I’m feeling a bit disappointed after listening to Lincoln Brewster’s latest release, Real Life. I’m a long time fan and think he’s a phenomenal guitar player and worship leader. But on this new album, it just feels like Brewster is simply coasting on autopilot. The CD is filled with run of the mill chord progressions and lyrical cliches. As listeners, we need something more substantial than lines like:
You are amazing, more than amazing, Forever our God, You’re more than enough… [More Than Amazing]
and You are good so good all the time all my life… and I’m still singing because You are so good… [So Good]
Come on, I expect a bit more growth from an artist like Brewster. yes, I suppose it’s his choice to focus his songwriting toward “newbie” Christians which explains his none-too-deep themes/content but still, shouldn’t he, as an established artist, try to explore new ground other than simply “praise & worship”? With his chops, it would be far more interesting for him stretch out the instrumental arrangements a la prog-rock. Frankly, the simple chord structures and mundane lyrics are such a waste for an outstanding guitarist like Brewster.
And don’t get me started on the overall sound of the album. For some reason Brewster likes to highly compress the overall mix so that there’s no dynamic range to speak of. The result is a lifeless sound mix with no punch from the drums. Everything just sounds flat with no sizzle or excitement. The compressed mix probably sounds great on radio but on a decent sound system combined with the lackluster songwriting, results in a forgettable album.
retroGrade: C
Real Life by Lincoln Brewster
released: September 2010
record label: Integrity
Total Time: 45:48
It’s hard NOT to like Lincoln Brewster. He seems like a down to earth, all around nice guy. It’s interesting to note that even though he’s got the chops to be in the upper echelon of the Guitar Rock Gods, Brewster chose a more low-key, more humble approach to his musical career. Now that’s pretty impressive in an industry where vanity and narcissism run rampant. Instead of being a celebrated “guitar hero” for the masses, Brewster seems content simply being a worship leader for Bayside Church near Sacramento, California. Of course he’s still known to many for his guitar skills, but through it all Brewster admirably tries to keep the focus solely on God. Same goes for his latest album, Today Is the Day, where he keeps things pretty restrained to keep the focus on the songs and not his amazing guitar abilities. Unfortunately, Brewster plays it a bit TOO safe which makes for a dull listen. He doesn’t cover much new ground here and stays well within the tried and true “Lincoln Brewster formula”. the album is just a bit too “cookie cutter” for my tastes. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all bad but for once, I’d love to see Brewster simply *rock out* and not be so self-conscious about his God-given abilities. We get a glimpse of this on the last song “Let Your Glory Shine”. For some reason he lets his guard down on this song and plays some of the *rawest* guitar licks he’s ever done on any of his albums. This particular track is also unique in the fact that he put aside his usual Fender Strat to utilize the fatter sounds of those humbucker pickups on a Gibson guitar. His playing is upfront and passionate and the upbeat guitar break in the middle section is just *through the roof*!!! It’s too bad he lets loose on only one song. It’s just too little, too late.
retroGrade : C+
highlights include: “Today is the Day”, “Give Him Praise”, “God You Reign”, “Salvation is Here” and “Let Your Glory Shine”
Today Is the Day artist: Lincoln Brewster
Label: Integrity Music/Sony
released: September 2008
website: LincolnBrewster.com
TrackList: 1 Today Is the Day (Baloche, Brewster) 4:36
2 Everywhere I Go (Brewster, Packiam) 4:52
3 Give Him Praise (Brewster) 4:55
4 God You Reign (Brewster, Fieldes) 6:10
5 The Arms of My Savior (Brewster) 5:08
6 This Love (Brewster, Fieldes) 4:27
7 The Power of Your Name (Brewster, Fieldes) 5:44
8 The Love of God (Brewster, Fieldes) 3:50
9 Salvation Is Here (Houston) 4:51
10 Let Your Glory Shine (Brewster, Fieldes) 4:53
it has been awhile since I shared a mix tape here so I thought I’d round up some tracks from a few of my favorite guitarists… please note: the following songs aren’t necessarily THE best examples of their respective guitar work. the songs I have here are simply what I had available on my mp3 player at the time of posting this list.
Trevor Rabin – Not only can the guy shred but he’s got a great melodic sense to his solos. Yes, he’s hated by YES “purists”, but I personally love his contribution to the YES-saga. Walls by Yes
Steve Howe – Steve’s got this classical/quirky style that you don’t hear that often in rock music. Sketches in the Sun by GTR
Lindsey Buckingham – Lindsey’s like a mad scientist in the studio. spending long nights trying to get a sound just right. but on stage, he’s a monster on guitar. he does some absolutely jaw dropping stuff on his custom Rick Turner guitar. Go Insane (live) by Lindsey Buckingham
Lincoln Brewster – a very humble artist that never boasts about his huge talent. Let me boast for him and say that he’s simply amazing on a Fender Strat. He’s All I Need by Lincoln Brewster
Neal Schon – Journey’s sappy power ballads may sometimes overshadow Schon’s guitar playing but this old man can ROCK! check out his song In Self Defense off of the album Generations. he’s also singing lead on this one. he doesn’t have much of a voice but listen to the incredible guitar work. In Self Defense by Journey
Lyle Workman – Lyle did some great work with Bourgeois Tagg and Todd Rundgren back in the late eighties and early nineties. I just love his unique style. Out of the Depths by Lyle Workman
Eric Johnson – this guy is probably on everyone’s list of favorite guitarists. come on, this song is THE STANDARD of melodic guitar playing. Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson
, where he keeps things pretty restrained to keep the focus on the songs and not his amazing guitar abilities. Unfortunately, Brewster plays it a bit TOO safe which makes for a dull listen. He doesn’t cover much new ground here and stays well within the tried and true “Lincoln Brewster formula”. the album is just a bit too “cookie cutter” for my tastes. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not all bad but for once, I’d love to see Brewster simply *rock out* and not be so self-conscious about his God-given abilities. We get a glimpse of this on the last song “Let Your Glory Shine”. For some reason he lets his guard down on this song and plays some of the *rawest* guitar licks he’s ever done on any of his albums. This particular track is also unique in the fact that he put aside his usual Fender Strat to utilize the fatter sounds of those humbucker pickups on a Gibson guitar. His playing is upfront and passionate and the upbeat guitar break in the middle section is just *through the roof*!!! It’s too bad he lets loose on only one song. It’s just too little, too late.
