Aileen R. (aileen) from N HOLLYWOOD, CA Reviewed on 6/14/2008...
Lift is a brilliant step for this pop/rock icon. Clearly the band's best record to date, Lift is a reflective and worshipful journey which couldn't have been done better by anyone other than Audio Adrenaline. And what else can I say? Lift is amazing.
- John DiBiase (Jeasusfreakhideout.com)
CD Reviews
Just when you think you know someone....
Stephen Carradini | Norman, OK | 05/28/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"They change. I'm tempted to say drastically, but it's actually not that drastic. When I first heard cuts from Lift, I was excited. I was hearing "Beautiful" and "Rejoice." It was more "poppy" than normal for them, but it sounded good to me. Two days after it came out, I went out and bought it. I popped it in, and I heard some good sounds. Not as amazing as Some Kind of Zombie or as uplifting as Underdog, but good noise. It was vaguely reminiscent of bloOm, which was a good album, but didn't have any sense of continuation to it. After track five, though, something happened: it slowed down. This was not the Audio Adrenaline I know. It's audio, but there's not much adrenaline! I was redeemed by "Summertime," though, and "Lonely Man" (the second bonus track) is reminiscent of Zombie. I loved "Lonely Man."
Overall, the CD is a pop-rock CD. It's a slow version of Audio Adrenaline. There's hope for it yet, with the track "Lonely Man," and the uplifting songs "Rejoice" and "Beautiful." It's a great CD, nonetheless, but unexpected from AudioA. Bob Herdman's presence in the band is missed (he left to be with his family, although they quote he's still a force)."
Decent Rock Album
Daniel Brown | Leesburg, VA United States | 04/23/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I wrote off Audio Adrenaline's Lift after the first listen back when it was released back in November. Recently, I decided to give it another chance. My conclusion? The album is pretty good for what it is- a pop rock album that doesn't attempt breaking any ground. The lyrics are straightforward, the musicianship is clear-cut yet professional, and the overall tone of the album remains profusely upbeat and optimistic. Nothing is wrong with any of those things. In fact, the album is extremely reminiscent of the group's last effort, Underdog, perhaps due to the fact that both albums were produced by the band. Audio A has proved to be a mainstay on the Christian music since their self-titled release in 1992. Since the release of Bloom in 1996, Audio A has catapulted into the limelight of Christian music through a combination of classic rock, modern rock, and a touch of funk. Lift by no means pushes any lyrical boundaries, and seldom makes the attempt. The lyrics are often cliché and sappy. However, at the same time, they are extremely honest and open, which almost counterbalances the actual words. While there is not a sense of depth to the lyrics, they remain extremely emotional and even thought provoking at times. Overall, the lyrical tone only detracts minimally from the album as a whole.When Audio Adrenaline wants to rock you, they do so accordingly. When they want to convey an emotion, they let it be known. No hidden surprises in this category either. Just undemanding, easy listening pop rock songs put on disc for your listening pleasure."
Pretty good, but I've heard better (esp. from them)
Laika Phox | Chicago, IL USA | 02/04/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I guess the 3-star rating is just in comparison to other Audio A. albums I prefer. Take that into consideration, because this album has some great songs on it! "Ocean Floor" and "Beautiful" are 2 of my favorite Audio A. songs ever, but I don't feel that the rest of the album is nearly as good."
Chewin up these demons like my name was jaws
Laika Phox | 04/10/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This album is good, the only reason I gave it 4 starts is because it has some filler in it. So, here I go, rating each song from 1-5 with my little comments.1. You Still Amaze Me (4/5): This song is one that is strangely good. It's kind of got a haunting aspect to it, but I still like it. Mark has some great vocals on the chorus.2. I'm Alive (4/5): This song has great verses but the chorus is kind of weak. It also has a cool robot voice thing going on in the pre-chorus. 3. Beautiful (1/5): Let me tell you the truth--this song is just plain filler. I can't stand it because it sounds so sappy. The only good part is the guitar solo thing at the end. You have to wonder why they put this song on the album TWICE!4. Ocean Floor (5/5): This song features Mark singing the verses and Tyler on the chorus. Tyler has a great voice, and it augments this great song. I heard that Ben wrote the chorus--all I have to say is 'Good work, Ben!' This song is great. It's kind of slow but the descending chords in the chorus make up for it.5. Rejoice (5/5): I sometimes like to call this song the 'sister song' to 'I'm Alive' except for the fact that this song is better. It has a great chorus and great verses. While it is a good song, it's not as good as Ocean Floor in my ears.6. Speak To Me (5/5): This song is probably like one of the best songs ever made by Audio Adrenaline. It's slow but it's great. Tyler has some great vocals at the end.7. Glory (5/5): The album gets better now, with a semi-fast song. The lyrics get me the most. Great vocals by Mark too. Wonderful guitar solo by Tyler with an irregular beat. 8. Summertime (5/5): This is like the only heavy/fast song on this album, and it's wonderful. The lyrics are kind of funny, too. Mark has alot of power in the vocals (like when doesn't he?)9. This Is Everything (2/5): The other bit of filler in the album. It's not as bad as 'Beautiful' but it's close to it, except that it's slower.10. Lift (5/5): This song is great. As it progresses it gets more intense, and you'll be surprised how such a soft starting song can get intense.11. Tremble (4/5): This is an extremely slow and soft song. I kind of liken it to 'Long Long Long' by the Beatles. The song itself is only about 3 minutes but it goes on for four more minutes with surreal sounding tape loops of flutes (it sounds like they're reversed but I'm not sure). The song would be great if cut shorter, but it's not so oh well.12. Beautiful (Radio Remix) (1/5): See above review for 'Beautiful'. The only difference is that this song is more acoustic.13. Lonely Man (4/5): This song is pretty fast and heavy, and we even get to hear Mark rap! It's an okay song.I hope this helps you in your choice to buy Lift"