Search - Fee :: Hope Rising

Powerful, Theological, and Very Creative

Casey Cease | Brenham, TX | 10/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is not your typical sophomore album! I have been following Steve Fee since his 7:22 days and am greatly encouraged by how God continues to mature his sound and deepen the theological depth of his lyrics. One of my favorite aspects of this album is that it takes the listener on a journey of hope, redemption, and God-centered worship. There is definitely several musical influences integrating nicely into Fee's sound, which provides an engaging package sure to capture audiences of all ages."

Fee [Hope Rising]

Kevin R. Davis | Perkasie, PA | 10/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fee's second project "Hope Rising" comes after much acclaim from their freshman album "We Shine" which garnered a No. 1 radio smash hit in "All Because of Jesus, and four GMA Dove Award nominations including a nod in the "New Artist of the Year" category.



Opening song "Rise And Sing" had me hooked immediately with the lyrics "If you're alive and you've been redeemed...rise and sing" with an upbeat melody similar to "We Shine" from the debut album. "Greatly To Be Praised" keeps the great melody going and is another song I can imagine singing with fellow believers. As for the band's first single "Glory To God Forever", Steve says "There is a message for us here in this era and period in church history. I'm confident that songs which echo the victory of Christ are exactly what we, the Church, want to say and God, in his timely way, put songs in us like "Glory To God Forever." This is one of my favorite songs of the year and it has already risen to the top of the Christian chart.



The Atlanta-based foursome's newest release contains twelve original tracks. Though the band continued with their signature worship sound on the record, "Hope Rising" also includes statement songs that the band hopes will transcend one style of music. It was after recording tracks such as "Everything Falls" and "Promised Land," that the group decided on the title "Hope Rising". In fact, the song "Arms that Hold the Universe" was born out of a concert the band did shortly after the March church shooting in Maryville, Ill for the congregation as a message reminding listeners that when you factor in God to any circumstance, you will find hope.



"Hands Of The Healer" was also recorded by John Waller on his album "While I'm Waiting". The album closes out with "Your Love Is Better Than Life" based on Psalm 63:3, and "Send Me Out". There is a great mix of upbeat and reflective songs, all of which are perfect for any worship setting, whether personal or with a body of believers. After such a great first album, I wasn't sure if Fee could match the intensity and catchiness of "We Shine", and yet they've actually taken it up a notch with "Hope Rising" in my opinion.



I can't get enough of this album and every song is worshipful, totally catchy and instantly sing-able. For me, the standout songs are "Rise And Sing", "Greatly To Be Praised", "Glory To God Forever", "Everything Falls" and "Promised Land". I rank this album in my top 15 albums of 2009 and if you like fellow Passion Conference worship albums "We Shall Not Be Shaken" by Matt Redman and "Life Light Up" by Christy Nockels, then I highly recommend "Hope Rising" by Fee."

The Arms that Hold the Universe are Holding You Tonight

E. Zahn | Wisconsin, USA | 03/20/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fee. If you haven't heard of them, you might want to look into checking them out. I am a teenager who listens to mostly alternative rock music (like Panic! at the Disco, Paramore, A Day to Remember) and have been a born-again believer in Jesus Christ my whole life. I love worship music, because it's music for my Savior and Creator and I love praising Him, but there are so many contemporary worship bands on the radio whose sound just doesn't excite me. They don't have anything to offer to make me go out and buy one of their cd's, they simply aren't as great as the other bands out there that I listen to. There are some great bands out there that have a great sound and a great message, like MercyMe, David Crowder Band, Jars of Clay, The Glorious Unseen, and the list goes on.



One band who fits in that catagory with those bands who mix great sound, lyrics, message, and all that, is Fee (who is currently on tour with MercyMe, David Crowder Band, Family Force 5, and other great Christian acts, who I had the great pleasure of seeing in concert last night), a worship band lead by Steve Fee. I have known about them ever since I happened upon their song "Everything Falls" back in November, and was super excited to see them in concert. They were awesome, and I got their cd "Hope Rising," which is from front-to-back an amazing worship cd that appeals to someone my age, and to anyone of any age. My favorite songs are "Everything Falls," "Greatly to be Praised,"Arms that Hold the Universe," "Promised Land," & "Glory to God Forever." I would recommend those songs as something for someone to listen to if they are thinking about buying this cd (which you should be) or someone wondering if these guys are as great as I say they are.



All the songs are great, and I have sang "Everything Falls" at my church with our worship band and it's one of our favorite songs, we are working on putting together "Glory to God Forever" as well. This is worth your money, you will not be dissapointed!



"Your love, Your perfect has found me. It covers and surrounds me. Your love is better than life. Your love, loved me first and saved me. Rescued and it raised me. Your love is better than life.""