I made a mistake when I began listening to Maren Ord’s album, “Waiting”. I tried to listen to her as an LDS artist, and I held her to standards that she’s never aspired to. Maren Ord is not a “Contemporary Christian” artist, she is a rock/pop artist – pure and simple. When I did my homework, visited her website, and listened to her work again, I was impressed. I was even more impressed when I learned that “Waiting” is Maren Ord’s first album, and two more have been released.

A quote on Maren Ord’s website from Randy Bachman says, “She has absolutely perfect intonation and control.”  I have to agree.  Maren has a pure quality to her voice, yet there is an edge that matches the musical style that she is singing.

Even though the album was originally released several years ago, the music and vocals are fresh and relevant to today’s younger musical culture.  What you won’t find on “Waiting” by Maren Ord: suggestive lyrics, off-color remarks, or embarrassing innuendo. What you will find are clean, engaging lyrics from a modest young woman whose music provides a safe haven for the rock/pop fan.

E. Geer
Music Teacher

Ever since The Singles Ward Soundtrack surprised the LDS community 5 years ago, LDS music has hardly been the same, thanks to the creative modern arrangements of hymns the likes of which LDS listeners had rarely heard. The R.M. Soundtrack, with music performed by various artists, gives us more of the same rocking, groovin’, and skankin’.

Some of my family’s personal favorites are, “Give Said the Little Stream”, sung by Matt Harding. It is a grooving tune with a reggae feel. The children singing along on the chorus give it a sweet appeal. This was one of our favorite tracks from the CD. Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband is a local Utah favorite band. Their rendition of “I Hope They Call Me On a Mission” has a nice olde-timey cowboy sound that reminds me of early radio, and makes me long for the Grand Ole Opry! “Onward Christian Soldiers,” sung by The Cretins, sounds suspiciously like the Ramones, “I Wanna Be Sedated” and “Blitzkreig Bop”. That isn’t a bad thing; we very much enjoy singing, “Eh! Oh! Onward go!” along with the guys.

My family fell in love with Ponchillo’s distinctive vocals and guitar work from The Singles Ward Soundtrack. “Abide With Me; Tis’ Eventide” didn’t disappoint. We still love his voice and the distinctive guitar wah. Stretch Armstrong’s cover of “Onward Christian Soldiers,” is reminiscent of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, a band my family loves, thanks to the ska music education we received at the hands of my ska-loving son.  Stretch Armstrong’s version has a hip second half that changes the rhythm and builds to a skanking (I’m told that means good) ending.

“If you Could Hie to Kolob,” has always been a closet-favorite hymn, due to it’s less-than-mainstream message… Kirby Heybourne and Marc Thorup’s arrangement is totally cool, and takes what tends to be a repetitive hymn and makes it very compelling. I would expect to hear something like this on my top 100 radio station.

This music is fun, upbeat and uplifting, all at the same time. We loved the creative interpretations and modern musical twists given to these songs we have grown up loving. Is there a place for these kind of musical arrangements in our church? It is definitely up to the individual to decide, but as for me and teenager-aged family, we love it! If you enjoy the music from The Singles Ward, or if you haven’t heard it before but have an ear for music that rocks, you will love The R.M. Soundtrack. If you haven’t heard what these guys can do to our hymns, you definitely should check it out!

S. Christensen
Layton, Utah

“Beneath These Stars” by Cherie Call is a must have album! There are so many amazing songs, that I have found myself listening to it again and again. The songs flow throughout the album and make you want to listen through the whole album instead of just skipping to your favorite songs.

I think that anyone can find themselves relating to at least one of the songs on this album. A song like “Delivery” pulls at the heartstrings, as it approaches the subject of an adoption from a teen pregnancy. “Holding On” is one of my very favorites from this album, helping me to reminisce and remember the good times from the past. To top it all off, you get the regular version as well as an acoustic version, and both are well arranged.

