|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
Print Ardent, 2005 With a title of Reflection of Something, you know that this is going to be “something” different. Todd Agnew’s latest release is interesting to say the least. He was adopted by Texas parents who were dedicated in their church attendance. His spiritual growth is credited to his family’s commitment to God and church. Todd was enveloped by the music of the church early on in his life and, as his interest in music grew, it included being a worship leader at local churches. Traditional music in the church lost its power until he started listening to the words and realizing the value and depth of their meaning. Todd was one of Christian Music Planet Magazine’s “12 Artists to Watch in 2004.” Reflection of Something is a cache of seemingly pure rock and roll songs. That is, if you just run through the tracks and listen to a few seconds of each one. Actually, they would fall into different categories such as R&B, blues, and rock and roll. Some sound familiar, as they include some of the same lyrics of our favorite old hymns. I like it when artists use the old hymns and change the music. Todd’s craggy voice adds some flavor to the selections as well. I find that the older I become, the more I enjoy this type of music. Maybe that means I’m becoming more “mature” in my musical tastes. Just maybe!! The first song, entitled “Something Beautiful,” is nothing like the same-titled song by Bill Gaither. It has good lyrics, however, that I find to be almost humorous. The arrangement has some excellent guitar licks. I am struggling to find a way to make It’s funny how all I can be The third song is one that you will find familiar. It’s entitled “Blood On My Hands,” and it has a lot of the same lyrics as the old hymn, “Near The Cross.” This selection is a little more laid back, but is also flavored with the guitars that make it sound ‘rocky.’ “The Wonder of it All” is upbeat and lively. In the mix of the guitars and drums, you can hear a little Hammond B-3 coming through. I like it. I love the B-3. Looking out the window at the clouds
flying by And I can see the majesty You have made The more I listen to “In The Middle of Me,” the more I like what I hear. Need a little more sunshine If I may run down the list of the songs on this CD, here they are:
Not all of these tracks really grab me, and they are probably not useable for your choir or the solo you have been asked to sing. It’s not one I would buy for my library, but I have enjoyed listening to this CD anyway. If your taste in music includes R&B and the whining guitar and very little keyboard, then you might enjoy this project. Play it in your car on the way to work early in the morning. It will wake you up if your coffee isn’t doing the trick.
ninetyandnine.com © 2005, Lowell Hansen ---------- Lowell Hansen lives with his beautiful wife of over 17 years and two wonderful, funny children, ages 12 and 8. He’s trying to prepare himself for the “teen” years. |
|
|
