Fireflight- Unbreakable (Classic Review)

"It almost felt like things were out of control. We'd gone through a difficult year as a band with a lot of emotional ups and downs. We basically lived together in a van while writing the new album, and that put us in a pressure cooker. All the stresses were magnified because you're completely out of your comfort zone, and it really does crank up the intensity of the writing. We poured all of our hope, sorrow, anger, dreams, and fears into the music." These words, said by Dawn Richardson, lead singer of the Christian rock act, Fireflight, seem entirely out of place in relation to this album. Sure, there are struggles mentioned, but there's something different about hearing these compared to those of secular acts.

Through all of their hardships, Fireflight has managed to put out one of the most encouraging and inspirational albums in the hard rock industry than I have heard in a very long time. Two years after the release of their debut album, The Healing of Harms--an extremely successful debut, featuring two #1 singles "Waiting" and "You Decide"--2008's Unbreakable is quickly becoming more and more successful. Recently featured during Taco Bell's "Feed the Beat" contest, they've gained a few promotions and a chance to perform at this past Winter X-Games. And while they may not be as popular as Flyleaf or Paramore--two more female-fronted artists--with a new album in the works, Fireflight is about to gain more success than previously thought possible from this small, Orlando based rock band.

The title track, "Unbreakable,"--featured on promos for NBC's late "Bionic Woman," adding even more to their success--is a solid rock track with lyrics inspired from the story in John 8 about the woman accused of adultery. Jesus forgave her, and, like he's forgiven us, "Now I am unbreakable."

Almost every song on this album has a highlight of its own--without them all being too much alike. Each song has very encouraging lyrics, which is why they're popular among some contemporary markets as well. Songs like "You Gave Me a Promise," "Brand New Day," "Forever," and "Stand Up" are among the most encouraging on the album. Other songs aren't so much encouraging as they have a good message for the listener. "The Hunger" talks about someone who needs God but refuses to accept him. "Go Ahead" is about asking God to work in our lives to make us more like Him. "So Help Me God" is about a relationship that pulls us away from God. And for the ultra-powerful finale, "Wrapped In Your Arms," Fireflight gives us a beautiful worship song. It ends the album perfectly, and all hopes of this sophomore album are very well satisfied.

A lot of the album is appreciated by contemporary listeners and hard rock listeners alike. Fireflight balances the hard and contemporary styles perfectly. One minute they're rocking out with "The Hunger" and two songs later worshipping with another powerful track, "Forever." Dawn Richardson's amazing voice matches the intensity of the music as she belts out the chorus: "Oh, tell me You're here, that You will watch over me, oh, take hold of my heart, show me You love me, forever." Guitarist Justin Cox shortly takes over vocals in parts of "The Love We Had Before," adding a little bit of diversity to a very catchy song.

All in all, Fireflight has created an excellent second album. Their popularity is sure to increase with their next album, and who knows where they'll go next? But judging by where Fireflight went this time... it's got to be all uphill from here.