Rondi Olson - "Seeing the Unseen"

Rondi Olsons latest CD, "Seeing the Unseen" arrived the other day.  I love the material on it and believe that the conversation I had with everyone, that was near the sound system, when I was reviewing the disc backs this statement up.  I remarked to all of them, "I haven't heard a song on her disc I don't like."  That says it all.  Rondi has done some extraordinary work on the compositions included on this disc. 

The first song, the title track, Seeing the Unseen is a mellow opener describing the things in life that only God Can Do.  Rondi follows this song, in what certainly seems like a very systematic design, with Filthy Rags, a song that describes in a more upbeat fashion what can happen to our day when we ignore our God and start our days without him.  "Without the Lord, everything is filthy rags"

She follows these two songs with a song that I felt even told my story of being a human being, Here I Am.  The song reminded me of how many times I have to go before the Lord and ask for his forgiveness and his help, all in the same breath.

The rest of the album is just as good and is worth your purchasing it and listening to every song over and over.  The disc is a collection of messages that are fun to listen to.

Check Out Rondi's Homepage

www.milknhoney.org

You Can E-Mail her at

rolson@up.net

You'll be glad you did.                                        

Rated 4 Stars ****

1. Where Are the         Leaders                     
2.  Fate of Fatso
3.  Aimless
4.  Choose Not to Lose
5.  He's Coming Back
6.  Christian Hypocrisy
7.  Hiding In The Shadows
8.  Coffee Shop
9.  The Road
10.  Yes, It's True

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FOCUS is a band from San Diego that they say "is creating quite a stir in the music scene."  After listening to their CD "Hiding in the Shadows" I can see why.  They have a good mix of different kinds of Christian Music that should appeal to most generations of music lovers.

They start off with a song called "Where Are The Leaders" which hit this reviewer, right off, as a song that I would almost expect on a Pink Floyd album if this was secular music.  Great job on this one.  I couldn't shut it off or pass over it.  Their second song, "Fate of Fatso", did not strike me in the same way.  I could have jumped right over it and I don't think I would have missed it, however I expect it will send a great message to those folks that really enjoy a little punk music now and then.  Oh, you don't want to miss a little taste of  the "Simpsons" right at the very end.

Some other highlights of the disc include Alternative Song - "Aimless".  This song is very upbeat and talks about being confused but being able to follow the word of God to keep us foused on the right direction to head in our lives.  "He's Coming Back For Me" is another has a great taste of older Rock n' Roll with a cool blues format.  Again, the song really kept me intrigued all the way to the end.  It really reminded me that is "HE REALLY IS COMING BACK."

Their title track :Hiding In The Shadows" is quite interesting.  Debbie Uecker of FOCUS describes it as an artistic long song.   I would agree but add that it is an artistic long song that you want to keep listening to.

"Coffee Shop", again is very upbeat and makes you want to get up and dance.  Its full message is that our strength is connected to the power of God.  With this message and the beat, how can anyone not get up and dance?

The last song on the disc, "Yes It's True", speaks to our calling, yours and mine.  It is a ballad and says in a few verses that the Lord is calling all of us.

This Disc says all over it "JESUS WILL LEAD THE WAY"

A great job, If you like a mix of Alternative, Contemporary, and Rock n' Roll with a hint of punk, you have got to check out this album - FOCUS - "Hiding In The Shadows".

For more on FOCUS, check out Indie Artist Spotlight.

Check Out FOCUS' Homepage at

http://users.aol.com/jmfocus

You Can E-Mail Them At:

Focusnewz@aol.com