On this big date, we have two of the biggest releases of this year,
plus an in-depth review of the Supertones' latest release. Check it
out!

CHASE THE SUN - THE O.C. SUPERTONES (2000)
by Rick Foux
The Supertones strike back...again...with Loud and Clear, their
fourth album and quite a superb follow up to their previous project,
Chase the Sun. With a more Christ-driven message and a greater
emphasis on rock, the 'Tones launch a new array of songs based on
their own personal spiritual experiences. One thing consistent with
the group has always been their sense of humor, and this album is no
exception. The jewel case insert is designed like a high school
yearbook, adorned with hilarious pics of the band dressed as various
high school groups, such as Student Council, the varsity golf team,
and the chess club.

When it comes to their music, however, the Supertones aren't joking
around. The opening "Escape From Reason" is as serious as it gets,
with a wrenching rap-core rhythm that P.O.D. would envy. The lyrics
focus on how the church has lost the ability to be relevant to our
culture. Toby McKeehan of dc Talk fame takes guest vocals in the next
cut, "What It Comes To," a laid-back, reggae melody. "Jury Duty"
proves the Supertones' increased ability to rock as the horns are cut
to a minimum. The song is based on an actual day in the life of lead
vocalist Matt Morginsky and is a strong reminder of how we need to
give God thanks even when we walk through life's valleys. "Lift Me
Up" combines ska and worship with a simple plea: "Lift me up from my
lowly estate. Lift me up where I can see you clothed in majesty and
light." Rap masters Gospel Gangstaz appear on track #5, "Return of
the Revolution," where Morginsky and the band attempt to explain the
history of the church, Martin Luther's movement, and how we need to
bring back a revolution with no compromise. Next,the 'Tones weave a
hard-hitting, electric-guitar powered tale about how we as Christians
need to venture out into the "Wilderness" that is this world. And
whose world is it? The obvious answer is given in the following cut,
entitled "Father's World." In the following song, to even further the
point, the Supertones press how our sinful passions have corrupted
God's once perfect world as if someone had re-opened "Pandora's Box."
The beat comes hard and heavy with a lot of yelling done on the
vocals. "Forward to the Future" is a dim spot on the disc with a tune
that seems out of place on this album, but nevertheless it's a
poignant reminder of what we as Christians have to look forward to
one glorious day. Track #10, "Another Show," is one of the familiar
ska tunes, horns and all, that the band is so well known for. The
track itself tells of their love of what they do-presenting God's
love through music. Straight-up punk rock prevails on "20/20," a
challenge for Christians to look back at their lives--after all,
hindsight is 20/20--in order to have a clear view of what really
matters. Supertones fans will be pleased with the next cut, "Who
Could It Be," as the band takes a break from rocking out and returns
to their ska roots with a little Bible study on who Jesus really is,
the one and only Son of God. Finally, things come to fruition
with "Spend It With You," a passionate praise song tuned to ska about
spending an eternity with God.

In my opinion, another extraordinary project by an extraordinary
Christian ministry. In fact, Loud and Clear might "clearly" be the
Supertones' best album yet.

Find out more about this release and other great rock projects:
http://cMusicWeb.com/rock


AVAILABLE TODAY (on cMusicWeb.com and at your local store)

CELEBRATE FREEDOM LIVE - VARIOUS ARTISTS
One of the nation's biggest centers for Christian music, the nations
most popular (and horrendous) Christian radio station, KLTY, put on
Celebrate Freedom, a festival with many artists. Reunion records was
there to capture it, and that's all folks.

FREEDOM - MICHAEL W. SMITH
Smitty finds his true calling. As a songwriter, Smitty came to
others to find the lyrics for his many pop records. Set free from
the words, he composes a soundtrack for his life, with his piano
skills and the help of the Irish Film Orchestra. The true Freedom
has been found, and it is not something to miss. This one is the
PICK OF THE WEEK.

INTERMISSION: THE GREATEST HITS - DC TALK
Over a decade ago, we were introduced to three guys who liked to
rap. This follows them over the years maturing into one of the
greatest innovators of Christian music. Includes a smash remix
of "Say the Words", plus two new songs and some words from their
famous neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. A must have for every person
who has not listened to dc Talk before!

THE PRAYER EP - CLIFF RICHARD
Sparrow releases an EP with one of the most popular singles of last
year in England, then called "The Millenium Prayer", now re-
titled "The Prayer for the New Year".


AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER (on cMusicWeb.com)

POP: http://cMusicWeb.com/pop
Transform - LaRue [01/23]

Click on the album titles on the genre page to order them and recieve
them on the release date.


CHRISTIAN HIT RADIO CHARTS FOR THIS WEEK
> We welcome two new singles to the top 10, the updated
> "Say the Words" by dc Talk and a cut by Smalltown Poets
1. Don't Worry - Rebecca St. James
2. God is in this Place - PlusOne
3. I'm Alright - Jars of Clay
4. Learning to Breathe - Switchfoot
5. Everything - delirious?
6. Center of Your Love - Jaci Velasquez
7. I Wanna Be Moved - Ginny Owens
8. More Than a Dream - Raze
9. Say the Words (Now) - dc Talk
10. Every Reason - Smalltown Poets

SOURCE: CCM Update (http://www.ccmupdate.com/)


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http://cMusicWeb.com/
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