Cherie Call doesn’t have a big voice like other female vocalists, but her messages and simple musical beauty make her a top female vocalist in the LDS scene. “Beneath These Stars” by Cherie Call is a great adventure with a wonderful group of songs. Enjoy, because I know that I did!

D. Schneck
Akron, Ohio

“’Til it Storms” by The Pearsons was an interesting album for me. It was not my favorite album, and I had a hard time loving the music. There is definitely a country feel to the entire album, but not in the traditional country sense. The Pearsons utilize many different avenues to portray their music, using mainly a mature female voice, but occasionally male voices as well.

There were a few good songs. “Startin’ To Show” and “Rockin’ Their Babies” were fun, upbeat songs. I think the title track was the best on the album. I liked the message and the approach to share that message. Having said that, there were some songs that had very childish lyrics that I really didn’t like. So, like I pointed out before, it was okay, but wasn’t great.

Overall, “’Til It Storms” by The Pearsons is different than the norm and was fun to listen through. You might like it. You might not. It’s worth it for the couple of good songs that are on it, but I can’t say that I will find myself listening to the other songs again.

D. Schneck
Akron, Ohio; Recording Musician

Here is another great album of uplifting music. You can’t go wrong with EFY albums. “EFY 2007 - Power in Purity” by Various Artists is another great one. They always contain a vast selection of some of the finest artists singing well developed songs aimed at inspiring the youth of the Church.

The reason these albums are so enjoyable is the variety of the music. Male and female vocalists get the chance to shine. There are also slower ballads and faster, pop-like songs. There is something for everyone, and it is always fun to listen to as well.

My favorites from this album are “You Raise Me Up”, “I Am a Child of God & I Have a Savior”, and “Familiar”. It is nice to hear some new vocalists on the album, as well as some that have been included in previous EFY albums. The variety is probably what I love best about “Power in Purity” by Various Artists. These songs will definitely grow on you!

D. J. Schneck
Akron, OH; Ward Mission Leader and Recording Musician

I have been a fan of Jericho Road for a long time, and “What Matters
Most” is a fresh chance to revisit some of their best pieces.  The
album is “unplugged,” and I found that hearing piano accompaniment
rather than typical pop instruments was a pleasant surprise.  On
the first listening, I thought that including the testimonies of
Abe Mills, Dave Kimball, Bret Bryce, and Justin Smith slowed the
album down.  However, as I have continued to listen, I think the
testimonies have become my favorite part of the album.  How
wonderful to have the testimonies of returned missionaries for our
youth to hear and to emulate!  These are genuine moments from the
lives of real people, moments that youth can relate to.

The singing, as usual, is impeccable, and the harmonies are
stirring. 

The lyrics are profound in the song “Remember”:

     “Remember His promise, and all he has given,
     Be faithful and honest, and stand for the truth.
     Rely on the strength he has conferred through the power of his word
     To hearts and minds that listen and believe.”

The lyrics of the song “Let Him Heal Your Heart” are inspirational:

     “Who can know the heartache, you are feeling deep inside?
     Who can know the burdens you’ve carried all your life?
     Darkness fills the daylight, and the road is much too long.
     Where are heaven’s answers, and the strength to carry on?
     When the night is lonely, and your pride and fear depart,
     When the tears have fallen, and the questions fill your heart,
     Think of how he loves you and he longs to bring you home,
     Reach out for his guidance, he has walked your path alone.”

I highly recommend “What Matters Most” by Jericho Road, especially for fans of
Jericho Road.  I have enjoyed it thoroughly.

E.Geer
Mother of 3; Music Teacher

The EFY Albums are always great compilations of inspiring songs, and “EFY 2006 – The Greatest Gift; Especially for Youth”  by Various Artists is no exception! I have loved the EFY Albums since the mid-90’s.

One can definitely feel the Spirit listening to this kind of music. Youth can associate with these songs, because many were written especially for them, the youth of the Church. It is always nice to hear clean, wholesome music that is enjoyable time and time again.

