DecembeRadio released their self-titled debut album June 27, 2006 and with that release they brought solid, straight-ahead arena-style rock ‘n’ roll back to the airwaves. Their style of rock is reminiscent of the seventies stadium rock groups like Kansas, Boston and Aerosmith and a pure southern-rock sound like The Black Crowes or Lynyrd Skynyrd. In fact, I was at a recent show where they covered Kansas’ “Carry On My Wayward Son” and also covered the Lenny Kravitz tune “Are You Gonna Go My Way”. If you are familiar with those songs and know that they “rock”, then you will love DecembeRadio!
DecembeRadio is a foursome of guys (Josh Reedy, Brian Bunn, Eric Miker,
Boone Daughdrill) who with their big label debut release give us hook-laden, guitar rock jams that carry spiritual messages. Although the music DecembeRadio cranks out is down to earth southern-style guitar rock, the Christian message is heavenly and obvious. Their music will appeal to both the saved and unsaved, and once it hooks you, which doesn’t take long with songs like “Love Found Me”, “Dangerous” and “Drifter”, the newest single released to AC radio, a closer listen to the lyrics will draw you in to hear a wonderful message of hope and that fulfillment in this life comes through Christ.
From DecembeRadio’s MySpace:
“We’re not out to try to be rock stars, we’re just a bunch of southern boys who want to hang out, have a good time and inspire others,” sums up Bunn. “But were not trying to play it safe musically or spiritually. Were not interested in selling out to the industry to be famous and were passionate about being technically on top of our game. We realize each day that without God were nothing, and its our mission to spread His message through music. Without that, wed be unhappy and lonely. You’re never going to be happy, find peace or comfort without the fulfillment of Christ in your life.”
The CD kick starts with the rocker “Can’t Hide” and grabs the listener’s attention with a bass driven hook and acoustic guitars that drive home the point that you “can’t hide from your Creator, you can’t run from your Maker, you’ll need Him sooner or later.” Next up is another rocker, “Dangerous”, keeping the flare of southern rock but with a more modern alternative rock sound (think Audioslave), that encourages a believer to get out there in the world and be “Dangerous”. Josh sings “I wanna be dangerous, unashamed to proclaim Your name…I can’t hide or deny what’s inside”. “Dangerous” is the perfect follow-up tune to “Can’t Hide”.
The first single released from the disc is “Love Found Me (Loves Got a Hold)” which is a straight ahead rock tune that really takes me back to the FM rock of the 1970’s. This song is complete with background horns that accent the chorus and grabs the listener with a hook that you can’t help but sing a long to. This is a song about what it feels like to be changed by the love of Christ and the joy of your First Love. It’s a fun, upbeat, energy-charged tune!
“Drifter” is the second single released to radio from the disc and fits well on adult contemporary secular stations. “Drifter” is a mellow tune, with a catchy pop-rock chorus, great melodic guitar rock, complete with organ which gives it that older rock sound appeal. The song is basically a mellow, southern-rock psalm as the singer comes to realize that he has been drifting away, found himself on a “dead-end road” and wants to “get back home” (to God). It is a journal entry that many believers have written or thought about themselves, and DecembeRadio has gathered all the emotion and thought involved, wrapped it neatly in song, and pours it out through meaningful lyrics and a melody that pines for the comfort and security of “home”.
The 10-track CD is rounded out with a few more rockers; “Greed”, “Live and Breathe” (a rockin’ worship song!), “Razor” and “Table” as well as tunes that are more mellow “Alright My Friend” and “Least of These”. It is a well-produced album of fun rock tunes and a few songs that slow the tempo down a bit and allow for some reflection.
DecembeRadio is highly recommended for fans of 70s and 80s stadium rock and the more mellow tunes on the disc will appeal to those who enjoy the music of the Eagles. While their music captures the heart of arena-style rock, it is updated to appeal to the modern ear as well. It is solid stuff through and through and every song has something to offer the listener. These guys were a ball of energy at Shoutfest 2006 (Jackson, TN) where I was recently privileged enough to see them live. If DecembeRadio comes to a town near you…GO!
Visit these sites:
DecembeRadio - Official Site
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This is not one I ahe heard. I will track it down and listen to it soon.
Comment by CrimsonLight — September 13, 2006 @ 10:38 am
These guys and their music are a lot of fun. It takes me back to the “old days” of listening to bands like Kansas, Journey, Boston…and it’s really cool that the younger kids are enjoying DecembeRadio too. It the kind of music that makes me want to put on old faded blue jeans, the kind with holes worn in the knees, and play air guitar to! LOL The best part is that the messages are so awesome!
Comment by Susan Prince — September 14, 2006 @ 5:51 am
I have listened to a few songs now. I Give You My Heart, Dance with Me, and Freedom Reigns. I like them a lot. Thanks Susan!
Comment by CrimsonLight — September 14, 2006 @ 10:16 pm
Where did you find those songs you mention?
Comment by Susan Prince — September 15, 2006 @ 5:30 am
Oh, I see. Those are from the independant release. It’s a great worship CD…picked it up at their show but have only listened through it once. I was curious where you found the listening samples you mentioned though?
Comment by Susan L. Prince — September 15, 2006 @ 8:18 am