M. Albert | Orchard Park, New York United States | 08/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a 36 year old mother of four young kids.I just recently became a big fan of Newsboys, and when I saw Phil had a couple of albums out I had to get them. My first listen through blew me away; finally some rockin' Christian music!! Meaningful, thought provoking lyrics with some music with attitiude; I am very thankful for this as I had been looking for this mix in Christian music for a long time. I grew up listening to Michael W Smith and Amy Grant and enjoy them still, but sometimes you wanna rock out, you know? This satisfies the rocker in me while also allowing my parental control regarding music to take a back seat when my kids are around because these are songs praising and thanking the Lord."
The Underrated Genius
The Moose | Parkersburg, WV USA | 03/26/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At first I thought I was only going to enjoy a couple songs on this CD. I was wrong. Every single song on this CD (maybe with the exception of one or two) is a masterpiece. Phil Joel has brought more than just music to this album, he put every piece of his soul in it. The first song, Resolution, I consider one of the greatest songs I've ever heard, and I've heard a lot. The other greats are Make me the Man, I Adore You, Fallen in Love, and Take my Heart, which all bring a trait of Joel's character and place it into the album like a puzzle piece. If you only buy a few CD's in your life, make sure this is one of them. It is good (And I'm usually pretty critical on music)."
Better than original, better than newsboys
Tom | Wyoming, MI United States | 01/02/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Phil Joel will never cease to amaze me! I first heard his first album when a coworker "forced" me to listen to his first album (I had no idea who he was). After learning he was with the newsboys, I gave it a chance. I was blown away!I quickly became addicted to his first cd. Weeks later (good timing, I guess) this album came out. At first listen I didn't totally know what to think because it was so different from his first album. By the second time through the album, though, it had become my favorite album by any person/band. It has more diversity than Phil's first album, with some pop-ish rock, some rock that is reminiscent of late 80's early 90's rock, alot of modern sounding songs (in my opinion), and some slower, powerful Christian "ballads". I feel his first album (although a very awesome album) doesn't have as near as much diversity as this one.The lyrics, also, are very compelling, moreso than Newsboys, I think. They definately challenge anyone's relationship with God and give inspiration. I had the pleasure of meeting Phil, too, and know that this music came personally from his heart and was inspired by the Holy Spirit and would be a blessing to all who listen."
BRING MORE ON
Tom | 11/13/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album really is great! Phil's first album was good and I highly recommend it, but this album is even better. Catchy tunes. The lyrics show some growth and maturity in Phil's understanding of life and living in light of God's presence. I just wish there where more tracks to enjoy. Can't wait for the next one!"
Sophomore surpasses Freshman Album.
J. Mustion Jr. | St. Louis, MO | 10/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I dont know if you can say i was extremely pumped for this album, but i knew i wanted to get it and boy am i happy i did. This cd is AWESOME! It is much heavier than the first one and it is even better than the last newsboys THRIVE cd. You really need tog et this cd, it really does, truly, ROCK!"