Some favorites from “EFY 2006 – The Greatest Gift; Especially for Youth” by Various Artists include “As I Am”, “Beautiful to Him” and “Come, Follow Me”. These particular songs have great messages or are nice arrangements of hymns. You will love this album, and if you are familiar with EFY or EFY music, you won’t be disappointed.

D. J. Schneck
Akron, OH; Ward Mission Leader and Recording Musician

“Not Your Mother’s LDS Music”, an album featuring various LDS artists, was disappointing.  I have to admit I was excited to see contemporary LDS music marketed to the younger generation.  The Christian Rock genre is well established in the market, and I was hoping that this album would lead me to an LDS version of the Casting Crowns (a Christian rock group that produces wonderfully up beat and inspiring music).  Unfortunately, this album is not what I thought it would be.

There are two things that stand out when I consider my experience with the album “Not Your Mother’s LDS Music”.  First, the music quality varied significantly from track to track.   Some songs were great.  I particularly liked ‘Falling into Freedom’s Arms’, because it was upbeat, clean and inspiring.  I was so energized after listening to the track.  I am definitely going to buy that artist’s other albums.  Other songs left much to be desired.  The song titled ‘Believe’ was catchy but the artist seemed to be stretching her vocal range so much so that it was difficult to focus on anything else.   

Second, the music genres varied too much.  Some songs were up beat tending toward soft rock, others sounded more like pop (remnants of the boy band concept came to mind).  There were also a couple attempts at R&B and a few ballads (some of which my Mom would likely enjoy).  I suppose that variations in genre should be expected in an album featuring different artists, but the mood shifted too abruptly for my taste. 

Overall “Not Your Mother’s LDS Music” seemed abrupt and inconsistent.  I listened to the individual tracks several times thinking that I would come around and change my opinion.  Unfortunately, I did not.  I would recommend that people interested in contemporary LDS music look elsewhere. 

J. Smith
Maple Valley, WA

“Broadway Rhythm” by BYU Young Ambassadors is a fun MP3 download.  BYU’s Young Ambassadors have talent, and they use it to good means. I have always loved going to their performances. I am captivated by their lively interpretations of so many of my favorite songs. So, when I saw that they had made a CD of their 2002 show, entitled “Broadway Rhythm,” I knew that I wanted it in my music collection.

Of course, it is not entirely possible to capture such a vibrant group on an audio CD (seeing them live is a much grander experience), but this album is still amazing. The recordings have so much energy that it is not hard to imagine the stylistic dancing and the intricate costumes that go along with each number. As the title “Broadway Rhythm” would suggest, this show consists of a collection of favorite Broadway hits ranging from Les Miserables to Oklahoma and from Gershwin to Disney. This album is sure to strike a few memories of great past musical experiences as well as expose you to a few new gems.

While not being necessarily religious, “Broadway Rhythm” as performed by BYU’s Young Ambassadors, is a special treat especially for LDS people. Young Ambassadors consists solely of talented students who know who they are and why they are here on the earth, and they use their immense talents to spread the Lord’s spirit and love to all people.

I highly recommend the acquisition of “Broadway Rhythm” by BYU Young Ambassadors!

B. Cartwright
Provo, UT Accounting Student

The music MP3 Download ”Power in Purity” from the 2007 EFY program is uplifting with many great messages, featuring the musical talents of Jessie Clark Funk, Jenny Jordan Frogley, Greg Simpson, Clint Poulsen, and more. The music has a bit more upbeat tone, as we would expect in an album geared towards youth; but not as much as some previous albums. 

I hadn’t heard the extra verse of “You Raise Me Up” as performed on this album by Daniel Beck, but it has changed the song from being about people in my life to being about the Savior, and how in all I do he raises me up to be better and overcome. This is probably my favorite song on the album. I also enjoyed the beautiful piano accompaniment in “Peace” and the sweet message of “Inside”.

“Power In Purity” from Especially for Youth 2007, is a good addition to my LDS music library.

Nicole Lenfesty
Canadian Mother of Four