He is We CD Review

I'm always looking for a good new group to listen to when I need a little bit of bounce in my life. Music can change my entire focus and light up my day or bring me down. Because of this, I always look for music with an up beat, peppy lyrics and a little bit of attitude. When I came across He is We, I was immediately drawn to the bounce. Here's a bit about the group:

Rachel Taylor and Trevor Kelly both worked at Ted Brown Music together in Tacoma, Washington. Aside from the Tacoma aroma (local joke!), there was something else in the air. Trevor thinks it was destiny… Rachel still thinks it was the aroma.

After countless days of passing each other at work, they eventually started to jam together in the back room. While Rachel influenced her past years growing up and Trevor continued to listen to hardcore music, something interesting, creative and original came out. This was the start of He Is We; the idea that someone who you pass by everyday can influence the rest of your life… and you would never know. It’s the thought and power one person can have over their surroundings.

I'm definitely enjoying the music from He is We.  The songs remind me of ballads because of the soft melodies but they definitely have up beat I like in my music as well as a little bit of attitude.  It reminds me of pop music in a way except that it has more depth and feeling to it than your typical pop song.  I really hope I hear more from this group.  Check out their website to learn more about them.  Take a look at their tour schedule to catch a live performance.  Connect with them on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest news.

Check out the video on YouTube to get a feel for their music.

My thanks to the sponsor for allowing me to review this CD.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Veggie Tales: Hosanna! Worship Songs for Kids

It's no secret that the music we listen to impacts how we feel and think. At least I know that's true for me. Did you ever listen to a really happy, bouncy song and find your outlook has changed? Have you ever listened to a sad song and felt the same way?

I love worship music. It gets my head in the right place and many leave me feeling positive and uplifted. The same can be true for our children. They don't often want to listen to the same music we do but when they were little, I still wanted them to be encouraged and motivated by music in their lives as well.

Veggie Tales has a CD titled Hosanna! Today's Top Worship Songs for Kids. This CD contains ten uplifting worship songs as sung by the Veggie Tales characters and featuring Amy Grant and Mark Hall. If you have a fan of the Veggie Tales books and movies, they're going to love this CD. It's fun and upbeat and really gets the kids involved and connected to His word. 

I really love the selection of songs on this CD.  It has so many of my favorites in it like Amazing Grace, Your Grace is Enough and Mighty to Save.  This will definitely make a wonderful gift for Easter and can be enjoyed throughout the year.

My thanks to the sponsor for allowing me to review this CD.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Michael Franti & Spearhead: The Sound of Sunshine

Michael Franti is more than just a musician, he's an inspiration. During a difficult time in his life, when he was hospitalized, he was inspired to bring hope to others through his music. Realizing that others face many more challenges than he does, his goal is is offer a sense of possibility for those in need.

In the mid-nineties, Michael Franti formed Spearhead. Their latest album, 2008's All Rebel Rockers, was recorded in Jamaica and was the biggest hit of Franti's career. It hit the Top 40 on Billboard 200 and yielded his biggest hit, the Top 20 "Say Hey (I Love You)." The Sound of Sunshine is his newest album.

I'd never heard of Michael Franti when I was asked to review this album.  His songs have a definite bounce that leaves me feeling upbeat and energized.  To me they're a sort of combination of pop and reggae.  The lyrics are positive and uplifting and I found them encouraging when I was having a tough day. "Shake It" is definitely one of my favorite songs.  It's got tons of energy and would work really well as motivation during exercise or house cleaning. I can certainly tell why he called his album The Sound of Sunshine. These songs bring a little bit of cheer into a day when you need it most.

Check out Michael Franti & Spearhead on Facebook & Twitter.

My thanks to EMI and Music Moms for allowing me to review this CD.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

Introducing Johnny Reid CD & help Children's Aid Foundation!

Johnny Reid is already a chart-topping, multi-platinum selling artist in Canada and he will be releasing his first album in the US, Introducing Johnny Reid (EMI/Manhattan Records) on May 3rd. This Scottish-born artist's style is a soulful mix of Bruce Springsteen intermixed with a little rasp and some heartfelt songwriting. He's up for Four Juno Awards (Canada's version of The Grammys).

Right now, US fans can get a sneak peak at Johnny Reid's music throughout March when local public television stations air his music during their pledge drive campaigns. You can check local listings for a complete broadcast schedule or visit www.johnnyreid.com. Johnny has teamed up with the Children's Aid Foundation.  Fans can purchase a stuffed teddy bear with a compilation CD through his website and 100% of the proceeds are donated to the Children's Aid Foundation!

I have to tell you that I had never heard of Johnny Reid before I was contacted to review this CD. I popped it into the computer & put on my headphones and immediately lost myself in his amazing voice.  There's just something about the way he sounds that makes you want to close your eyes and block out the world.  To me, Johnny Reid sounds like country. He's got the twang down pat no matter his origins and the guitar just resonates and brings me back to the sounds of some of the older country music stars. Sarah17 who majors in music at her alternative high school says it sounds somewhere between country and soft rock.  She even liked it which from a 17 year old who tends to NOT prefer country and soft rock is pretty high praise.

His songs vary a bit in tempo.  "Today I'm Gonna Try and Change the World" has a fairly upbeat tempo and I had a hard time not tapping my toes along with the song.  "Good People" definitely has more of a soul sound than his other songs.  "Love Thing" is definitely rock and reminds me of a little of CCR and a little of Bruce Springstein.  "Dance with Me" almost made me cry and is one of his slower songs.  If this one doesn't touch your heart, you're not listening.

Connect with Johnny Reid on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all the latest news!

My thanks to Johnny Reid, EMI/Manhattan Records and Music Moms for allowing me to review this CD.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.  All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.

A Winter Tale CD by Bobby Long

Bobby Long is a young, British song writer who has packed venues across the United states, Canada and Europe. In 2009, he played 160 shows in seven months in seven countries.

A Winter Tale merges band power with acoustic rawness, featuring Nona Hendryx (LaBelle) on backing vocals on "Penance Fire Blues," BJ Cole (Elton John, Sting) on pedal steel, Icelandic singer Lay Low on several tracks, and other top drawer musicisians.

A Winter Tale by Bobby Long is in stores February 1st from ATO Records. His name may sound familiar to you.  He is best known as the songwriter behind the song "Let Me Sign" which was sung by Robert Pattinson and featured in the movie Twilight.

I wasn't familiar with Bobby Long when I was originally asked to review this CD so I wasn't sure what to expect.  I was really pleased to find that his music is totally enjoyable.  It's mellow without being depressing and has a sort of haunting, soulfull sound to it that's really relaxing to listen to. 

One of my favorite songs is Dead and Done.  I definitely think we're going to be hearing more from him in 2011. Check out this cool YouTube video:



You can connect with Bobby Long on Facebook and Twitter or you can check him out on YouTube.

So what do you think? What are you listening to now?

My thanks to Music Moms & ATO Records for providing me a CD to review.

As required by the FTC: I received a product sample in order to write my review.  I received no monetary compensation.   All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.