Aaron Benward |
Album: Imagine Type: Pop Yahoo! Clubs: |
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I got this picture from his website. Isn't it cool?!? |
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"I love life," Aaron Benward confesses unapologetically. "I mean, I REALLY love life!" It is a confession that mirrors his profound appreciation for the important things in life - love of God, love of family, love of life itself. It is a love affair that permeates Aaron's eagerly awaited solo debut IMAGINE. --AaronBenward.com
Here is the CD Review on his debut album 'Imagine:' Eight years ago Aaron Benward, a new high school graduate, embarked on a singing career with his father Jeoffrey, who had already established himself as a respected adult contemporary/inspirational artist. As Aaron/Jeoffrey, the duo released one album independently and three with Star Song Records, most recently 1997’s The Climb. But the plan from the beginning was always for Aaron to take time out to pursue a solo career, and he’s made a fine start on Imagine. It’s worth noting that Benward co-wrote 10 of the album’s 11 tracks and that several tunes relate in one way or another to Philippians 4:13: "I can all things through Christ who strengthens me." The title cut challenges listeners to pray that God will enlarge the scope of one’s dreams, while "Renaissance Love" uses the rebirth of the arts in 14th century Europe as a metaphor for humanity’s own second chance opportunity in Christ. "Let It Out," "Make Your Mark" and "Salt" ask Christians if they’re doing all they are able to embrace and relate to the unchurched world. The album cuts a fairly broad stylistic swath, with influences from old school MTV stalwarts such as Huey Lewis and Bryan Adams in evidence, but with the emphasis on more recent pop-laden alternative acts such as Matchbox 20 and Goo Goo Dolls. It’s clear that power vocalists such as Russ Taff have influenced Benward while a few of his arrangement ideas borrow from Michael W. Smith. Producers Matt Bronleewe and Darrell Brown & Dennis Matkosky deserve props for finding a comfortable groove that allows Benward to relate to his peers without asking Aaron/Jeoffrey fans to stretch too far too quickly. Aaron playing at JoyFest 2000 in Santa Clara, CA.>> |