Mike's Mini Music Review - Downhere - How Many Kings: Songs For Christmas

OK, I gotta get one thing off my chest before reviewing this album, and it's this: Why is Downhere not the biggest band in Christian music?

Seriously. I listen to all kinds of Christan music - everything from Skillet and TFK to Michael W. Smith and Lincoln Brewster. Downhere is the best band in Christian music today. They should be selling albums by the tens of thousands. I don't understand why they are merely "critical darlings" and not enormously popular in the Christian music genre. Plus, they are one of the best live bands I've ever seen. Jason and Marc's duel lead vocals are tremendous, and spot-on in concert.

And with no other segue into reviewing this album ... Downhere's Christmas record, How Many Kings: Songs for Christmas, is really good. Two things jumped out at me upon listening to it. First, it sounds great. Full, lush arrangements. Maybe it's because I bought the CD instead of the iTunes download. But whatever the cause, I'm impressed. (Like, seriously, did How Many Kings always have strings?)

Secondly, it sounds great. The songs are a good mix of fun, classic, touching, and a bit goofy. (To those who wonder about the goofy, I have three words: Five Golden Rings.) The only song I was really iffy on upon first listen was the remake of How Many Kings, but even it's grown on me upon repeated listens. And it's the kind of Christmas album that you could put on during the summer and somehow it wouldn't feel out of place.

Thumbs up. If you're a fan of Downhere, you probably already own this. If you're not a fan of the band, well ... become one. Really. You won't regret it.

Comments

flatlanmum said…
Hey Mike - I'm with you. Downhere is an amazing Christian band and I too do not understand why they aren't enormously popular.
October 23, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Anonymous said…
Spot on with the review. I listen to all genre of music and this group stands out as one of the best in the entire industy. I bought several to hand out to family and friends as early Christmas gifts. A few of the standards are a little hokey, but the original songs are beautifully written and performed.
November 6, 2009 at 4:46 PM
Melody said…
Hey Mike - I'm with you. Downhere is an amazing Christian band and I too do not understand why they aren't enormously popular.
June 15, 2011 at 5:57 PM
Anonymous said…
Spot on with the review. I listen to all genre of music and this group stands out as one of the best in the entire industy. I bought several to hand out to family and friends as early Christmas gifts. A few of the standards are a little hokey, but the original songs are beautifully written and performed.
June 15, 2011 at 5:57 PM
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