Sidewalk Prophets Delivers Something Different

     On August 28th, 2015 Sidewalk Prophets released Something Different through Word Label Group . For those who have been following these young men since they hit the waves in 2009 with their first album, These Simple Truths you will not be disappointed with the new addition. With this being their fourth album, including Merry Christmas To You (great stocking gift by the way), fans patiently waited for the album reveal.

Big Dan Taking Care Of Business in Hillsboro, Ohio

     By "new addition" I am also referring to "Big Dan" or so seems to be this young man's nickname given by the "band elders". I have to give a quick shout out to Daniel Macal, he had some big shoes to fill and this young man has went above and beyond. 

     He fits in perfectly with the rest of these talented guys and let me just say, since I have seen him live in action he can definitely carry his own weight!  Rock on Big Dan! 

     The first hit off the new album Prodigal, delivers an incredible testimony of the redemptive power we find in Christ in a celebratory melody.  No matter what we've done, or where we have been He's standing there with arms open wide to welcome us back into His loving arms. Registering in the top five of Christian music charts since it's release is no surprise!  

Official Prodigal Video

     One of the most creative songs for me personally is If You Only Knew.  It's written as a contemporary conversation ballad between a simple person as you or I with their Heavenly Father responding to some heartfelt questions and desires. It made me get choked up the first time I heard it, which seems to be a skill these guys have with lyrics. 

 "All you need's a little faith. What about what I deserve? Well that's the beauty of my grace. What about my debt. I've already paid the cost. What about my sin? You see I nailed to the cross. You were never meant to handle all this on your own Just give me everything you have inside And let it go."

Dave Has Such a Powerful Gift in His Voice

     The title track, Something Different actually surprised me. I thought to myself, "Wow they are rocking it out a bit here." The exceptional thing about this album is that they have maintained the powerful testimony of faith in lyrics and still provide something different (pun intended) in every song.  

     After jamming out to a message about how people are supposed to see something different in us, they come at you with power ballad Everything In Awe. I cannot begin to count how many times I have skipped to this song repeatedly. It has nothing to do with the fact that it's one of my favorite songs. Well, OK you got me it probably is for that very reason, but who can deny the majesty of our Almighty Father? Not to mention the fact that Dave kills the passionate power vocals at the end that they build up to.  

     To Live As Christ conveys a sentiment of great faith especially in the times we live in today. We are all called for such a time as this to pick up our cross and lead people to Christ. "For me to live is Christ to die is gain.  My great desire is to be with you, but this is the place you chose for me, this is the place you chose for me. To lift my cross and give everything.  This is the time you gave to me."

     One of the most important aspects of the body of Christ is that we become united together for purposes far greater than we can comprehend.  Sisters and Brothers shares this emotion with cheerful enthusiasm. 

     Ain't Nobody (Till You're Loved) is a jubilant tune that reminds Dave of his time living in Hawaii.  I must say I am a bit jealous he used to live there. My husband and I visited awhile back and my husband didn't want to come back home, so this is his favorite song on the album.  Mainly because Dave wore a leis around his neck when we seen them perform it at Rock The Smokies . 

      Sometimes we all face difficult situations and circumstances. However, with God His word says anything is possible. Impossible encourages those who may be struggling with staying hopeful or doubting His sufficiency. "Some would say it's foolish, stepping on the waves. Some would say it's over when you're buried in the grave. We're calling all the dreamers, with passion in their eyes. Calling all believers out into the light. Even when it's hopeless, out of our control just let go, watch our God do The impossible, the impossible. Everything is possible."

     I'd Rather Have You and Closer (featuring Tamela Mann) are certain to be favorites from those who purchase the album. These two songs really brought some new soulful sound that I really enjoyed myself. Lyrically they both emphasize how important it is to focus on growing closer to God regardless of what other people chase, we have to seek Him first and we will be blessed.  Don't miss these gems they are remarkable and Tamela and Dave bring down the house...or the car wherever you may be listening to Closer at.

     There are several messages on Something Different that can minister to people on so many different levels.  Go For It encourages you to step out in faith and lay everything you have out there for God to use.  Keeping your eye on the prize and holding steadfast in your faith.  

     Solider On is zealous battle cry to push on through trials and tribulations no matter what may come our way.  Rising in the name of the Lord, refusing to wave a flag of surrender.  "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.  We got to soldier on, we will soar on wings like eagles."

