One of the more unusual Christian albums of late, 1956 is born out of the full use of creative license. The three members of Soul Junk are to their contemporaries as a funky secondhand store is to JC Penny. This effort ... more »starts with a hip-hop-rap sound, mixes in some alternative rock and folk, adds a dash of retro vibe, and then dumps the whole concoction into a vat of experimentation. Blended with lyrics that are comical, social, and overall spiritual, this disc must be handled with care or it may explode. Complete with an eclectic use of voices, electronics from every imaginable angle, beat-boxes, and raw guitars, the music is happily danceable. As is common with rap groups, Soul Junk has attitude in their vocal and lyrical styling. As well, the melodies and textures often take on the relaxed sway of the partied-out. But these expressions don't come across as aggressive or rebellious. They add an earthiness that somehow causes the comedy to seem deep, the commentary to seem vital, and the spirituality to seem paramount. --Israel Button« less
One of the more unusual Christian albums of late, 1956 is born out of the full use of creative license. The three members of Soul Junk are to their contemporaries as a funky secondhand store is to JC Penny. This effort starts with a hip-hop-rap sound, mixes in some alternative rock and folk, adds a dash of retro vibe, and then dumps the whole concoction into a vat of experimentation. Blended with lyrics that are comical, social, and overall spiritual, this disc must be handled with care or it may explode. Complete with an eclectic use of voices, electronics from every imaginable angle, beat-boxes, and raw guitars, the music is happily danceable. As is common with rap groups, Soul Junk has attitude in their vocal and lyrical styling. As well, the melodies and textures often take on the relaxed sway of the partied-out. But these expressions don't come across as aggressive or rebellious. They add an earthiness that somehow causes the comedy to seem deep, the commentary to seem vital, and the spirituality to seem paramount. --Israel Button
CD Reviews
THE BEST
Allen W. Nyhuis | Indianapolis, IN USA | 11/05/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Man oh man, I can't believe how good this band is! I never thought I'd get into the whole rap/hip-hop thing, but these guys are an exception! There's really no way to define Soul-Junk; you have to hear them to believe them. But what the stink, I'll try: Think of hip-hop mixed with lots of 70's disco/techno, but also acoustic guitars and a slight bit of rock..... oh whatever! It's just too hard. But trust me, you will like these guys. They are just amazing.I think what really attracts me to this band are the lyrics. Wow, are they good. They write some of the funniest things I've ever read (and I'm counting Weird Al here), yet have the power to be so convicting and inspiring. I'll never forget the first time I heard the song "Pumpfake." At the end, the rapper guy has basically stopped rapping and gone into straight-in-your-face preaching. I know preaching can turn off people, but this guy sounds so passionate about what he's saying that you can't help but get drawn in. ("If anyone is in Christ then you are a new creation, so REFLECT your creator with origination.") It sounds more like pleading than preaching, really. But I've really gotta put some of Soul-Junk's lyrics on my site! They are just so cool.Musically, these guys go all over the place. "Ill-M-I" is one of the catchiest songs I have ever heard, as so is "K.I.N.G.D.O.M.O.G.O.D." You'll be humming these songs all day. They also go acoustic ("Sarpodyl"), 1970-ish rock ("The Peacemaker"), and just plain amazing ("Monkeyflower and Yarrow").If you're a little nervous about these guys because of their bold message, don't be. I've done some research on them, and they truly know what Christianity is all about. It's about freedom, originality, and excitement. Especially the "originality" part. If you're somebody out there wondering why Christians don't make as much original music as others do, check these guys out. You will be pleasantly surprised (and will have found your new favorite band)."
Incredible...stunning
DigMe | Waco, TX | 01/07/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've got to agree with everyone here. I've had this album for several years and it still gets played weekly. Honestly this is just one of my favorite albums of all time and I'm a music freak. It's just so original and bursting with creativity and a feeling of "I don't really care what the world or the music industry wants, I'm going to make the album that I want." This is probably Soul Junk's most accessible album though. The music is so smart but so grooving and full of life. It's too bad that this probably got much less underground buzz than it should have because it's labeled as "Christian music." If you are not a Christian please don't let that keep you from checking out this fantastic CD. You won't be sorry if you like things that are original, creative and verging on avant.
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Sweet to my Soul
Steve White | Grand Island, NE USA | 09/25/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you were looking for a model of how artistry and faith can be in perfect union, Soul-Junk may have the answer. Because of the group's commitment to their music, it will gain an audience that would otherwise not hear the message of the gospel. Glen Galaxy and his partners in Soul-Junk are pushing the limits of music with their fusion of hip-hop, techno, and indie rock. Soul-Junk quotes scripture and makes overt remarks about their Christian worldview. But I have a feeling audiences won't turn away. Because of the band's uncompromising musical style, people will listen. Author, musician, and CCM Magazine columnist John Fischer recently wrote that if Christians focus on their art, they can then weave their faith into it. Fischer writes "Sacrifice the art, and you guarantee the message will be heard only by those who, because they already support it, are tolerant of any effort on its behalf." What a novel idea; Create great art that draws us in, and then hit us with the gospel. Neither style nor substance has been sacrificed. Faith and art can go hand in hand. Unless she's truly hip, your mom won't understand this stuff; The masses probably won't get it either. 1956 is not as consistent, or catchy as Beck's Odelay, another album built on intertwined layers of hip-hop and indie rock. Soul-Junk can't top Beck, but who can? For the daring listener, 1956 is a sonic treat, breathing new life into a stale musical marketplace."
As original as anything can be
Jon Kortebein | Minneapolis, MN USA | 08/18/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It is extremely rare when one finds music that sounds fresh and interesting. This album is. I was not a fan of most hip-hop-rap until I heard this record. The lyrics are clever and insightful, and the beats and music add a welcome concoction of pop hooks, electronic percussion and booming bass. It's not all hip hop either, which is one reason why it sounds so fresh. These are adventurous artists who avoid the typical formulas no matter what they're doing. As the Amazon.com review says, this is a vital work of art."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1