Leeland caught the music world and turned it upside down in 2006 with their incredible debut release, Sound of Melodies. Receiving many rave reviews, a Grammy Nomination, and becoming one of the most desired live acts, this young band continues to amaze. Their passionate worship carries through their sophomore release, Opposite Way.
Opposite Way achieves new, progressive and exciting music; intriguing and heart filled lyrics; and an attitude of worship you can’t find in any other musical outlet. The albums title speaks for a good portion of the common theme for the album. Leeland Mooring states, “A major theme on our new album is to encourage our generation to live passionately for the Lord, even when it means going the ‘opposite way’ of the world.”
Leeland and the guys strongly encourage the youth in the world, no matter what, it’s OK to passionately worship Christ through music. Like Sound of Melodies, Opposite Way is extraordinarily contagious. Track such as the album’s first radio single “Count Me In” and title track “Opposite Way” have hooks that grab you, and draw you into a time of intimate worship.
The album collaborates various different well-produced tracks, blending together remarkably well, while maintaining a sense of originality in each song. Leeland Mooring’s distinguished voice, along with the diversity of the band’s touch in collective song writing brings the lyrical and vocal talent to new frontiers.
“Count Me In” comes to you first. Simplicity gives the song an advantage, with an endless hook throughout the choruses, it’ll have you singing “count me in” repeatedly after one short listen. In addition the song has a desirable sound, driven by warm guitars and progressive solos, it’ll have you pushing rewind. “Enter This Temple” progresses into a beautiful worship track, that has huge potential in churches… “Father, enter this temple / Come touch Your people / We need to be where You are / And children living as their Father / Washed in pure water / We need to be like You are.” – chorus. “Opposite Way” opens up a theme of running the opposite way like Jesus did. “But through the cross He conquered the grave / My Jesus ran the opposite way.” Energetic describes “Wake Up,” a track about witnessing and acting out our faith. “Beginning and the End” mixes up things musically, but portrays a powerful message. “Brighter Days” is a challenge to come to the realization of better and encouraging times in life, and seeking those out. “Falling For You” is a beautiful love song, and challenges us to go back to the best times, where our faith was strong and surpass that. “Thief in the Night” is a song about the Lord coming back for His church, or as it states in scripture His bride. It also touches on God’s endless love, and no matter what we do, He still seeks us.
Leeland hit the mark with Opposite Way. I am yet again blown away by what these guys put together. They’re a young band, but their maturity carries through their music and their worship. Impressed doesn’t even begin to describe Leeland’s sophomore album Opposite Way.
Reviewed - January 2nd, 2008
Article by Jeremy Koering
