Sixteen Cities
Artist: Sixteen Cities
Label: Centricity
Length: 11 tracks/39:17 minutes
 
The opening “Just Wanna Dance” to Sixteen Cities self-titled debut has a wistfulness that reminds me of  Owl City, best known for the song “Fireflies.” Even though the two artists are different, I see some likeable parallels: simplicity of thought, an earnest voice, electronic enhancement (though here it just adds a little style rather than being predominant), and a sunny optimism that some might dismiss for its sweetness, but which I welcome in a world that has no shortage of heaviness.  
 
One example of the bright outlook is “Sing Along,” where vocalist Josiah Warneking declares, “I love the way the stars shine for you, and every single mountain bows down. I love the way the universe is singing your song, so I try to sing along.” This chorus is carried by soaring pop/rock led by Dustin Erhardt’s shimmering guitar. 
 
In a time when many are discouraged, I applaud songs like “Someone’s Work of Art” and “Bleeding for You” that emphasize the worth of a person. Teens and twenty-somethings, which have been the band’s primary audience, will find this affirming, as will all who are in need of encouragement. Like Owl City, Sixteen Cities, who get their name from a passage in Joshua 19 that deals with dividing the land, conveys hope.  
 
They share it in places that might seem the least welcoming, but where it is truly needed, the public schools. It seems fitting since these songs are radio-friendly and God-pointing, without being preachy or too heavy. They have the subtle persuasion that is appropriate for this environment. The lyrics are not always explicit in speaking of God; and the name of Jesus is not used, but it’s not hard to figure out what they are referencing. They have the potential to reach a broad audience with the message of God’s love and grace.
 
The songs are not all sunny and light. Some plead for being saved from oneself. One standout ballad, “Pray You Through,” is about being there for someone when words are inadequate. The CD ends on a plaintive note with a piano ballad called “Winter.” It’s about a prodigal who wonders if he can find his way home. 
 
This debut takes the chill out of winter and points us home. 
 
Michael Dalton

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Sixteen Cities is the freshman release of a band sharing the same name. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, the four man group began Christian ministry to fellow public high school students, soon after finding themselves forming a band and performing in the local indie music scene. Word-of-mouth and a demo circulated, and “Sixteen Cities” was soon touring as an opening act for some of CCM’s biggest acts.  
 
Among this collection of Christian praise / pop rock there are gems. “Innocent” is a piano led ballad with a youthful sound underscored by well timed string accompaniment. Synth and vocal echo used in the calmer moments of the mild rocker “Someone’s Work of Art” provide the foundation for the song’s message of each person’s worth. “Winter” concludes the album with a piano led testimony of straying from our faith with the well written refrain: 

Cause I’ve been searchin’ for the sun but I don’t know if anyone could tell me how to find my way home.
All the things that I’ve become are all the things I’m runnin’ from.
I don’t want my heart to turn to stone.
This cold has been so bitter, can you save me from this winter? 

Listening to Sixteen Cities, it is easy to hear there love for worship. With a Christian pop-rock sound much like Reliant K, “Sixteen Cities” is sure to be charting on Christian AM radio in the very near future. Among these gems there lies a wonderful message.    
 
S.S. Mertens
http://ssmertens.blogspot.com/