Anberlin
Never Take Friendship Personal

This evolution can be witnessed in full on their February 2005 full-length sophomore release,
“Never Take Friendship Personal.” Created with “Blueprints…” producer Aaron Sprinkle, who recorded their debut without ever seeing the band live, the obvious change of NTFP from its predecessor is that magic word: maturity. But after Sprinkle witnessed the band's live set for himself, something else was quick to change as well. “Never seeing us live, he never knew how intense we were,” says Christian. “He realized that the second album had to reflect what he saw live…energy.” -from Anberlin's bio

Musically
What makes a good cd? I think that one key element is likeability, I mean likeability in the sense the more you listen to it, the more you enjoy it.  Anberlin's latest NTFP does just that. By the end of the cd after I listened to it, I was ready to quickly start it back over. There is a similarity from their debut but this album expands on the greatness of a solid rock band. This album makes for a perfect fit into a wide genre of fans. The guitars are the first thing you hear when you hit "Never Take Friendship Personal" and this is just that, a guitar flavored powerful song to kick off this disc. "Paperthin Hymn" and then "(the symphony of) blasé" gives to a more melodic and still Anberlin but continuing to show the force of a great ballad and powerful chorus. I have heard this song many times on my XM radio and love it more and more. Full of feeding riffs and hooks, you will be hearing a lot from this band this year.  "The Runaways" kicks back up the momentum a bit and gives to a classic chorus driven band.  "Time and Confusion" was a bit of a different song with a similar Five Iron Frenzy tune and beat.  "The Feel Good Drug" is one of my favorite tunes with a harder driving edge. This song features a more metal laden style to the band that seems to be at the cutting edge of the emo/pop style that is so popular right now.  Anberlin is leading the way in the new style of power rock! 

Lyrically/Vocally
Led by Steven Christian, this band always maintains a focal point to highlight the talent of this performer.  Good control and an ability to scream out with an ability to hold your attention. Lyrically is another way in which Anberlin sets themselves apart.  Their lyrics are full of inspiration and a poetic style that is amazing. Their approach is truthful and heart felt issues involving being alone, lost friendships, finding your path and fighting temptation.  The band isn't "in your face" with a lot of Christian catch phrases or words but they say enough to let you know there is hope out there in this world. Anberlin makes their point of positive outcomes in their songs with clear messages of an often peaceful end. The songs are written to make you think like the ending of the song "Never Take Friendship Personal" as Christian sings, "The greatest tragedy is not your death/but a life without reason/That your life had no purpose." 

What is your purpose in this life? Mine is living for Jesus to the best of my ability. A great cd and an amazing next step for a band that you will be hearing much more from this year!