"Hello" by We Are Leo Review

We Are Leo is a new techno pop/rock band from Illinois, and also is the first band to release an album through Skies Fall Records. I've been really excited about the label, and We Are Leo's debut, "Hello" is sure to be a staple in your music library!

"Supernova Sunrise" introduces us to the sound of We Are Leo: energetic, fun pop/rock with great lyrics. "Supernova Sunrise" is a top-notch track about waking up to God's grace and moving forward, living life to the fullest. "Heartbeats" takes the music farther into a techno pop territory, Frontman David Duffield sings "Can you hear hope calling you, like a whisper in the night?" and encourages the listener to open their hearts to love and hope. "Heartbeats" is a great track, and the female guest vocalist complements the song perfectly.

"Oxygen" brings a message of God's love for us; how "when you cry I'll be the one to dry your tears." The rock edge to "Oxygen" combined with the strong lyrics make this song a stand out track from "Hello". "Seventeen" is a bittersweet song about a relationship that blossomed, fell apart, but God restored. Forgiveness and the hope of second chances fill this song, and is my personal favorite off the album. "Colors" is a worshipful song that contains some of the best lyrics I've ever heard in a praise and worship song! We Are Leo doesn't disappoint in their lyric writing, and their heart for God comes through their music.

"Live 4 Love" is the infectious single off "Hello" and got my attention the first time I heard it! It reminds us to spread God's love, because when we have love, we have everything. The beat is extremely catchy and fans of pop are sure to love this song. "Remember You" is a very dreamy, almost instrumental track that is really beautiful.

Closing out the EP, "I'm With You" is a song of reassurance from God, how he'll never leave us. Once again strong lyrics give us encouragement; but the fun of pop music with a rock edge is there! "I'm With You" rounds out "Hello" in a great way.


The debut album from We Are Leo is a great pop record with a bit of a rock edge. The lyrics of "Hello" bring what has been missing from Christian Pop for a long time: Spiritual depth with a fun edge. I would recommend "Hello" for fans of Anthem Lights and Royal Tailor. Be sure to keep your eye on We Are Leo!

Indie Exclusive: Liam Blake

I recently found out about Indie artist Liam Blake, a Christian folk-pop artist from England! Liam has been making music since he was 17, and he has just released "You And Other Stories". I really enjoy Liam's music; it's worshipful, full of meaning, fun, and is perfect for fans of Shawn McDonald, Aaron Shust, Jimmy Needham, and JJ Heller. His songs tell a story, and you feel a strong connection to the music. His song "Simon" is one of my favorite off "You and Other Stories", as well as "Sinners and Saints", in which Liam humbly acknowledges the state of his soul and crys out to God for redemption. I am excited to offer "Sinners and Saints" as an exclusive free download!

Be sure to check out Liam Blake on Band Camp, YouTube and MySpace! Here he is performing "Gypsy Fireflies". Enjoy!

"Center Stage Shout Out" by Skyhawk Drive Review!

I'm really excited to review this project! I recently heard about Skyhawk Drive, and their EP, "Center Stage Shout Out" which was released in November of 2009.

Starting off the EP is a fun intro track that sets the pace for "Center Stage Shout Out": a fun, electro-pop/rock album with light hearted lyrics that bring a positive message as well. "Their Dance, Your Chance brings a fun pop track infused with elements of rock. This song is so fun, but brings a message of being who we are without caring what others think with lyrics such as, "Shout HEY! World it's me, I don't care what you think!"



Coming in at track number three, "Us Against The Clock" is one of the most fun tracks off the EP. Now, I want to clarify something. When I first heard this song, I thought there was a swear word in the opening lyrics. THERE IS NOT! Ronnie from Skyhawk Drive told me they do not use swear words in their music, which I think is pretty awesome of them. The music is fun, and I bet this is even more awesome live.

"Hey Candi" is a lighthearted, sweet song about a girl that equates how he feels about her with the effects of candy. It's a funny song, but doesn't fall into that "oh brother" category. "Finest Mistake" has got to be one of the BEST Pro-Life songs ever written. This song tells the story of a young girl who makes the choice to have her child; her finest mistake. "Finest Mistake" is a powerful and beautiful song, and I encourage you to listen to it as soon as you can.

 "Silence Says" is next and carries more of a punk feel, with lyrics that deal with the confusion of trying take the advice of others, trying to figure out who you are and what you want to do with your life. Great track with a strong punk feel.

"The Breakaway" closes out the EP, and is probably my personal favorite off the album. As teenagers, we go through a lot of terrible things, but through this song Skyhawk Drive encourages us to "give it all to grace" and promises "You're worth more than what they say, don't you forget for another day, that you're loved and you mean everything ". This acoustic track is beautiful, conveys God's love for us, and is the perfect closer for the album.

"Center Stage Shout Out" gave us just a taste of what Skyhawk Drive is capable of. Two years later, Skyhawk Drive is still going strong, and is currently in Skies Fall Studios creating a new project! I recently had the opportunity to interview Ronnie Bingaman, the lead singer of Skyhawk Drive! The interview will be up within the week, and I'm really excited for you guys to get to know this awesome band from right here in Pennsylvania!

