HE HAS RISEN!!!!

“Praise be to God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy HE has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” – 1 Peter 1:3 (NIV)

We here at Rocking it Christian Style, pray that you’ve all had a blessed Easter weekend, full of joy, rest and fellowship!

After spending the whole of Friday catching up with friends, having a braai (barbeque), playing cricket and eating more Easter eggs than any normal human being should, we had to remind ourselves of what it was that we were actually celebrating...Jesus’ death and resurrection.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” – John 3:16

Although Easter is definitely a time of celebration, I can’t help but feel guilty...as it was OUR sin that held Him on that cross. We can’t even begin to comprehend God’s love for us...Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us – flawed and full of sin. I urge you to take a moment on this special day, and think about this...and I mean, really think about it...let this amazing truth of God’s grace and mercy sink in.

I pray that you have an incredible day...and remember not to lose sight of what today is all about!

We hope you enjoy the songs!!

Like a Lion - Newsboys

Oh Happy Day – Jesus Culture

Amazing Grace – Citizens

I Will Rise – Chris Tomlin

Resurrect Me – Jon Foreman

Second Chance – Rend Collective Experiment

Easter Hymn – David Crowder Band

Hero - Skillet

(Who needs Batman or Superman...Jesus is the only hero we’ll ever need...)

Battle Hymn of the Republic

(Some old school vibes for you....I know it’s not for everyone, but I hope some of you enjoy it at least!)

Please note that we do not own the content of the above videos.

Peace and Love everyone!

A

RED: Release the Panic

Release Date: 5 February 2013

Genre: Post grunge; Heavy metal; Christian metal

Length: 34:00

Label: Essential; Sony

Producer: Howard Benson

Similar artists: Disciple, Nine Lashes, Kids in the Way, The Letter Black

Rating: 4/5

When RED announced their new album last year, they said that it would be an album unlike anything they had done previously...and that is definitely what they’ve done! Different is good. However this has opened them up to a lot of criticism.

The album leads RED into a new phase of their career and I believe that they have done a good job. The album proves to be a mixture of intense music mixed with some more chilled vibes. Songs such as Damage lead you to believe that RED is moving into a phase of something much heavier than we are used to, but then you hear a song like Glass House which makes you think they are heading into a more chilled future. This brings me to the down side of the album. The sudden genre change almost gives you whiplash. This results in the album feeling slightly disjointed. Don’t stress though… the album redeems itself.

When it comes to songs like Hold Me Now; Release The Panic; Perfect Life, RED hits hard with their no nonsense lyrics and ridiculously energetic instrumentals. I find that there are some definite links to their previous albums; however they also bring a new feel into their music. This redeeming quality results in yet another superb RED album.

“I can feel your madness now
I can feel your fire now
It's what I burn for
It's what I bleed for
I would die for you”  - lyrics from the song Die For You. I am sure that many of you will agree, once you have listened to the album, the lyrics are pretty awesome.

‘Release the Panic’ is a combination between all the different previous RED albums. The amalgamation of the albums in my opinion has proven to be a great success. I am sure that it has something for everyone. I say go for it!!

Song of the album goes to Die For You.

Have a rocking week everyone

J

When I Needed Encouragement the Most....

If your week has been anything like mine, the one thing that you’re dying for is some encouragement. Being an architecture student I find that when designing, one essential tool that I cannot go without (apart from a pen...duh) is background music. For those of you who read last week’s post you’ll be familiar with what’s been keeping me going...Nakhane Toure, House of Heroes, The Welcome Wagon, as well as some Mumford and Sons...obviously!

This week has been quite a struggle, especially with regards to work. I’ve struggled to maintain a balance with my spiritual, social and work lives. I’ve questioned where God wants me to be and if what I’m doing is aligned with His will for my life. All in all, it was just a horrible week....

Loooooong story short, one of the many things I’ve learnt this week is how powerful music can be, especially when needing a morale boost. I’ve found that I connect strongly with God through music, and have needed to rely on this heavily over the past few days. Here’s a list of the few songs that have kept me going.

