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Print INO Records, 2007 Reviewed by Jamin Tuttle
Screaming Christian teenage girls rejoice—Rascal Flatts has released a Christian CD! It makes sense; after all, several Rascal Flatts members started out in Christian music and......oh, wait, sorry cancel that. It’s not Rascal Flatts; it’s new band 33 Miles; but they sound so much like them that I got a little beside myself.
I am a music lover and do my best to be respectful and objective when I listen to music that someone else has made. I know that it takes time and effort to be involved in music, and don’t get me wrong, these guys are good at what they do. However they’re not going to win any points for being original.
33 Miles’ self-titled debut starts off with a couple of rather forgettable songs and then reaches its first song that shows promise, the uplifting “Stand Amazed.” This song and “There Is A God” both remind us of how spectacular our God is, and may be the best two tracks on the album. The opener, “What Could Be Better,” has been a mainstay on the Christian AC charts for several months and was a Top 10 hit—and that may be the problem.
Their bio mentions that all three guys, Jason, Chris, and Collin, were on their own and then decided to get together and “form a unique blend that stands above the crowd.” I can’t help, however, but to feel that instead of above it, they’re right in the middle of it. I get the idea that this was produced with the idea of, well, producing Christian AC hits. 33 Miles may just do that—but is that really what Christian music needs? The closing cover of “When I Get Where I’m Going” made me long for the simple (and less forced) vocals of Brad Paisely and Dolly Parton.
33 Miles is a talented bunch of guys, and if you’ve ever wished that Rascal Flatts were on Christian radio, then this is for you. However, if you’re looking for something fresh and innovative, then I wouldn’t reach for my wallet just yet.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2007, Jamin Tuttle
---------- Jamin Tuttle is the Youth Pastor at Point of Grace Family Praise Fellowship in Madison, IN. He is the proud dad of Lauryn, 6, and Landon, 7 months, and wishing he actually had time to sleep.
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