     The most poetic deeply searching number on this album is definitely won by Homeless Heart.  Anyone who can look back on their life and reflect these emotions expressed through every lyric in this song will be moved by this message.  I can see many people who have possibly lost their way with God connecting so deeply with this song that it reconnects them to Him knowing they are not the only one who has been where they are now.  For this cause I am going to post the lyric video below.  

Ben jamming in Hillsboro, Ohio

     It's very difficult for me to pinpoint what my absolute favorite song is off this album simply because there are so many different styles and messages.  
     The only way I can decide is by returning to the night a few months back when I seen them live in Hillsboro, Ohio and they performed Come To The Table. My heart is grieved for those who don't know our Lord and Savior. I could not help but weep when in that public festival they blasted these vocals. I thought of the all-inclusive invitation that Christ offers and my heart spilled out in tears. I began to think of everyone walking around and standing there unaware of how much God has already given to them if they would just open their hearts and receive Him and come to the table.  Hands down most powerful song on this album and probably one of the best songs they have ever created. 

"To the thief and to the doubter. To the hero and the coward. To the prisoner and the soldier. To the young and to the older. All who hunger, all who thirst. All the last and all the first. All the poppers and the princess. All who fail you've been forgiven. All who dream and all who suffer. All who loved and lost another. All the chained and all the free. All who follow, all who lead. Anyone who's been let down. All the lost you have been found. All who have been labeled right or wrong. To everyone who hears this song, Ooh Come to the table. Come join the sinners you have been redeemed. Take your place beside the Savior. Sit down and be set free"

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                                         DAN                       BEN                              DAVE                       JUSTIN                           CAL

     I remember hearing Ben say at a concert recently that this is the type of album he's been hoping they would make for a really long time. Considering they have a blast on stage when they are performing is a good sign that he is completely satisfied with what they have created!  For those who have yet to buy the album if you can't tell by now I highly recommend it and make sure to Catch Them Live Near You!

     If you have a testimony about how Sidewalk Prophets has ministered to you please message me on our Glorified Pitstop Facebook Page. I would love to share it with others who read this.

Rock The Smokies First Year

Dollywood's 2015 Music Festival Introduction

     I have been to a lot of music festivals in my life including other adventure parks like  Night Of Joy at Walt Disneyworld, and Spirit Song  at Kings Island. 

      One thing I have noticed about all of these set-ups is that each band does not get recognized on the same level nor do the fans get to experience all the talent that is distributed across the parks at different times throughout the day making it almost impossible to take part in each concert. 

     As a music lover I am always enlightened at concerts in general being introduced to less known artists besides the headliner who later become massively popular.  For instance two years ago at a Casting Crowns concert the opening band was For King&Country.  The following year (2015) they swooped into the Klove Fan Awards and cleaned house.

     My point in mentioning this is that when fans of well-known bands are eager to listen to the artists whose songs they know by heart are not given the opportunity to experience newer talent, that window of exposure to the other bands is stolen both from the fans and the artists.

     I do not know if all of these festival planners are aware the difficulty that can arise for a visitor trying to determine who they want to miss and who they want to see perform.  The most organized of the three I mentioned above is Spirit Fest because it's a three day event that gives you the opportunity to enjoy all the shows and the park. 

     The Night Of Joy is set up a little better than Rock The Smokies, because it is at least broken up into two nights giving guests two full days to enjoy the park, at least that's how it was when I experienced it.  

     In 2014 when I attended the Night of Joy I wanted to see Chris Tomlin perform because I have always been a fan of his music.  I had also recently written a review of The Neverclaim's new album and had become a quick fan of them as well.   Unfortunately they were both playing at the same time on different sides of the park.  I decided to go see Chris Tomlin who was playing in front of the castle.  The downside to that decision was everyone else that was there decided to do the same thing and not only could we not see him, but we couldn't hear him either.  So we decided to head back to the small stage where Matt Maher and The Neverclaim were performing.  We stood right in the front and it was honestly one of the the best concerts I've been to. 

     The most disheartening thing of that is that everyone out by the castle trying their hardest to see or hear the amazing Chris Tomlin missed two other great performances because of the timing and set up. 

