Tim Neufeld's Trees Album Review

Rating: 6.9/10
Website: http://timneufeldmusic.com/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/trees/id646473669

Marking the start of his solo artist journey, Tim Neufeld's Trees is his first album apart from Starfield, a band which he has led to Christian stardom. Also leaving Starfield's signature rock sound for the new folk style, Neufeld's talent continues to shine. Skilled at leading worship, this album provides a new, fresh, unique way to approach the Lord.

With only a few star songs such as Heart Starts Beating, Beautiful Things, and a version of 10 000 Reasons, the album as a whole does not really live up to expectations. The risk with doing something of this nature was the previous standards set by Starfield's immense success. Unfortunately for Tim Neufeld, Trees is definitely not of the same quality. While the talent of Neufeld cannot be denied, this album is lacking for a wide range of songs that are top notch. In particular, some songs were very disappointing, especially the version of Cornerstone. Again, referring back to Starfield, the special feeling of top songs that was previously created wasn't there for the majority of the record.

However, the album is still a pleasant listen, if not just a different experience. Tim Neufeld's vocals provide for a very relaxing sound, and the record represents a breath of fresh air into the worship music market.

Tim Neufeld

Top Ten Songs for June

Time to start looking for the song of the summer, as many people like to call it! What song will be the hit on radio stations across the country this year?

1. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
Back to the top spot! This song is looking more and more sure of being my song of the year. Is it my song of the summer already? I don't think so, as Say Something isn't the normal upbeat, pop tune that compromises that song of the summer title the majority of the time.

2. Heart Starts Beating - Tim Neufeld - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRYcoMyHPHE
A new addition to the list! This song was first introduced to me a while back when worship artist Luke Langman (see number 5 for a song from him) played it in front of our church in an acoustic setting. I didn't hear it again, or even think of it until my brothers and sister came back from Pitch 'n' Praise, a youth retreat over the May long weekend. Tim Neufeld and his new project The Glory Boys were there leading worship, and this is one of the songs of Tim's new album Trees! Excellent song with a very folky feel.

3. This is the Life - Two Door Cinema Club - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paHH9udAmAg
Currently, this is my song for the summer. It is an older song, released in the soundtrack for the major motion picture Soul Surfer, but no new songs have really caught my attention yet. This is a great, unique, upbeat song to blast as you are cruising in your car with the windows down!

4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
This is another band that I'd like to see live. The best part is that they are pure musicians, sticking strictly to the original instruments, guitar, drums, and vocals. A simple band, but very talented. The singer is pretty awesome too, with a unique timbre, decent range, and incredible phrasing technique.

5. Joy - Luke Langman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJWC0_bnQV4
New release from another local artist! A master at worship music, this is Luke's fourth album, released this month June 20th. This song is the headliner from the album, an excellent uplifting tune. Excited to say that my family was part of the official music video! You should be able to see a quick glimpse of us within the first few seconds. Click on the YouTube link to check out the video! It's a really cool video idea, and it turned out really well!

6. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
I'm so excited for the new album from Ed Sheeran, titled X. As I stated in an earlier month, I think this is one of the most talented artists in the world right now, if not the best. While I haven't purchased the album yet, from the singles released, a glimpse of the varying styles and songs is displayed. It should make for a very exciting album. The full album release was June 23.

7. King of Wonders - Matt Redman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp9yQt59gYc
For me, one of the telling signs of a great worship song is when it is easily adapted to common worship leaders. Each time I hear this song sung by someone different than Matt Redman, it reminds me of why I like the song. The different versions keep it current, and fresh in my mind.

8. Close to Your Heart - The Glorious Unseen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvTofjPqco
While singer Ben Crist's voice doesn't necessarily convey easily recognizable emotion through every song he sings, I always hear it in this song. Again, it's one of my favourite worship songs because of how easy it is for me to slip into that special spirit every time I listen to it. Only a few select songs can get to me like that.

9. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
I had the amazing experience of leading this song on Sunday morning for church, alongside my other family members. The response that this song has the potential of producing is truly awe inspiring. The song is limitless in the amount of ways you can bend it to cater to different people in order to draw them into the Spirit of Worship. Truly a blessed song from an God inspired band.

10. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
Summer is not only a time for specific songs to make their mark, it's also a time of attending concerts! Top of my list is this group! Unfortunately, it looks like I'll have to wait until at least September to get to go to one of their concerts. Still, the September one looks like it is at the Air Canada Centre. That is going to be an awesome experience!

I Love You

Check out my first SoundCloud original! Titled I Love You, this song talks about the greatness of God, and what response that generates. Aiming to be dynamic and emotion charged, the song is an anthem worship tune.

Let me know what you think about it!

https://soundcloud.com/jesse-ramson-1/i-love-you 

Top Ten Songs for May

Without any schoolwork during the month of May, I was able to enjoy listening to and playing a music more so than previous months. Again, my top ten list stays the same for the most part, with only a few new additions.

1. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
I was doing a little more research into Sky Terminal, as I've never heard of them before this song, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that this is another hometown band! Hailing from Toronto, the lead singer Marcel Preston originally attempted to become famous as a solo artist. His project took on a new shape when Mike Crofts and Matt Stride jumped on board. In two years of existence, the band has already released two albums, shared the stage with huge bands such as Thousand Foot Krutch, and been nominated in the Juno Awards for album of the year.

2. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
A Great Big World is on tour!! Actually, their tour begins June 1st, and they come to Toronto June 24th. The only reason why I would go see them live would be for the performance of this song. Although their album does have a few good songs, they are not show stoppers like Say Something.

3. King of Wonders - Matt Redman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gp9yQt59gYc
Another worship song that has been one of my favourites for a while, but only graces my list now. This isn't a very popular worship song, but it can definitely have a huge impact when it is chosen for a set. I may be biased as a guitar player, but I personally think that the little riff during the intro that is repeated throughout the song really provides something special (even when it is played on piano).

4. Close to Your Heart - The Glorious Unseen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFvTofjPqco
One of my all time favourite songs, this record finally made a spot in my top ten list. I'm surprised this song isn't used more in church settings, or even retreats. In fact, I've never heard it being used ever! I'm thinking this would be the perfect song either before, during, or after communion.

5. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
Have you heard? Jesus Culture is releasing a new album June 3rd! Titled Unstoppable Love, all songs were recorded live during the Encounter Conference in California. The album features Chris Quilala (one of my favourite male singers) and Kim Walker-Smith (one of the most talented female singers in the world). The album contains 12 new songs, and is partnered with a BluRay disc containing recordings of 13 songs live, as well as Banning Liebscher's concluding message from the conference "Answering the Call to Prayer." Sounds like it is going to be awesome!

6. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
Win Free City Harmonic tickets for life! Each month of 2014, the band are giving away a pair of lifetime tickets. All you have to do is sign-up for the mailing list here. Also, if you use the hashtag #TIX4LIFE you could win extra prizes like posters, shirts, and even autographed music!

7. Great are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qUOHjnDIFs
Following up their amazing album Live (which contained Great are You Lord), this month All Sons and Daughters released their self titled studio album. The reviews continue to be great, with everyone singing the praises of this band that continues to mature their sound. Possibly even cooler than the new album release is the news that All Sons and Daughters will be touring with David Crowder in October and November!

8. Thrive - Casting Crowns - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQ71RWJhS_M
This song was introduced to me by one of my church's worship leaders, when we played it during a Sunday service. It has a great folky feel, and is really driven by the acoustic guitar. It's an easily recognizable song, and very catchy too!

9. Stay the Night - Zedd feat. Hayley Williams - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ln-JJ3YiIk
Thriving in the music industry in recent years, 24 year old Zedd is a very talented producer and DJ. Surprisingly, he comes from a classical music family, playing piano and drums since the age of 4. In 2009, he embarked on his electronic music journey. Zedd originally started with remixes, and after earning much interest from the industry scene, he began releasing original music. Zedd's real name is Anton Zaslavski.

10. White Horse - Taylor Swift - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COkBcfDfYls
Although I am not a huge fan of Taylor Swift, especially her new image and music, I really like this one song. It's a simple acoustic song, and showcases Swift's talent at songwriting, and conveying meaning through her singing. I find that when Swift composes songs that are simpler, and more down to earth, she can create magic (i.e. this song, Ronan, Love Story).

The Toronto Symphony Orchestra

Wikipedia

Last month I had the amazing opportunity to experience the Toronto Symphony Orchestra live in concert at Roy Thomson Hall. It was a memorable experience, one that I hope to partake in again.

The facility, Roy Thomson Hall, was immaculate, a very professional venue. The seating was well-priced, and spacious. Everything about the Hall boasted excellency, producing an utmost atmosphere of quality. The staff, ushers and greeters, also added to this feeling, effectively guiding, enforcing rules, and helping the evening run smoothly.

The symphony themselves were fabulous. Renowned conductor Peter Oundjian demonstrated his mastery of his craft, and made each guest musician feel extremely welcome by guiding the audience in the way he wanted. His musicians also responded to his every movement, and seemed to have complete respect for him. All symphony sections produced clear sounding music that fluidly connected with each other, and provided a complete awe-inspiring performance.

Three pieces were performed, with the first being a quick new piece, written by a Canadian composer who was there to see her song played. Styled after Chicago's Aqua Tower, the music bounced in high contrast, but provided an interesting listen, one rich with dynamics and quick pace. The next featured piano virtuoso Richard Goode, who featured on a Mozart piece. His skill was undeniable, with a smaller band behind him to highlight his piano playing. Finally, the full symphony come together again to play a compelling version of Strauss' Ein Heldenleben. This story telling musical style was again a masterpiece of dynamics, and contrast, weaving notes into a moving listening experience.

