Ruth "Secondhand Dreaming" Album Review
Released: 2007-06-26 on Tooth & Nail
New Tooth and Nail rock band Ruth has crossed the line of being typical with their astonishing debut Secondhand Dreaming. Originating from the Northwest city of Vancouver, WA the band is lead by Dustin Ruth (Vocals / Guitar) and consists of Justin Schiermeister (Bass), Roomie Reid (Drums), and Nicholas Wiinikka (Guitar). Ruth’s sound is somewhere between Switchfoot and Lifehouse with vocal similarities to The Fray, Switchfoot and Everyday Sunday.
In the bands bio Dustin points out, “I have always been a sucker for melody. I wanted to take all the best parts of my inspiration, combine them with honest lyrics, and write songs that hopefully people would enjoy, possibly be moved by." Secondhand Dreaming had done just that. Capturing you with musical melodies, the catchy and creative lyrics can bring hope and peace, proving that Ruth could be a break-out artist in the Christian music world.
Starting off the album is the catchy “One Foot In, One Foot Out.” A song about how God is all we need and all we should want. Next is the first radio single “Cross this Line.” One of the most powerful songs, lyrically, on the entire album, it also has a good blend of acoustic and electric guitars, creating a rich melody. “Tell me that you want me / Tell me that you see me / I’m giving you everything I have / I’m giving you everything I have / Tell me that you want me / And that you see me / I’m telling you right now here I am / I am” – Chorus.
Another brilliant tune, it is also the title track, “Secondhand Dreaming.” The song is very appropriately titled and starts off with verse saying “I began to watch Late Night TV, when I should be asleep / Gotta work in the morning / I wish I was there, next to Letterman’s chair.” Next comes the acoustic driven “Here to New York.” Next on the album is “Mr. Turner” is one of my favorites, singing for answers and keeping our eyes on God. “What if I keep my eyes on you? / Could I sail the across the ocean blue? / And the sun will guide me through / If I go / Yes I know / I’m heading home.” – Chorus.
“You Are” is a song with a worship-like presence, it’s a cry to God to forgive, help trust and to show His love. The lyrics come from the story of Jesus walking on water. “You are the waves that I feel when I’m sinking / You are the storms that I feel when I’m dieing / You are God / You are God / I know, I know, I know, I know / You are God / You are God / I know, I know” – Chorus.
Secondhand Dreaming is a stellar debut. Ruth is a band that could have a very promising future ahead of them. I’m excited for this release to hit the stores and see how people respond to Ruth’s positive lyrics and catchy melodic music. Fans of Switchfoot, Everyday Sunday, Lifehouse and The Fray will probably like it. Be sure and grab a copy at your local Christian bookstore or online! I think you’ll like it!
Article by Jeremy Koering, Editor / Photographer / General Writing
Response by: Jason Vesely
Posted: 2008-07-15 at 7:08 pm
I highly recommend this cd. Ruth is an extremely talented band. The #9 track that Maria is referring to is "You Are" which is played on Air1.
This CD has some great short instrumental solos in them which are just as amazing as their singing.
Response by: Marie Bellido
Posted: 2008-06-12 at 9:12 pm
This CD is awesome! Our church group was coming back home from TX from a Womens Retreat, and going back to Clarksville, TN, when God gave us the opportunity to see the group on I-40. At first we did not know who the group was until we started listening to the CD, when we got to the #9 song, the girls start screaming and singing. It was an awesome gift from God. May the Lord Guide you and protect you!
GOD BLESS,
Christian Fellowship Flock Church, Oak Grove, KY
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Secondhand Dreaming Song List
1. One Foot In, One Foot Out
2. Cross This Line
3. Secondhand Dreaming
4. Here to New York
5. Mr. Turner
6. Work It Out
7. Standing Still
8. Figure You Out
9. You Are
10. Love Me Like You Do
11. Always Yours
12. Well With Soul
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