Search - Avalon :: Another Time Another Place: Timeless Christian

No other word but....AMAZING!

Ryan McAdams | Tuscaloosa, AL | 03/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, it's once again time to review a new album from Avalon. And as with each review i write on here for their albums, this is my FAVORITE album they have released. Now, i know i say that everytime they release a new one, but they seriously get better on each album. Now for many people listening to this album they will be comparing it to the original versions of the songs, since the album is a tribute album to the classics of Contemporary Christian Music. For me, i'm not comparing because i can honestly say i've never heard any of these songs before. I was not raised listening to CCM, rather i was raised listening to Southern Gospel. So for me, this album really is like a brand new album. First off is the song selection. I'm sure with the amount of CCM hits, Avalon could have recorded any number of songs, but I believe they have chosen the creame of the crop! These songs are just amazing. The lyrics in the songs just hit you right in the heart. The problem i find in a lot of CCM music today is that the songs sound as if they are lacking something, or as if the writers said "Hey, i think i'll write a song today" and just threw it together. These songs have such powerful lyrics that really are timeless, as the album's title suggests, and really show an era of songwriting that just isn't around anymore. You really don't hear songwriting like this a lot now days. Secondly, the vocals. MAN OH MAN!!!! With every album Avalon outdoes themselves with their vocals. This to me is the best album not only lyrically, but vocally that they have ever recorded. Now, as i said earlier i was raised on Southern Gospel music which is BUILT on strong 4 part harmony or 3 part harmony if it's a trio, so for me i love for a group to do really awesome harmony and this is the best harmony i've ever heard Avalon do. This album showcases all the various parts better than any of their previous ones. I'm also extremely happy that Jody's vocals were left on this and it was in affect a farewell album for him. For those that don't know, Jody was forced to make the decision step down after developing a heart condition. I have to say he was always my favorite vocalist in Avalon and will be greatly missed. That being said, i will NOT be like others i've seen on here and whine about the fact that somebody has left the group and it's not gonna be the same Avalon and BLAH BLAH BLAH!!!! God is in control, as the first track states, and he has a plan for Jody, as well as Avalon. I've watched a video of Jeremi, who has taken Jody's place, and he is very very good. He has a very strong, powerful voice that fits well with the powerhouse vocals of Janna, Melissa, and Greg. Lastly, the musical arrangements on the album are great! I love that the album has a mixture of mostly pop/rock (leaning heavy on the ROCK side...YAY!!!!), and some very R&B tinged tracks. It's such a modern sound and it's great. Shaun Shankel deserves a HUGE shout- out for the amazing job he has done arranging and producing this album. All of that being said this album is a must have of any Avalon fan, as well any Contemporary Christian Music fan. And for anybody who is not a fan of either Avalon or CCM music, give it a listen anyway. The vocals and music are great and you just can't help but enjoy it!!! Hopefully this review will help you come to the brilliant decision to buy this album. I can promise, you will not be disappointed. Avalon, it was worth the wait, and you guys are the most talented people in Contemporary Christian Music!!!!...God Bless...YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!!!!"

Another Album, Another Disappointment

douglas smith | London, United Kingdom | 08/18/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"After the truly awful 'Stand' and 'The Creed', I didn't have too high hopes for this recent release from Avalon. Thankfully the tendency to over sing songs and the heavy handed, rock orientated production that marred these previous two releases has been toned down a little - albeit not enough.



Although I miss the sparkle of albums such as their 2001 'Oxygen' release, there are some reasonable songs here that are worthy of a mention. These include the title track, 'Place In The World' and ' Thy Word'.



A reworking of one of their biggest hits 'Testify To Love' does seem a little pointless and hints that this talented foursome may be running out of fresh ideas."