tjolims's Full Review: Avalon by Avalon (Christian)
Think that Avalon looks like it might be harmless light pop music with less-than-deep lyrics and really nice harmonies?
Well, you're right. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Avalon is just one of several Christian pop groups spawned by the definitive Christian pop supergroup, Truth. What do they have to offer? Two guys, two girls, enough variation to produce a nice vocal blend, nicely written/arranged songs, and lyrics that are not exactly rocket science material, but are relatable for both Christians and non-Christians, in most cases. Oh, and did I mention that this, their first album, is produced by Charlie Peacock, yet another Christian music 'superstar' of sorts? Contrary to the belief set forth by other reviewers of this product, to me it looks like someone put a lot of work into this groups success.
And it pays off, really. I may gripe about Avalon singing non-edgy pop music, but only because that's not my favorite type of music. Overall, this album presents a polished sound with a mix of styles and sounds that works very well and is pleasing to the ears.
The album starts off with the upbeat, techno-influenced "Give It Up", which immediately focuses on the strongest point of the group...the blend of their various voices. In a very clever arrangement, no-one solos for more than one line, and even then other voices pop in to add echoes and whatnot. Next comes the equally fast-paced "This Love", which has some of the best lyrics of the album(bible-based without being preachy? I like!), and allows for more straightforward solos. All four members do have very distinctive, stand-alone voices, capable of carrying a song on their own, but I would still argue that their vocal blend is what makes this group distinctive.
The album endures an abrupt change of mood, with the inspirational "The Greatest Story" and "Picture Perfect World". Although "Greatest Story" sounds better in general, "Picture Perfect World", which is about heaven, has a wistful, expectant tone to it that makes it a good song to listen to when the blues hit. Both have a kind of general, middle-of the road pop sound.
Almost every album, regardless of group, takes the same route...start out with a bang, then a ballad(for the radio's sake), then a good mid-tempo song, then filler, and end with another bang. This album is no exception. Next come the two filler tracks. Both are very well-done, but neither have the spark of the preceding songs. "Don't Be Afraid", yet another ballad, showcases the solo talents of each member, and the larger talents of the whole group, but the song is unbelievably bland. Even the talent of the singers doesn't save it. The next song, "Here to Deliver" is interesting, with a rock/pop/disco sound. Unfortunately it also has a jerky stop-start beginning that sounds awkward and carries over to the chorus. The vocal arrangement rescues this one somewhat, though.
"Let It Be Forever", "My Jesus, I Love Thee", and "Saviour Love" are probably the best combination of songs on the album. They flow seamlessly into one another, and the result is very pleasing, perfect music to relax to. "Let It Be Forever" emphasizes the permanency of love(or at least, the fact that love is permanent in a Godly world), and is a powerful, pop-gospel song that sounds made for this group. "My Jesus, I Love Thee" is an acapella rendition of a classic hymn proclaiming love for Jesus(surprise, surprise). Once again, it sounds made for this group. Their vocal prowess and talent for nicely done harmonies shows up best on this track. "Saviour Love" is the reciprocal of the previous song, shifting from our love for Christ to His love for us. It flows incredibly smoothly from the acapella ending of "My Jesus I Love Thee" into gentle instrumentation and slightly toned down vocals, leaving the listener in awe. Or at least this listener.
So what would be the perfect ending to this album? A remake of an Andrae Crouch song, of course! At least, somebody thought so.
(For those of you who don't know, Andrae Crouch is the grandaddy of modern Christian pop music. His heyday was in the 1970's, and you've probably sung one of his songs in a praise and worship service, sometime.)
Avalon does a very energetic rendition of Andrae Crouch's "Jesus Is Lord", that starts out basically true to the original, but grows a funkier edge to it somewhere along the line that makes it just a little better. Just a little, though.
Although I'm not too crazy about pop music, the great voices and stand out songs(except for "Don't Be Afraid") make this album worth it, and outstanding for a first album. Don't let the name or the look throw you off--Avalon is good music.
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