3-D
Artist: Jesus Music
Label: Organic Records
 
I'm not sure what to make of this mish-mash of styles.  It's very unique, catchy for sure, but not typical radio-fare.  There's some 90's alternative guitar, and some funk.  A little praise.  Eighties Euro-pop.  And what the band and some reviewers call "60's psychedelia."  It's not, of course; it's more like overproduced 90's psychedelia that doesn't bear much resemblance to the real drug-induced deal (which I happen to dig).  Rounding out the Jesus Music style are female vocals and a strong male tenor, placing them close to B-52's territory ("Love ShaaAack, that's where it's at!").

The band's favorite thing to say is "It's okay to talk about Jesus," and so they do--with the song lyrics running from encouragement to exhortation to praise, each tune with a preceding verse to give context.  It's all super-charged with energy and fun vibes.  Oh, and they do a cover of "Born to Be Wild," with some of the lyrics changed to make it a song encouraging believers to be wild for God.  

Some might find the lyrical content a little trite, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and hope it's just the first release pressure from Nashville (where half the band moved to from Hawaii).  These guys will probably go over big with the mainstream CCM alternative/pop crowd, youth group leaders, Christian "rock" radio, etc.  Most discriminating listeners might find it a little unsophisticated (but I could be wrong).  One thing I will say--Jesus Music sounds enthusiastic enough to put on a killer live show if you ever get the chance to check 'em out.-----Josh Spencer