Bulldog Music Reviews

LEELAND-OPPOSITE WAY




1. "Count Me In" – 4:06
2. "Let It Out Now" – 3:34*
3. "Enter This Temple" – 3:21
4. "Opposite Way" – 3:40*
5. "Wake Up" – 3:07*
6. "Beginning And The End" – 3:09*
7. "Brighter Days" – 3:42
8. "Falling For You" – 3:41
9. "Don't Go Away" – 3:35
10. "Thief in the Night" – 4:22
11. "May Our Praise" – 4:21


Well its been a long time i know. the fact of the matter is i just haven't bought any cds for a long time which is good cause it saves me money but over christmas i broke down and bought 11 cds so it doesnt seem to matter that i took a break from buying music! in my defence i got them all super cheap hurray american economy and boxing day (by the way its a joke i hope america and canada's economy picks up soon!)

this one goes out to my man Ryley one of the only Leeland fans i know! Leeland is one of those bands that kind of takes you by surprise, I bought there first cd when it came out not knowing anything about it or what they sounded like, i was just looking for something new to listen to and i was pleasantly surprised by the jem that i had found! The only thing that i knew about this band was that they were on essential records which was also the home for jars of clay (they now are on Gray Matters which is their own independent label), third day, and red. knowing that essential records had produced some great music talent made me think that these guys had to be half way decent and they were that and more!

Leeland is a worship style band that seems to be very tight for being so young! the lead singer/song writer Leeland Mooring was born on June 16 1988 making him the same age as me (20 for those of you who dont know or cant do math). there music can be described as worship but all of their music is melodic (similiar to copeland or even better Mae). their first album "Sound of Melodies" was a lot more of a worship album then "Opposite way" i found that opposite way was more of a rock album but still had very clear and God centered lyrics!

I find that the lyrics on the new album are very simple yet beautiful, the album has a way of bringing you up when your down, or just reminding you of the beauty of Gods word and what he has done for us. to be able to stay so God centered in lyrics and at the same time making great hit songs that are pretty catchy is no easy feet and can only be done by few. i find in the christian music industry a lot of bands can cross over to secular venues (P.O.D., Relient K, Switchfoot) but their lyrics change and aren't as God centered as they once were which is fine, then theres bands that have the same style but they cant seem to make it as big (bleach, plankeye, falling up), then there are bands that make all worship music and never appeal to any fan base but christians (Hillsong, Starfield, Shane and Shane), and finally there are bands who can keep their lyrics God centered and still appeal to a wide variety of fans (jars of clay, third day, david crowder band, dc talk) and that is where i think Leeland sits and i respect them for it and hope it continues!

the first time i saw this band it was actually just Leeland Mooring playing a few worship songs before a speaker came out at Creation Fest NW and it was amazing ask Lance or any other guy there that year (2006 i believe). the next year he showed up with a full band and i had their first and only cd out at that time and it was great singing along with them and seeing them do so well on stage! this last year at creation they came and had more of a following with 2 albums out (opposite way just came out) and they blew me away with their performance, it wasnt that they had a lot of lights or fancy stage toys but just a tight good band! in the end a concert is good cause of the work put into but what makes it even better is if the band is good and can actually play good music and Leeland can do just that!

Overall the new Leeland is awesome and a great addition to any collection! i highly recommend picking it up. if you enjoy your third day, mae, copeland, starfield, or jars of clay (the list could go on) then you will enjoy this album!

hats off if you get through any of my reviews hope someone is enjoying them! :)

just a reminder songs with a * by them are my favs!

10/10 (big surprise eh?)

-bent ;)