Needtobreathe - Washed By The Water

Casting Crowns- East to West

Sufjan Stevens – To Be Alone with You

Mumford and Sons – This Train/Come thou Fount

Matthew Mole – How Deep the Father’s Love for Us
https://soundcloud.com/matthew-mole

Monsters Calling Home – Growing Up

Guys, I’ll be here all day if I upload all the songs...I strongly recommend you just look these guys up!

Nakhane Toure

The Welcome Wagon

Page CXVI

Josh Garrells

Just remember that, although troubles will come, Jesus has overcome the world.

Just reminding myself of His overwhelming love for me has brought so much peace.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Have a blessed week everyone!

Peace and Love

A 

J and A's Playlist

Hey guys. Ok...this week we thought we’d take it a bit easy and post a few songs from our favourite bands at the moment...enjoy!

J's Playlist

I am Empire - Saints and Sinners

House of Heroes - Remember the Empire

Kutless - Shut me Out

Disciple - Lay my Burdens

Day of Fire - Landslide

Project 86 - Fall, Goilath, Fall

______________________________________________________________________

A's Playlist

Among Savages - New York City

Matthew Mole

https://soundcloud.com/matthew-mole

Nakhane Toure

https://soundcloud.com/nakhane-toure-1

Welcome Wagon

http://noisetrade.com/welcomewagon/

Citizens - Made Alive

Page CXVI

https://soundcloud.com/pagecxvi

Rhett Walker Band: Come to the River

Release Date: 10 July 2012

Genre: Christian Alternative Southern Rock, Southern folk

Label: Essential

Similar Artists: Kutless; Family Force 5; Mercyme, Rend Collective Experiment

Album Length: 36:58

Rating: 3.5/5

Something different… If you enjoy the interesting vocals of southerners and that quirky sound of a plucky guitar… then you will enjoy this album. I didn’t think much of this album the first time I heard it as it is not my favourite genre of music. Alex is more of the folk fundi, but I decided to give it a go.

The album has two sounds; the first is the band’s really good interpretation of the southern alternative genre, songs like Get up get out, and Gonna be alright are good examples of this. The second is a fresh look at the folk scene, I say fresh because it made me think twice about the genre. The final track, Singing Stone is a mix between worship and folk. There are definite folk vibes through the album, as well as rocky undertones. Neither of which I can fault.

The album does not bore you, the lyrics are potent enough to keep you captivated for that second listen in a row and there is certainly enough beat to warrant a foot tapping session in the car.

Bear in mind that this is the bands first release and as such they have a lot to learn. There are certain aspects of the album that give away their newness; on the whole, Paul Moak- the producer- did a great job with this album. The bands sounds carries and it definitely has me excited for their future projects.

"Oh, now's the time to stand up and feel alive
Oh, your strength runs through me
Oh Lord, yeah, you make me new
You make me new" - Make Me New

Song of the album goes to Can't Break Me

HOWEVER! This week I want to add something...the best lyrics on the album have to go to Brother:
"Brother don't you know
No one's too high to fall
No one's strong enough to make their own way
Brother don't you know
We're all just beggars and thieves
In need of the very same grace
The very same grace..."

Check this album out if you want something different in your collection.

Have a rocking week everyone
J

What Makes Christian Music "Christian"?

After reading Jay’s post a couple of weeks ago on “What sets Christian Music Apart?” I felt called to share my thoughts on what Christian music IS exactly.

Whilst doing work for varsity on my computer, I magically landed on Facebook (as one does), and then Twitter...and then Youtube...before I knew it, I had spent almost two hours doing absolutely nothing but fooling around, commenting, liking, sharing, (insert another social networking verb here). With the project deadline creeping ever nearer I decided to do the right thing... I procrastinated even more. Now, I don’t know why I started surfing the web for people’s thoughts  on Christian music, but I did... it’s interesting to note that despite us serving the same God, all people’s relationships with Him are different and they worship HIM in varying ways.

