Search - Newworldson :: Salvation Station

Hand-Clapping Praise Music

Loreli | Chicago | 02/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard NEWWORLDSON at what may have been their first show in the US. It was during the newsboys' GO tour at the Peoria, IL show in October 2007. My husband and I were in the foyer perusing the booths and buying souvenirs. Then we heard the concert beginning with some cool gospel bluesy tunes. We kept shopping but the music was distractingly good. Too curious and too anxious not to miss whoever this band is, we left our shopping and went inside to check out this group. After the next song, we were up on our feet clapping and cheering this new band...NEWWORLDSON. With great anticipation, I finally received their new album...and it is more than worth the wait.



The album begins with the title track "Salvation Station". Mark Rogers' cranking drum intro tells us that this is not going to be your typical praise and worship song. Much of this song reminds me of the "Blue Brothers" soundtrack. Being a native Chicagoan, this comparison is meant as high praise. There is a strong urge to clap your hands and stomp your feet when listening to NEWWORLDSON . "Salvation Station" (a song about reaching Heaven) will cause you to do just that.



Following is "Working Man" a song about being a servant for the Lord. The music is a bit whimsical which I like since it shows that NEWWORLDSON doesn't take themselves too seriously. Joel Parisien (lead vocalist) takes us to the bridge with a vocal scat proving their musical creativity. The song ends with Rich Moore's fingers working hard for all of us bass lovers. Be sure to check out this song's video on their website and YouTube.



"Gimme" currently is available for free download from their label's website (www.inpop.com). This is my personal favorite because I appreciate the rawness of the lyrics. Don't we want the Lord to give us more love and grace? We are treated to a captivating guitar solo from Josh Toal that shows the depth of talent in this band.



Once again, Mark Rogers' commanding drum intro grabs your attention at the start of "Empty Heart". Joel's full mellow voice eloquently delivers the message that only God can fill up our empty hearts.



The slow melancholy mood of "Sweet Holy Spirit" balances the general upbeat tone of the album. Here Joel leads us to surrender ourselves to the working of the Holy Spirit. I especially like the closing line"I worried so much, I forget how to pray". Thankfully, he follows this cry of exhaustion with the echoing theme of "Spirit, I surrender to you". You will be encouraged with this song.



"Babylon is Gonna Fall" reminds us that this world will pass. As the song progresses the mood intensifies and you feel a greater sense of urgency. This is mirrored in the lyrics that challenge us to set our priorities right before Babylon falls.



"Down from the Mountain" has a bit more of a funky kind of beat. This song is about how our lives have changed now that we've come down from the mountain high of accepting God into our lives. There is a great beat-box breakdown towards the mid-section of the song that would make the Fat Boys and Doug E. Fresh proud.



This lyric heavy album continues with Borderline where NEWWORLDSON challenges us to make choices when we meet the borderline between right and wrong ("there is a line in the sand...have you chosen where you stand?"). This song has the most intense lyrics due to its siren call warning us of the inevitable temptation, falling down and "turning around" in life's journey to serve God.



I was surprised to hear the delightful Jamaican melody of "Citybus Lovesong". Joel serenades us with the kazoo (yes...the kazoo!). If you haven't seen the video of his kazoo talents, I strongly suggest you check out their videos on YouTube. The guy is good!



"Waitin till the Rapture Come" is a throwback to old school southern gospel music. You will enjoy Joel's work on the keyboards and the moving baseline groove courtesy of Rich Moore. The best part is the long instrumentation portion of the song. The band knows that sometimes music speaks louder than words and they aren't afraid to let the music "do what it do".



NEWWORLDSON closes out this offering with "Pledge of Allegiance". Another great reggae beat ushering in the message of pledging allegiance to God. Josh's background vocals provide excellent added texture to the melody.



What a way to finish out the album. I have already listened to it a few million times and it is still just as fresh as when I peeled the plastic cover off it. I bet you will think so too."

Great New Artist!!!!!

James A. Nichols | Midwest City, OK | 02/20/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the opening track of Salvation Station I knew that Newworldson had something different and special to make it stand out. There music doesnt really sound like anyone else that I can think of. It is praise and worship with some rock, blues, jazz, southern gospel, reggae and a few other types of music infused throughout the sound. I like the song "Salvation Station" "Working Man" and "Gimme." I expect really great things from them and this album is worth the listen for all fans of great music especially those willing to try something new."

This is Great!

Caps | 09/28/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Love the live studio feel thay achieved. So many great grooves and quirky sounds - alot of fun to listen to with a great message!"