Is it too early to deem an album the Best Contemporary Christian Album of the Year? Probably not. And it'd be hard for any act to top "The Other F-Word" by UP2U (http://www.up2utheband.com). A provocative title, is it not? Some say bold because you might have to do a double-take and realize that UP2U is not saying anything offensive. The "F-Word" part simply jumps at you, and you have to applaud UP2U already for being so brave.
But the courageousness of UP2U doesn't end there. If Radiohead had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour, then UP2U is what they probably would've sounded like. If you don't believe me, listen to "Only Say the Word" and "More Like Him" and tell me that doesn't remind you of Thom Yorke singing to the Kingdom of Heaven. The rainy-day acoustics on "More Like Him" could've fit easily on "The Bends" minus the spiritual thrust of the lyrics.
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I knew UP2U were a special band from the very beginning. "Inside" is as dreamy and pretty as Oasis' "Wonderwall." However, UP2U aren't dealing love songs; this is a group that is trying to reach a higher plane. Regardless of your religious beliefs, UP2U will knock you out with their melodic and transcendent pop/rock.
I was surprised by the funky riffing on "Strong In You"; you don't often hear such rhythmic versatility in Christian rock bands. In fact, many of them are too vanilla, too clean and timid sonically. But UP2U show actually chops, giving this group a believable chance of crossing over into the mainstream.
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