The Rubyz "Reflection" Review

Teen pop group "The Rubyz" have been in the Christian Music scene since around 2007. Their first two albums, "The Rubyz" and "Sound Off" became fan favorites, and even though there's been a few member changes, The Rubyz have managed to bring a fun pop sound that competes with secular groups. Let's get to the review!

As with all of the iShine releases this year, rather than calling it a cd, "Reflection" has been labeled an "MVP", which stands for Music, Video, and Purpose. The music aspect gives you 10 songs, (which can be downloaded for use on your MP3 player from an internet link given in the MVP case) the video part of the DVD means you will get 10 music videos, and an episode of iShine KNECT featuring The Rubyz. The purpose portion gives you behind the song sessions, and includes the iShine episode.


To start things off "Reflection" brings a fun, electro-pop sound that sounds awesome through my speakers, and brings beautiful message of how God can change us into what He has planned for us. "Fall With You" also brings a strong techno beat, and encourages us to not be afraid and take chances, because God is always with us.


"Big God" has an old-school pop feel to it, and I really like the music of this song. The lyrics speak of how great God is, and how he can overcome all of our situations. 'Whatcha Seein" is one of my favorite songs off the album with the most unique sound and encourages us to be ourselves, how God made us. "Unchanging" is also another standout track, and speaks of how God's love never changes or ends, unlike human love.

Now begins the cover songs. "Your Grace Is Enough" is the first of the covers, and The Rubyz really did an awesome job with this song! The Rubyz put their own spin on the song, and it really works. "Indescribable" follows, and once again, The Rubyz deliver with shining vocals and music tweens and teens love. "City On Our Knees" could rival TobyMac's original version very easily. "You Reign" is full of soaring vocals packed with a love for Christ. "Lead Me To The Cross" closes out the album, and is simply amazing. I really can't decide if I like Francesca Battistelli's version or The Rubyz' version better. 


The video part of MVP comes in with 10 live performance music videos in which The Rubyz do a great job, as well as 10 song explanations that give you an insider's look at the music of The Rubyz. I enjoyed getting to know what the different songs meant to The Rubyz, and I like the fact there is an interview after the song explanations. It's neat to get behind the scenes info.


Rounding out the MVP is a full episode of the popular iShine KNECT show. This episode is all about lying, and the different consequences that come because of lies. I enjoyed watching this episode, it's lighthearted and fun, but brings a serious lesson we all need to learn.


Overall, "Reflection" by The Rubyz is a great album for tweens and teens. Full of beautiful vocals, catchy music, powerful lyrics and lots of bonus material, "Reflection" is unique and fun. If you are a fan of Cortni, Britt Nicole, Charmaine, or the album "Make Some Noise" by Krystal Myers, there's practically an 100% 
chance you'll like this album. 


Be sure to keep an eye out for an interview with The Rubyz, coming soon! :)

Anthem Lights Debut CD review!

THE TIME HAS COME!!!!! The project I've been looking forward to for several months now is here! Anthem Light's debut project, "Anthem Lights" hit iTunes and national retailers today! Does it live up to my excitement?

"Anthem Lights" starts things off with "Can't Shut Up" which is currently a hit single on radio stations all over America. An anthem for young people all over, Anthem Lights boldly declares that "This is why we stand up and sing, we can't shut up! We've got everything that we need! We can't shut up! Love has come and now we are free! We can't shut up!". A fun, energy packed track, "Can't Shut Up" mixes pop and rock in a great way, and there is no question about the impact the lyrics have on listeners.

Next we have "I Wanna Know You Like That" is another strong song that encourages men to stand up and be like David, but is a message applicable to every Christian. If you haven't noticed already, there isn't a main vocalist. As I mentioned in my Anthem Lights EP review , Anthem Lights is comprised of four singers, Alan Powell, Chad Graham, Caleb Grimm, and Kyle Kupecky. Vocals are often traded throughout their songs, and it's obvious these guys are talented. Overall, "I Wanna Know You Like That" is a great pop/rock track.

One of my absolute favorites from Anthem Lights is "Circles" which follows "I Wanna Know You Like That" It slows things down some, and brings a more serious tone to the album. This song has impacted me personally, and challenged me in my Christian walk with lyrics like "Before you even know it, I'm right back at the start, Doing what I hate, And breaking my own heart, I'm going back and forth , And then forth and then back, And then round in circles"  Once again the guys hit things right out of the park with their vocals and lyrics.

"Can't Get Over You" is another slow track, but the lyrics are powerful. A message of God's forgiveness, grace and love, "Can't Get Over You" doesn't bring a whole lot of new stuff musically, but as I mentioned, the lyrics are powerful. After what God has done for us, how can anyone "get over" His saving grace?

