Beauty from Pain by Superchic[k]
What Is It?
This is the forth album for the self proclaimed "World's Biggest Garage Band". There music is featured in all types of films, from Marry Kate and Ashley's videos, Confessions of a Teen-aged Drama Queen, both Legally Blond Movies, and they even do the "re-mix" of "The Pirates that Don't Do Anything." (Check the Special Features disc of "Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie." This is a very sparse list of all the times they have nearly hit the radar. Superchic[k] is a girl fronted (lead singer and guitarist) punk-ish band with a DJ adding techno/rap elements. The singing is almost like some one got Amy Lee (of Evanescence) to sing a rap song. They have a very small range of subject matter: Don't let others get you down - follow your dreams; It's OK even when following your dreams doesn't work out; Trusting God above all else; Making good decisions - because all decisions mater; Don't date losers... in fact just wait till you are going to get married. Though they have many male fans, there music is largely a Christian slant on "Girl Power".
How Was It?
This album was not a major step forward for the band. It's a fun album, but just does not make the jumps that the last three did. Beauty from Pain goes a bit more in the "Pop" direction than I prefer. There are also some Island/Reggae influences coming through rock. Still it's well done and as usual, almost every song is an Anthem. The singing is such that anyone can sing along most the time. They continue to hit there subject mayter from different angles. One song tells a girl that she doesn't need to be with the guy she's with (Bowling Ball) where another is a girl praying for the strength to leave the guy she should not be dating. (Wishes) The title track is a ballad giving to God what you have left of a broken life. The album opens with the appropriately named "Anthem" which is dedicated to girls out there living their lives and following there dreams instead of just trying to get guys to notice them. "We don't have time for your games, we have our own goals to score. There are trophies to win instead of being one of yours ." There is even a track with Toby Mac (of dcTalk). Story is a good song, but the bass player's rapping abilities are wasted on it. (He needs to shine again like he did on "Hero" from Regeneration)
Is It Good For Kids
It's aimed more at teens and twenty something but I think most kids would love the ultra "up" music and the easy to follow vocals. There is a very good balance between following your dreams, relying on God, and looking to Him when life is hard or easy. Though none of the songs are inappropriately graphic - one song deals with a woman struggling to overcome anorexia (Courage) "need you to know I'm not through the night. Some days I'm still fighting to walk towards the light". Story talks about how God is there for you even when life is hard. On this track Toby Mac gives the example of his parents’ divorce, where the band offers "Like the time my mother looked me in the eye, tryin' not to cry, tellin' me the cancer might cause her to die. How can this be, I thought that God loved me? So why would He try to take my mother from me?" Though they constantly go to the positive "We promise you that you're not on your own. One day this will pass, God will see us all through." These themes may be too intense for some younger listeners.
What is Your Renomination?
I like Superchic[k]. This is not their best, but well worth checking out. Still if you like this, then just keep going back. The albums "Regeneration" and "Last One Picked" are fabulous. There debut album "Karaoke Superstars" is a little dated but still has some fun music, like there song To Kiss Dating Goodbye by - Barlow Girls. I do wish every teen girl would have the opportunity to rock out to Superchic[k]. You can listen to a medley of the new album at www.superchickonline.com (as well as get screen wallpaper and ring tones!). You can also read all there lyrics at http://www.letssingit.com/superchick-beauty-from-pain-63cnzd.html
