Home: A : Avalon : Review

Stand Review

This new album from Avalon represents a new chapter in the history of the group. 2004's The Creed represented the part of the Psalms where it says "Sorrow may last for the night," and the new Stand expresses the other hald, "Joy comes in the morning."

The more recent albums from Avalon have expressed God's work in the kives of the group members. The opening track on Stand, "The Other Side," reveals the overall theme for the entire project, as has been the pattern for the more recent recordings. Avalonians Jody McBrayer and Melissa Greene had a hand in the writing process of "The Other Side," and they sing the lead vocals together. This is a fun, upbeat song whose chorus has a very catchy melody. If it had a lot of air play, this song would be at the top of the charts!

"Love Won't Leave You" is the first radio single from Stand, with Greg Long on lead vocals. Once again, I believe the tune is very catchy, and it's another great upbeat song. I love its simple message, which is this: "God is love and love won't leave you."

Janna Long, known to sing powerful #1 Avalon hit songs like "Can't Live A Day" and "I Don't Want To Go," has two new ones that are featured on Stand: "When The Time Comes" and the second radio single, the powerful "Orphans of God". The latter mentioned is another encouraging song about the fact that God will never leave us. Being the second radio song, I truly believe it will be another smash for Avalon!

>From beginning to end, Stand is truly a hit! It opens just right with Jody and Melissa singing "The Other Side," which is a joyful, fun-filled track; and it ends just perfectly with a superb simple-melody ballad, "Where Joy And Sorrow Meet," that truly, in my opinion, shows power singer Melissa Greene's musical style. You can easily agree with that if you've heard Melissa's independent solo music.

In between, Stand also features the strong "I Survive," a passionate remake of the Russ Taff classic "We Will Stand," and even a "worship" song called "Jesus," with lead vocals by Jody McBrayer. I don't think there is anything negative I can say about this album; all I can say is, "Great work, Avalon!"

If you don't have the album Stand, I would encourage you to purchase it today! Listen and see what you think!

Review by: Clarissa Mitchell, ChristianMusicTown.com