This is the fifth album from the highly successful sparrow records band Avalon. They broke new ground in the Christian industry by being one of the first manufactured bands. The band however has proved the critics wrong, with sixteen dove award nominations, thirteen number one singles and a Grammy nod.
Avalon is one of the real pop acts in Christian music, with a blend of grooves, which will appeal to both Christians and non-Christians alike. "Wonder Why" the opening track is a really cool song with a great modern sound to it yet remaining with strong lyrical honesty telling how Christians must show the love of Jesus. "Never Giving Up" has been described by the band themselves as having a very "European" sound to it, As a Briton myself I don't really understand what they are saying, unless they are pointing to the recent success of British R + B acts. It does have a strong R + B influence to it. "Make it Last Forever" is a whole new style of music for Avalon, while remaining true to there pop grooves it has an edge, it reminds me somewhat of songs such as "Larger Than Life" by The Backstreet Boys. In fact for a minute I thought it could well have been The Backstreet Boys (sorry Avalon). Oxygen was originally written by Richard Page of pop group Mr. Mister and re-written for this album. The message is one of how important the lord is, after all he is our oxygen. A more intimate song altogether is "I don't wanna go" with its passionate vocals and piano backing.
The album shows a strong depth to Avalon and we can see that they will no doubt be around for some time yet. It is the best yet from them and is due to release on the 22nd of May. I can say that it is well worth a buy, its actually quite refreshing to see a group singing songs with such a clear Christian message which could still easily spill over into the mainstream charts.
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