O How The Mighty Have Fallen

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EDITOR'S PICK

Total Tracks: 10   Total Length: 40:28

eMusic Review

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Mike McGonigal

eMusic Contributor

Mike McGonigal is editorial director for YETI publishing and the author of three little music books. He lives in Portland, OR, where he spends his time assembli...more »

04.22.11
Slow-burning anthems of love and doubt.
2005 | Label: Galaxy 21 Music / The Orchard

Can you imagine a low-key U2, shorn of the self-important, shouting bombast, leaving only slowly-burning anthems to love and doubt? This Nashville-based trio, together since the mid ’80s, do just that on this 2005 release. With song titles like "Nobody Gets a Smooth Ride,” it's clear that this is not a record with easy answers. The Choir is interested in untangling life's complicated questions; “Terrible Mystery,” for instance, is a romantic song that bemoans a failed relationship. Like their soft-spoken contemporaries Death Cab for Cutie, the Choir deliver sharp insights in gentle tones.

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solid album

EMUSIC-01C7D838

Solid all the way through. Very underrated christian band.

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TO THE POINT

jaydek

I like the sharp clear sounds, like a horse trotting in a glass court. Light and airy. Very nice.

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The key is low-key

Kurzbein

The comparison to U2 in the E-music review was heavily qualified. No, The Choir typically doesn't rock nearly as hard as U2 (check out "Speckled Bird" for that), but they're kindred spirits in terms of lyrical sentiment. Musically, The Choir sounds most similar to Joshua Tree-era U2, specifically the aural universe in which Brian Eno placed those songs. The Choir steps dangerously close to sounding too precious lyrically, but oddly it's their soul-baring transparency and honesty that makes them appealing. My initial exposure to The Choir years ago left me unimpressed, but over time I came to appreciate their simple, tuneful music. Regardless of whether or not you like what The Choir offers, it's hard to deny the craftsmanship they bring to their music.

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Brilliant.

warp

Possibly my favourite band in the entire world. This is their best album, brilliant and subtle, and full of beauty and tears. Warren

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not sold.......

duckdgo

I was expecting more based on previous reviews. The comparisons to U2 fall pretty short, no post punk guitar signature sounds and no Lillywhite/Eno/Lanois production style. Decent songs but relatively understated. Maybe it will grow on me with repeated listenings. Fair to good with potential to improve with age..........

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Superlatively Soaring Soundscapes

Freedomtech

OK, I confess. The Choir would have to be my all time favourite band. And this album delivers in all the areas for which I appreciate their music : - you can play loud or soft and it has the same impact - somehow the tracks seem to get underneath you and lift you up - sometimes a touch melancholy, often a spot of rye humour - sometimes a commentary of the human condition, sometimes a reflection of Almighty God - always something in the lyrics to get you thinking Stand out songs on this album are the title track - "O How The Mighty Have Fallen" as well as "She's Alright" and "To Rescue Me" If you're a fan of much of more popular Chritian rock acts these days then why not go straight to the source - most of these groups list "The Choir" as musical influences - no to mention that it's often a Choir member in the producers chair anyhow. Download it now - it might encourage Galaxy21 to put up more their catalouge. Some Seventy Sevens to go with my Choir would hurt? :)

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Mmmmm!

Calhoun

At first I thought this was as weak as their other recent albums. But one evening I was working late and listened to it over and over, and I came to love it. Somehow it plucks those heart strings and accesses the inner most parts of ... and so on.

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