Monday, October 15, 2007

Feeling Inclined

To write another review, that is. Of the new CD from my friends Mike and Suzanne Cowan of Scarlet Snow entitled Inclined. The first words that come to my mind when I think about this CD is...Holy Crap. I can't believe I actually know these people. It might surprise you all to know that I had a very brief musical career with them in their band Kudzu. That was right before Scarlet Snow. And after listening to quality of this CD, I am convinced my leaving the band was by far the best gift I could've ever given these cats. ;)

First of all, I've always known that these guys were muy talented. But this CD is crazy good. Suzanne's vocals are the best I've ever heard. She has really pushed herself on this CD, reaching notes and ranges that I can't even comprehend coming out of another human being's mouth. The musical arrangements of all the songs are perfection. And the lyrics. Don't even get me started on the lyrics. They've reached a level of, sometimes brutal, honesty mingled with loving truth that, let's face it, a lot of artists are afraid to go for these days. Especially Christian artists.

Here's the deal. I've recently purchased a bunch of new music. So I've been listening to all kinds of great stuff. But it's this album that gets stuck in my head. No matter what, you can find me humming or singing one of their songs all throughout the day. There are so many songs that I love, like "Politix," "Turning This Around," "Lay Down," and "Sonrise." But my favorite song on the CD is the title track, #5, "Inclined." Here's a sample of the lyrics:

With a blanket of mystery, You cover me like a little child.
And even though I don't understand You, at least I'm warm tonight.

I love people who aren't afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves. I love artists who are able to do the same through their music. I love the truth. I love people that aren't afraid to look into the very face of darkness and look for God, even there. These guys have a story to tell. And they tell it. Very beautifully, on this new CD. So be sure to check it out for yourself. It's well worth it.

5 comments:

Scarlet Snow ::mike:: said...

Wow. I'm really touched AB. We are so encouraged to know that the CD can touch people. As you know, it was a difficult story to live and sometimes just as difficult to tell.

Thanks so much for hearing it.

m

Davis said...

Yeah, "Holy Crap!" about summed it up for me, too. Having heard most of these songs played live over the past year, I'd been waiting for this CD for a while, and it turned out to be exactly what I wanted. There's not a dud on that thing! The kids eat it up, too, which is a blast. Entire album can be heard here, at least for a while. Daniel's and Maggie's picks: "Turning This Around", "Feel My Way (A Prodigal)", and "Witness." These are the ones we have to listen to first, before we can go back and listen to the whole CD through again. Really, really good stuff.

Scarlet Snow ::mike:: said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Angie said...

You aren't kidding, Angela. Their album is awesome! One of my favorite songs is "Foxes at the Door." Scarlet Snow rocks!

Scarlet Snow ::mike:: said...

aw shucks guys. thanks.