Reviewed by Jamie Maxwell

Going by the sleeve of this Nashville-based quartet's self titled debut, one might imagine them to be America's answer to JLS. Upon listening though, their particular brand of smooth, melodic pop is more rock than R&B and has a similar vibe to the likes of The Script. Much like the work of the aforementioned Irish group, this is very listenable and melodically pleasing. "Can't Get Over You" and "Can't Shut Up" being particular standouts. Of course, it helps to have a large record label behind you - the contribution that Sony-owned Provident Records provides is evident in a clean, polished production sound. The trend at the moment seems to be to produce Christian "equivalents" to whatever is currently in vogue in the mainstream charts, and Anthem Lights fill a genre gap that few CCM artists currently occupy. However, in common with the majority of pop music, no new lyrical depth is explored here.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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Anthem Lights are an innovative, high-energy pop foursome with soaring vocals and hearts bent on ministry.

The group’s infectiously melodic self-titled debut delivers ten powerful anthems sure to leave a ripple effect long after the CD stops spinning.

Anthem Lights’ Alan Powell says, “These songs were born out of what we’ve experienced over the past couple of years spiritually. We’ve had to learn some very difficult lessons about who God is and who we are. We’ve gone through moments where we felt really close to the Lord, really felt Him at work in our lives, and then very real moments when you feel you’re going around in circles and can’t find Him at all. I think we’ve just tried to be really honest about what that darkness feels like and yet make it clear that ‘the Light always wins’.”