Following great anticipation, young musical contenders Seven Day Jesus release their self-titled ForeFront Records debut on December 26, 1997. Driven by the gripping voice of lead singer Brian McSweeney and the energetic musical accompaniment you'd expect from a bunch of guys just out of their teens, the band combines modern rock know-how with timeless pop sensibilities for an album filled with instant classics.
When people ask the members of Seven Day Jesus how the band got its name, the response is, if nothing else, to the point. "You starve if you eat only once a week," says McSweeney. "So don't make going to church on Sunday your only source for a relationship with God." Strong words from a singer/songwriter/guitarist who, like his band mates, makes his relationship with Christ a 24/7 kinda thing. As is evidenced by their new album, Seven Day Jesus has discovered the ultimate musical alchemy: blending potent power pop with an even more potent message of salvation and joy.
Given the band's touring schedule (in the last eighteen months, they've been on the road with Third Day and PlankEye), it's a wonder the band had any time to write and record the new album. Yet the West Virginia-born, Nashville-based quartet did indeed enter the studio with producer Brent Milligan (Considering Lily, Geoff Moore & The Distance) armed with ten new songs that reflect both their love of Posies-styled pop and the hope of Jesus Christ.
"My goal on this album," says McSweeney, "was to create something positive and uplifting, something you could worship to." Mission accomplished. The album begins with "Down With The Ship," an uptempo rocker that serves as a basic statement of faith. "It speaks to the fact that the world may be going down," notes Brian, "but I'm taking a stand, finding a better way, the only way." Often praised for his remarkable vocals, McSweeney has never sounded better than on the new album, especially on songs like "Butterfly" (which describes the metamorphosis experienced when giving one's life to Christ) and the ultimate pop anthem, "Everybody Needs Love," surely one of the album's stand-out tracks.
Songs like "You Are The One" and "Always Comes Around" joyously praise God as protector and provider, while others, like the hard rocking "End of My Rope" and Who I Am" offer a gritty slice of life in exploring pathways to faith. "'Who I Am' is about the freedom we have in Christ," notes Brian. "It's a proclamation of our individuality, and how God loves us the way we are." One of the album's loveliest songs, "Sea of Forgetfulness," describes the relief when a forgiving God casts sin into that "sea." Also on the album is "My Friend," which recounts a real-life relationship of Brian's. "It's probably my favorite track, and the most personal," he says. Of course, in light of the impact the band has already had in its few years of existence, Seven Day Jesus clearly knows how to put the personal touch on everything they do.
"As a band, we're really anxious to reach out to those who want to know about and serve Christ," says Brian. "We try to explain our experiences in life and in our walks with God through our music. Our hope is that people will be able to relate to the message of these songs no matter where they are at in their own lives."
Having recorded an independently distributed debut CD in early 1996, Seven Day Jesus quickly stormed the rock market and caught the attention of the entire industry. The band relocated to Nashville, hooking up with the aforementioned tours. Music writers praised the band, ranking Seven Day Jesus among the top new artists of 1996 and labeling them a hot prospect for the future of Christian music. In short order, the band soon went looking for a major label deal and found a home at ForeFront Records.
But while music and showmanship are important, they never lose sight of their true purpose: Sharing a healing message with Christian and non-Christian people alike. "Christian music shouldn't be only for Christians; it should also be for people who are still searching. We need to take a step back and realize the world is there."
Given the power of the music of Seven Day Jesus, it won't be long before the world returns the favor.
Discography
Go to Seven Day Jesus' website
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