BEC Recordings
Release Date: November 20th 2018
Reviewed by: Joshua Andre
David Dunn– Star EP (Amazon mp3/iTunes)
Track Listing:
- Oh Holy Night
- Hallelujah Chorus
- Oh Come All Ye Faithful
- Snowflake
- Star
Signed to BEC Recordings (home to artists like Kutless, All Things New, Among The Thirsty, Citizens and Saints, 7eventh Time Down and Dustin Krensue to name a few) in 2014 and releasing both his first label EP in July 2014 and his full-length album Crystal Clear in July 2015; David Dunn, with vocal similarities to artists such as Jonathan Thulin, Abandon and Matthew West, unveiled a debut album certain to be enjoyed and cherished by many of his previous fans. In 2017, David followed his highly successful debut project with the sophomore effort Yellow Balloons– and you can read our review of the album here!- as we are privy to the notion that David’s introduction to the label firms up a line-up that is probably one of the most underrated Christian labels in recent times. Fast forward to now, and guess what? Yep, it’s ‘album’ number 3- a Christmas EP called Star. Only 5 tracks short (or long if you aren’t into EP’s in general and prefer singles!), and containing a couple of brand new tracks as well as fan favourites, let’s dive into David’s holiday offering shall we?
“Oh Holy Night”, one of my favourite carols ever, opens proceedings, however David turns this reverent, holy, subdued prayer into a modern EDM trance melody- which is fine as an updated rendition- yet this version doesn’t really connect with me all that much. It’s still good, but isn’t a memorable choice on the whole as an EP opener, and every time I listen to this version, my mind immediately goes to the more professional and near-flawless versions from Third Day, MercyMe and Casting Crowns. However, things become brighter with the musically creative “Hallelujah Chorus”, which takes an originally epic orchestral masterpiece, and turns it into a slow pop/waltz anthem, with brilliant execution; and the slower paced acoustic guitar driven “Oh Come All Ye Faithful”, which doesn’t stray too far from other renditions, yet also puts an unique David Dunn spin on the beloved carol.
Yet it is the two EP originals that impact me the most, as we remember all of the ways that Jesus cares for us and shows us His lavishing love. “Snowflake” is an electronic and keys led heartfelt pop tune relaying to us that Jesus’ love is so big that He even cares about the snowflakes that He creates; while the calm and serene piano led emotional ballad “Star” sung from the wise men’s point of view. As David laments on what the meaning of the star could mean, we are met with a melody of confusion yet clarity at the same time, as we remember that as the star continues to burn bright, it has more significance than we can ever fully realise or comprehend. A profound way to end a solid EP (aside from the opener!), David has recorded an enjoyable project, and one that will be on my iTunes playlist for a while yet.
David Dunn’s collection of 5 Christmas songs could be a pre-cursor to a full length Christmas album in the near future (you never know!)- and if you love any of his previous albums, or his songs like “I Wanna Go Back”, “Have Everything”, “Ready To Be Myself” and “Today Is Beautiful”, then you will certainly love Star. A timely reminder about how Jesus came to earth as a baby and saved us from all of our sins; David eloquently reiterates all throughout in raw emotion and passion, that all we need to do is to follow our Saviour and our Father and our Friend. Well done David, I can’t wait to hear what you have in store for us next- and BEC Recordings have definitely signed a fine artist that’ll only enhance their artist roster even more. So what are you guys waiting for? Throughout this Christmas season, let us listen to Star!
3 songs to listen to: Hallelujah Chorus, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Snowflake
Score: 4/5
RIYL: Jordan Feliz, Matthew West, Abandon, Newsboys, Building 429, Kutless, Jeremy Camp