. The last was about nothing more than praise and this one is more of a message to us about going the opposite way of the world.
Count Me In
The album's hit apparently. I don't particularly care for the song i mean vs sound of melodies. The chorus isnt so flowing and the actual music itself isn't a match for the first. The song is good but id only give it 3 1/2 stars nothing major.
Let It Out Now
Now this one is a hit. The sound is great and the message is very clear. This is one of the best on the CD 4 1/2 stars.
Enter this Temple
Very good song. Unlike most songs on the CD this is a plain worship song. Its a great song for all worshipers and would be a great song to play on a sunday morning or whenever really. 4 Stars
Opposite Way
The album's REAL hit in my opinion. This song sort of lives up to the previous track 4 Tears of the Saints. On the first verse of the song it talks about how we are tired of doing the same old things, being at the same place, with the same people, eventually leading telling you its okay to run the opposite way. Then it tells us what Jesus sacrificed and how he went the opposite way so we could. VERY moving song. The album is worth buying for this one track. 5 Stars.
Wake Up
The song is okay. I've only listened to it three times (out of the hundreds of times i've listened to the others) well its not their best work but I give it a 3 star.
Beginning and the End
This song has similar sound to Too Much (another of my Favorites) but its lyrics aren't as good. 4 stars.
Brighter Days
3 stars
Falling For You
This song lives up to the last 08 track (Hey) but the lyrics and sound and beat are completely different. Hey is probably my favorite up-beat/love song to the lord Leeland has but this song is amazing. Its about how as Children we so willingly followed Jesus but we fall and leave him until we fall for him like we did as children. Very Awesome song indeed. 5 Stars
Don't Go Away
This song is very much like Reaching as far as sound goes. Lyrics are completely different though. Can't Really describe it very well but the chorus asks God Not to leave us. All in all its a very good song. 4 Stars
Thief in the Night
This song is about how We shall praise God until he takes us like a thief in the night (death/rapture). Very good song. 4 1/2 stars.
May Our Praise
Well all CDs come to an end. Like the last cd this album goes out with a sweet sound to God. Though I don't particularly like this song so much the lyrics are greatly heartfelt and this song is very good. 4 stars
The album has its ups and downs and though some of its songs arent completely awesome the ones that are good really make up for it. If you can just download the ones that are really good on I-tunes or here. This Band is really blessed with talent and they've directed ALL of it to God and thats why I really look up to these guys when it comes to my own musical talent.