"Stranger"...yes!!!! I was dying to hear this kind of pop music again!! Anyone remember the days of TrueVibe,  90's era ZoeGirl, and Plus One? It seemed Christian music was done in that area, but Anthem Lights brings it back in this song! I don't mean the sound is dated, but rather it's a revival of GOOD pop music that has been missing from CCM for a while. Anyway, the lyrics of "Stranger" speaks of being a stranger in this world, waiting to go to our Heavenly home. "I gotta keep my eyes looking to the sky for you, the Son is on His way, and I wanna be ready, and I won't forget I'm not home til I'm with You, the Son is on His way!" reminds us of the coming of Christ. Definitely one of my favorites on this album.

"Outta My Mind" starts things off pretty neat, with a little auto tuned intro, then Caleb brings in the verse, asking God for happiness, then the chorus realizes that we need to have the mind of Christ in order to be truly happy. I love the bridge in this song, and I'm going to start telling people I'm outta my mind. :P Overall this is a good track, once gain with great lyrics and a fun pop/rock beat.

"Lifeline" has a fun pop/latino sound, and Chad Graham's voice really shines in this track. "Lifeline" speaks of Christ being our lifeline, saving us from our sin. I love the breakdown on the bridge, it definitely catches your attention, and fits the song perfectly.

The next track is "Lighthouse" which has a beautiful piano and string intro. I thought it would be a slow song, but it really isn't. "Lighthouse" has a strong beat, and the lyrics encourage us to reach the lost, saying, "It’s up to you, it’s up to me, To be the lighthouse, They should know they’re not alone, So shine so they can see the lighthouse, And find their way back home" This song is yet another example of Anthem Light's strong songwriting skills and powerful vocal ability.


"Freedom Into Slavery" was a track they recorded back when Anthem Lights was Yellow Cavalier, (more on that in my EP review) I believe it has been recorded for this release. "Freedom Into Slavery" follows the lines of "Circles" in a way, speaking of how we can turn the freedom Christ gave us into slavery because of sin. This is another favorite, the guy's vocal ability shines through, and the song is just great anyway you look at it.

Rounding out the album, "Where The Light Is" comes next. "Where the light is, darkness must be bound, where the light is, darkness can't be found" is so powerful and true. We can't say in words how powerful God's light is over Satan's darkness. This is the perfect ending to the album, a beautiful ballad for the hurting and lost. A favorite by far.

Overall, I was very impressed with the debut album from Anthem Lights. In every song we get a sampling of the strong voices of Alan Powell, Chad Graham, Caleb Grimm, and Kyle Kupecky. In every song we get powerful, heartfelt lyrics that encourage and lift up each listener. Of course we get some fun pop music as well! Who says "boy bands" have to sound like the Backstreet Boys?

I would definitely recommend this album. It's suitable for all ages, all people, and all music lovers. The heart behind the album is evident. If you like pop music with a bit of rock thrown in here and there, "Anthem Lights" is for you.

By the way.....check for an interview with Anthem Lights EXCLUSIVELY on Life With Lisa, coming soon!

Throwback Thursday: Stacie Orrico

And now it's time for.......THROWBACK THURSDAY, the part of the blog where Lisa comes out and tells you about a former CCM artist who is no longer on the CCM scene. This may seem to be a sad topic, but in reality it's simply a celebration of what their music accomplished. Let's get to the artist!

 Already extremely talented, Stacie wrote her first song at the tender age of 6.In 1998, Stacie was signed to ForeFront Records at the age of 12.  In her home state of Colorado, she went to a local Christian Festival, "Praise In The Rockies". Somehow, she inadvertently entered a high stake talent competition, and won. A representative from Forefront was there, and promptly signed her.

At 14, her debut album, "Genuine" was released. The album sold over 13,000 copies in the first week, and was the highest debut ever for a female Christian artist, at the time. The hit single from the album, "Don't Look At Me" quickly shot up the charts, and stayed at #1 for 10 consecutive weeks. "Genuine" sold over 500,000 copies, and was certified Gold. Stacie Orrico's career was quickly taking off.

Stacie's most well-known work to date, "Stacie Orrico" was released in 2003, debuting at #67 on the Billboard Top 200 charts. Her unique, distinctive voice really shone on this album. "Stuck" became a top mainstream hit, and was in the Top 5 charts of many countries. "(There's Gotta Be) More To Life" was another hit single from the album in the Christian music industry. During this time, Stacie garnered a large fan base in Japan. "Stacie Orrico" was certified Gold, and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2004.

However, this is where things started changing. Stacie recorded a new album, "Beautiful Awakening" in 2006, which totally changed the direction of her music. It was still her signature pop style, but this was focused more on the romance aspect of things. The release of "Beautiful Awakening" in the U.S. kept getting delayed, and was only released in Japan and the U.K. She tried to release several singles to radio, but unfortunately, they didn't do well. In 2007, the album was once again postponed, and finally, cancelled. Stacie spoke up that she had left her label, and she was taking a break. Tour dates were cancelled, and she announced she would be spending time in Africa.

In 2008, she started showing up at a few Asian festivals and tours, such as QB Goes Live in Cambodia, Singfest in Singapore, and a small tour in Japan. Also in 2008, a single called, "Knock Em' Out" was leaked on Youtube. A comeback, perhaps? Maybe...I suppose only time will tell.