The Jesus Underground

www.thejesusunderground.com

From the opening cut, "Alone," to the very last track, "Falling," you know that you are listening to something distinctive. Free from Ordinary is anything but- it's an optimistic, uplifting collection of modern pop/rock/worship from new Slanted Records / Spring Hill artist Caleb Rowden.

Reading the guy's bio gives you an inkling that this guy is an exceptional "everyman." Caleb was a talented multi-instrumentalist and accomplished songwriter by the time he was old enough to drive; founder of a non-profit ministry, and a successful independent artist who has opened for MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp and Audio Adrenaline all by the age of 23.

Caleb exhibits a talent for varying his vocal delivery to suit the mood and message of each song; on "Wait," suggesting Five for Fighting's John Ondrasik, then bringing a completely different vibe with a Jason Veda-like (Acceptance) delivery on "You Are Holy," subsequently creating a Chris Tomlin vibe on his worship tracks- all without compromising his own voice.

Each song flows organically from one to the next, giving Free from Ordinary a very cohesive sound. The music and lyrics of Free from Ordinary are kind of like 7 UP- natural, crisp, clean and refreshing all the while remaining relevant to the 20-something generation. Free from Ordinary is a magnetic and engaging collection of tracks without being more o' the same ol' same ol'. Do yourself a favor if you're a fan of Switchfoot, David Crowder, Keane and Jadon Lavik- track down this extra-ordinary album.

Review by Chris Frye 7/2006

InFuze Magazine
Vertical Worship Record with Strong Musical Ties

The modern worship music movement in finally waning these days and yet there is still a plethora of artists attempting to ride the wave of the popular consumption of "vertical" modern music that plays as well on the radio as it does in the pews. Being a bit leery of the trend myself, I approached Caleb Rowden's debut album with Slanted Records with immediate trepidation and cynicism. Especially with the title, Free From Ordinary, I expected my plea to be just that after hearing yet another modern worship record. Thankfully, this release does indeed free itself from being grouped with the ordinary releases out there.

The 23-year-old Rowden, with roots as the primary songwriter and drummer for the disbanded Wisdom's Cry, has hooked up with the unlikely pairing of producers Dan Needham (Stacie Orrico) and Kevan Cyka (REM) to come up with one excellent debut that is mature beyond his years yet still accessible to the masses.

The album starts out with a bang with the lively, "Alone", a rocking proclamation of God's promise to never leave or forsake us. The hooks here had me at "hello" and sucked me in the tune before realizing how worshipful the lyrics were. The second track, "You Are Holy", rocks just as much even though lyrically its hymnal. Rowden has a knack for melodies that stick and the vertical focus of the tunes here do not detract from the music's accessibility and cultural relevance.

I kept expecting the album to begin to move into the marshmallowland that worship releases tend to go after grabbing you with their initial tracks. This record doesn't really slow down until the fifth track, "Send Me" and that's just to midtemp, to amp up again through the anthemic agression of "Made", the rolicking vibe of "The Journey", and the album's best track, "All I Need". Only at the closing does Rowden really slow down, but its an appropriate pause of rest and reflection with "Falling".

The key to the success of this release is that Rowden somehow manages to maintain an accessible sound with solid hooks and melody while still maintaining a vertical worshipful focus throughout each track. These tunes would not be out of place on your local top 40 stations which is a rare feat for a worship artist. I hope he achieves that type of success to show that many people indeed are hungry to be freed from the ordinary.

Debut Album Release

www.melodic.net

There are so many great debut albums on the Christian rock scene. Don't ask me why it is like that but here you have another one you definitely should check out if you like Switchfoot, David Crowder Band, Starfield, Keane, Delirious, Jeremy Camp and a young and horny Steven Curtis Chapman.

Caleb Rowden who releases his album on the up and coming Slanted Records which is an imprint to Word sits on some great refrains to be honest and the production signed by Dan Needham (Steven Curtis Chapman, Stacie Orrico among others) and Kevan Cyka (REM, Hilary Duff and more) is fat like an American donut.

Just listen to songs like "The Journey" (phew what harmonyvocals.), "Free From Ordinary" with could have been a hit with Switchfoot, the Keane smelling "Wait", the Five For Fighting smelling "Falling" and finally the rockier "Alone". Geeh - real freekin' impressing is what it is and he sure is worth four safe and strong stars. Great debut.

Free From Ordinary CD

Caleb Rowden

christianmusic.suite101.com

Slanted Records artist Caleb Rowden enters the crowded worship field on July 25 th with debut album “Free From Ordinary,” containing 10 energetic pop-rock tracks.

His stated desire is to reach outside the church walls and a number of these songs should hit that target, including the fervent opener “Alone.” Rowden’s passionate vocals howl from within a thick wall of aggressive guitars in this passionate promise of hope.

Rowden co-wrote all ten songs of praise, some more subtle than others but all spirited. The electric rocker “You are Holy” serves as the project’s first single, rejoicing exuberantly in the peace of God. The title track’s floaty bridge heightens its message of treasures found in the new kingdom. One of my favorites is the melodic piano-driven ballad, “Send Me,” a moving declaration of commitment highlights both Rowden’s soaring vocals and his heart for missions. A partner with World Vision, Rowden has also started a non-profit ministry called Wisdom’s Cry to assist mission projects at home and overseas.

Another standout track is “Wait,” a song of deep longing for the day “his heart will find its place,” expressed powerfully in Rowden’s penetrating tones. But my favorite overall has to be the piano-driven closer, “Falling.” The gentle piano and strings dance delicately through lyrics that declare: “I’m falling into your love overwhelming/I’m falling into your grace/I’m falling in where my heart knows no wrong/I’m falling into You.” The power of the song is in its sonic simplicity, and it closes this interesting debut perfectly. Keep your eye on Caleb Rowden, one to watch from Slanted Records, quickly building a powerhouse stable of talented artists.

- Kevan Breitinger

Aspiring Retail

July 2006

Free From Ordinary CD

Caleb Rowden/Slanted (Word)

Customers tired of waiting for the next new album from Jeremy Camp or Shaun Groves? Then 23-year-old Caleb Rowden is ready to fill the gap with a radio-ready, pop/rock CD full of friendly guitars and sincere lyrics.

The first highlight on Free from Ordinary is “Alone,” a mid-tempo plea for listeners to accept the truth of God’s love. Yes, the lyrics are sometimes simplistic (“It doesn’t matter where you go/ It doesn’t matter who you know….”), and sometimes marked by preachy stereotypes (“You’re broken and confused/ Your heart is torn by the things you do…”). Still, this song flaunts the best musical hook and the most vocal passion-and one has to admire its unapologetic evangelistic appeal. Other highlights include Rowden’s purpose-driven affirmations, “Made,” and his horizontally focused fervor in “All I Need.”

In all, Rowden has delivered a solid, ear-pleasing debut that promises even better things to come in the future.

- Mike Nappa

Review published in MusicRow

CALEB/You Are Holy
Writer: Kevin Cyka/ Dan Needham/Caleb Rowden; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Gold in My Ear/River Oaks/EMI CMG/Stonebrook/Pop Drop People/Manzierre/Willow Branch/Gaither, BMI/SESAC; Slanted (615-312-5647)

—Juicy, jaunty pop-rock with more hooks than a tuna boat. A hit.