Centricity Music
Release Date: March 6th 2020
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
Apollo LTD– You (Single) (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- You
Apollo LTD, comprising of Jordan Phillips and Adam Stark, are one of the latest band to sign to Centricity Music last year, and for me personally are also the latest artist to release a debut album recently that has truly grabbed me from the word ‘go’. That’s not to say that other artists who released a debut album this year haven’t wowed me at all; but I guarantee that one listen from the duo will have you agreeing with me- that Jordan and Adam have delivered a high quality album in Out Of Body full of both soaring ballads and high octane poppy tunes; while also staying relevant lyrically to current issues in today’s society. With the duo meeting in 2004 as roommates in university, the band’s name was derived from NASA (with Jordan’s uncle an astronaut in the 90’s), and the concept of doing something musically that has never quite been done before; Apollo LTD created 13 tracks of pure genius, as they attempt to make sense of the world we live in through the only way they know how- through the power of music.
Initially I thought that Apollo LTD was a one-man band from Josh Engler (frontman of Abandon!)- however I was later on mistaken as I searched online for more about the group. Jordan and Adam are on the contrary quite popular in the mainstream media- as I found out that the band have shared the stage with the likes of high profile mainstream acts such as Panic At The Disco, All American Rejects, Ke$ha, Andy Grammar, John Mayer, and DNCE. With their music also being featured on national ad campaigns for Lowes and Verizon Wireless as well as Grey’s Anatomy and numerous CW and MTV shows; both members have a strong sense of Christian faith, and they indeed are currently walking the same, or at least similar paths to artists like Switchfoot, Needtobreathe, Skillet, Relient K and Mat Kearney to name a few. The duo recently unveiled their latest single “You” this past month- an inspirational mainstream song about encouraging a mate or a significant other (and also alluding to God knowing and loving us just the way we are!); so let’s dive in to see how the new single release lives up to the duo’s already impressive repertoire and reputation.
Immensely radio friendly and comprising of catchy synth and guitars, “You” is one of my favourite songs of the year, as Adam and Jordan both inspire all of us, alluding to the fact that even when we feel like we’re in a tight spot and there’s no way out, that there is hope and that we are loved and accepted by God. There isn’t any reference explicitly to God and Jesus in this track, and maybe that’s ok as the group are trying to reach millions of people who wouldn’t necessarily listen to a Christian song- however with an overt chorus (and bridge)- ‘…every story, every scar, you are loved the way you are, there’s nothing you need to prove cause heaven knows your name, there’s a reason you were made fearfully and wonderfully you…don’t give up, don’t give up, He’s not giving up on you, He’s not giving up on you…’; you can’t help but be amazed at how Apollo LTD are trying to reach both the mainstream media and the CCM market!
Originally back in late 2018, “Gold” encouraged me to remember that Jesus makes everything around shine brighter; and has also encouraged me to check out the rest of Apollo LTD’s discography. Now that Out Of Body has released as well as the new single “You”, these songs have further cemented my positive stance on the band, and I’m definitely a fan of these guys for sure. While only time will tell what kind of songs Apollo LTD record next on their full length second album; I am very intrigued and quietly excited, and will definitely check out the rest of their discography. So what are you waiting for guys? These guys have your anthems for the whole of 2020 sorted, even if you don’t believe in Jesus yet! So let’s get started, and let us all remember that Jesus is for us and with us always!
Score: 4/5
RIYL: The Afters, OneRepublic, Abandon, Hawk Nelson, Train