    

     One of the things I will give Rock The Smokies credit for was that at least they had different time slots throughout the day where each band played at different times to give people a slight chance to catch at least three out of the five bands performing as long as you didn't want to ride any of the rides or eat any food. 



    

     I apologize if that came off sounding sarcastic but it is the truth of the matter.  The two headlining bands Third Day and For King & Country was the only show the tickets guaranteed you a seat for, and it was first come first serve at all three show times (above) so if you wanted to be close at all you had to get in a long line waiting for the doors to open each time.

      However, if you wanted to see the other non-headlining concerts including Love and the Outcome , Sidewalk Prophets or About A Mile you had to cross your fingers, jump through hoops and stand in line for about an hour just to get a seat.  Of course if you waited in line the whole time (not eating or riding rides) and you still couldn't get in you always have another chance to come back to one of the other time slots to try to make the cut. 

     Despite the fact I was unable to catch Love & The Outcome I heard from a friend that they put on a great concert.  Captured below by Dave Lobbestael Photography.

Photo By Dave Lobbestael Photography

     During one of the times we decided to try and catch the new roller coaster and grab a bite to eat we walked passed About A Mile post show signing autographs.  A little further we saw about two hundred people standing in line an hour early for one of the Sidewalk Prophets concerts hoping to get in.  I have no idea what About A Mile (below) was like in concert but I'm sure others would have liked to have seen them too that missed the opportunity due to time constraints.  

Photo By Dave Lobbestael Photography

      We arrived an hour early for the Sidewalk Prophets concert we had planned to attend. Right when we got to the entrance, (literally next in line) the lady holds her hand out at me and my crew and says, "One second we have to see if we have any more room."  I looked at my husband like "Really?  Seriously?" I knew we would not be able to make it to the other later show because we had to get in line for the 7 pm finale of the headliners. Thankfully, they let about fifteen more people in and Sidewalk Prophets delivered as always. 

Photo By Dave Lobbestael Photography 

     I do want to say that Dollywood is a lovely park and there are several different rides and places to eat if you get a chance to visit.  One of the things I would highly recommend to the promotions department to do differently next year would be entirely based on organization.  

     The line up they had of bands was fantastic and I would have loved to have been able to see all of them.  Along with many others I would have also liked to enjoy the park more.  I think it would have worked out a lot better if they had split the festival up into two days similar to the way Night Of Joy does. The first day have two separate shows one in the morning and one in the evening.  Have every band at both shows, that way the fans and the artists don't miss any opportunity to experience or share music.  

     The second day have one final show that evening with all the bands performing as well.  Sell the tickets as a two day package with entry to 1 of the 3 shows that way for those who want to enjoy the park they can, it would also give the bands some time to rest and enjoy the park.  Some promoters may be surprised that one of the most important things to some of the Christian artists is to be able to spend quality time meeting their fans, this set up didn't really allow for that. My two cents on that note.

     Despite being extremely tired from performing 3 shows throughout the day pretty much back to back, For King & Country didn't win best live performance at the K-love fan awards for no reason.  They entered that main stage at 7 PM and literally "Rocked The Smokies".  

     I have no idea how these guys have so much energy but they are just a treat to watch perform.  Not to mention the fact that they are some of the most passionate in the industry.  Joel was speaking about how they have a bracelet to remind girls how beautiful they are and never to forget how much they are worth to God.  He so happened to jump off stage and give a bracelet to my friend Pam's daughter, Reenie. He couldn't have picked a more deserving recipient! 

     To close the last and final show of the evening Third Day entered stage and performed to a very tired crowd. Everyone seemed to be pretty wiped out by that point walking around in the heat and rain all day trying to make it to all the shows.  However, bottom line they encouraged everyone and got everyone back up on their feet for one last celebration.  

     Being the first year of this festival things went fairly smooth. I'm sure the planners and promoters ran into many different aspects that they themselves seen areas for improvement on.  I would imagine they are already tweaking it for next year trying to figure out a better way to plan everything out.  

     After all was said and done, the bands probably all slept like little babies that night and all those who attended left filled up with all the love and joy that overflows from all of the artists that shared their gifts and talents musically with everyone who attended the festival.  

      I am personally looking forward to seeing what they plan out for next year and I hope to get to return.  Until then, check out the park, a lot is there for all to enjoy!

Get Tickets to Dollywood Here

 Rock The Smokies