Joy Electric's frontman and founder Ronnie Martin struck gold when he teamed up with Jeff Cloud. Now the Joy Electric sound is greater than ever, and CHRISTIANsongs is by far their best album to date.
Although Martin picked "aggravated" as the one word to describe the album's theme, I suggest "depth." This time these masters of the electro-zen have spent more energy on the feeling of songs than the sounds. The result is a total package of sound and sense, keyboard wizardry, lyrical truths, and catchy melodies that sets a new standard for synth-pop.
CHRISTIANsongs is a full analogue album with just a tinge of a dark, sarcastic theme. There are a few songs, like "Children of the LORD" and "True Harmony," which are faster than a speeding train, catchier than a cold, and more like "Happy Hardcore" than anything. All the percussion is played on the keyboards, and even the slower songs are more up-tempo while also showing greater musical depth. Like good classical movements, every song takes you somewhere, rather than just repeating a few chords over and over again.
The lyrics are blatantly Christian and every song is a "stand for the LORD." Though most prior albums fixated on fantasy, childhood, and trolls, this one focuses on reality, maturity, and God. On "Lift Up Your Hearts" they make a stand for the truth and question the faith of other groups. "Children of the Lord" serves as a statement of faith, and being born again is likened to being synthesized on "Synthesized I Want You Synthesized." Martin's voice is the perfect match--both excited and intentionally over-acted.
Joy Electric have truly created something entirely new while also staying true to their unique sound. Quite contrary to the song Joy Electric made years ago, "Five Stars for Failure," CHRISTIANsongs earns "Five Stars for Success."
5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2005Reviewed by Jason MoreheadWhen I reviewed (maybe "raved about" is a better term) Joy Electric's Old Wives Tales, I made the point that any pro-Ronnie Martin ramblings will probably be chalked up to "preaching to the converted." Literally. And then came the somewhat disappointing Robot Rock, and the critics practically crawled over themselves, labelling Ronnie a pop genius and whatnot. So Martin goes around and releases…The Phantom Tollbooth September 1999Reviewed by Shari LloydDo you need a pick-me-up in your day? You could do a lot worse than picking up Ronnie Martin's wonderful synth-pop release. While Martin has aimed these songs at alienated youth, we can all find a message here. The songs are all Christian anthems or calls to action with a crisp and fresh sound. No Nashville cheese here. Christiansongs is sure to bring a smile to your face and hopeful joy to your…The Phantom Tollbooth April 1999Reviewed by Michial FarmerRonnie Martin has finally grown up. That's not to say Joy Electric's previous albums weren't enjoyable--quite the contrary. Their delightful, "smiley" synth-pop was always good when you are in the mood for something non-aggressive. Seemingly infatuated with fairy tales, Martin sang off-kilter songs about gumdrops, trolls, and castles. CHRISTIANsongs is not like that. Although it is still…Bandoppler 1999Reviewed by Sucré MusiqueIf Ronnie Martin and Jeff Cloud ever have time to stop and smell the roses, how is beyond me, but, despite their time-consuming collective musical endeavors, they have still churned out the next installment in the continuing Joy Electric saga. Aside from the poignant title (check out our interview with Ronnie Martin for the title's explanation), Christiansongs has taken a more obvious lyrical…Similar sounding releases
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