Avalon - Stand

Another Solid Effort By Avalon

Another uplifting, encouraging album by Avalon. The "title track" is "We Will Stand", featuring Russ Taff who originally recording this song on his solo debut project "Walls Of Glass".

Other stellar performances on this disc include "The Other Side", "Love Won't Leave You", "Orphans Of God", "I Survive", "When The Time Comes" and "Where Joy And Sorrow Meet". December 16, 2007

Not their Best.

I just couldnt get into this album at all. Im not a huge fan of theirs but this one didnt do anything for me though. A must for all fans of Avalon but I would Check out their albums Oxygen or their Greatest Hits CD. December 16, 2007

Something To Smile About =-)

Although this release is filled with spine-tingling moments, unfortunately a little bit of the album can be forgettable.

Take "I Survive" for example--Melissa has a good voice, but for some reason seemed to change the way she sang on this one. Her voice sounded scratchy at times, and plus Avalon's not known for "rockin' out" with their music.

Of course, with every Avalon release, there's ALWAYS the huge ballads--Janna's "Orphans of God" and "When the Time Comes", and Melissa's "Where Joy and Sorrow Meet". Each of these songs has the potential to become major hits, and give long-time Avalonians something to smile about.

Greg Long shows up a lot more on STAND than on THE CREED, which gives Avalon fans a better chance to hear him. On his first album with Avalon, THE CREED, he sang on only one and a half songs, but obviously it seemed that most fans didn't like the new addition (I think they were still upset about Michael!) Anyway, Greg sings "Love Won't Leave You", a catchy, up-beat tune, and "Slowly", which isn't exactly slow, but in between. Both are enjoyable.

Jody McBrayer's solo, "Jesus" is the perfect song to sing in church! Its beatiful opening piano part and fantastic lyrics make it one of the finest for the album. It makes me even sadder when I hear this song and realize that Jody's leaving at the end of '07 because of heart disease. (I hope Avalon comes to Mobile, AL on their fall tour before he leaves!)

Other great songs include: "Somehow You Are", "The Other Side", and "We Will Stand (With Russ Taff)".

Overall, a definite favorite and highly recommended!


May 13, 2007

Another incredible release by BJ

First off, I would like to say that I completely agree with a reviewer of this product named Bryan McAdams from Alabama. He's right--I've read some reviews of "The Creed" release and all you heard was "It's just not the same now that Michael and Cherie are gone" and such. Don't get me wrong - I LOVED it when it was Jody, Janna, Michael, and Cherie, but it's great now, too. Their voices blend together perfectly as always, especially on this release.
Things start off really upbeat with "The Other Side" an exciting thriller that I think would be a HUGE hit. Next up comes Greg's solo song, "Love Won't Leave You", a catchy pop/rock tune that he did splendid on. At first this song was my favorite for the CD, but then again I hadn't heard "Orphans Of God" yet! I feel like I say this all the time--but Janna Long is just flat out amazing! I hope she and Jody stay with Avalon for as long as they're a group. With heart-wrenching and comforting words, along with incredible vocal performance, "Orphans" receives 1st place. (I hope it gets the Dove Award!!):-) Up next comes "Somehow You Are", another catchy pop/rock one. This one is definitely another highlight, and I think was seriously underrated in the radio world. Greg shows up again on "Slowly". All in all a solid song and vocal, and I was happy that he sang more on this release than on "The Creed". All the rest of the songs are great, especially the title track featuring Russ Taff, Jody's rendition of "Jesus", and the girls' amazing slow songs.
Overall, another spectacular Avalon release--this group is definitely the top of Christian music, and I hope they stay around for a LONG time!! Go get this one today! March 9, 2007

A good effort, but probably 3 1/2 stars !

I was pleased with Avalon's efforts to pull together in "Stand." They've chosen a nice variety of songs on this album, all of which I found worthy of repeated listening, and some of which give us a glimpse of their real talents. Each song has lyrics of spiritual benefit. I've been an Avalon fan for a long time, but have been disappointed by a move toward the "forced" and "louder is better" style that seems be more and more common in CCM as it is in mainstream secular music. I was particulary pleased to hear more focus on good vocal sound, as we hear in Orphans of God. God has given all members Avalon (past and present) beautiful voices and tremendous talent to use for praise and encouragement. We want to hear them SING, not scream, the wonderful music and lyrics they bring us! November 5, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...