“Cry Holy”
A year and a half after releasing its top 10 album “Resonate,” the Grammy-nominated Christian band, Sonicflood, has released a new album entitled “Cry Holy.” The album hit stores March 11.
Sonicflood’s primary goal is to create music that will usher people into the presence of God, according to the band’s Web site, www.sonicflood.com. The band has done a good job accomplishing this goal and continues to achieve this in “Cry Holy.”
“Cry Holy” is a modern worship album. The album is composed of original songs, but many are new versions of classic worship songs. An enjoyable feature of the songs is the appreciation many people will have for them because they will recognize the lyrics and will be able to sing along. There is no ambiguity in this group’s music. The songs are sung to God and about God with a clear message of praise.
“Cry Holy” is not as creative or edgy as the band’s last album, “Resonate,” which sold more than 250,000 units and reached top 10 in sales and radio. “Cry Holy” consists of songs that are a blend of worship and soft rock. Most of the music is fairly mellow with a slight edge. The lyrics are biblical, encouraging and easy to understand.
“Satisfied” is a personal favorite. Especially enjoyable is the chorus, which states, “May your glory flood my life. May your beauty fill my sights. Come and carry me away. Only then will I be satisfied.” This song’s blend of instruments and vocals mix well with the band’s overall style.
A highlight of the album is “Everyday,” a song about living for God everyday (go figure). This is the kind of worship song that sounds great performed by a worship band. The title track “Cry Holy” is an original by Sonicflood and has a strong rhythm and a pleasant sound overall.
Only two songs were not enjoyable: “Here I am to Worship,” and “Love of My Life.” The first is a popular worship song that didn’t work well in this album. In Sonicflood’s version it seemed that the band made an effort to meditate on the words, but the song is so lackadaisical it almost sounds like it is sung in slow motion. Somewhat in the same arena is “Love of My Life” which starts out interesting with an almost staccato beat, but quickly takes a turn for boring and sadly never finds it’s way back to interesting.
Surely the group is looking for a similar success to that of “Resonate.” If the previous audience is ready for something slightly mellower, then “Cry Holy” should do well. The lyrics of all of the songs were great for worship, and the music is still good. Sonicflood lives up to its reputation as a leader in the youth praise and worship.
A lot of the album is meditative and thoughtful. So if you are ready to pump up the volume and go clubbing on a Friday night you might want to leave this one at home. However, if you’re stuck in Los Angeles’ traffic and you need something to calm you, this album is perfect.
— Review by Jovita McCleod
March 13, 2003