Even after his untimely death, the music and message of Keith Green lives on. In the spirit of other tribute albums, some of today's hottest rock and alternative bands have recorded an album replete with contemporary guitar riffs and intense power rock sounds as each artist leaves their own distinctive musical mark on these classic songs.
The album launches immediately into Hangnail's rendition of "Run to the End of the Highway." While the original held its own musically, this version kicks the energy up a notch, pulling modern rock influences together with the good old fashioned rock-and-roll sounds of the original work.
Cadet follows seamlessly with "You Are the One," a power pop infused version of a song that speaks, in very simple terms, of the grace of God, His love for us, and our reciprocal love for Him. "How I love You, You are the one, You are the one for me."
"Asleep In the Light," covered by Bleach, opens large with a swelling guitar melody which flows throughout the song. MxPx's rousing version of "You Put this Love in My Heart," takes a classic track and puts it to a heart pounding punk rock soundtrack. The background harmonies round out the song and make it fun to listen to.
Ace Troubleshooter plays it large with their heavy guitar-laden rendition of "Your Love Broke Through." The track swells to a musical climax and then descends briefly for a soft interlude, springing back suddenly into full gear as the song crashes to a close. "Like waking up from the longest dream, how real it seemed, until your love broke through. I've been lost in a fantasy that blinded me, until your love broke through."
The driving bass riffs of Flight 180 and "He'll Take Care of the Rest," bring extra pep to an already upbeat song. "40 Years," re-done by Ill Harmonics is the only track on the album that actually significantly changes, adding to the original work. Featuring R&B funk and a hip modern interpretation of the Biblical account of the Israelites' departure from Egypt, the song still retains the original message of the sin of pride and brings the distinct truth of our collective sinfulness to the forefront with thought provoking lyrics.
Other artists featured on the album include Joy Electric: "Make My Life a Prayer to You," Starflyer 59: "Lord I'm Gonna Love You," MG! The Visionary: "My Eyes are Dry," and Element 101: "You."
The album closes off heavy, with a pounding version of "Dear John Letter (to the Devil)" performed by the Dingees.
While no one can truly know where Keith Green's music and creativity would have gone had he lived, this album is certainly representative of not only the possibility but also the true transcendence of genre that his music embodies.
5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #89Reviewed by Jason DoddIt sounds like a good idea, I guess - doing modern covers of Keith Green songs in tribute to him, but can it be pulled off? Well, Hangnail do alright with a 'pop-punk-a-fied' "Run to the End of the Highway," even capturing some of Keith's vocal tenderness in places. Cadet do a youth worship take on "You are the One." Bleach seem to get "Asleep in the Light," losing some of the tin from their own…ReAL Magazine 2001Reviewed by Adam L.Without Keith Green, it's hard to imagine where contemporary Christian music would be today. His absolute devotion to God was truly amazing, and his life was reflected in the music he wrote. His songs have guided many Christians, including myself. In light of all this, I was very skeptical when I first heard that a host of Tooth & Nail/BEC artists were planning a collaborative tribute to Keith. I…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Michial FarmerIt has apparently been a longstanding dream of Tooth & Nail CEO Brandon Ebel to release a tribute album to the late Keith Green. Green certainly deserves it, as we have him to thank (or blame, depending on how cynical you are) for the current surge of modern worship music. Much of his music sounds rather dated and cheesy today, but his earnestness keeps it alive, fresh, and still worth hearing.…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Ken MuellerI first discovered Keith Green back in the seventies at the same time I first discovered contemporary Christian music. I was drawn to his rich, evocative vocals and his lyrics, which avoided the cliches of music evangelism and instead called on the Church to live lives worthy of the name "Christian." Despite some later misgivings about some aspects of his theology, I've always had a soft place in…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Olin JenkinsThe late Keith Green pioneered a new phase of contemporary Christian music, as he's often credited with inventing praise and worship music. That's fine with me, since there was a very good compilation from Sparrow in 1992 entitled No Compromise: Remembering the Music of Keith Green. BEC has updated some of Keith's finest songs, and this venture is perfect for both the newcomer to his music…Similar sounding releases
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