Coal Country is a southern gospel and bluegrass projects from Raleigh, North Carolina. The band consists of Paul Coleman and Kris Hixson in the studio, and they are joined by an assortment of guests when they play live. Most of the songs on their latest album, Lay My Crown, sound like they could fit right in on the soundtrack of the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou? (the two exceptions are the emotional "Mikey (Navy Seals Tribute)" and "Show the Way," which feature more somber acoustic sounds and vocals; they also sound a bit more like contemporary worship tracks). The rest of the songs are traditional southern-style praise songs, usually with skillful acoustic guitar (though none of the fast picking or banjo most commonly associated with a band that calls themselves bluegrass). The lyrics are full of worship and praise to our Savior, but they also do little to avoid lyrics that are either overused or feel like they came out of ancient hymns. There's also quite a bit of repetition amongst the sound of all of the songs. It's hard to tell some of them apart. Though, to their credit, the lyrics are somewhat overshadowed by the skillful instrumentation. I do enjoy hearing some positive bluegrass for a change, so I have to give Coal Country credit for that, and also for crafting an album that even fans of praise and worship may find themselves getting into right along with the bluegrass fans. My only suggestion would be a little more originality in the lyrics which would greatly affect the songs' quality. Otherwise, while Lay My Crown isn't great, it's rather enjoyable.
- Review date: 10/7/10, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com
Delilah Welcomes for KING and COUNTRY's Luke Smallbone to Popular Podcast Wed, 15 May 2024 14:30:00 EST |
RCA Inspiration Celebrates 15 Nominations for 39th Stellar Awards Wed, 15 May 2024 12:30:00 EST |
Millennial Reign Releases Lyric Video for New Single, "Wandering" Wed, 15 May 2024 12:20:00 EST |
Rapper Damac Pays Homage to His Mom with Powerful New Concept Album For "Mama Mac" Wed, 15 May 2024 12:10:00 EST |
JRA Heads Into Its 40th Year Of Serving Today's Christian Artists and Speakers Tue, 14 May 2024 14:10:00 EST |
Skillet's Seth Morrison and Wife Announce Pregnancy Tue, 14 May 2024 14:05:00 EST |
Redemption Praise Unveils the Heartfelt Story Behind Single, "Jesus" Tue, 14 May 2024 13:30:00 EST |