Colton Dixon “The Calm Before the Storm” Album Review
Prime Cuts: You Are, Through All of It, Where I End
When Colton Dixon first came out of American Idol with his spikey blonde streaks, it was easy to envisage him just as another wanna-be pop rocker taking a stab at fame. But when his debut album "The Messenger" came out, it silenced many naysayers. Rather, than eschewing his Christian roots and opting for those transient pop fluff, Dixon shows on his debut record that he is a man serious about his Savior. The tunes show that Dixon is not just a dial a radio artist. But his songs show depth and dimension both lyrically and sonically. Released last year, his sophomore album, "Anchor," farther cements him as a consummate artist who is here to stay. His Christian AC #1 Hit ballad "Through All of It" showcases Dixon not just as the next piano man but one who is capable of worshipping God in an intimate way.
Perhaps with "Through All of It" as the template, Dixon has decided to do "Calm Before the Storm." This record is actually the result of two separate EPs. The first of which is entitled "Calm" which comprises of 4 acoustic takes of his previously released songs plus the new song "Where I End." The second half of the album "The Storm" are electronic dance embellishments of 5 selections from Dixon's previous album "Anchor." Nevertheless, the first half of the album is already worth the purchase. Cream among the 5 ballads is the aforementioned "Through All of It." Without resorting to polytechnical ingenuity, "Through All of It" is a simple piano-based testimony of God's sovereignty despite human failures and doubts. Dixon's worshipful nuances on these songs really showcases the depth of his love for Jesus.
In the same trajectory is the new song "Where I End." In our culture of the pontification of the self, this ode of self-denial is such a rare gem and so glowingly Biblical. Partnering with sister, Schyler Dixon, "You Are," Dixon's debut single, is transformed into a duet. The understated and minimalistic backing places the attention rightly on the complementary voices of the siblings. "Limitless" receives a full face-lift. Relative to the original, "Limitless" is almost like a new song wrapped with an ethereal and echoey vibe. The second half of the album slouches in terms of quality relative to the first half. For starters: all the songs come from Dixon's album #2 "Anchor." The auto-voicing of Dixon on "More of You" certainly creates a mechanical robotic sound that sounds artificial. While the BLRZ Remix of "Anchor" is tad better adding a creative Eastern influence to its steely wall of sounds.
Truth be told, the "Storm" side of "Calm Before the Storm" is good listening, but it's not an essential purchase if you not into remixes. But when it comes to the "Calm" side of this album, that's a different story: its warm acoustics and Dixon's passion vocal soars are reasons enough for fans to shout about.
Tags : Colton Dixon colton dixon calm before the storm colton dixon album review colton dixon calm before the storm review colton dixon news colton dixon latest colton dixon calm ep colton dixon storm ep colton dixon ep review colton dixon american idol American Idol american idol news
Hot Trends
-
"An All-Star Salute To Lee Greenwood" Set to Air on Veteran's Day
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Natasha Owens Releases New Remix of Smash Hit Single “Trump Won” featuring Nick Nittoli
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Christian Artists and Leaders Respond to Donald Trump's Presidential Win
-
Join Lauren Daigle's Choir as She Performs at the Carnegie Hall
-
Lee Greenwood Collaborates with Drew Jacobs on New Version of "God Bless The U.S.A."
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Matthew West Announces 2022 Tour Dates in the Mist of His New Christmas Album Release
-
Here Are the Christian and Gospel Music Nominees For The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards
-
Cory Asbury Covers Lee Ann Womack's Signature Tune “I Hope You Dance”
-
President Jimmy Carter's Final Sunday School Lessons Released
-
Jimmy Fortune, Ben Isaacs, Bradley Walker, and Mike Rogers Forms Brothers Of The Heart With New Album Coming
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Wilson Fairchild, Sons of the Statler Brothers, to Debut Album
Most Popular
-
"An All-Star Salute To Lee Greenwood" Set to Air on Veteran's Day
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Natasha Owens Releases New Remix of Smash Hit Single “Trump Won” featuring Nick Nittoli
-
Story Behind Chris Tomlin's New Song "Is He Worthy?"
-
Christian Artists and Leaders Respond to Donald Trump's Presidential Win
-
Join Lauren Daigle's Choir as She Performs at the Carnegie Hall
-
Lee Greenwood Collaborates with Drew Jacobs on New Version of "God Bless The U.S.A."
-
Joy Williams Reveals the Real Reason Behind Civil War's Breakup
-
Matthew West Announces 2022 Tour Dates in the Mist of His New Christmas Album Release
-
Here Are the Christian and Gospel Music Nominees For The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards
-
Cory Asbury Covers Lee Ann Womack's Signature Tune “I Hope You Dance”
-
President Jimmy Carter's Final Sunday School Lessons Released
-
Jimmy Fortune, Ben Isaacs, Bradley Walker, and Mike Rogers Forms Brothers Of The Heart With New Album Coming
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
Wilson Fairchild, Sons of the Statler Brothers, to Debut Album