I read an article (I’ll keep it anonymous) where the author describes any worship “music” short of Gregorian chanting as “of the devil”. There is a huge debate as to whether Contemporary Christian Music is “good” or “evil”. He stated that Christian music has now conformed to secular methodology. “How can music that came from evil, now be used to worship our God?” – speaking of Christian rock. ‘Drugs, sex and rock and roll’; a catchphrase from loooooong before my time, but one that definitely fits that era and still rings true in the secular rock world today. Rock star David Bowie said, "Rock has always been THE DEVIL'S MUSIC."

I did more research on what other people’s thoughts were and came across people saying that drums have historically been used in various cultures to induce trances and brainwash people etc, resulting in its classification as “of the devil” (I’m not convinced in the slightest). Some people even say that instruments in general distract you from your worship and focus on God... again, I’m not convinced. 

An interesting point that is made, however, refers to the Contemporary Christian music industry and how it is “celebrity-driven”. The example used is a Michael W. Smith concert and how teenage girls scream their affection for HIM and not our God. Would you focus on worshipping God at a Red concert? Skillet? Thousand Foot Krutch? I’m not insinuating you wouldn’t, I just want you to think about it... Be honest with yourself. I know that personally, I caught myself out at the Switchfoot concert. I was so excited to see the BAND that I forgot why I had started listening to them in the first place...

As I’m typing this I’m slowly realising how MASSIVE this topic is, and should probably break it up into smaller bits over the next couple of weeks... I just want to end off this post with a personal experience of mine.

In December 2012, I went on an outreach to an orphanage in Kwa-Zulu-Natal, here in sunny South Africa. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life and I’m counting down the days to the next one. On the last evening, we had a typical South African braai (a barbeque for those overseas readers)  and afterwards we emptied out one of the halls, put up giant speakers and pumped the LOUDEST, CRAZIEST music we had... We played some Christian rock music, electro, dubstep... You name it, we played it. We then ended off with Passion’s White Flag album. I’d go so far as to say that we created a Christian club! Not a hot, smoky, sweaty, drunk person-filled club, but one where people were dancing, singing, worshipping, praising our God the whole night long...

I’ve spoken to a few of my friends who were on the outreach and they agreed with me. We were all dancing, but not to show off, not to impress, not for ourselves, not for anyone but God... I’d never worshipped God in dance before, but that night I did...and it was unforgettable! Whether it was to Christian Hip Hop, Dubstep, Rock or Praise and Worship! I felt so incredibly close to Him, singing his praises whilst jumping round a room, not caring about the fact that I probably looked ridiculous to spectators.

Music is such an incredibly powerful tool... I have no doubt of that. And yes, the devil does use it for his own purposes, but I personally believe that God can be present in any genre! I just want to pose the question “What makes Christian Music ‘Christian’?” Is it the lyrics? Then how could a bunch of volunteers dance in worship to the crazy sounds of “Christian” Dubstep where there are barely any words (other than the odd “God” or “Jesus” or something?) Is it the instruments? Is it the genre? Listen to Brian Head Welch’s testimony and tell me that Christian rock is evil... I’m going to stop there.

Guys I haven’t really answered any questions...but that’s the point!! I just want you to think about all this yourself and then COMMENT!! Please feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions!!

Peace and Love everyone

A

Thousand Foot Krutch: The End is Where We Begin

Thousand Foot Krutch: The End is Where We Begin

Release Date: April 17 2012

Genre: Hard Rock; Nu Metal; Alternative Metal; Christian Rock; Rap

Label: Independent

Similar Artists: RED; Manafest; Skillet; Pillar; Decyfer Down

Album Length: 48:39

Rating: 4.5/5

The album starts with this random electro voice, and I wouldn’t blame you if you thought “What the freak?” But give it a chance; that electro voice becomes the intro to a truly epic rock album. The first track hits hard. We Are comes first, and the song becomes your instant favourite…but there are still 14 tracks on the album. So a good start indeed. From this point on, deactivation is not an option.

Why is this album so good? Why is Thousand Foot Krutch so good? I reckon it is because of their style. They are able to join two genres which some say cannot be joined. Joining Rap and Rock is what Trevor and the boys do to perfection; it helps that Trevor is able to maintain awesome vocals in both genres. The entire album is designed so that it will appeal to everyone. If you enjoy your rock, consider it catered for. If you enjoy rap, you also won’t be disappointed. Even if you enjoy your slower rock, songs like So Far Gone and Be Somebody will have you tapping your toes to a tantalising beat while being you cannot help but be infected by their amazing lyrics.

