Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 12!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 12!

JFH Music Review


Joel Vaughn, Surrender EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Joel Vaughn
Surrender EP



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Pop / Worship / Electronic
Album length: 5 tracks: 16 minutes, 55 seconds
Street Date: January 27, 2017


READER RATING:   


The most profound statement of Joel Vaughn's Surrender EP is perhaps the one made by the cover art. It depicts a room divided in half. One half is trashed and dilapidated. The other half is pristine -- freshly painted and shining. It's a symbol of restoration more than surrender, but it's a nice concept nonetheless.

Two words to describe this album are 'bouncy' and 'upbeat.' The whole album carries a bit of an electronica vibe (think Owl City). The album opens with "As You Are," featuring a finger-snap percussion that is a point of interest. "One In A Million" is your typical 'you're beautiful just the way you are' song, today's answer to Steven Curtis Chapman's "Fingerprints Of God" or Jonny Diaz's "More Beautiful You." The lyrics are pretty Christianese ("You could fly higher than the heavens / Even the stars are never too far"), but if that doesn't bother you anywhere else, it won't bother you here.

"If I Trust" is perhaps the most original sounding track on the album. Although the lyrical approach is still fairly common, the lyrical content does acknowledge that Christians are not promised a perfect life and sometimes struggle with trusting God. The piano sound throughout is a nice touch (though this is perhaps negated by Vaughn's vocal gymnastics in the chorus, which get trying by the end of the song). "Every Alley Of My Heart" is the natural follow-up song--a declaration of surrender. The dance vibe, while fun, feels a bit out of place given the seriousness and sincerity of the lyrics. The EP closes with "All Things New," another electronic-dance song which fits the cover art of the EP. This song was clearly inspired by 2 Corinthians 5:17.

Overall, Surrender is very radio-friendly, clearly aimed at young teens. If that's your thing, you need to pick up this EP. But if that's not your thing, you will want to pass on this release. It's fun to dance around to a bit, and the lyrics throughout are positive and upbeat. However, it doesn't particularly stand out and there's really nothing on here that hasn't been done before in Christian music.

- Review date: 3/26/17, written by Sarah Issler of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Listen to the new album from Charming to the Last!

 

. Record Label: Dream Label Group
. Album length: 5 tracks: 16 minutes, 55 seconds
. Street Date: January 27, 2017
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: AmazonMP3

  1. As You Are (3:24)
  2. One In a Million (feat. Matthew Parker) (3:27)
  3. If I Trust You (3:20)
  4. Every Alley of My Heart (3:07)
  5. All Things New (3:37)

 

 

 

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Listen to the new album from Charming to the Last!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 28, 2023
SINGLES
Mawcore War Cry - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 30, 2023
ALBUMS
Ronnie Martin Holiday Fable [Velvet Blue Music]

This Friday, December 1, 2023
ALBUMS
Citizens i can't find the edges of you (deluxe) [Integrity]
PEABOD PLAY! (independent)
Planetshakers Christmas Chill, Vol. 1 - EP [Venture3Media]
Michael Tait I Believe in Christmas - EP [Capitol CMG]
Various Artists Journey to Bethlehem Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Deluxe) [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Rich Colón UNDO. - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ricky Dillard When I Think - Single [Capitol CMG]
FAITHFUL Wondrous Things - Single [Integrity]
Hillsong em Portugues Assim Como e no ceu - Single [Capitol CMG]
Mat Kearney Christmas Miracle / White Christmas - Single (independent)
The Kingsmen I Just Stopped By On My Way Home - Single [Horizon]
Passion He Who is to Come (ft. Cody Carnes, Kristian Stanfill) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Project 86 ULTRAVIOLEnT - Single (independent)
Kevin Quinn I'm Not There Yet - Single [Capitol CMG]
Souljornerz Avenues - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ian Yates We'll Be Alright - Single [7Core]

Next Friday, December 8, 2023
VINYL
Petra Beyond Belief (Orange Vinyl, 180 gram) (Vinyl) [Girder]
Petra Unseen Power (Blue Vinyl, 180 gram) (Vinyl) [Girder]
Petra Wake Up Call (Yellow Vinyl, 180 gram) (Vinyl) [Girder]

Next Sunday, December 10, 2023
ALBUMS
Solachi Voz QUASAR (independent)


For all release dates, click here!
 



Listen to the new EP from Wind And Sail!




Pre-order the new album from Signum Regis!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images