Desperation Band

Desperation Band has caught the world by storm, introducing them to a fresh voice in worship music, bringing a contagious passion to every concert and album that doesn’t fade. Their return to the scene, Light Up the World, doesn’t disappoint in the least. The album, their first one recorded in a studio instead of live, still plays like a live worship set.

The album begins with an instrumental opening (the aptly titled “You Started It All”). The energy even in this start is evident, and it becomes a warm up for the rest of this album. A second instrumental interlude, “Dawn Till Dusk” shows up later in the album as well. It’s a testament to the band’s talent that even their instrumental breaks in the album are worth getting absorbed into, listening to them again and again. You don’t dare skip those.

After “You Started it All”, the band blends into “You Hold It All,” a celebration of creation and how, in his crazy way, God “holds it all together”. Life is somehow born, where there should be death, and that’s definitely worth throwing a party for.

“Be The Change” introduces some Killers-esque electronic music in the background, topped with grinding electric guitars and intricate drum work. It’s one of the most refreshing songs of the album, as Jon Egan, the lead singer, encourages his listeners to “be the change upon this earth”. It’s unfortunately often that people mourn the state of the world, but rarely do anything about it. And now, instead of simply backing away from the state of the world, throwing our hands up in the air, we have a chance to make this planet we call home a better place. We can become a part of the redemption that God’s already begun.

“Highest Place” lets Egan step back from lead vocals, and introduces female vocals. It’s a softer song, allowing the vocals to float elegantly on the surface. Christy Nockels would have a field day with this song.

With “Joy Will Come,” the band starts off with a moody, darker instrumental piece. It provides the perfect foil for the light, bright vocals of both singers. The song’s mellow music seems to fit the lyrics perfectly, as they seem to be coming from a sad place within. As the song progresses, the music becomes progressively louder and more joyful, as they celebrate the beginnings of joy, making an appearance after a difficult time. It’s a song that’s so entirely relatable that it’s tempting to put it on repeat for quite a while.

“Light of World,” while full of lovely sentiments and excitement for what God is going to do here on Earth, comes across as just a little too preachy. The lyrics “I’m gonna believe that sickness and poverty will cease/I’m gonna believe that power from the heavens will relieve” (and the many similar ones), are admirable and beautiful, but it feels like there’s just something missing there. Especially with lyrics like, “I’m gonna believe that fathers and their children will unite,” there’s no follow through given. There’s no hint that perhaps those things may not happen right away, and it could turn an audience off when they’re presented with life the way it is, rather than how it could be one day.

The album wraps up with three songs, including a remake of “Solid Rock” that sounds like it got filtered through a U2 concert. Overall, the album is wonderful, and a worthy addition to any collection. It will be exciting to see what comes next from this band that has rapidly established itself as one to watch.

Tagged as: Desperation Band, Light Up The World

↓ 3 comments

#1 steve on September 16th, 2009 at 7:34 am

I don’t understand your problem with the song light up the world, How is it “preachy”? I see the song as a prayer/hope for things to change and how we as Christ followers need to be a light in this dark world. the bridge is asking God to send his glory on earth So that sickness and poverty will cease, so that fathers and their children will unite. Its all a prayer that Gods kingdom and Gods Glory will come to earth. I think its very powerful and not missing a thing.

#2 John Wofford on September 16th, 2009 at 10:59 am

Lynn:

You and your opinions, girl! You gotta quit making people mad! Be more like me. I never make any readers upset.

#3 Matt on September 16th, 2009 at 5:06 pm

Great review!

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