Provident Label Group
Release Date: October 13th 2023
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
CAIN– Jesus Music (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Wings
- Any More
- Jesus Music
- Made For Heaven
- Windows Down
- Now That I Need You
- WWJD
- Trouble
- 10 and 2
- Through Jesus
- Lifeline
In the history of CCM music (or actually in the history of music generally!); new bands have formed, and older bands have disbanded. Or maybe the same new bands who recently formed have disbanded as quickly as they have formed, while veterans plough on and on and on… but actually in the history of music that’s the case also. It’s just that some bands are fortunate to last a long time- 10 years or 20 years or longer, while others fold within the first couple of albums. For one reason or another, whether it is through the support of family and friends, or maybe just that the general public supports one particular band over another; it’s just the way it is as to why some bands succeed while others fail. And as we have more and more bands introduce themselves onto the music stage year after year after year; how can we ever keep up with the inflow of many groups with potential greatness? Is there a band saturation? Because if there is, then what hope do up and coming band CAIN have in breaking into the Christian market?
A few of years ago, CCM/pop sibling trio CAIN burst onto the scene- comprising of Taylor Cain Matz, Madison Cain Johnson and Logan Cain- and dropped their self-titled EP CAIN. Standing at 6 songs long, and with the release having dropped via Provident Label Group; one might wonder… are CAIN are a band that are here to stay for a long time, or will they be a one hit wonder? So many bands have fallen down and given up at the release of their 2nd album, their sophomore album (which is why it’s called the sophomore slump- so many bands fall down at that particular hurdle!); so, is there a chance that CAIN is like that? Well, we reviewed their EP a few years ago, and thus judging from the calibre of their debut EP, and if the quality is sustained for years to come… well CAIN won’t be disbanding for any time soon! CAIN has since unveiled their debut full length album Rise Up in 2021; and the album was one of my favourite albums of the year, in terms of enthusiasm and accessibility and lyrical poignancy. CAIN is definitely for fans of artists like I Am They and Rend Collective, or any worship band who’s fed up with the same old releases from Hillsong and Planetshakers! CAIN also dropped their Christmas release Wonderful in 2021 also– a 6 song EP full of carols and original songs; and so let us be amazed at their lyrical poignancy and intense passion for Jesus. But as we are near the end of 2023… how about a new release from the sibling pop/CCM trio? Honest Offering (a live worship EP) was reviewed here, and was a worship release that is as passionate as it is enthusiastic- and as the siblings powerfully worship God and give Him the glory, we are met with a vibrant, reinvigorating, reflective and compelling release that deserves multiple listens as we worship God at church or even at home. But now, the group is back with something new- today they unveiled their second full length album Jesus Music. And does the ‘sophomore slump’ applies to these guys? The answer… is a resounding no- even though some tracks are a tad cliché lyrically.
The lead single and the most recognisable track is the track “Any More”, co-written with Matthew West. As far as lead singles go though, unfortunately I’ve heard better. These guys are talented, and Matthew is a sensational songwriter. But this melody, which speaks about God never loving any one of His children more than the other- He loves us each the same; well, it falls slightly flat, and is semi-forgettable. Was this song written by ChatGPT? Maybe it was. Regardless, CAIN are still passionate and with a lot of heart and soul in this song. Will it stand the test of time? Maybe. Maybe not. Regardless, the sentiment that Jesus loves us the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and the same in the good times and the bad times, is welcomed; so, these guys deserve extra points for singing about something that isn’t often sung about.
The rest of this album reminds us that CAIN is here to stay, and “Any More” in fact one of the lower points. Rock opener “Wings” is a Jonas Brothers and Hanson-like melody with the trio proclaiming that they’re going to rise on wings like eagles- Jesus isn’t explicitly stated, but the bible verse of Isaiah 40:31 is inferred, and we are presented with a declaratory anthem that speaks about being confident and determined and as assured as ever because Jesus is right by our side. Similarly, “Made For Heaven” speaks about our identity as outsiders on this earth and about co-heirs in Heaven, and thus we can walk with confidence on this Earth, because one eye is fixed on eternity when Jesus calls us Home. “Jesus Music” is a country and CCM-esque hybrid and homage/tribute to the CCM bands and songs that Madison, Logan and Taylor listened to when growing up (a similar theme to Natalie Grant’s entire new album Seasons – and actually the music video below of “Jesus Music” enhances the song tenfold!), with the trio declaring that ‘Jesus Music’ saved their lives and help lead them to where they are right now; while “Windows Down” is an acoustic guitar ballad about Logan’s wife Emily’s testimony about how she came to have a real and personal relationship with Jesus. “Now That I Know You”, one of the highlights on this personal, honest and vulnerable album, speaks about the feeling of belonging, family, love and acceptance when you’re coming into the family of Jesus and the Kingdom of God; while “WWJD”, as corny as the song is, is a radio friendly melody that speaks the truth, with Logan, Madison and Taylor powerfully relaying that they want to follow Jesus’ example of how to live life while on this earth and how to care for the least of these.
The groovy and powerful bass guitar led tune “Trouble” highlights the fact that we’re going to cause trouble for the devil because Jesus is by our side and Jesus will never leave us; while the piano led emotional tear-jerker “10 and 2” details Logan’s relationship with his young daughter and about how he learns to be a father as he goes along. “Through Jesus”, a testimony-like melody about how Jesus turns our lives around, is a kinda vague melody that could’ve been edited out or re-written for better cohesiveness (but that nitpick is neither here nor there!); while Jesus Music ends with the album highlight “Lifeline”, where Taylor leads the melody and vibrantly conveys that we need Jesus to be our lifeline in this life, as ‘…I can’t stop the rain, I can barely keep my head from going under, oh when I say your name, You reach down and pull me out of the water, all my life, You’ve been my lifeline…’.
I’ve said this before, and I will say it again. Sky is still the limit for the three siblings in CAIN– a band that is CCM, yet also a breath of fresh air musically. While the band couldn’t tour the last few years to the fullest extent due to the global situation of COVID-19; what we all can still do even if we can’t see them live, is to listen to this new studio album pronto, as well as their debut full length project! Part country, part worship, part fun-filled pop and fully inspirational; it is my hope and prayer than CAIN are around for a long time. One listen to Rise Up and one listen to Wonderful and one listen to Honest Offering and also one listen to Jesus Music and you’d agree with me! So, what are you waiting for guys? Take a chance on Madison, Logan, and Taylor. I promise you- you won’t be disappointed! Fans of Rend Collective, I Am They and Tenth Avenue North will love CAIN!
3 songs to listen to: Jesus Music, Now That I Need You, 10 and 2
Score: 4.5/5
RIYL: Rend Collective, I Am They, Tenth Avenue North, Jason Castro, Chris Sligh, Colton Dixon