Russ Breimeier's First Five Star Album of 2006...

[ajyouthguy]

The new Andrew Osenga album got Russ's first Five-star review of the year.  Anybody heard it?  I ordered it today...I'm very curious about it.   http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2006/themorning.html

[Brenden]

I've been wanting to hear it, his last solo cd was extremely good, and the songs I've heard from this one I've liked quite a bit.

I actually have a demo from The Normals of the song Marilyn. Very touching song.

[murlough23]

I wanted to listen to Osenga's previous solo album Photographs, but never got around to it. I'll try not to make that mistake with this one.

The Normals were on their way to becoming one of my favorite bands, until Andy joining Caedmon's Call had to go and shut the whole thing down.

[Josh Powell]

I've wanted to listen to it, but I haven't had any luck finding it online.

Josh

[plvarona]

I haven't heard that CD, although Andy played one song from it when I saw Caedmon's Call in concert a few months ago.  I liked it, but it would be ill-advised to judge entire album on just one song.

I will admit, though, that Russ's review has intrigued me quite a bit about this album, especially when he said it could easily have been the follow-up to The Normals' last CD.  That CD has grown on me quite a bit, so if Andy's solo CD is anywhere near as good, I'm certainly going to make a note to check it out.  Of course, it looks like a major issue will be trying to find it.

[Josh]

Russ is a sharp critic-- in fact, I'd say he's among the absolute best CCM reviewers out there (and I'm not just saying that because he's a colleague of mine at CT Movies, or because I'm writing something for the CT Music page next week). He doesn't give out perfect scores too often, so even I pay attention when he does.

If anyone hears this, report back and let us know if Russ hit the mark!

[murlough23]

The only reason I'd be hesitant to slap on Osenga record (or a Normals record) with 5 stars is ebcause I don't think the guy has the greatest voice. True, I like hearing him sing lead for Caedmon's, but that's mostly because it probably means he wrote the song, and it's one less Cliff song.

[Brenden]

The only reason I'd be hesitant to slap on Osenga record (or a Normals record) with 5 stars is ebcause I don't think the guy has the greatest voice. True, I like hearing him sing lead for Caedmon's, but that's mostly because it probably means he wrote the song, and it's one less Cliff song.

I don't think his voice is that great either, but I don't mind it and think it works for what he does. But then, I don't make a big deal about if I like the vioce or not as long as the singer is on key and can sing reasonably well. I mean, I listen to Tom Waits, sometimes I'm not sure if he's singing or hacking up a lung, but somehow his voice seems to work well with what he does.

[matterwr]

The Morning is fantastic.  No one should be surprised at that.

I wanted to listen to Osenga's previous solo album Photographs, but never got around to it. I'll try not to make that mistake with this one.

The Normals were on their way to becoming one of my favorite bands, until Andy joining Caedmon's Call had to go and shut the whole thing down.

Murlough,
Andy's album, Photographs, has been remastered by Jars of Clay's Matt Odmark, so if you order it, order it from www.andrewosenga.com/ so you get that version.

Secondly, Andy's joining Caedmon's Call didn't shut down The Normals.  Check your timeline on that because you've got the wrong cause and effect.

Oh, and I know what you're talking about with his voice (upper register I assume).  I've always found it endearing as opposed to a weakness. Yes, it's gravely and strained at moments but in an emotionally revealing way that doesn't really effect pitch.  Not to name names, but there are clearly some other artists with this same issue where it does indeed screw with the sound, I just don't view Andy as one of them.