In 2007, the Christian music community saw the debut of, not one, but two artists who were apt to fill the Country-meets-pop music void felt in the Gospel music community. Those two artists were 33Miles and Austins Bridge. 33Miles didn’t really want the title all that much, and Austins Bridge got unfairly labeled as “strictly Southern Gospel”. The two groups were actually very similar, yet 33Miles got accepted in pop music world and Austins Bridge seemed to be relegated to the Southern Gospel and Bluegrass worlds. 33Miles’ sophomore record One Life saw that band embracing the inspirational and country sounds even more.
Austins Bridge is now releasing their sophomore outing - Times Like These - and much like 33Miles - the band has managed to come more toward the middle of pop/country - leaving behind any hint of Southern Gospel or bluegrass in the process. Produced by Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus, Times Like These sounds like a faith-based Rascal Flatts recording (and not surprisingly) with elements of other country acts like Keith Urban, Little Big Town, and Lady Antebellum thrown in for good measure. Times Like These is chock full of country and pop music ditties that fans of the above mentioned Country acts as well as names like 33Miles, Crabb Revival, Jason Crabb, and Beyond the Ashes will love.
The album kicks off with the infectious and radio-friendly “Angels” while tunes like “Mercy Never Leaves” and “Good Time” continue in this same vein! “Quitters” is a tune that was originally recorded by Country artists Trent Willmon and Collin Raye, and it fits very well in the context of this recording. “Big Sky” is a jamming bluesy tune complete with a jam session at the end where Justin Rivers and Jason Baird take turns showing off their impressive vocal chops. “Dash Between the Dates” (while not the easiest hook to write in a song) talks of how the life we live is just that - a span of time. It’s a call of action to get people involved in the work of Lord and to be the hands and feet of God!
Times Like These doesn’t have a whole lot that the fans of more traditional Southern Gospel will like - but there are a few key tunes that should play well for the band at Southern Gospel radio - particularly the inspirational tune “Hold On to Jesus.” Also - “There Is a God” - which is a highlight track and cover of LeAnn Womack’s tune - could do well on multiple formats and older listeners in particular will probably enjoy the message of the song.
Overall, current fans of Austins Bridge as well as fans of pop/country will find a lot to like on Times Like These. Rivers, Baird, and DeMarcus have created a fantastic collection of songs that get the toe tapping and the heart moving. This is an album not to be missed this year.
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 05/31/2010
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Category: Reviews
Comments: 0
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