Now it may seem that I am not much of a ROCKER but actually I’m a great fan of great rock!!

Here is a rock album I stumbled upon by chance. I was on a cd shopping frenzy upon the Doulos ship. Originally known as Blisse but changed their name when they realised there was another band having the same name, this album ‘I Wish We All Could Win‘ was their first major album and rightfully so. I love it!

I got this cd for a mere RM 5 brand new and I was overjoyed because I would have payed a full RM 40 for it if I had to. It has a blend of cool rock plus some rock ballads. Apparently more than one person in the band sings because I hear different voices in the cd and it makes it so much more delightful.

The arrangements are pretty straightforward but the catchy hooks in every song is pretty addictive. I recommended it to some of my youths and they were hooked on to it as well.

My favorite song in the album is ‘Beautiful Love’. This song was even made a theme song for an MTV show.

All in all, this band has talent. I can’t wait to get my hand on their latest albums which are unavailable in this country (ridiculously) so this is a must get! It is sad all the good music seems to not make it here but all the Hillsong albums are everywhere like a plague ahahhaaa…jk jk

Rating: 8.5

Keeping up with what is current in our stores though it has been out for quite a while is this album. Many people I know already have this so if you don’t already have this it’s a must have. It is entirely a different genre from the earlier one I recommended. This is very gospel style but again it’s a fusion of so many styles.

The interesting part is that this album is a combination of two remarkable talents. Israel Houghton and the band New Breed. This collaboration itself if I may say makes it interesting enough for any music enthusiast to get this album.

It supposed to be live and in a probably worship concert style (though I think that word is an oxymoron). But the arrangements in the songs are remarkable. The rhythm section is just amazing. My favorite song is We Have Overcome because if those of you who are fans of Israel, you would realise that this gives the same atmosphere as his older hit ‚ÄòYou Are Good’. It’s so groovy and just makes me want to dance‚Ķ.though I’m not sure if that is a nice sight to behold.

As a general comment, the album is very very nice for its musical value but I’m not sure of how many of you will enjoy it because of the difficulty level of playing this sort of music. It also is not in a vocal range that is comfortable for most people. If you are a Hillsongs fan, perhaps this is not something that you will find to your taste. This is just my guess and opinion.

I have this on a lower rating value because overall, I wasn’t encouraged to hear the album repeatedly unlike the previous one. Somehow it got dry after hearing it twice. I don’t know why. But this again is a matter of my opinion. Still when I’m feeling low on energy, this album gets me groovin’ again wooohooo!

Rating: 8/10

I think I should explain my rating

0 = Painful

1 = Not worth the time

2 = Don’t spend money on it

3 = Take your own risks on this one

4 = Average

5 = Worth the purchase

6 = Noteworthy

7 = Great but not for everyone

8 = Wonderful!

9 = Excellent! Satisfaction Guaranteed!

10 = Man! If you don’t get this you’re going to regret for the rest of you life!

Now I am attempting to do what Mike asked by writing a book recommendation. It is apparent then that some of you who know me very very well would be indeed surprised at the book I will chose to recommend.

It is my principle that I will never recommend something I have not gone through myself as there are a lot of garbage out there. I dislike the fact also that people seldom filter what they see, hear and read. So in my attempt of self improvement and with the current amassment of free time I have obtained from not having a job which is causing me to be on the verge…..wait a minute. I think in a certain sense I am bankrupt. Hahahha. I am here writing a recommendation for a book!

I am actually not a big fan of mega churches. Again a clash of principles here that I would not care to elaborate. Still I respect the work that Bill Hybels has come to do. I may not agree still with many things though I have to admit I am in no position to really say anything‚Ķbut some know that doesn’t stop me hahaha but I would indeed say that this book is worth the read.

I took an hour to finish this book‚Ķ.yes some do not believe that it is possible. But let me tell you it is. Don’t ask me though to memorize words because that is not my forte. But I would presume that it’s not many of your fortes too. Hahah. Oh well, this book is essentially about Popeye moments which you will repeatedly hear about throughout the entire book that really got me annoyed. Then I was thinking, hmmm I think someone told me I write that way too. He has his point and I think it’s a good one especially for those who really want to find the answer to the question ‚ÄòWhy you do what you do?’ I have been in most cases incapable of telling people how to do this and I think this book will help many of you find what drives you deep inside.

From a person I learnt terms like defining moment and what I have been talking about quite regularly among my peers ‚Äòfinding your true strengths’, I have learnt another inspiring fact about myself through this book and therefore decided to recommend this for your reading.

Now this book is more illustrative then theological which will be a goodie for most readers who don’t enjoy the books I love reading. It has a story attached to everything which clearly is entertaining to read. I do hope though that readers will see that this book is not stories but principles that he is trying to help readers see. He talks about his principle in the first half of the book then goes on how to discover, manage and use the principle. Quite insightful and helpful if I may say. Maybe it will help you.

Even so the latter part of the book was not quite my type of reading as the principle in the book that was what drove me wild to the point I am writing this at 230am. I think I will let you discover that for yourself.

Apparently though I better make myself clear that I like this theoretical principle of Holy Discontentment that he writes about but I will like to be clear that I’m not a supporter of all his methods.

Final words, looking hard to understand yourself and find purpose in what you do? This is the book you should read. Apart from it, I think this book will change your perspective on seeing the motivation factor in many areas of life. Helpful for leaders and even those who just want to help bring a smile to someone’s face.

The book is not as technical I as write here. It is easy reading thus the 1 hour finish thing. I think it’s less than that but I better be on the safer side. It’s very easy reading and if you don’t find it easy reading let me know cause I will know how to gauge my reviews (if I have anymore in the future) next time.

Happy reading!

Rating : 8/10

First on the list

Point of Grace – How you Live

Probably gets my recommendation as one of the best Christian album of the YEAR! Now why would I say this? They have been doing this for years and they still come up with amazing inpiring songs. Well the songs are not written by them but some prolific song writers I’ve admired for years.

Point of Grace are famous for the wonderful blend of harmony. In this album, they have gone back to their wonderful roots and not chase the current sound of music. So it sounds wonderful.

This album is of the Pop genre and would be under the adult contemporary category but I believe young people will love it as well.

The lyrics of the songs are just amazing! My favorite tracks are You are Good. Turn up the Music (How You Live) and Heal the Wounds. Brought me to tears these tracks. The rest are really nice too.

Album rating: 9.5

Here’s a the lyrics of the main song. Really Inpiring

Turn up the Music (How You Live)

Wake up to the sunlight
With your windows open
Don’t hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress
Use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want
But want what you have
And don’t spend your life looking back

Chorus
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won’t regret it
Looking back from where you have been
Coz it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

So go to the ballgames
And go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children
Dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don’t run from the truth
‚ÄòCause you can’t get away
Just face it and you’ll be ok

Chorus
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
You won’t regret it
Lookin’ back from where you have been
‚ÄòCause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

Oh wherever you are and wherever you’ve been
Now is the time to begin

So give to the needy
And pray for the grieving
E’en when you don’t think that you can
‘Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
Make peace with God and make peace with yourself
‚ÄòCause in the end there’s nobody else

Chorus
Turn up the music
Turn it up loud
Take a few chances
Let it all out
‚ÄòCause you won’t regret it
Lookin’ back from where you have been
‚ÄòCause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live

‚ÄòCause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you live