The result is a sublimely retro sound that’s been dubbed “Speakeasy Gospel".

George Luke reviews the latest releases from Neworldson, Joel Augé, Superchick, Jon Foreman and the legend that is Donna Summer

Use the picture or text links to buy the albums from amazon.co.uk and Christian Aid will receive part of the sale price

Newworldson are four Canadians who grew up playing on the jazz club circuit in their home country.

A few years ago, they decided to form a band and play the kind of music they’d always loved, with songs that reflected their shared Christian faith.

The result is a sublimely retro sound that’s been dubbed “Speakeasy Gospel” by whoever it is that comes up with clever names for new music genres, and a fantastic new album, Salvation Station.

Fun

The great thing about Salvation Station is that it doesn’t sound contrived. It’s just four guys having fun doing what they’ve been doing for years. It’s great music; organic and soulful – much more so than the soul pretenders the music press waves in our faces on a daily basis.

This is one tight band. Just listen to Rich Moore’s bass solo on “Working Man”, or the keyboard playing on “Sweet Holy Spirit” – not to mention Joel Parisien’s passionate singing.

Get churchy with them as they let rip on “Borderline” or “Down From the Mountain”. Even when they dabble in reggae – as on “Citybus Love Song” – Newworldson don’t sound cheesy. In fact, as far as ska tunes go, “Pledge of Allegiance” isn’t bad at all.

If you like soul music but feel a bit too old for modern ‘urban’ stuff, Newworldson should restore your faith in the groove. Play that funky gospel, white boys!

Joel Augé

In contrast to Newworldson, fellow Canadian Joel Augé takes his inspiration from the likes of Keane and Snow Patrol on his debut album, On the Blue.

A lot has been said and written about worship music not being ‘masculine’ enough – mostly, I guess, by alpha blokes who feel uncomfortable singing “Jesus I’m in love with you”-type lyrics.

That debate apparently hasn’t reached Canada yet, or maybe Joel’s just less insecure than the detractors. Either way, he opens On the Blue with a song called “So Deep In Love”, and carries that theme of intimacy with God all the way through the set.

If it’s straight-down-the-line pop worship anthems you’re after, On the Blue certainly delivers. As for whether Joel’s songs are ‘masculine’ or not – you decide…

Superchick

Superchick’s new album is titled Rock What You Got. And you can hardly accuse them of not taking their own advice; it’s half an hour of sheer loudness.

The band’s blend of guitar rock and 80s electro-pop sounds just as fun now as it did when they first emerged on the Christian rock scene back in 1999.

“Hold” is bombastic and orchestral, and it’s kind of an anti-climax when the more sedate “Breathe” follows it. “So Beautiful” is one of the rare few Girl Power anthems that actually says something of substance.

If the bulk of Rock What You Got is aimed at younger listeners, the closing track, “Dave Chazarian: Guitar Hero”, is definitely one for their dads.

It’s overblown, self-indulgent, pseudo-prog rock nonsense… and it’s absolutely brilliant! Crank it up, assume the air guitar position, and knock yourself out.

Jon Foreman

Switchfoot’s lead singer Jon Foreman completes his ‘seasonal’ solo EP series with Spring and Summer.

As the titles suggest, this is a warmer affair than the previous two. It’s also more musically adventurous, with Jon deploying Mariachi trumpets on one song and Japanese drums on another.

There are even some sitars on “Resurrect Me” – the only song that comes close to Jon’s rockier Switchfoot moments.

Some songs are either paraphrases or verbatim quotes from the Bible. “Instead of a Show” is the prophet Amos’ rant against shallow worship and injustice. “The House of God Forever” (a duet with Sarah Masen) is a beautiful interpretation of Psalm 23. And “Your Love is Strong” is Jon’s re-working of the Lord’s Prayer.

There’s as much vulnerability on display on Spring/Summer as there was on Fall/Winter – but by making the music ‘brighter’ sounding, Jon has made the whole thing much more inviting.

Donna Summer

Old disco divas never die – they just don’t record anything for 17 years. At least, that’s how long it’s been since Donna Summer last released something new – making her new album, Crayons, all the more welcome.

Donna’s certainly been listening to a lot of music during her break, judging by the diversity here.

The title track (a duet with Ziggy Marley) is reminiscent of Rhianna’s more Caribbean-sounding, pre-“Umbrella” stuff. The title of “Drivin’ Down Brazil” pretty much tells you what to expect there – and Donna does bossa nova rather well.

The biggest surprise is “Slide Over Backwards”, on which Donna does a passable Tina Turner impression, accompanied by a bluesy slide guitar and harmonica.

For the rest of the album, she slips effortlessly back into her ‘Queen of Disco’ role in a way that kind of makes the track “The Queen is Back” redundant. Back? It’s like she never left.

Amazon links

Use the links to buy the albums from amazon.co.uk and Christian Aid will receive part of the sale price

• Newworldson – Salvation Station

• Joel Augé – On the Blue

• Superchick – Rock What You Got

• Jon Foreman – Spring/Summer

• Donna Summer – Crayons

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