Leeland’s Opposite Way

Posted by Scott McClellan on February 26th, 2008 at 9:26 am

 Opposite Way

Opposite Way from Leeland is out today. We review the album in the upcoming issue of COLLIDE, but you won’t be able to read that for a couple weeks. I don’t want to wait that long to share a few thoughts on Opposite Way with you, so here goes.

  • Front man Leeland Mooring and his band genuinely want to change the world. That sentiment infiltrates everything the band does.
  • A lot of Leeland’s lyrics make the band sound more like revival preachers than rock stars.
  • Most writers describe the band’s music as “worshipful,” but to me it doesn’t quite fit with the rest of worship rock sub-genre.
  • Leeland wears its influences on its sleeve. It’s hard not to hear a blend of U2, Coldplay, and Delirious? on most of the songs from Opposite Way.
  • I don’t love this album, but I don’t hate it either. It might continue to grow on me, but I don’t think so.
  • When I listen to Opposite Way I hear potential, but that’s as far as I’m willing to go right now.

Anyone else have thoughts on the album?

Other albums out today include For the Love of the Game from Pillar, Never Going Back to OK from The Afters, and a new one from Erykah Badu.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 9:26 am and is filed under Music, Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

6 Responses to “Leeland’s Opposite Way”

I’ve been listening to “Opposite Way” for about 2 weeks now at http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com and I’ve personally been impressed. There is growth from their past album both musically and lyrically. “Let it Out” and “Opposite Way” are two of my favs. I would’ve liked to hear more energetic songs on this album, but it’s not gonna keep me from buying it.

posted at 11:38 am on February 26th, 2008 by Kyle P.

Thanks for pointing out the band’s growth, Kyle. I forgot to mention that Leeland’s two years together since their last album have yielded significant growth.

posted at 1:13 pm on February 26th, 2008 by Scott McClellan

This is my favorite Christian band right now… and I have a feeling they will be for a while. I love their heart (saw them in Atlanta in November) and their sound is very tight. Love it!

posted at 3:06 pm on February 26th, 2008 by Terrace Crawford

Also don’t forget that Leeland is not yet out of his teens!!! What he will do in years to come is sure to be amazing.

posted at 2:42 pm on February 27th, 2008 by Danny

Great album. I’ve been listening to it for a week now. They aren’t genre-busting or anything, but as far as their authenticity they remind me of Bleach. They also have great hearts, and Leeland Mooring is so young, I’m interested in seeing his songwriting mature (as it already has) into a full blown talent. Great album. Great, great album.

posted at 9:18 pm on March 10th, 2008 by Colin

I was expecting more. Or maybe I should say, hoping for more. I do love Leeland.
I purchased Opposite Way the day it was released. Now Sound of Melodies was fantastic. However, Opposite Way sounds almost like a replica with different lyrics. That is why I was hoping for more. I understand when you win a Dove Award for your 1st release, your 2nd is probably going to sound similar. I do love their message. I am a fan. I’m just not that eager to pop in Opposite Way that often. I’m sure it’ll grow on me

posted at 9:07 pm on March 17th, 2008 by Joe

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