NEW MUSIC
SELECTIVE HEARING | Robert Berman
VARIOUS ARTISTS Electric Jesus Soundtrack
Christian albums are sometimes inspiring , sometimes comforting , sometimes challenging . But how many are fun ? Or even funny ? “ Electric Jesus ,” an indie film set in the mid- 1980s , affectionately follows the fortunes and misfortunes of “ 316 ,” a young Christian rock band which sets the lofty-for-them goal of being the opening act at a concert for Stryper , the Christian glam metal band which saw the most real-life crossover success . The makers of the film and soundtrack show ample familiarity with the 80s Christian rock scene , when bands like Barren Cross , Whitecross , and Bloodgood brought roaring guitars and towering hair to clubs and church basements alike . Lyrics were simple but sincere , amps were overdriven , and many heads were banged . The soundtrack album gathers songs from the film and similar material from the likes of Daniel Smith , Steve Taylor , and John Mark Painter , who know that scene inside and out . It ’ s a big album in all senses – 21 tracks , 67 minutes of retro-80 . It wouldn ’ t work unless the songs hit that balance between spoof and “ I would actually listen to this song .” Five tracks are credited to the band 316 ; other songs represent allied and rival bands in a variety of styles . We get the crossover power ballad “ Girl ( I Love Jesus Too ).” We get the early-70s Adult Contemporary sound of “ You Can Fly .” Daniel Smith grew up in that scene and knows it well , and his impersonation is dead-on . We get the hilarious “ We Just ,” with synths pads like Berlin ’ s “ Take My Breath Away ” accompanying lyrics comprising the two words most commonly
repeated in the group prayers of nervous youth group members . We get “ Ecstatic Delight ” from Steve Taylor and the Danielson Foil , worth the admission price all by itself , and three tracks from Danielson . Five instrumental tracks are credited to Smith ’ s “ Familyre Friends .” Plus a surprising new country-rock song from the everwonderful , ever-elusive Fleming and John . For bonus goodness , the album includes straightup covers of Stryper ’ s “ Makes Me Wanna Sing ” and Rez Band ’ s “ Love Comes Down .” So fasten your seatbelt for a visit to a time when big hair and big gospel proclamations walked hand in gloved hand .
TERESSA MAHONEY Disillusions
For her third project in four years , Teressa Mahoney turns her attention to the dispelling of falsehoods . She has a deft ear for both word and tune , aided on production and engineering by Waterdeep ’ s Don and Lori Chaffer . She shines at mid-tempo guitar / piano pop in the spirit of Melanie Penn , Amy Grant , or Olivia Rodrigo . Acoustic music has a reputation for drawing eloquent talent , and Mahoney is no exception . “ Good Good ” celebrates the welcoming power of the Lord ’ s Table . “ American Elegy ” calls us to live out Matthew 25 in our contemporary context , putting a new spin on “ may God give grace to thee .” “ Hey , Honey ” is a snarky look at churches that don ’ t make room for women to be involved . Eric Peters joins in for “ Always You ,” which speaks of our Creator ’ s reflection in the world around us . “ Follow the Light ” closes the set , weaving a reprise of “ Good Good ” into an ethereal new composition .
JON FOREMAN Departures
Between his solo work and his leadership in the band Switchfoot , Jon Foreman has built a formidable house of quality pop music . “ The Ocean Beyond the Sea ” kicks the set off with an alluring , spooky orchestral arrangement reminiscent of Future of Forestry . The percussive “ Education ” recalls Jon Bellion . Madison Cunningham assists on vocals for the dreamy love song “ Side by Side ,” while Lauren Daigle duets on the brooding heavenminded anthem “ A Place Called Earth .” “ Jesus , I Have My Doubts ,” which prayerfully laments a world and a person careening on a distressing course , contrasts with the Psalmlike faith odes “ Thanks Be to God ” and “ Weight of the World .”
Cello , piano , and guitar team up for the breezy benediction “ The Gift .” “ Love is the Rebel Song ” rides a country guitar rhythm into the land of Electric Light Orchestra . The wry , Monkeeslike “ The Valley of the Shadow of Planned Obsolescence ” cogitates wryly on the changing musical landscape . “ What do we do when my favorite CD lies in the Goodwill ’ s hands ?” The elegiac song of bereavement “ Last Breath ” closes on a contemplative note . From track to track , Foreman mixes up his sounds- acoustic , electric , programmed , live , ambient , hushed , raucous , but always compelling .
Robert Berman Robert is a Sunday School teacher , music nerd , and acoustic guitar enthusiast . He lives in rural Tennessee with his wife and three boys .