Overall, this was an experience I would definitely recommend to anyone! Those with more musical knowledge will enjoy the Symphony moreso than those who don't, as the performances aren't based upon giving a show, but rather providing quality music. Still, this is an evening everyone will want to experience at least once in their life. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra offers many different options, with choirs, vocalists, soloists, and even children orchestra's providing entertainment. Definitely check out their website here to see their upcoming shows.

A quick note; many people take this very seriously! Dressing your utmost best isn't necessarily required, but dressing nicely is definitely my suggestion. The majority of people were decked out in their Sunday best.

Wikipedia

Keith Urban's Fuse Album Review

Rating: 7.7/10
Website: http://www.keithurban.net/
Purchase: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/fuse-deluxe-version/id687558119 

Keith Urban's newest release, Fuse is another top album from one of the world's greatest artists. Filled with a few top chart songs, and the rest great in their own right, Keith Urban is one of those artists that never ceases to amaze, record after record. This album showcases his vocal talent, highlights his guitar prowess, and blasts his ability to create anthem songs. Urban expands the country style to contain some rock elements, creating an unique sound that continues to grow with each album he releases.

While this album may not be his best, it's still a must have for country lovers, and fans of Urban. The 16 track deluxe album contains some amazing hits, such as Somewhere in My Car, Cop Car, and Raise Em Up, but falls short in some of the lesser songs, such as Red Camaro, Come Back to Me, and Good Thing. Ultimately, my rating of this album is drastically lower because of the fringe songs in the album. The core singles that boost the album are amazing, characteristic of Keith Urban.

Already, Fuse has peaked at number 1 in Australia, Canada, and USA. Although the album is of the country genre, the album also achieved major success in other charts, averaging around number 35. Again, Keith Urban proves to have a golden touch when it comes to making hit records.

Wikipedia

Top Ten Songs for April

April brought a new top song for me, as well as multiple new contemporary songs entering my chart! April was also a month of experiencing new types of song for me, with some British music, electronic songs, and some rock entering my playlists. I also had the opportunity to attend a symphony orchestra concert, which was an amazing experience!

1. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
An excellent new song, just released this month. It's the first I've heard of Sky Terminal, and from only their second album, but the quality of the song is still amazing. It almost sounds like a combination of Need to Breathe and The Fray, which produces an excellent result.

2. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
Still close to the top, but slowly this song is falling down my ratings. I still love the song, and each time I listen to it, something unique always strikes me, such as the small piano riffs, the beautiful lyrics, and the different pronunciation by both singers.

3. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
I've been practicing this song a lot in preparation for a performance with my family. Possibly one of the most difficult things to do as a singer is to switch from one octave to a different one. The singer in this song, Chris Quilala, completes that change flawlessly. That for me makes the song. It changes the dynamics completely, stirs the emotions, and produces a more impactful punch.

4. Love Me Again - John Newman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4-Gt6dUVj0
Anyone else who can't wait until the FIFA World Cup this summer? This song is perfect to get you in the mood for some soccer. While it isn't related at all to the sport, FIFA uses it in many of their promos, video games, and commercials. Whenever I hear the song, it automatically reminds me of soccer.

5. Ever After - Marianas Trench - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cts6y-v7hhU
This would be the perfect song to close a concert! This song swells in the perfect places, teaches everyone a lesson in dynamics, and has the perfect closing lyrics as well. The song also utilizes different instruments extremely efficiently.

6. Stay the Night - Zedd feat. Hayley Williams - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ln-JJ3YiIk
Another new song to my top ten list! This one is another dynamic song, as almost all electronic dance songs are. While the actual electronic DJing is quite amazing, the vocals to the song are pretty awesome as well. Hayley Williams from Paramore has one of the most crystal clear voices in the industry today.

7. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
This tune is also heavily reliant on dynamics to make it as special as it is. I played this song a lot during Easter time this month, and was continually struck in awe of the lyrics. The first two lines are extremely special in my mind, really touching upon the Easter spirit, and reminding us what exactly our lives are about.

8. Great Are You Lord - All Sons & Daughters - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qUOHjnDIFs
Again, a dynamic tune! See a pattern here yet? This song is also great for worship settings, especially stripped down acoustic sets. These lyrics are slightly more simple, yet they are still packed with meaning. I find with songs like this one, each person grasps a slightly different purpose or meaning behind the song, and that makes it extremely special.

9. Dark Horse - Katy Perry - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9S-88WxPdE
When I first listened to this song, I was extremely drawn by the unique beat. However, after listening to the song a little more and a little deeper, the lyrics are becoming the most astounding factor for me. The way rhymes are made in a way that really relates to the song is amazing. Most pop songs and artists aren't necessarily known for their songwriting abilities, but this song goes above and beyond that stereotype, and shows that some of these artists have real talent.

10. Man in the Mirror - Michael Jackson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEQAie8ABLE
Another song with amazing lyrics! Notice another pattern? This song, again is filled with deep meaning, and is very poetic. Michael Jackson was not only an extremely talented singer and dancer, but he has had some skill in songwriting.