Love is On the Move - Leeland

Since their stunning debut in 2006, the praise and worship/Brit pop band Leeland, have received an easy ride to fame in the christian music community, scoring several Grammy nominations and Dove Awards, while developing a devoted fan base along the way. Now, though only 3 years have passed since then, they have produced their third full-length album, "Love is on the Move", set for release August 25th. I guess since less that a year and a half has passed since there last disc, I didn't expect much more that a considerable collection, and certainly nothing outstanding. But to my surprise, the band has succeeded in creating another great album, and one that will likely find it's way into many 'Best of the Year' categories.

After teaming up with Food For the Hungry for a headlining tour this fall, their music has mainly centered upon a main theme. Love. And loving those in need. The title track is a perfect example of this, a mid-tempo ballad that extends a great message, and one that will touch listeners in a very personal way. And there are others, the lead single, "Follow You" goes as follows: And I'll follow you into the homes of the broken/I'll follow you into the world/Meet the needs of the poor and weary God/I'll follow you into the world. No more appropriate words can I think of that describes this album, or should I say movement, better. Moving into an upbeat worship sound, songs like "The Door", and "Learn to Love" are a constant encouragement, and while this CD is aimed at a younger audience, these tunes will appeal to praise fans of any age.

There are so many amazing songs on this album that I could basically mention every one, but the best of all is the emotionally moving, "Via Dolorosa", which tells the story of Jesus leading up to his death on the cross. Although the story has been covered so many times before, and the song captures the very essence of it, and soon will be an Easter favorite. So not only have Leeland put forth there best effort yet, but this one is truly groundbreaking. An achievement rarely accomplished, but when it is...well, you get something like this. ~ Christian Lingner

4 1/2 of 5 stars