Oseven’s liner notes are full of quirky zingers like the one above, communicating that “The Year’s Best Christian Rock Hits” is for those who like their rock hard and their thinking unrestrained. Essential Records and Flicker Records have joined forces to offer up tracks of some of their most popular artists. Indeed, the included artists collectively represent more than 6 million records sold. It ain’t your grandmother’s rock and roll anymore.
And it must be said that oseven does offer a solid cross section of both artists and their songs, from the slammin’ Day of Fire, Kids in the Way, and Skillet, to the atmospheric worship masters, Leeland. Veteran bands like Jars of Clay represent, as well as newcomers like Nevertheless, Until June, and Eleventyseven. Krystal Meyers is the lone sister, Flatfoot 56 holds the banner for Celtic punk, and rounding out the field is Decypher Down, Red, Pillar, Disciple and Fireflight. The song selections of the various bands represent nicely, unlike many compilations.
And it must be said that compilations serve their purpose, especially at this time of year, with the holiday shopping dilemmas closing in on us. For your son, daughter, niece or teacher who wants to get their feet wet in the sea of hard-rocking Christian rock, oseven is a substantial introduction. When your clueless uncle begins his annual sneering comments on Christian music’s inadequacies, turn on oseven . . . . nice and loud. Enough said.