“We are the ones, we are the guns

And we will ride; we are the voice of a song unsung

We are the change; we are the chains that hold us

We are the choice, we are the strong

We are one”. Taken from the song, We Are which shows a true strength in the lyrical potency of this album.

The reason for me not giving this album 5 out 5 is due to the fact that there are a couple of songs which are not as strong as the others. This unfortunately means that it loses its 5 star rating. I would love to give it 5, but I need to be critical here.

“Is it true what they say, that words are weapons?

And if it is, then everybody best stop steppin'

Cause I got ten in my pocket that'll bend ya locket,

I'm tired of all these rockers sayin' come with me,

Wait, it's just about to break, it’s more than I can take,

Everything's about to change.” Lyrics form track of the week - War of Change. 

Check out the video on our site.

I seriously recommend this album to everyone.

We are the war of change – let’s make it count.

Have a rocking week everyone

J

Christian Music News: March 2013

Audio Adrenaline takes it to the Max

Kevin Max has joined Audio Adrenaline for his newest adventure, ‘Kings and Queens’. Kevin joins Audio Adrenaline after his solo career as well as his time with DC Talk. The new album goes on sale March 12 2013. Along with that, they are launching an American tour of ‘Kings and Queens’. The tour will include bands such as Seventh Day Slumber, Manic Drive, and Group 1 Crew.

Stryper releases new single off their upcoming album

On 26 March, Stryper will release yet another album, Second Coming. The new single, ‘Bleeding from the Inside Out’ will be one of 2 original songs on the upcoming album. The rest of the album will be new recordings of songs from the band’s first 3 albums.

Newworldson receives JUNO nod

The contemporary Christian band has been nominated in the category, Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year, by the Canadian organisation for their 2012 release Rebel Transmission. This is not the first time they have been nominated for this award.

From Delirious? to solo

Former Delirious? front man Martin Smith has announced that he will be releasing a solo album on April 23 2013. The album, God’s Great Dance Floor, Step 01 is said to bring worship into a new light. This is good news for all those Delirious? fans that have been missing the vibes of Smith and the gang.

Sanctus Real tour bus destroyed by fire

After the driver of the band’s bus saw flames coming from the back of the bus on the way home from a gig, he ordered everyone off the bus. The flames engulfed the bus and left nothing intact; all the belongings of the band members and their families were destroyed in the blaze. Thankfully no one was injured and it is still unknown as to whether there is any damage to the band’s equipment.

Hillsong brings us Zion

One of the most prevalent worship bands in history brings us yet another release, Zion, which was released on 26 February 2013. The album was and is being promoted through a world tour, starting with a number of sold out shows in South Africa. The reception for the new album is electric and we are excited for the new project.

Jeremy Camp tops the charts

One of the most reliable Christian artists presents yet another chart topping album with Reckless. This is the third album of Jeremy’s that has reached the top of the charts. The achievement is made even more notable due to it reaching the top 10 of the overall albums on iTunes.

Sanctus Real Hits No.1

Marking the eighth no.1 single in their career is Sanctus Real’s newest hit single, ‘Promises’. The band is enjoying their time at the top, with their top single as well as a potential chart topping album, they have gone into a tour that will end of this season with a bang.

Thousand Foot Krutch dominates first video

‘War of Change’, from the bands newest album, The End is Where We Begin proved to be a raging success. The professionalism of the video promotes a style that is akin to the overall feel of TFK. After watching the video ourselves, we can see why it has been given 5-star status, good job. Check our page for the video.

I Am Empire Anchors their place in the industry

Tooth and Nails’ signing, I Am Empire, will be releasing their second studio album on March 26. One of the most anticipated rock albums of 2013, Anchors will be set to cause a splash in the rock scene this year. The album promises to have a vibe similar to that of the alternative/indie rock genres. The album will still be purely I Am Empire as the lyrics are promised to be as personal as ever.