Opposite Way
Artist: Leeland
http://www.leelandonline.com 
Label: Provident/Song BMG
Time: 11 tracks/40:41
 
I know that we’re supposed to be too cool to enjoy albums by bands that fall squarely into the CCM genre. We’re supposed to be too sophisticated to listen to music that mentions God and/or Jesus on a regular basis, in unambiguous, spiritual songs. Sometimes, we’re the losers in that game because we run the risk of passing up fine projects like Leeland’s Opposite Way – a rock-edged pop album that’s unabashedly Christian in nature and full of passion, energy and lots of what we love about God and rock and roll.
 
Lead vocalist,  Leeland Mooring was only seventeen years old when the band’s debut CD was recorded, and yet, on this sophomore project, he fronts a band that sounds confident in their performance, with a clearly identifiable sound and with a lyrical strength that speaks of a maturity and gravitas that more ‘seasoned’ bands might well be envious of.  This is a band that knows where they stand musically and spiritually, and has found a good balance between their art and their message. 
 
Musically, Leeland combines the pop sensibilities of The Afters, or The Elms (in their early days) with a sometimes U2-like passion of delivery. “Count Me In,” the first track on Opposite Way, has vocal moments that owe something to Bono, as well as a hint of  Edge-inspired guitar work – a bigger surprise is Mike Smith’s Keith Moon-like drum break on the bridge of this powerful opening song. Matt Bronleewe’s fine production work gives the album a good, unified sound with a thick, satisfying bottom-end and highs that ring out without grating on the ears. This is a perfect complement of production, performance and songwriting, where no aspect suffers at the expense of any other. Smith’s drums have appropriate thunder, while Leeland’s expressive vocals are recorded with a minimum of enhancements and are allowed to shine through the mix; Jack Mooring, Leeland’s brother, adds back-up vocals and a very strong, acoustic-sounding piano (especially on “Let it out Now,” and “Thief in the Night”), while Jake Holtz holds down the bottom with some good, melodic bass lines while Matt Campbell rounds out the guitar work with some nice modern-sounding chops. There’s some very good songwriting skills in evidence here, as Leeland gives us eleven memorable tracks that range from rockers, to ballads, to hymn-like anthems. “Thief in the Night” is a particularly strong track that manages to sound stately, but not without a good hook – it’s a pop hymn that utilizes the bass / drums / piano formula that has so often produced powerful pop music from groups like The Beatles and Procol Harum, but has also been closely associated with the emotionally powerful music of the ‘black church’ in America.

Lyrically, they don’t take the easy way out – although you’ll find much that is worshipful in spirit on this album, you won’t find any of the repetitive, cliché-ridden ‘gospel mantras’ that have become so common in many recent ‘contemporary’ gospel recordings. This is a band that has a knack for writing strong pop ballads without getting sappy. A sample, from “Falling For You”
 

… A childlike love I had / When we first began / We ran and I fell behind / I’ve been stuck here all this time 
You waited like a lover / Who couldn’t let go of his bride / I turned my back away from you / Didn’t shed a tear or cry 
But I’m falling for You now …

Leeland’s voice is a convincing instrument – occasionally sounding like a young, more impassioned version of Phil Keaggy, his strong delivery, along with the band’s fine studio skills, make Opposite Way a memorable second outing for the young band from Texas.
 
Like the music from the early days of the Jesus movement, Opposite Way is a reflection of our modern culture and personal faith, and proves that you can still create a good pop album that talks about God – or, as a guy named Larry used to point out, the Devil doesn’t have all the good music. If you like pop music with some edge to it, and songs with lyrics that will speak to your heart, don’t walk the opposite way when you see this CD.
 
 Bert Saraco 4/21/2008
http://www.myspace.com/expressimage
http://expressimagephoto.tripod.com
 
  
  

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This is the second CD Leeland has put out, the follow-up to Sound of Melodies. This project is more upbeat and pop sounding, where as the first was more of a worship album. That is not to say that this one was bad, in fact it was very inspiring. It is sure to earn them more Dove and Grammy nominations this year! The songwriting and melodies are superb!

“Opposite Way” the lyrics tell of going the opposite way of the world. We, as christians, should go against the grain of this world and follow the ways of the gospel. “Enter This Temple” is a song of admission that we need Jesus to enter our temple and to be like Him. “Let It Out Now” is an anthem for people who may be less confident in their skin, to let out their own sound, not try to blend in with the sound of the world. These songs are so upbeat and catchy that before you know it you will be singing right along with them.

This band is so passionate, emergent and wonderful to listen to. This project is perfect for people of all ages. I would suggest buying two! One for you and another as a gift for a special person in your life who you want to know that it is good to go the Opposite Way!!  This project is already available, so what are you waiting for?

Trish Cooper  4/21/2008