Hawk Nelson: Made

Release Date: 2 April 2013

Genre: Contemporary Christian, Indie Rock

Length: 44:07

Label: Fair Trade

Similar artists: Run Kid Run; Sanctus Real; FM Static; Stellar Kart

Rating: 4.5/5

Made took me completely by surprise when I played it for the first time. You see, what’s hard to explain about Made is although it carries the same feeling I’ve come to know and love when it comes to music produced by Hawk Nelson, the sound of Made is very different from anything they have given us before. This is Hawk Nelson, but it also isn’t.

Made is the sixth studio album and eighth album that Hawk Nelson has given us and is the first album the band has released since the departure of lead vocalist Jason Dunn (the lead vocalist for the band now is guitarist Jonathan Steingard). What I don’t want you to think however, is that the band are losing the plot and are making an attempt to recreate themselves amidst all this change and are failing. That is most certainly not the case.

Some may find that it doesn't rock enough for them, all I have to say though is that it is very easy to be skeptical and to just simply write something off without giving it a chance, but when you do that you may just be missing out on something very special, and I beg you, do not let that happen with Made because you may just be missing out on one of the best albums of the year. This album is marked by positive and powerful pop anthems, and not a single note, vocal, or emotion is out of place, but the band still holds onto some of its youthful enthusiasm. It is clear that these guys are definitely growing up and I believe that Made is a welcome change for Hawk Nelson’s maturing fan base.

Maybe the reason for their success is that, unlike many of the other Christian groups that have replaced their lead singer in the past, Hawk Nelson didn't look outside, but rather they turned inwards and replaced longtime front man Jason Dunn with a guy that's been in the band for almost 10 years. Lead guitarist and backup vocalist Jonathan Steingard takes the wheel for the group's sixth major release. So in a way, you could say that this is just a new chapter for Hawk Nelson. Or maybe even a sequel, it doesn't really matter. It's the same, but different. And that's not a bad thing.

Change doesn't always have to be a bad thing. When I listened to Made it was clearly evident that the passion and energy are still there, and the vocals are still in-your-face amazing. And possibly most important of all, the band’s mission is still there, and some may even say that it is stronger than it ever was. Some of you might know that this isn't the first change Hawk Nelson has had over the past couple of years, anyway. Three other members have left the band through the years, but they've been releasing solid albums regardless. Why should this time be any different? God is still using them, and their focus has always stayed the same.

Made is a welcomed change from a band that has continued and will continue to give us heartfelt melodies of redemption, hope and encouragement. It is clear that Hawk Nelson still have many albums left in them.

I love this album, and it would be a terrible shame for anyone to miss out on it.

The song of the week has to go to: "Made”

Stay classy amigos

D