Search - Elms :: Big Surprise

Jeremy S. (Bearjer) from WILLIS, TX
Reviewed on 1/26/2007...

The Elms Debut album...oyea..those were the days.The first track is the best and pretty catchy.I like it..like seriously,normaly I'll just say that so you would pick it but it really a sweet song.There are other good songs,but not as good as the first.

Something Old, Something New, and Words that are True

b3price | Bluefield, VA United States | 05/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first full release by The Elms is a great blend of classic pop and rock influences with fresh new energy and powerful lyrics. Owen Thomas, front man and songwriter, mixes catchy melodies and thoughtful observations in tunes that proclaim the love and faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Using diverse musical styles and influences, The Big Surprise brings a welcome familiarity with a fresh sound that leaves you humming melodies while you ponder the words you find yourself singing. The guitar work is simple but strong and Owen's vocals are clear and powerful. The songs "Lifeboat" and "Hey, Hey" are great radio tunes that will receive plenty of airplay on Christian radio stations, but the other eight songs on this album have a lot to offer. "The Buzzing Won't Stop" speaks to the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit while "Real Men Cry" reminds us of the sacrifice of Christ. While the music shows the maturity of a seasoned band, the members are all in their early twenties, and they will only get better. I don't buy an album without at least five or six strong songs, and I have already purchased The Big Surprise--without disappointment. This is a band to watch and an album to own!"

Rock On!

tvtv3 | Sorento, IL United States | 05/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Church is engaged in a mortal war, but instead of going on the offensive we have retreated into our protective ghettoes. Here, we have become lazy, unproductive, and mediocre. The majority of Christian bands and singers sing songs that sound the same, lack musical depth, have no imagination (God forbid we use that gift), and as a result mean very little even in the enternal realm. This has become the norm and nowadays most people associate bad music with Christianity. Fortunately, there are some bands and artists that not only use their musical gifts to sing ABOUT God, but are using them FOR God as well. The Elms are such a band. THE BIG SURPRISE is their first major album and it is a blast to listen to it. The band has a style that is clearly influenced by classic American and British rock (The Beatles, Herman's Hermits, Buddy Holly), but with a spiritual edge. The group sings about the Holy Spirit, Jesus, and the trials and temptations of life; but never in a preachy, sing-songy way. The music is REAL and so are the lyrics. This is music that could be played on "secular" radio without causing much of a stir. This is worship in it's best form.Some of my favorite songs include:"Hey, Hey""Lifeboat""You're Glowing""Real Men Cry"We sang "Lifeboat" at a churchcamp I worked at as a worship song and it rocked! It was one of the most memorable songs we sang all summer. Not many people have heard of The Elms, but they are a band worth taking time to check out. Great album."